What are the essential criteria to consider when choosing the backpack size ?

Choosing the right size for your backpack is crucial, whether for everyday use, hiking, wilderness trekking, or traveling. This essential accessory accompanies the transport of all your belongings, but it is essential to ensure that it suits both your specific use and your body type. The decisive criteria include your regular usage habits as well as your physical condition, all elements to consider carefully when purchasing your backpack. What are the essential criteria to consider when choosing the backpack size ?

Why use a modern backpack ?

The modern backpack presents unparalleled versatility. It allows the efficient transport of your personal effects thanks to a suitable choice of volume. Its major advantage lies in the balanced distribution of weight on both shoulders, which significantly reduces daily back muscle tension. Besides, check this site outto discover the different styles of modern backpacks.

Beyond its comfort, the backpack stands out for its exceptional practicality. Unlike other types of bags, it frees your arms and hands, offering unparalleled freedom of movement. In addition, with its multiple compartments of varying sizes, it facilitates storage and quick access to a diverse range of accessories.

Additionally, modern backpacks fit your style with a variety of designs, allowing you to match them to your personal aesthetic. In summary, the contemporary backpack combines comfort, practicality and style, making it an ideal companion for your daily needs.

The choice of a modern backpack for which practicality

The size of your backpack depends on several criteria. Among them, the main reason why you will use it is important. Indeed, the ideal size of a backpack is not the same for daily use, long hikes or for a long trip.

For daily practice

For everyday use, choose a practical backpack when traveling by public transport. Two sizes are ideal : 10 liters for a book, an e-reader, a thermos, or a notebook, providing space for various accessories. Opt instead for a 20 to 25 liter bag if you are carrying a laptop, also ideal for walks of a few hours with a picnic, drinks and sunscreen on hand.

For long hikes or two-day treks

For long hikes or two-day treks, a backpack of at least 30 liters is necessary if you have accommodation on site and do not have to carry camping equipment. If you are responsible for carrying the belongings of several people, including children, opt for a 40 liter bag instead.

For a multi-day expedition or long-term trip

For a multi-day expedition or a long trip with camping or bivouac in a refuge, choose a backpack with adequate capacity. Opt for a 50 to 60 liter model, ideal for transporting your clothes, your sleeping bag and the necessary food items. These volumes are also suitable for backpackers planning an extended trip with frequent trips.

Take usage into account

When considering the use of a backpack, although the practice may be similar, there are important nuances to take into account, notably the type of equipment to be carried. This influences the choice of the appropriate size.

• For minimal equipment : If your intention is to carry a few clothes and accessories for a weekend, a 40 or 50 liter bag will be enough. If you share the load with a traveling companion, bags of 30 to 40 liters each will be more than adequate.
• For sleeping equipment : If you must bring your sleeping equipment, opt for a backpack of at least 50 liters, or even 60 liters. This will allow you to transport all of your belongings, provided that the equipment is sufficiently compact. Most hiking or trekking bags offer accessories for attaching equipment around the bag.
• For complete camping equipment : If you are going with everything you need for camping or bivouac, such as stove, gas cartridge and various utensils, bags of 70 to 80 liters and more are appropriate. These volumes are suitable for independent adventurers who want to manage all aspects of their expeditions.

Consider your body shape

When choosing the size of your backpack, consideration of your body shape and physical condition is of crucial importance. Your size is a determining factor, because a small or tall person will not opt for the same volume of backpack. It is crucial to avoid a bag that is too large, as this can be uncomfortable to carry, compromising the overall experience.

Your size also plays an essential role. Ideally, the load you carry in your backpack should be between 10 and 15% of your total weight. To ensure safe and suitable wearing, a load of 10% is recommended for children, while a weight of slightly less than 15% is preferable for adults. Athletic people with a larger body mass can tolerate a slightly higher load, but it is recommended not to exceed 20% to ensure optimal comfort and avoid overload.

Other important criteria to consider when choosing your backpack

When choosing your backpack, it is crucial to not only consider the size, but also other equally important features. Waterproofing plays a crucial role, especially if you are planning adventures in the rain or near water. Some models include a waterproof protective cover which ensures the preservation of your personal belongings in the event of adverse weather conditions, such as rain or splashes at sea.

Another key feature is moisture wicking. When you carry your backpack for long periods of time, sweating can become a problem, even in moderate weather. Strategically positioned perforated padding on the back and shoulder straps facilitates ventilation and the evacuation of perspiration, ensuring optimal comfort during your travels.

Finally, don’t neglect the tuning options. For a personalized and comfortable carry, make sure your backpack is equipped with various straps. These elements allow you to adjust the carry and distribute the load evenly across your entire body, thus relieving your shoulders and hips.