Choosing the right backpack is an essential part of planning your journey. A well-chosen backpack can ensure that you carry your essentials comfortably and conveniently. 

To help out, we’ve put together a backpack sizing guide, including suggested packing lists and sample images of what you should be able to fit into some of the common backpack sizes out there.

BACKPACK FOR WEEKEND GETAWAY (< 3 DAYS)

For a weekend getaway trip, a backpack with a capacity of 15 to 30 liters is typically sufficient. This size is perfect for packing clothes, a small toiletry bag, a water bottle, and a few travel-size essentials.

You might also want to consider a backpack with multiple compartments for better organization. A front-loading backpack is also a good choice as it allows you to easily access your items without having to dig through your bag.

Packing Tip: Roll your clothes instead of folding them. It saves space and prevents wrinkles.

Here’s a sample packing list of what you can fit for a weekend getaway trip: 

What might this look like in real life? Here’s one example…

Featuring Bellroy Tokyo Totepack Compact – Navy

SHOP OUR TOP SELLING WEEKEND GETAWAY BAG (15 – 30L)

BACKPACK FOR LONG HAUL TRAVEL (> 3 DAYS)

For longer trips, you’ll need a larger backpack, around 35 to 60 liters. This size should accommodate clothes for a week, a toiletry bag, a pair of shoes, travel documents, and some entertainment items like a book or a travel journal.

Look for a backpack with adjustable and padded shoulder straps for added comfort. A hip belt can also help distribute the weight evenly across your body, reducing the strain on your shoulders.

Packing Tip: Use packing cubes to keep your items organized and easy to find. Also, remember to pack heavier items near the middle of your backpack and close to your back to maintain balance.

Here is a potential packing list for that size depending on where you’re headed:

What might this look like in real life? Here’s one example…

Featuring Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus – Nightsky

SHOP OUR TOP SELLING LONG HAUL TRAVEL BACKPACK (35L – 60L)

BACKPACK FOR SCHOOL

A school backpack, typically around 20 to 30 liters, is designed to carry school essentials. It can comfortably fit a few textbooks, a notebook, pens, and a lunch box. Some also come with a laptop compartment.

Choose a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a padded back for comfort. Also, look for a backpack with a water-resistant material to protect your books and electronics from rain.

Packing Tip: Use the smaller compartments for pens and other small items to keep them from getting lost. Also, pack your heaviest books closest to your back to maintain balance.

With that in mind, here’s a packing list for what you can fit in a school bag:

What might this look like in real life? Here’s one example…

Featuring JanSport Big Student Backpack – Navy

SHOP OUR TOP SELLING SCHOOL BACKPACK (20L – 30L)

BACKPACK FOR WORK AND COMMUTE

A work backpack, also around 20 to 30 liters, is more professional in appearance. It often has a dedicated laptop compartment, space for a few documents or books, and smaller pockets for work essentials like a phone, wallet, and keys.

Consider a backpack with a sleek design and neutral colors for a professional look. Also, a backpack with a USB charging port can be handy for charging your devices on the go.

Packing Tip: Keep your work essentials in the same pockets every day to create a routine and avoid misplacing items.

With that in mind, here’s a packing list for what you can fit in a work bag:

What might this look like in real life? Here’s one example…

Featuring Thule Accent 23L Backpack

SHOP OUR TOP SELLING WORK BACKPACK (20L – 30L)

BACKPACK FOR GYM

A gym backpack, typically around 15 to 30 liters, is designed to carry your workout essentials. It can comfortably fit a change of clothes, a towel, a water bottle, and a pair of shoes. Some gym backpacks also come with separate compartments for wet clothes or shoes.

Look for a backpack made of durable and water-resistant material to withstand daily use. Also, a backpack with ventilated compartments can help keep your gym gear fresh.

Packing Tip: Pack a small toiletry bag with travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to freshen up after your workout. Also, keep a plastic bag in your backpack for your wet clothes or towel.

With that in mind, here’s a packing list for what you can fit in a gym bag:

What might this look like in real life? Here’s one example…

Featuring Bellroy Lite Daypack – Chalk

SHOP OUR TOP SELLING GYM BACKPACK (15L – 30L)

Tips when purchasing your next backpack…

Some features you can consider other than capacity: shape, weight, pockets, padding, attachment points, material, anti-theft features etc. You should also consider your torso length and your hip size when looking for a suitable backpack.

Remember, the best backpack for you depends on your specific needs. Consider your activity, the items you’ll be carrying, and the duration of your trip when choosing your backpack. Happy travels!

The Planet Traveller provide a huge range of bags in multiple sizes. Check out our backpack series for more colours and model options here!