When people come to choose their first backpack, they almost always ask about litres. But volume is far from the most important thing. A poorly fitting 60-litre pack will wear you out more than a comfortable 70.
How many litres you need
For weekend hikes, 30–40 litres is plenty. For a multi-day trip with a tent and food — 50–65. More is only for winter or expeditions. Don’t buy “to grow into”: empty volume tempts you to carry junk.
Fit is everything
A pack is carried by the hips, not the shoulders. The right back length transfers up to 80% of the weight onto the hip belt. So in the shop, load the pack (ask for filler) and walk around for ten minutes.
- The hip belt sits on the crests of the pelvis, not the waist
- No pressure points between the shoulder blades
- Shoulder straps hug without a gap at the neck
A good backpack is one you forget about an hour into the walk. A bad one reminds you with every step.
Small things that matter
Side bottle pockets you can reach without taking the pack off. A sternum strap. A rain cover included. The option to pull the load closer to your back. These details don’t show on the price tag, but they’re what separates a comfortable pack from a punishment.
