100L Backpack vs Smaller Packs: Which Size Do You Need?
Compare 100L backpacks with smaller pack sizes to find the right capacity for hiking, camping, travel and long trips. Use this simple guide to choose confidently.
Which Backpack Size Should You Choose?
Choose Your Backpack Size — Quick Quiz
1. How long is your trip?
2. What type of gear are you carrying?
3. Can you resupply during the trip?
4. How compact is your equipment?
Someone is preparing for a hiking or camping trip and sees backpacks ranging from 30L to 100L. The obvious question becomes: “More liters must mean better, right?”
This isn’t necessarily true. A 100L pack offers significantly more volume, but carrying extra capacity can encourage overpacking. A smaller backpack can be easier to manage when the trip only requires a limited amount of equipment. The best backpack size isn’t the largest one you can afford—it’s the smallest capacity that comfortably holds everything you genuinely need.
What Does “Liters” Actually Mean?
Many buyers don’t understand backpack capacity. A 60L backpack isn’t necessarily stronger or weaker than a 100L backpack. The number primarily describes the amount of internal and sometimes external storage volume. For more detail on 100L capacity, see our benefits of going large article.
Backpack Size Comparison
More capacity = more room, not permission to overpack.
100L vs Smaller Packs
100L vs 30–40L
- Smaller: Lightweight, compact, less temptation to overpack
- 100L: Much greater capacity, accommodates bulky equipment, better for extended adventures
- Best: Day hike → smaller; Extended expedition → 100L
100L vs 50–60L
- 50–60L is often a middle-ground option for weekend trips, multi-day hikes, compact gear
- 100L becomes more attractive when gear is bulky, trip is longer, resupply is difficult, or group equipment is needed
100L vs 70–80L
- 70–80L offers a good balance of capacity, portability, and long-trip usability
- 100L provides extra space for bulky sleeping systems, extra clothing, larger shelter, food, specialized gear
100L vs 90L
- 90L: Substantial capacity, reasonably compact gear, reduces unnecessary space
- 100L: Bulky gear, extra flexibility, longer periods, additional equipment
When Is a Smaller Backpack Better?
When Does a 100L Backpack Make More Sense?
Choose by Trip
Backpack Size by Trip Duration
Backpack Size by Gear Type
Lightweight Setup
- Recommended: 40–60L
Standard Camping
- Recommended: 50–70L
Cold-Weather
- Recommended: 70–100L
Family/Group
- Recommended: 70–100L+
Expedition
- Recommended: 80–100L+
The Hidden Factor — Gear Bulk
Two people can take the same number of days’ worth of equipment but require completely different backpack capacities.
Person A
- Compact sleeping bag
- Lightweight tent
- Minimal clothing
- Dehydrated food
- → Fits in a smaller pack
Person B
- Bulky sleeping bag
- Larger tent
- Thick clothing
- Cooking equipment
- → May require 100L
Pack size should be selected according to gear volume, not simply trip duration.
Weight vs Volume — Don’t Confuse Them
Volume problem
- You can’t fit everything
Weight problem
- You can fit it, but the loaded pack becomes too heavy
Is Your Current Backpack Too Small?
- • You constantly attach gear outside
- • Clothing gets compressed excessively
- • Food takes up all available space
- • You can’t fit emergency equipment
- • You regularly struggle to close the pack
- • Gear organization becomes difficult
- • Large amounts of unused space
- • You regularly carry unnecessary gear
- • The backpack feels cumbersome
- • You pack “just because there’s room”
- • The pack is unnecessarily heavy
How to Pack a 100L Backpack Without Overpacking
Pack everything you absolutely need
Add emergency and weather-related equipment
Only then consider optional items
“Would I still bring this if I had a 60L backpack?” If the answer is no, reconsider it.
Three-Pass Packing Method
What Backpack Size Is Best for Beginners?
- Day hikes: Start smaller
- Weekend trips: A medium-capacity pack may be sufficient
- Extended outdoor trips: A 70–100L pack may make sense depending on equipment
Budget Considerations
Buying the largest backpack isn’t always the cheapest decision. If you only need 50L, buying a 100L pack can be unnecessary spending. However, if you repeatedly take long trips and need more capacity, buying a suitable 100L pack once may be more economical than repeatedly replacing undersized bags.
Actual usefulness > maximum capacity
100L vs Smaller Pack Calculator
Useful Resources
REI Backpack Guide REI Fit Guide REI Packing Guide NPS Hike Smart US Forest Service American Hiking Society NOAA Weather Leave No Trace TSA TravelFinal Decision Matrix
Still Confused? Use This Rule
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 100L backpack too big?
It can be for short trips, but it can be useful for extended trips with bulky equipment. The right size depends on your gear volume and trip length. See our is it too big? guide for more.
What is the ideal backpack size for hiking?
There isn’t one universal size. Day hikes usually require much less volume than extended expeditions. Use the quiz above to find your range.
Is 60L enough for a week?
It can be, particularly with compact equipment and efficient packing. If your gear is bulky, you may need 70–80L.
Is 80L better than 100L?
Not automatically. The better option depends on your actual gear volume. 80L offers a good balance; 100L provides extra room for bulky items.
Is 90L enough for long trips?
For many travelers it can be. Those carrying particularly bulky equipment may benefit from 100L. Compare them in our 100L vs 90L guide.
Why would someone need a 100L backpack?
Usually because of high gear volume, bulky equipment, long trips or limited resupply.
Can I use a 100L backpack for a weekend trip?
Yes, but it may provide significantly more capacity than necessary. Compression straps can help reduce bulk.
Does a larger backpack mean I can carry more weight?
Not necessarily. Volume and load rating are different considerations. Always check the pack’s recommended load capacity.
Should beginners buy a 100L backpack?
Only when their planned activities genuinely require that capacity. Beginners often overpack; starting smaller can help pack efficiently. Read is it too big? first.
Is a 100L backpack good for camping?
It can be particularly useful when camping gear is bulky or the trip is extended. For car camping, a smaller bag may suffice. See our camping and travel guide.
Choose the Capacity That Matches Your Gear
Don’t choose a backpack based on liters alone. Choose the capacity that matches your gear, trip duration, conditions and resupply situation.
Ready to explore your options?
Start with your actual gear list, then evaluate the AdventureSupplier 100L against the criteria in this guide.
Explore the 100L Adventure Backpack
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