Trekking Rucksacks 50L to 70L

Is a 60L backpack big enough?

For most people, yes. 60–65L is the standard size for three to five days of camping. With lightweight kit, 50–55L is enough in summer; 65–70L suits winter, bulky kit or long stretches between food stops.

Trekking rucksacks by size

• 50–55L: lightweight summer camping and hut-to-hut treks. Some packs expand by 10 litres for the days you carry more food.
• 58–65L: the all-round camping size, and where you will find the widest choice of men's and women's fits.
• 70L: winter camping, trips of a week or more, or carrying shared kit for two.

What to look for in a trekking rucksack

• A properly adjustable back. At this weight, fit matters more than any feature.
• A padded, supportive hip belt that takes most of the load off your shoulders.
• Front or base access so you can reach your sleeping bag or a layer without emptying the pack.
• A rain cover and dry bags. Keep your sleeping bag in a dry bag, whatever the forecast.
• The weight of the pack itself. Lighter packs carry less comfortably under heavy loads, so match the pack to how much you carry.
• A women's fit if you need one; Osprey's women's trekking packs use a shorter back and shaped hip belt. See all women's rucksacks.

Trekking rucksack FAQs

What is the best budget 60L backpack?

Vango's trekking rucksacks give you an adjustable back, a padded hip belt and a rain-ready design at a price that suits a first camping pack.

Is a 70 litre backpack too big?

Only if you fill it for the sake of it. 70L makes sense for winter camping, trips of a week or more, or carrying shared kit for two. For summer weekends, 55–65L keeps the weight down.

Can I take a 60L backpack on a plane?

It will need to go in the hold. A rucksack transit bag protects the straps and hip belt from baggage handling.

Shorter trips? See our 40L and 50L hiking rucksacks, or browse all hiking backpacks and rucksacks.