How big is a backpack – really?
30 litres sounds like a lot. Or not much. Or somewhere in between. We hear this all the time – so we stopped thinking in litres. Instead, we're showing you how big our backpacks actually are in real life: next to things you already know.
Backpacks up to 15 litres
About the size of a pineapple – leaves included, of course. Backpacks up to 15 litres are compact, lightweight and always ready to go. They sit on your back without you even noticing they're there. Perfect for short bike rides, a day at the crag, or the commute to work when you don't need to carry much.
What are backpacks up to 15 litres good for?
For activities where freedom of movement is everything and you only need the bare essentials. Cycling backpacks in this volume range are designed for a secure fit and excellent ventilation – perfect for bike rides, a quick climbing trip, or the daily commute.
Min. height: 35 cm · Max. height: 54 cm
Backpacks from 16 to 25 litres
Picture two wine bottles stacked on top of each other – that's roughly how tall a 16 to 25 litre backpack is. Sounds modest, but you'd be surprised: a spare T-shirt, waterproof jacket, lunchbox, water bottle, laptop – all in, with a little room to spare.
What are 16 to 25 litre backpacks good for?
The all-rounder for everyday life and the hills. Great for day hikes with food and a change of clothes, just as useful as a school bag or daily work bag. Our Futura and Flyt models are particularly popular in this volume range.
Min. height: 40 cm · Max. height: 64 cm
Backpacks from 26 to 35 litres
A tennis racquet is 68 cm long – which makes it a pretty honest benchmark for backpacks between 26 and 35 litres. You'll be surprised how much fits inside: two days' worth of clothes, food, a first aid kit, a hydration bladder, a waterproof jacket – and still a bit of breathing room for whatever you throw in last minute.
What are 26 to 35 litre backpacks good for?
Ideal for longer day hikes and weekend trips where you want to be well prepared without overloading yourself. Our Futura series with mesh back system or the Speed Lite and Trail series with contact back system are particularly popular in this volume range – depending on whether you prefer ventilation or a closer fit.
Min. height: 45 cm · Max. height: 72 cm
Backpacks from 36 to 50 litres
A 25 kg sack of potatoes stands about 75 cm tall – which is a pretty fair comparison for backpacks between 36 and 50 litres. Don't worry, yours won't weigh nearly as much. But it will be just as big: tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, several days' worth of clothing – everything has its place, and you'll still know where it all is.
What are 36 to 50 litre backpacks good for?
For multi-day tours and mountain hut trips where you're largely self-sufficient. If you're staying in huts with meals provided, 45 to 60 litres is usually plenty. If you're wild camping or going fully self-supported, aim for the upper end of the range. Our Aircontact and Futura Air Trek models are built for exactly these demands.
Min. height: 58 cm · Max. height: 82 cm
Backpacks from 51 litres and more
A sheep stands about 70 to 80 cm at the shoulder. So do backpacks from 51 litres upwards. And just like a sheep, they're tougher than they look – and carry more than you'd expect. Weeks' worth of clothing, shoes, a sleeping bag, a tent, cooking gear: everything in, lid closed, off you go.
What are backpacks from 51 litres good for?
For expeditions, long trekking trips, and backpacking adventures spanning several weeks. If you're staying in accommodation with meals, 45 to 60 litres often does the job – but if you're fully self-sufficient, you'll want 65 litres or more. Some of our Aircontact models feature a height-adjustable lid that gives you up to 10 extra litres when you need it.
Min. height: 64 cm · Max. height: 90 cm
Now you know your backpack size. Next up: the backpack fit.
Size is one thing – but a backpack that doesn't suit your back will turn even the most beautiful trail into a slog. Find out which fit works for your height and back length: SL for narrower frames, unisex for most people, EL for taller builds.