60L Hiking Backpack: Is It the Right Size for You?
Wondering if a 60L hiking backpack is big enough? Learn how much a 60L pack can hold, when to use it, how to pack it, and whether 60L, 70L, or 80L is better for your trip.
Is 60L Right for You?
✅ YES — likely a good choice if:
- You’re doing multi-day hiking
- Your equipment isn’t extremely bulky
- You need space for food and clothing
- You’re carrying camping equipment
- You want more capacity than a weekend pack
🟡 MAYBE — think carefully if:
- Your trip is very short
- You use compact/ultralight equipment
- You’re deciding between 50L and 60L
🔴 NO — consider something smaller if:
- You’re mainly doing day hikes
- Your complete gear easily fits into a smaller pack
- You tend to carry very little equipment
“Is 60L Enough for Me?” Interactive Quiz
Not sure if 60L is right? Answer these 4 quick questions to get a personalized recommendation.
1. How long is your trip?
2. What are you carrying?
3. How do you normally pack?
4. Will you have access to resupply?
What is a 60L hiking backpack, is it enough for your trip, and how do you actually decide if 60L is the right size?
If you’re standing in front of a wall of backpacks, confused by all the numbers, you’re not alone. The difference between 50L, 60L, 70L, and 80L can feel overwhelming.
According to REI’s expert backpack guide, 50–80L packs are in the multiday range, while noting that the correct capacity depends on trip length, gear bulk, and how much you carry.
Before diving deeper, explore the AdventureSupplier 60L hiking backpack and shop other gear as you evaluate your needs.
What Does 60L Actually Mean?
60L = approximately 60 liters of storage volume. It does not mean 60 kg, 60 pounds, or a specific number of days.
Volume
Weight
Actual usable space can vary because manufacturers measure and distribute pack volume differently. REI notes that pack volume can include pockets and other compartments in its standardized volume testing.
For a deeper understanding of backpack capacity, check out 60L Hiking Backpack: Finding the Right Capacity.
Inside a 60L Hiking Backpack
REI recommends keeping sleeping gear toward the bottom, heavier items close to the spine in the middle, and lighter/frequently accessed items higher or in outer pockets.
How Big Is a 60L Hiking Backpack?
A 60L backpack sits in a useful middle ground: smaller than large expedition-style packs but larger than many day/overnight packs.
REI currently describes 50–80L as a common multiday range, with larger packs generally used as trip length and equipment requirements increase.
Still unsure about capacity? Read 60L Hiking Backpack: Is It the Right Size for You? for more guidance.
How Many Days Is a 60L Backpack Good For?
Trip duration and gear volume work together. Instead of saying “60L = exactly 5 days,” understand that:
- 3-day trip + bulky gear may need similar space to:
- 5-day trip + compact gear
Key Insight:
7-day trip + frequent resupply could potentially require less capacity than 4-day remote trip + lots of supplies.
For more on trip planning, visit NPS Hike Smart for safety tips and when you should choose a 60L backpack for hiking.
Who Should Buy a 60L Hiking Backpack?
Carrying several days of outdoor equipment
Carrying shelter, sleeping gear and cooking equipment
A middle-ground without jumping to an oversized pack
One backpack for several types of trips
Hiking and travel equipment together
Before buying, learn how to choose the best 60L hiking backpack for your specific needs.
Who Probably Doesn’t Need 60L?
- Day hiking — a much smaller pack is normally more practical
- Short walks — unnecessary bulk
- Very minimalist overnight trips — compact equipment fits in smaller packs
- Travelers with extremely compact equipment
- People whose complete load comfortably fits into 30–40L
If you’re still not sure, check out is a 60L hiking backpack big enough for camping.
60L vs 50L — Which Should You Choose?
60L vs 70L — Which Size Should You Choose?
Choose 60L when:
- Gear is reasonably compact
- You want to control packing
- Trips are moderate
- You don’t need much extra capacity
Consider 70L when:
- Gear is bulky
- You’re carrying more food
- Conditions require additional equipment
- You regularly take longer trips
For a detailed comparison, read 60L vs 70L Hiking Backpack: Which Size Should You Choose?
60L vs 80L — Is Bigger Actually Better?
