Is a 100L Backpack Too Big for Your Hiking Trip?
Is a 100L backpack too big for hiking? Learn when 100L makes sense, when a smaller pack is better, and how to choose the right backpack size for your trip.
Quick Answer: Is 100L Too Big?
100L may be appropriate if you:
- Take extended hiking trips
- Carry bulky camping equipment
- Hike in cold conditions
- Carry food for several days
- Have limited resupply opportunities
- Carry shared/group equipment
100L may be excessive if you:
- Mostly take day hikes
- Travel ultralight
- Use compact equipment
- Have frequent resupply points
- Rarely carry camping equipment
“Is 100L Right for Me?” Interactive Quiz
1. How long is your typical hiking trip?
2. What season?
3. Do you carry a tent?
4. Do you carry cooking equipment?
5. Do you carry group equipment?
6. How often can you resupply?
You’ve found a 100L adventure backpack. It looks spacious, practical and capable of carrying almost everything you might need. But there’s one problem: Do you really need that much space?
A hiker carrying compact summer equipment for a weekend may need far less space than someone carrying winter equipment, camping shelter, food for several days, cooking equipment, extra clothing, or group equipment.
What Does “100L” Actually Mean?
100L refers to approximately the amount of storage volume available, but manufacturers can measure capacity differently. Two backpacks labeled “100L” aren’t necessarily identical in usable space or organization.
Also consider: main compartment, external pockets, expandable sections, compression system, attachment points, and backpack dimensions.
The Biggest Mistake — Confusing Volume With Weight
Tent
Clothing
Sleeping pad
Food
Cooking equipment
Heavy tools
A 100L backpack solves a capacity problem — it doesn’t make a heavy load lightweight.
Volume vs Weight
Click items to see their impact:
When a 100L Backpack Is NOT Too Big
Extended Hiking Trips
- More food, clothing, hygiene supplies, backup equipment, larger sleeping systems
Cold-Weather Hiking
- Insulated jacket, warm sleeping bag, extra layers, gloves, hats, weather protection
Multi-Day Camping
- Shelter, sleeping system, cooking system, food, clothing, safety equipment
Remote Hiking
- Limited resupply means carrying more food, fuel, clothing, and essential supplies
Group Equipment
- Tent, cooking system, group food, safety equipment distributed among group members
When a 100L Backpack IS Too Big
“Do I Need the Extra Space?” Tool
Select all that apply to your trip:
100L vs 90L — What’s the Real Difference?
90L
- Substantial capacity
- Slightly less bulk
- Less temptation to overpack
- Good for most extended trips
100L
- Maximum flexibility
- Bulky equipment
- Extended-trip supplies
- Group equipment
- Winter gear
100L vs Smaller Backpacks
The “Empty Backpack” Trap
The Empty-Space Trap
Bigger Isn’t Always More Comfortable
Comfort depends on correct torso fit, shoulder straps, hip belt, load distribution, backpack suspension, total weight, and proper adjustment. A 100L backpack that is badly fitted can be uncomfortable. A smaller backpack that fits properly may feel much better. See our complete guide to choosing a large adventure backpack for fit guidance.
How to Decide in 60 Seconds
Packing Efficiency Can Reduce the Need for 100L
Before buying a bigger backpack, examine whether your current problem is actually poor organization. You may be carrying duplicate clothing, oversized packaging, unnecessary accessories, or poorly organized equipment. Efficient packing can sometimes solve a capacity problem without buying a larger pack.
Is a 100L Backpack Worth Buying?
Worth considering if:
- Regularly take extended trips
- Carry bulky equipment
- Hike in cold conditions
- Need significant food capacity
- Carry group equipment
Probably not worth it if:
- Mostly take day hikes
- Travel ultralight
- Equipment is compact
- Frequently resupply
Useful Resources
REI Backpack Guide REI Fit Guide REI Packing Guide NPS Hike Smart US Forest Service American Hiking Society National Weather Service Leave No Trace TSA TravelFrequently Asked Questions
Is a 100L backpack too big for hiking?
Not necessarily. It depends on trip length, equipment volume, weather, food requirements and resupply opportunities. See our when to choose guide for more.
Is 100L too big for a day hike?
For most day hikes, 100L is likely much more capacity than necessary.
Is 100L good for a week-long hike?
It can be useful if you’re carrying bulky equipment, food, camping gear or equipment for difficult weather.
Is 90L better than 100L?
Neither is universally better. Choose based on your actual equipment volume and trip requirements. Compare them in our 100L vs 90L guide.
Does a bigger backpack mean more weight?
Not automatically, but extra space can encourage overpacking. Your total equipment weight is what matters for carrying comfort.
Is 100L good for winter hiking?
It can be particularly useful because winter clothing and sleeping systems often occupy more space.
Can I use a 100L backpack for camping?
Yes. The extra capacity can be useful for shelter, sleeping equipment, cooking equipment, food and clothing. See our camping guide.
Should I buy a 100L backpack if I’m a beginner?
Only if your planned activities genuinely require that capacity. Beginners shouldn’t assume that bigger is automatically better.
How do I know if I need 100L?
Look at your actual equipment list and determine how much volume it occupies. Trip length, weather and resupply should also influence the decision. Use the quiz above to help decide.
Can efficient packing replace a larger backpack?
Sometimes. Better organization and removing unnecessary equipment can significantly reduce volume requirements. See our packing guide.
Your 100L Verdict
So, Is a 100L Backpack Too Big?
The answer isn’t simply yes or no. 100L is too big when you don’t need the space—and extremely useful when your trip genuinely demands it.
The goal isn’t to carry a bigger backpack. The goal is to carry the right amount of equipment comfortably and efficiently.
Ready to find the right backpack size for your trip?
Explore the AdventureSupplier 100L Adventure Backpack.
Explore the 100L Adventure Backpack