What is a Good Size of Backpack for Travelling?

There is quite a bit of volume when it comes to travelling backpacks. Therefore, you will need to find a backpack  capacity that can meet your needs. The capacity of the backpack will fall in the range of 25L to 85L. For the most part, we will be able to choose the right travel backpack size based on the needs and time of the trip.

How to Choose the Suitable Travelling Backpack Size for Your Trip?

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Backpacks come in quite a variety of capacities and each size will suit different purposes. We will divide the sizes into three categories: small, medium and large so that you can easily distinguish and choose to shop according to their needs.

Daypacks/Backpacks below 25L

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For short trips from 2-5 days, a backpack of 25L is just about the right size. Backpacks with that capacity will be able to hold a few of your personal belongings such as a few simple clothes, personal devices such as tablets, laptops. In particular, the backpack under 25L will be extremely suitable for short trips on weekends.

In addition, backpacks with a capacity of less than 25L will be suitable for short outings, short hikes or daily activities. You can consider this when choosing the capacity of the backpack when it comes to those light activities.

Packing for Weeks - From 30L to 50L

For those who love outdoor camping trips for 5-7 days, it is definitely impossible to ignore backpacks with a volume of 30L to 50L. For this capacity, you can carry more items. As this type of backpack has a good weight resistance, you will no longer have to worry about the backpack being torn on the journey. 

With a large design and many small compartments along with convenient shock-absorbing linings, you can safely continue your journey to discover new places without having to worry too much about the durability of the bag. These backpacks can hold personal items, tents and sleeping bags for short camping days or to established camping sites for a week or more.

Expedition & Backpacking Trips - From 51L to 85L

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A huge backpack is suitable for those travellers who wish to have a long trip with a high load of luggage. Such backpacks will be designed with a very large size, enough space to hold personal items, tents, and necessary tools for personal camping outdoors.

Backpacks that are used for expedition purposes, or going away for a long time will be designed with lightweight, many holders to be able to hang handy items to quickly respond to the needs of passersby. The drawers are also more equipped and use air-cushioned, shock-resistant linings to meet the user's storage needs.

FAQs about Choosing the Right Capacity for Travel Backpacks

What Size Should I Choose?

The choice would depend on your needs and requirements. If your demand is a light trip, such as short domestic trips, hiking or commuting, you can go for a small backpack from below 25L. For the trip to last from 5-7 days, you can consider a rucksack within the capacity of 35L to 55L, in case you want to carry some camping items. 

In case your necessity is for a long exploration trip in an international expedition, or a camping trip above one week, you should go for the rucksack from 65L to 85L for large capacity to be assured that you did not forget any necessary things.

What is The Criteria to Choose A Quality Travelling   Backpack?

A quality travel backpack will be judged on its material. Whether for short or long trips, it must also carry a compact and lightweight design to avoid putting pressure on the user's body during the trip. The backpack material should use Canvas, nylon fabric to increase durability and can be waterproof to avoid getting the items inside wet. In addition, the use of durable materials will help the backpack reduce tearing during transportation.

Next, the zippers will need to be strong to increase security and avoid loosening which will cause the contents to fall out. The strap and body of the backpack will need to be equipped with a ventilation system and shoulder pads along with a sternum belt to fix the backpack firmly, avoiding the unpleasant smell from sweating. 

Moreover, the backpack should have recognizable signs, or at least should be equipped with a tracking tag in case of loss. Thus, users can access the system with the registered code to be able to search and locate the backpack when it is lost.

You should also go shopping so that you can try on the backpack before deciding to buy it. Because the backpack in addition to choosing the right size for your needs, must also fit your body shape, otherwise it will be difficult to carry.

Considerations about Additional Functions

If you often go far and the trip is long, you will need to pay attention to the selection of several extra functions. These functions will add convenience, as well as help you solve some confusing problems while on the road.

The first is a rain cover that folds up on the side of the bag. The rain cover will be very useful when you go into places that are in the rainy season. In addition, you also reduce the worry when on the move that a wet backpack prevents your footsteps on the road of exploration.

The hip belt and sternum stabilizer will take the weight off your shoulder muscles and vertebrae. If there is a hip belt, about 70% of the bag's weight will rest on the user's hip. Besides, if there is a fixed belt on the hip, users will feel secure because they know that the backpack will be stable and secured at all times.

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The backpack should have a flexible strap. Adjusting the width or grip of the strap is very important when you want your backpack to grip or support and increase the weight on your shoulders and back.

There are additional clips on the side of the bag that can help users comfortably attach additional items such as keys, GPS devices when camping, climbing. If the original design does not have a hook, you can buy one outside and retrofit your backpack.

The divider frame, if there is more, will be very handy for users who need to separate items according to each function more. In addition, you can turn your backpack into specialized bags for cameras and laptops. Likely, the split frame also helps to straighten the bag and help stabilize the shape of the user's spine while carrying heavy loads.

Can I Bring My Backpack on an Airplane?

It depends on how big your backpack is. In case your backpack is within the capacity that below 25L to 35L, it would be calculated as carriage luggage, you can bring it up to the airplane and store it in the luggage compartment as instructed by the flight attendants. If the backpack has the capacity of 50L and above, it is counted as signed luggage, so you would have to buy the transport slot for your luggage. The charging fee would be counted based on your chosen airline and the signed luggage’s weight. 

In case your backpack contains fragile items such as lens mount cameras or any items that need to be carefully transported, you should put on a sticker that illustrates that there is a fragile item in the backpack. That would help the transport staff handle your backpack with care while taking on the transportation. 

Conclusion

Now you know how many types of backpacks are used for travelling purposes. We hope that you also know how to choose the size of travel backpack that suits your needs. If you have any ideas in choosing the travelling backpack, please do not hesitate to share with us in the comments right below. Happy travelling!

Nhi Hoang