Home / Backpack size by trip length / four nights
4 nights · 5 days · 3 brand recommendations
What size backpack for four nights?
For four nights (five days on trail), the brands' guidance runs 42–70 L. Gregory gives 50–70 L, Gossamer Gear points to its 42, 50 L packs.
- 1Top of range 70 L
- 2Bottom of range 42 L
- 3Trip 4 nights · 5 days
- 4Winter, Gregory +10–15 L
Each brand for four nights
| Brand | What it says | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Gregory | Multi-Day Hike (3 - 5 Nights) (Paragon & Maven, Stout & Amber) | 50–70 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 | 42–70 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 four nights
Gregory's "Multi-Day Hike (3 - 5 Nights)" row gives 50–70 L and says it fits shelter, cooking gear, clothing, food for several days. Gossamer Gear builds lighter packs for hikers with pared-down kit, and its picks for five days (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."
In Osprey's trip-length categories this span covers Multi-Day Hikes, Extended Treks.
Adjusting the volume
- Winter: Gregory says to plan for an additional 10 to 15 litres, which turns this span into 52–85 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
Three nights reads 35–70 L. Five nights reads 50–70 L.
For four 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 · two nights · three nights · five nights · six nights · seven nights · all trips
Guide: pack volume vs base weight · size every category at once