Home / Backpack size by trip length / two nights
2 nights · 3 days · 5 brand recommendations
What size backpack for two nights?
For two nights (three days on trail), the brands' guidance runs 35–50 L. Gregory gives 35–50 L, Gossamer Gear points to its 36, 42, 50 L packs, and Osprey to 45 L.
- 1Top of range 50 L
- 2Bottom of range 35 L
- 3Trip 2 nights · 3 days
- 4Winter, Gregory +10–15 L
Each brand for two nights
| Brand | What it says | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Osprey | 45 L for a three-day hiking trip | 45 L |
| Gregory | Weekend Trip (1 - 3 Nights) (Zulu & Jade) | 35–50 L |
| Gossamer Gear | 1 to 3-day trips | 36 L |
| Gossamer Gear | 2 to 5-day trips | 42 L |
| Gossamer Gear | 3 to 7-day trips | 50 L |
| All brands | no single volume every row shares | 35–50 L |
Guidance: Osprey backpack size guide; How to choose the perfect hiking backpack; What size backpack do I need for backpacking? (11 Mar 2026). Last checked 2026-10-20.
Why the brands differ for two nights
Gregory's "Weekend Trip (1 - 3 Nights)" row gives 35–50 L and says it fits sleeping bag, compact tent, stove, food. Gossamer Gear builds lighter packs for hikers with pared-down kit, and its picks for three days (36 and 42 and 50 L) sit at the low end of the span. Its own line: "When your gear is dialed in, 40 to 42 liters is more than enough for multi-day adventures."
Osprey's guide says 45 L for a three-day hiking trip. In Osprey's trip-length categories this span covers Weekend Packs, Multi-Day Hikes.
Adjusting the volume
- Winter: Gregory says to plan for an additional 10 to 15 litres, which turns this span into 45–65 L.
- Base weight: Gossamer Gear's question is "Is my base weight under 15 pounds or closer to 25?" A lighter, compact kit sits at the bottom of the range; bulky sleeping bags and tents at the top.
- Food and water: longer food carries, a bear canister or long dry stretches all push toward the top, per Gossamer Gear.
- Fit: Osprey: "The pack's back length should match your torso length rather than your height." Gregory: "Ideally, about 70% of the weight should rest on your hips, with the remaining 30% supported by your shoulders."
Shorter and longer trips
One night reads 35–50 L. Three nights reads 35–70 L.
For two nights these are the brands' published starting points; how you pack decides where you land. See the methodology for how nights and days are matched.
Other gear
- Ski size by height
- Snowboard size by weight
- Kayak size by weight
- Paddleboard size by weight
- Bike size by height
Other trip lengths
a day hike · one night · three nights · four nights · five nights · six nights · seven nights · all trips
Guide: pack volume vs base weight · size every category at once