“What will you put in the extra 20 liters?” If you can’t name the equipment, you probably shouldn’t automatically choose the larger pack.
Compare 60L vs 80L Hiking Backpack: Which Is Better for You? before making your final decision.
What Can You Pack in a 60L Hiking Backpack?
Understanding what fits in 60L is crucial for how much you can pack in a 60L hiking backpack.
Shelter
- Tent or shelter components
Sleep
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
Clothing
- Base layers and spare clothing
Cooking
- Stove, cookware and food
Hydration
- Water containers/reservoir
Navigation
- Map and navigation equipment
Safety
- First-aid and emergency essentials
Personal
- Toiletries and personal items
Learn how to pack a 60L hiking backpack efficiently to maximize your space.
Pack Your 60L Backpack
Click items to add them to your pack and see how full it gets:
You still have room for small essentials—but don’t fill the remaining space simply because it’s available.
How to Choose the Best 60L Hiking Backpack
Selecting the right backpack involves more than just looking at the liter capacity. How to choose the best 60L hiking backpack covers everything you need to know.
1. Capacity
- Is 60L actually necessary?
2. Fit
- Does it match your torso?
3. Suspension
- Can it comfortably support your intended load?
4. Hip Belt
- Does it sit correctly?
5. Frame
- Does it provide appropriate support?
6. Organization
- Are pockets and compartments useful?
7. Material
- Does the construction match your expected conditions?
8. Weight
- Is the empty backpack unnecessarily heavy?
For comprehensive guidance, visit The Complete Guide to 60L Hiking Backpacks.
Backpack Fit Matters More Than You Think
REI specifically states that torso length—not height—is the key measurement when selecting backpack size.
- Torso length: Measure from the C7 vertebra down toward the hip crest
- Hip belt: Should sit appropriately around the hips
- Shoulder straps: Should be adjusted after positioning the hip belt
- Load lifters: Help fine-tune how the upper pack sits
- Test the pack loaded: An empty backpack can feel completely different from a loaded backpack
💡 Key Insight: A 60L backpack that fits poorly can be a worse choice than a smaller backpack that fits correctly.
Before your next trip, read NPS hiking safety tips to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Interactive Fit Checker
Click each area to learn how your backpack should fit:
✅ FIT CHECK ✓ — A 60L backpack that fits poorly can be a worse choice than a smaller backpack that fits correctly.
60L Backpack for Hiking
A 60L backpack is ideal for:
- Multi-day hiking
- Trail hiking
- Extended outdoor trips
- Variable weather
- Moderate equipment loads
Learn when you should choose a 60L backpack for hiking and 60L backpack for hiking and extended outdoor adventures.
60L Backpack for Camping
Camping gear can consume significant space. A 60L backpack can work well for camping when you’re carrying:
- 🏕 Tent
- 😴 Sleeping bag
- 🛏 Sleeping pad
- 🍳 Cooking equipment
- 🍚 Food
- 👕 Clothing
- 💧 Water equipment
For more on camping with a 60L pack, see is a 60L hiking backpack big enough for camping and 60L hiking backpack for camping, hiking and outdoor trips.
Also check out AdventureSupplier’s camping shelter collection for quality gear options.
60L Backpack for Extended Outdoor Adventures
60L can work particularly well for extended adventures when:
- Gear is reasonably compact
- The trip isn’t extremely equipment-heavy
- Resupply is available
- Weather doesn’t require huge amounts of extra clothing
Read 60L backpack for hiking and extended outdoor adventures for more details.
How to Pack a 60L Backpack Efficiently
REI’s packing principles recommend organizing your backpack into zones.
Less frequently needed equipment
Dense/heavy equipment close to your back
Items you’ll need during the day
Quick-access items
Learn how to pack a 60L hiking backpack efficiently and check out the 60L hiking backpack packing guide for beginners.
For weather planning, visit National Weather Service and NOAA Weather.
Good Packing vs Bad Packing
- • Heavy gear at the bottom
- • Random distribution
- • Rain jacket buried
- • Unused pockets
- • Dense items centered
- • Frequently needed gear accessible
- • Clothing used as padding
- • Space distributed efficiently
Same 60L capacity. Better organization = easier access.
