What Size Backpack Do You Really Need?
One of the most common questions we hear at Squatch Survival Gear is simple:
"What size backpack do I need?"
Unfortunately, most people start by looking at colors, pockets, or price tags before they ever think about capacity. The truth is that choosing the wrong size pack can make even the best backpack uncomfortable and frustrating to use.
A backpack that is too small forces you to leave important gear behind. A backpack that is too large encourages you to carry unnecessary weight, which slows you down and wears you out faster.
The right backpack starts with understanding your mission.
For everyday carry, most people do well with a pack in the 15 to 30-liter range. These packs are ideal for carrying laptops, rain gear, water bottles, snacks, first aid supplies, and the everyday items that keep life moving. Whether you're commuting to work, traveling through an airport, or exploring a new city, a compact pack is often all you need. This is where packs like the Night Howler and Rougarou were specifically designed for these needs.
For overnight trips and short adventures, many people find themselves in the 30 to 45-liter range. This size provides enough room for extra clothing, food, shelter, and water without becoming excessively bulky. It strikes a balance between capability and mobility. We designed the Mothman pack for this heavy load; longer hours in the pack mean more padding and a waist belt to manage weight.
When preparing for a traditional 72-hour emergency kit or bug-out bag, most people should consider packs in the 35 to 55-liter range. This capacity allows room for shelter, water treatment, food, medical supplies, spare clothing, navigation tools, and other preparedness essentials. For many people, this is the sweet spot between carrying enough gear and maintaining mobility.
Longer trips often require packs in the 55 to 85-liter range. These larger packs are designed for extended adventures, hunting trips, disaster response operations, and situations where self-sufficiency becomes more important than speed. They allow users to carry larger food loads, cold-weather equipment, and additional water.
One mistake we frequently see is people buying a large backpack simply because they think bigger is better. In reality, the best backpack is the smallest one that comfortably carries everything you actually need. Every extra cubic inch creates an opportunity to add more weight.
During military operations, long-distance hikes, and emergency situations, weight matters. Every pound you carry requires energy. Every unnecessary item slows you down. The goal is not to carry more gear. The goal is to carry the right gear.
Comfort also plays a major role in backpack selection. Capacity is only one piece of the equation. Shoulder straps, frame systems, lumbar support, load lifters, and overall pack design have a tremendous impact on how a backpack feels under load. A well-designed 40-liter pack can often feel more comfortable than a poorly designed 25-liter pack.
At Squatch Survival Gear, our product lineup was built around different missions. The Night Howler works well for lightweight everyday carry and travel. The Mothman provides additional capacity for longer outings and preparedness applications. The Kakamora bridges the gap between mobility and sustainment, while larger packs like the Grassman and Yowie are designed for extended operations where carrying more equipment becomes necessary.
The right backpack size ultimately comes down to your intended use, your physical fitness, your environment, and your experience level. Before buying your next pack, think carefully about what you actually need to carry and how far you need to carry it.
The goal isn't to own the biggest backpack.
The goal is to have the right tool for the job.
Because when conditions get difficult, comfort, mobility, and efficiency matter far more than extra empty space.