80L vs 70L Hiking Backpack: Which Size Is Better?
70L or 80L? The extra 10 liters could change your packing strategy. Compare real-world capacity, gear volume, trip length, comfort and packing needs before choosing.
Need the Quick Answer?
Which One Is Right for Me? — Quick Quiz
Result: Select all options above.
What’s the Actual Difference Between 70L and 80L?
🎒 70L
70L
70 liters of stated capacity
🎒 80L
80L
80 liters of stated capacity
Is 10L Actually a Big Difference?
If your equipment is compact, 10L may make little practical difference. If your equipment is bulky, 10L can make packing substantially easier.
What Can You Fit in the Extra 10L?
🧥 Additional clothing
🛏 Bulkier sleeping system
🍚 Additional food
🍳 Larger cooking setup
🏕 Extra shelter equipment
🧤 Cold-weather accessories
👥 Group equipment
What kinds of bulky equipment can consume additional volume.
70L vs 80L for Different Trip Lengths
These are general starting points, not hard rules. REI’s pack guidance puts 50–80L in the multiday category and 70L+ in the extended-trip category.
70L vs 80L for Camping
🎒 70L
- 🏕 Tent
- 🛏 Sleeping bag
- 🍳 Cooking gear
- 👕 Clothing
- 🍚 Food
🎒 80L
- 🏕 Tent
- 🛏 Sleeping bag
- 🍳 Cooking gear
- 👕 Clothing
- 🍚 Food
- + 🧥 More clothing
- + 🍚 Additional food
- + 🏕 Bulkier shelter
- + 🛏 Larger sleeping system
70L vs 80L for Cold-Weather Hiking
REI notes that winter travel can require larger packs because warmer sleeping bags, additional clothing and larger shelters can consume additional volume.
70L vs 80L for Food
70L vs 80L for Water
The National Park Service recommends considering water availability when planning backpacking trips.
70L vs 80L for Clothing
Does 80L Mean a Heavier Backpack?
Not necessarily. Capacity and empty backpack weight are separate specifications. A particular 80L backpack could weigh more or less than a particular 70L backpack depending on frame, fabric, suspension, pockets, zippers, reinforcement, and features.
Comfort Comparison
🎒 70L
Less volume may encourage more compact packing
🎒 80L
More room can be helpful, but can also tempt carrying unnecessary items
The larger backpack isn’t automatically more comfortable. Fit matters: torso length, hip belt, shoulder straps, load lifters, sternum strap. REI recommends sizing backpacks primarily around torso length and hip circumference.
Which One Encourages Better Packing?
🎒 70L — Forces efficiency
You have less room for unnecessary items
🎒 80L — Provides flexibility
You can accommodate bulky equipment more easily
Extra space can become extra weight if you don’t control your packing.
70L vs 80L for Beginners
Make your equipment list first. Choose the backpack second.
Which One Is Better for Extended Trips?
70L vs 80L: Quick Comparison Table
These are general comparisons. Actual backpack weight, fit and load capability depend on the specific model.
Choose 70L or 80L — Score Tool
Your result: Select all options above.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Between 70L and 80L
When the Extra 10L Is Actually Worth It
- ✅ Your sleeping system is bulky
- ✅ You’re carrying additional insulation
- ✅ You need more food
- ✅ You’re carrying shared gear
- ✅ Your trips are extended
- ✅ Resupply is difficult
- ✅ You regularly struggle with 70L
When 70L Is the Smarter Choice
- ✅ Your equipment is compact
- ✅ You’re an efficient packer
- ✅ Your trips aren’t extremely long
- ✅ You don’t need substantial winter gear
- ✅ You don’t carry much group equipment
- ✅ You want to minimize unnecessary capacity
Don’t buy 10 extra liters simply because they are available.
Budget Comparison
Ask yourself: Will I regularly use the extra capacity?
Interactive FAQs
Is 80L better than 70L?
Not automatically. 80L provides more volume, while 70L may be more efficient for compact setups.
Is 10L a big difference?
It can be. The difference is roughly 14% more nominal volume, which may be useful for bulky equipment.
Which is better for long trips?
Either can work, but 80L provides more room for food, clothing and bulky equipment.
Which is better for beginners?
It depends on the equipment. Beginners with compact gear may not need 80L.
Is 80L heavier than 70L?
Not necessarily. Empty backpack weight varies by model and construction.
Is 70L enough for camping?
It can be, especially with compact camping equipment.
Is 80L too big for hiking?
It can be excessive for short trips or minimalist setups.
Which is better for winter?
80L may provide more flexibility because winter equipment often takes more space.
Should I choose based on trip duration?
Trip duration matters, but equipment volume, weather, food and resupply opportunities matter too.
Can I use an 80L backpack for shorter trips?
Yes, but the extra capacity can make it easier to overpack.
Final Decision Chart
5-Second Decision
Where the AdventureSupplier Backpacks Fit
If your gear matches the 70L profile, compare AdventureSupplier’s 70L options. If you need the extra volume, explore the 80L Adventure Backpack. For deeper guidance, see The Complete Guide to 80L Hiking Backpacks and 80L vs 60L hiking backpack: which should you choose?
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.
70L or 80L? Choose the Capacity You Actually Need
The extra 10L can be useful for bulky gear, extended trips, and cold-weather equipment—but it can also encourage overpacking. Choose based on your actual gear, not just the number on the label.
Shop Backpacks
[…] 70L — ████████████████ 80L — ██████████████████ 10 additional liters can be useful for a bulky sleeping system, extra clothing, food or group equipment—but it doesn’t automatically justify choosing the larger pack. 80L vs 70L hiking backpack: which size is better? […]
[…] 40L 50L 60L 70L 80L 60L — Compact multi-day setups • 70L — Middle ground for larger loads • 80L — Higher-volume equipment and extended adventures 80L vs 60L hiking backpack: which should you choose? • 80L vs 70L hiking backpack: which size is better? […]