60L vs 70L Hiking Backpack: Which Size Should You Choose?
Confused between 60L and 70L? This guide breaks down capacity, weight, camping gear, food, comfort and trip length so you can choose with confidence—not guesswork.
60L or 70L: Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Your Backpack — What Kind of Trip Are You Planning?
Recommendation: Select a trip type above.
60L vs 70L at a Glance
The 70L backpack doesn’t automatically carry more weight comfortably. It simply gives you more volume. The suspension system, fit and total load still determine carrying comfort.
What Does the Extra 10 Liters Actually Give You?
60L
70L
Ask yourself: “What exactly will you put in those extra 10 liters?” If you cannot name anything, 60L may be enough.
10 Liters of Difference — Visual Comparison
🎒 60L
Tent • Sleeping bag • Clothing • Food • Cooking kit • Water
🎒 70L
Tent • Sleeping bag • Clothing • Food • Cooking kit • Water
+ Extra clothing • Larger sleep system • More food • Bulky gear
60L Hiking Backpack — Who Is It For?
60L is particularly attractive for hikers who use compact gear, pack efficiently, take multi-day trips, want to control unnecessary gear, don’t regularly carry bulky equipment, and prefer a more compact pack.
70L Hiking Backpack — Who Is It For?
A 70L backpack may make more sense for hikers who carry bulky equipment, need additional clothing, travel in colder conditions, carry more food, use larger tents, have larger sleeping systems, or prefer additional packing flexibility.
60L vs 70L for Camping
🏕 60L Camping Setup
Tent • Sleeping bag • Sleeping pad • Cooking gear • Food • Clothing • Water
🏕 70L Camping Setup
+ Larger shelter • Bulky sleeping system • More clothing • Additional food • Larger cooking setup
Interactive Camping Comparison
60L vs 70L for Multi-Day Hiking
Trip duration alone doesn’t determine capacity. For example:
Trip Duration — Only One Factor
60L vs 70L for Cold Weather
Cold-weather equipment can be much bulkier. Insulated clothing, larger sleeping bags, extra layers, gloves, hats, and additional emergency equipment all add up.
60L vs 70L for Food & Water
Food can become a significant space issue on longer trips. Water is different because it affects both space and weight.
Does 70L Mean Heavier?
Capacity ≠ Weight. A 70L backpack can be heavier because the pack itself may weigh more, it can carry more gear, and users may fill unused space. But a 70L pack isn’t inherently unsafe or bad.
The Overpacking Problem
Buy the capacity you actually need, not the biggest number you can afford.
When 60L Is the Better Choice
✅ Choose 60L if:
- Your gear is compact
- You pack efficiently
- You mostly take 2–5 day trips
- You don’t carry bulky winter equipment
- You have resupply opportunities
- You want to minimize unnecessary gear
- You already know your equipment fits
When 70L Is the Better Choice
✅ Choose 70L if:
- Your gear is bulky
- You carry additional clothing
- You regularly camp
- You use larger sleeping systems
- You carry more food
- You’re traveling in colder conditions
- Your 60L pack repeatedly becomes overloaded
How to Know Which One You Need
How to Pack a 60L or 70L Backpack
REI’s packing guidance recommends keeping heavier items close to your back and around the middle of the pack.
Build Your Backpack — Toggle Between 60L and 70L
Click items to add/remove. 70L gives you more breathing room.
60L vs 70L — Comfort Comparison
Fit and load distribution matter more than the number printed on the backpack. REI’s fitting guide emphasizes torso length and proper adjustment.
Budget Considerations
Don’t spend extra money on 70L capacity if you don’t need it. Ask: Would the additional capacity solve a real problem?
Common Mistakes When Choosing Between 60L and 70L
Which Backpack Fits Your Lifestyle?
🥾 Efficient Hiker
60L🏕 Regular Camper
60–70L❄️ Cold-Weather Adventurer
70L🎒 Bulky-Gear Backpacker
70LInteractive FAQs
Is a 60L backpack better than a 70L backpack?
Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on your equipment, trip length, weather, food, water and packing style.
Is 70L too big for hiking?
Not necessarily. It can be useful when carrying bulky equipment or additional supplies.
Is 60L enough for camping?
For many camping setups, yes. Bulky equipment may make 70L more convenient.
Is 60L enough for a 5-day trip?
It can be for some hikers, particularly with compact equipment and efficient packing. Trip duration alone doesn’t determine capacity.
What is the biggest advantage of 70L?
The additional 10L gives you more flexibility for bulky equipment and supplies.
What is the biggest advantage of 60L?
It encourages a more compact, controlled load and can be sufficient for many multiday setups.
Does a 70L backpack carry more weight?
It can carry more volume, but capacity and weight are different measurements.
Should beginners buy 60L or 70L?
A beginner should start with the capacity that matches their actual equipment rather than automatically choosing the larger pack.
Can I use a 70L backpack for a short trip?
Yes, but extra capacity can encourage unnecessary packing.
How do I decide between 60L and 70L?
Pack your actual equipment and identify whether the additional 10L solves a genuine problem.
60L or 70L? Find Your Match
Where the AdventureSupplier Backpacks Fit
If your gear matches the 60L profile, the AdventureSupplier 60L Adventure Backpack is worth comparing. If your gear leans toward 70L, explore larger capacity options. For deeper guidance, see The Complete Guide to 60L Hiking Backpacks and 60L vs 80L comparison.
For more expert advice, REI’s backpack guide and REI fit adjustment are excellent. The National Park Service hiking safety page and US Forest Service offer valuable preparation tips. The American Hiking Society and Leave No Trace provide additional trail insights. Always check weather conditions and NOAA for environmental updates before heading out.
Still Confused? Start With Your Gear, Not the Number
The best backpack isn’t the one with the biggest capacity. It’s the one that fits your equipment, your body and your trip without forcing you to carry unnecessary weight or leave essential gear behind.
[…] Too many clothes — Remove duplicates Bulky sleeping system — Consider more compact equipment Too much food — Review resupply options Large packaging — Reorganize or use compact packaging Essential gear still doesn’t fit — Consider a larger backpack 60L vs 70L hiking backpack: which size should you choose? […]