What Size Backpack Do I Need? A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pack (Including Bear Dry for All Your Outdoor Needs)

Whether you're heading out on a short day hike, commuting to work, or embarking on an epic backpacking adventure, choosing the right backpack is essential to ensure comfort and efficiency. Backpack size can influence everything from how much gear you can carry to how balanced the load feels as you carry it. Too big, and you'll be weighed down with unnecessary space; too small, and you'll struggle to fit everything you need.

In this guide, we’ll help you determine the best backpack size for your needs and introduce you to Bear Dry, a brand that provides high-quality outdoor gear, including backpacks and storage solutions, perfect for any adventure.

Understanding Backpack Capacity

Backpacks come in a variety of sizes, typically measured in litres, indicating how much space they provide for carrying gear. The right size for you depends on your specific activity and how much you plan to carry. Here’s a breakdown of the most common sizes and their typical uses:

Small Backpacks (0-10L): Perfect for Essentials

If you're just carrying the basics—like a water bottle, snack, and maybe a light jacket—a small backpack (0-10L) will be sufficient. These backpacks are compact and lightweight, perfect for quick trips or urban environments.

Use cases:

• Commuting: Ideal for carrying a laptop, wallet, and a few other essentials

• Day trips: Great for short hikes or casual walks around the city

• Gym bags: Convenient for carrying a few items like workout clothes or shoes

  
  

Medium Backpacks (10-30L): Versatile and Practical

A medium-sized backpack (10-30L) is perfect for those who need more space but still want a manageable, portable option. This range offers flexibility for both urban environments and short outdoor adventures, allowing you to carry more gear without being weighed down.

Use cases:

• Commuting or school: Ideal for carrying a laptop, books, and a jacket

• Day hikes: Great for carrying extra water, food, and layers

• Weekend trips: Enough space for a couple of changes of clothes and toiletries

Large Backpacks (30-50L): Ideal for Extended Trips

For multi-day adventures or more extensive day hikes, a large backpack (30-50L) is the best choice. These backpacks provide enough space to carry sleeping bags, tents, and extra clothing, all while remaining manageable for long days on the trail.

Use cases:

• Weekend trips: Perfect for packing enough gear for 2-3 days away from home

• Extended day hikes: Carry more water, food, extra layers, and other necessities for longer excursions

• Traveling: Great for those looking to pack everything they need for a few days away from home

  
  

Extra-Large Backpacks (50-80L+): For Long Adventures or Expeditions

If you're embarking on an extended hiking trip or need to carry significant gear for an expedition, you’ll need a large, sturdy backpack that can accommodate everything you need. Backpacks in the 50-80L range or larger are designed for long-distance travel, multi-day hikes, and expeditions that require carrying significant loads.

Use cases:

• Backpacking trips: Essential for carrying your tent, sleeping bag, and all your necessary supplies for several days

• Long-term travel: Great for multi-week travel where you need to bring more clothing, equipment, and tools

• Expedition hiking: Ideal for carrying everything from climbing gear to specialised equipment for a demanding journey

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Bear Dry Tip: The Bear Dry Expedition Series backpack is perfect for those looking to tackle longer outdoor trips. These high-performance packs are made for durability and comfort, with plenty of room for all your gear.

How to Choose the Right Backpack Size for Your Adventure

Now that you know the different backpack sizes, here are some factors to consider when picking the right pack:

1. Purpose of Use

• Daily use: For commuting or short trips, a small (0-10L) or medium (10-30L) backpack should be sufficient.

• Hiking or travel: If you're planning a weekend trip or extended hike, go for a medium (30L-50L) backpack.

• Expedition trips: For long adventures where you'll need to carry tents, sleeping bags, and food, look for an extra-large (50L-80L) backpack.

  
  

2. Duration of the Trip

• For day trips or short excursions, smaller packs (10-30L) will do the job.

• For overnight trips, aim for a medium-sized pack (30-50L) to carry your gear.

• For extended journeys or multi-day expeditions, choose a larger pack (50L+) to carry everything you need for several days.

  
  

3. Weight Considerations

• While a larger backpack means more space, it can also be heavier, so choose a size that balances carrying capacity with weight. Try on different packs loaded with weight to ensure comfort.

  
  

4. Fit and Comfort

• A well-fitting backpack is essential for comfort, especially on long hikes or trips. Be sure to try the pack on and adjust the straps, waist belt, and back panel to ensure a good fit. Many backpacks, like those from Bear Dry, come with adjustable straps and support systems for optimal comfort.

  
  

Choosing the right backpack size is crucial for comfort, efficiency, and ensuring you can carry all your necessary gear without excess weight or discomfort. Whether you're commuting, day hiking, or setting out on a multi-day adventure, there’s a pack size that’s right for you.

Bear Dry offers a wide range of high-quality, durable backpacks that are designed to keep your gear dry and protected, no matter the weather. Whether you’re going for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended expedition, Bear Dry has you covered with waterproof, rugged packs that are ready for any adventure.

Happy packing, and don’t forget to choose the pack that’s perfect for your needs!