How big of a backpack do I need for thru hiking?

How big of a backpack do I need for thru hiking? Packs tend to range from 30L capacity to 70L and beyond. But what size backpack do you need for the Appalachian Trail? When making your considerations, know that packs with a 50L to 65L carrying capacity are the most frequently used by thru-hikers.

Is 60l backpack big enough?

If you buy a 55 liter to 65 liter back from a backpack manufacturer than only counts their closed storage in their volume spec, there's a pretty good chance you can carry all of your backpacking essentials inside your backpack, including a bulkier synthetic insulated sleeping bag and a two-person tent.

How many miles do hikers average on the Appalachian Trail?

16.75 miles per hiking day on average. 2 miles: Shortest hiking day. 28.5 miles: Longest hiking day.

Should you carry a gun on the Appalachian Trail?

In general, ATC discourages the carrying of firearms on the Trail for the reasons noted below. On federal lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), possession of a firearm must be in compliance with the law of the state in which the federal land is located.

How do I reduce my hiking pack weight?

Savings can be achieved both by reducing the size of your pack and also by choosing a pack with lightweight construction (lighter materials, fewer pockets and zippers, etc.). If you're carrying less than 15-20 pounds, consider a frameless backpack, and you'll be able to drop your backpack weight to under two pounds.

What is the average weight of a backpack on the Appalachian Trail?

The average capacity of a pack was 52 liters, with the average base weight starting at 20 pounds and dropping down to 16 by the end of a successful thru hike.

What is the average base weight on the Appalachian Trail?

Base Weight The majority of hikers' base weights at the start of their hikes fell between 15 and 30 pounds, with the median at 20 pounds. The averages between section hikers and thru-hikers were almost the same at around 20 pounds.

Can a hiking backpack be too big?

The answer is: not more than 20% of your body weight, and ideally, it'll be about 10% of your body weight. If you weigh 200 lbs, you'd be fine with carrying 40 lbs for a day hike. If you're 160 lbs, you'd be okay with a ~30 lbs pack.

Is 40 lbs too heavy for backpacking?

Pack Weight for Backpacking and Hiking A loaded backpacking pack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. (If you weigh 150 pounds, your pack should not exceed 30 pounds for backpacking.) A loaded day hiking pack should not weigh more than about 10 percent of your body weight.

Is 70L backpack too big for carry-on?

But, based on my own experience, 70L is too large for a carry-on item with most airlines. If you're looking for the optimal balance between the largest bag possible, and the most airlines it would be allowed on, I find that 35L (53x35x20-cm) is allowed on 155 of the 175 airlines I could find data for.

Is 40L backpack enough for 3 days?

2-3 Day Packs: 35-50 liters A weekend backpack like a standard 40L backpack is big enough to carry a backpacking sleeping bag, small tent, and pad, as well as extra clothing and layers.

How do I choose a backpack for a day hike?

Daypacks for Hiking HIKING DAYPACKS should have padded shoulder straps as well as a sternum strap that reaches across the chest to stabilize the pack. Recommended size depends on what you carry. Typically 2000 cubic inches (~33 L) suffices for most day hikes.

Is 70L enough for 2 weeks?

Trips of 5 days or more usually call for packs of 70 liters or more. These are also usually the preferred choice for winter treks lasting more than 1 night. (Larger packs can more comfortably accommodate extra clothing, a warmer sleeping bag and a 4-season tent, which typically includes extra poles.)

Is 70L backpack too big for backpacking?

The sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle: a backpack between 40-70L is fine for a long-term trip – the trick is not to stuff it full.

Is a 40L backpack too big for a day hike?

A 40L backpack sits in the sweet spot between lightweight daysacks and heavy-duty 80L rucksacks. They're extremely flexible – working for average day hikes and overnight wilderness camping. They also give you the extra room needed for climbing gear or winter hikes.

Is a 50L backpack big enough for Travelling?

With backpacks this size, it is essential that they fit you properly. TRAVEL: A 50L+ backpack is a great friend to those travelling for a few weeks.