How to Avoid Overpacking a 60L Backpack
Leave No Trace principles encourage packing only what you need. Before adding anything, ask:
Do I need it?
Will I actually use it?
Can something else do the same job?
Will I carry it for the entire trip?
Also read best uses for a 60L hiking backpack on multi-day trips for more packing inspiration.
Common 60L Backpack Mistakes
- Mistake #1: Choosing capacity before considering gear
- Mistake #2: Ignoring torso fit
- Mistake #3: Assuming 60L means a specific number of days
- Mistake #4: Buying the heaviest backpack because it looks stronger
- Mistake #5: Filling every available pocket
- Mistake #6: Ignoring total loaded weight
- Mistake #7: Not testing the backpack before a long trip
For a complete overview, visit Complete Guide to Choosing a 60L Hiking Backpack.
Is a 60L Backpack Too Big?
Probably too big if:
- You’re doing day hikes
- You pack extremely light
- Your equipment comfortably fits in 30–40L
Probably useful if:
- You’re doing multi-day trips
- You carry camping equipment
- You need additional clothing/food
- Your equipment is moderately bulky
For more help, read 60L Hiking Backpack: Finding the Right Capacity.
60L Backpack for Beginners
Don’t buy a backpack based on the number alone.
The Appalachian Mountain Club recommends starting with your gear list before choosing capacity.
- List your essential equipment
- Estimate how bulky it is
- Consider trip length
- Consider weather
- Consider resupply
- Choose capacity
Check out the 60L hiking backpack packing guide for beginners for step-by-step help.
Quick Decision Table
Your 60L Backpack Decision
Your goal: Choose the smallest backpack that comfortably fits your essential equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 60L backpack good for hiking?
Yes, it can be a useful capacity for multi-day hiking, especially when your equipment is moderately compact. REI places 50–80L packs within its multiday category.
Is 60L enough for camping?
It can be, depending on the size of your tent, sleeping system, cooking equipment, clothing and other gear. Read is a 60L hiking backpack big enough for camping to learn more.
How many days can a 60L backpack hold?
There isn’t a fixed number. Trip duration, gear bulk, food, water and resupply opportunities all matter. Check this guide for more details.
Is 60L too big for a beginner?
Not necessarily. It can be a useful middle-ground capacity, but beginners shouldn’t buy 60L simply because it sounds better than a smaller pack. Start with the 60L hiking backpack packing guide for beginners.
Is 60L bigger than 50L?
Yes. The difference is 10 liters of nominal volume, although actual usable organization varies by pack design.
Should I choose 60L or 70L?
Choose 60L if your equipment fits comfortably. Consider 70L if you regularly carry bulkier gear or additional supplies. Compare 60L vs 70L for more help.
Should I choose 60L or 80L?
If you don’t have equipment that requires the additional 20L, the larger pack may simply encourage overpacking. See 60L vs 80L for comparison.
Does 60L mean the backpack weighs 60 kg?
No. Liters measure volume; kilograms measure weight.
How should I pack a 60L backpack?
Place less frequently needed gear toward the bottom, denser equipment centrally and close to your back, and frequently accessed items toward the top or outer pockets. Learn more in how to pack a 60L hiking backpack efficiently.
Does height determine backpack size?
Not by itself. Torso length is a key measurement when selecting backpack size.
Is a 60L backpack good for travel?
It can be useful for adventure travel, but check TSA travel guidelines before flying with a large backpack.
What’s the best 60L backpack for beginners?
Start with how to choose the best 60L hiking backpack and shop AdventureSupplier’s collection for quality options.
Ready to Decide If 60L Is Right for Your Trip?
Your final decision should come down to five things:
If your essential equipment fits comfortably into 60L, the pack is well suited to your torso, and the loaded weight is manageable, 60L can be a very practical choice for multi-day hiking and camping. If you consistently have unused space, go smaller; if you repeatedly run out of room, consider moving up.
For more help, read best uses for a 60L hiking backpack on multi-day trips and 60L backpack for hiking and extended outdoor adventures.
Ready to find the right 60L backpack for your adventure?
Explore the AdventureSupplier 60L Hiking Backpack and start your journey with confidence.
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