How Big Is Your Backpack?

Tony · 09-21-2011, 09:42 PM

I'm wondering how big are the backpacks you carry when you go backpacking? I have my backpack that can only carry 10 kilos. Is there a rule on how big your backpack should be in order for your back not to be hurt?

Michael · 09-21-2011, 10:52 PM

My pack carries 48L. My typical load is pretty close to 10kg, a little heavier than that in winter. Most of what I carry that weighs anything is a tent, a ground pad, and my sleeping bag. All of those are bulky items.

Mostly, you want a pack that's big enough to fit your gear and that has good straps. You're also entering into the weight range where you probably want a nice hip belt.

What's your typical load consist of? It might help someone point you at the right backpack.

Navigator · 10-11-2011, 04:24 AM

Something in the 60 liter range as a good size for 3 season backpacking. If you are only going to have one pack this is what I'd suggest. This will handle a 20 degree sleeping bag (in a compression sack), sleeping pad, a light weight 2 person tent and the usual extra clothing, gear, and food for two or three days.
You can go lighter for summer and you will certainly need more room for heavy winter gear, but all that can come with time if you so choose.

IndianaHiker · 10-11-2011, 09:48 AM

May pack is a 50 liter but expandable to 65. Most of the time I don't need the extra 15 liters.

Theosus · 10-11-2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndianaHiker

May pack is a 50 liter but expandable to 65. Most of the time I don't need the extra 15 liters.

Wow - I feel like a hog then. Im looking at the osprey 70... maybe I should cut back. I have a feeling my trail name will wind up being "kitchen sink" - because I'll be carrying everything but...

Grandpa · 10-11-2011, 01:15 PM

My 5600 ci is still big for a 10 day trip, even in the fall with "in case of snow" stuff. Quick math majors? How does cubic inch translate to liters? about 90 liters? All I know is if my pack was full, I couldn't/wouldn't carry it very far.

ponderosa · 10-11-2011, 01:27 PM

The pack I use for backpacking is 2950 cubic inches. It's just right for five days in the summer, a little tight for fall when I want more warm clothing, and much too small for winter when I need more fuel, bigger bag, more clothes, etc. My pack weight, before adding water, for four days in cool weather a couple of weeks ago was 26 lbs.
As far as how much you can carry without your back hurting, that is very individual. I'm 5'5" and weigh 115 lbs. The absolute upper limit for me is 40 lbs, and I don't like to do unless I really have to. I never carry that much, unless I'm packing my toddler. A general rule of thumb I've read is to aim for no more than 30% of your body weight for a person in average condition. A fit, muscled person could carry more, but less is better.

Some packs will handle weight better than others. A good hip belt and load lifting straps (located above and behind the shoulder straps) go a long way toward distributing weight comfortably.

IndianaHiker · 10-11-2011, 03:04 PM

1 liter = 61.0237441 cubic inch

IndianaHiker · 10-11-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theosus

Wow - I feel like a hog then. Im looking at the osprey 70... maybe I should cut back. I have a feeling my trail name will wind up being "kitchen sink" - because I'll be carrying everything but...

Well part of the size issues has to due with no just how much gear goes inside. Some gear will compress better than others. For example I could be small if I had better clothing. I have a base layer but need a jacket to keep warm. My jacket is cheap and doesn't compress very well. The problem for me is that there are other things that will be warmer and pack smaller. However they are expensive. Same thing for tents, sleeping bags and other things as well.

I have saved a good deal of space as I no longer use a tent. I could get small if I dropped the synthetic bag and went to down. Lots of different things that make a difference. General rule the lighter it is and the smaller it packs the more expensive it is.

wvbreamfisherman · 10-11-2011, 06:44 PM

I'm using a medium Mil-surp ALICE pack. I have no idea how many liters capacity it has, especially after I hang external pouches and stuff on it. I like the versatlity of it.

It's reasonably comfortable with 40-45 lb in it. I'm just getting back into backpacking after a LONG layoff (30+ years) so a lot of my equipment is heavier than need be, although that's getting replaced as finances allow.