how big of a pack for a days hiking

fguihen

i just bought this 25L pack for day hiking.

http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/deuter_act_trail_24_ltr_hiking_backpack/

i brought it home and i can fit my big jacket into it ( when walking on warm days as i wont be wearing it), my camera and room for a bit of food and other small bits, but after that not much else will go in. should i bring it back for a 30L backpack, or is that overkill for day hiking?

Prenderb

I use a 25l myself, but have a mac-in-a-sac type of rainjacket - maybe that means I have enough space? I also bring 2 water bottles, small first aid kit, couple of sandwiches and usually another layer of the light jumper type. Map and compass and little bits like that go in the front packet. Day hiking for me is typically 4-6 hours though.

fguihen

yea, when i say jacket its a waterproof outer shell with a moderately heavy inner lining. i guess id be wearing one or both items most of the time. so with that big jacket, my camera, a litre of water and a bite to eat, the bag will be full. sounds like it may be big enough tough. il play around with it.

Alun

I have a 25l rucksack too, and find it just about big enough, depending on the time of the year and the weather (i.e. what clothing I have on as opposed to what's in the rucksack). Mind you it does have side pockets which seem to have gone out of fashion for the smaller rucksacks these days, and I don't know if they're included in the 25l or not. If I was to get a new one, I think I'd probably go for something ever so slightly bigger, say 30-35l. Also, a lot of it is developing a packing strategy, something that comes with time especially if you're out every week like myself.

fguihen

decided im gona bring it back for a 30L backpack. 24L is only just enough, and i want a little extra space.

dogmatix

25L to 30L is sufficent for a days hiking, even in winter. If you are doing an overnight then a 35L+ should be considered. I have a Deuter 28L which fulfills all my day hiking needs.

I use a Lowe 35L for bigger jobs and an ancient Jack Wolfskin 60L for trekking holidays.

fguihen

actually, in winter the 25L would be fine, its in warm weather, when i have my jacket in the backpack that all the space is taken up.