Home / Backpack size by trip length
3 brands · checked 2026-10-20
Backpack size by trip length
Pack volume follows the number of nights, then moves with season and kit. Gregory states nights, Gossamer Gear states days, and Osprey describes trips in words; each trip page reads all three.
- 1Two nights, top 50 L
- 2Two nights, bottom 35 L
- 3Winter, Gregory +10–15 L
| Trip | All brands | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| A day hike | 15–36 L | 5 |
| One night | 35–50 L | 6 |
| Two nights | 35–50 L | 5 |
| Three nights | 35–70 L | 4 |
| Four nights | 42–70 L | 3 |
| Five nights | 50–70 L | 2 |
| Six nights | 50–100 L | 3 |
| Seven nights | 60–100 L | 3 |
Gregory's table
| Trip | Volume | What it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Day Hike (1/2 - 1 Day) | 15–25 L | Water, snacks, light jacket, first-aid kit |
| Full-Day Hike / Winter Day | 20–35 L | Extra layers, food, hydration system |
| Weekend Trip (1 - 3 Nights) | 35–50 L | Sleeping bag, compact tent, stove, food |
| Multi-Day Hike (3 - 5 Nights) | 50–70 L | Shelter, cooking gear, clothing, food for several days |
| Multi-Day Hike Remote | 60–100 L | Bulky gear, 4-season tent, insulated cooking, extra food |
Sources: Osprey backpack size guide; How to choose the perfect hiking backpack; What size backpack do I need for backpacking? (11 Mar 2026).
Osprey's categories and Gossamer Gear's packs
Osprey sorts its packs by trip length rather than by nights: Day Hiking Packs (5–19 L), Weekend Packs (20–39 L), Multi-Day Hikes (40–59 L), Extended Treks (60–79 L), Expedition Packs (80+ L). In its guide it adds specific statements, such as that a 35-40 L pack suits a single overnight stay, and that a 70-80 L pack is a solid choice for more than a week's worth of travelling. Gossamer Gear builds lighter packs and names a trip for each one: 28 L for ultralight overnights; 36 L for 1 to 3-day trips; 38 L for overnights; 42 L for 2 to 5-day trips; 50 L for 3 to 7-day trips; 60 L for 7+ day trips.
How the trip pages match nights
Gregory states nights directly, so its rows are read as printed; where its weekend and multi-day rows both include a night count, both are shown. Gossamer Gear states days, which this site reads as nights plus one, so a two-night trip is a three-day trip. Osprey's statements are used only where they name a trip length. The span on each page runs from the smallest to the largest figure among them, and an ultralight-only pack is listed separately rather than stretching the range. Winter trips add Gregory's 10 to 15 litres for bulkier insulation and shelter.
The base weight guide explains why lighter kit buys a smaller pack. Size a pack with your own profile