By the Plein Air Entrepôt team | Trekking, hiking and travel specialists since 2007
You're heading out on a hike, your gear is ready, and you want to buy the ideal backpack for the adventure. But which size should you choose? 35, 48, 58, 65, 85 or 100 litres? Here are the key takeaways.
Buy your backpack last
The right size depends on what you need to carry. That's why the backpack is the last thing you buy: if you don't have all your gear yet, get it first. And since your hiking pack will serve you for 10 to 15 years, it's worth choosing well.
Why choose a slightly bigger pack
At Plein Air Entrepôt, we tend to go bigger: a 55, 60 or 65 litre pack. Our favourite? An 80 litre. The reason is simple, we want the freedom to add things depending on conditions:
- a warmer sleeping bag;
- an extra down jacket if it's cold;
- up to 6 days of food;
- a sturdy winter tent for early-season trips or mountain hikes.
With a pack that's too small, you hit the limit quickly. Of course, it's up to you to stay disciplined and not fill your pack for nothing.
Camping below freezing: plan for extra room
If you camp in below-zero temperatures, keep some space in reserve. A frosted tent is heavy and hard to pack down, and it takes up much more room than a dry one.
A tip for lighter loads
Don't have much to carry? Use a big dry bag: your sleeping bag will take up about half the space of a 58 litre pack. It's quicker to pack, and it will loft faster once you get to camp. Also, heavy items like food will sit higher in the pack for better weight distribution.
If you're heading out for longer and need more space, simply compress your sleeping bag so it takes up less room.
The goal: keep your pack full at all times. A full pack is more comfortable to carry.
Our advice: 58, 60 or 65 litres
For a hiking pack you'll use for years, in all conditions, 58, 60 or 65 litres is ideal. That's our expert opinion, and it's the size range that suits most of our customers.
In summary
- Buy your backpack last, once your gear is complete.
- A good hiking pack lasts 10 to 15 years.
- It's better to go slightly bigger so you can add more food or gear for cold temperatures.
- Below freezing, leave room for a frosted tent.
- For a light load, use a big dry bag to fill the unused volume. For a longer trip, compress your sleeping bag.
- 58 to 65 litres is ideal for a versatile pack.
Come try them in store
Getting your pack properly fitted is essential: not every pack fits everyone. Come see us, set aside half an hour to an hour, and we'll take the time to find the right pack for you.
📍 1451 avenue du Mont-Royal Est, Montreal
🌐 pleinairentrepot.ca
🚚 Free shipping over $80 in QC, ON and N.B.
Plein Air Entrepôt - Trekking, hiking and travel specialists since 2007. Expert advice and warehouse prices.