How to choose the right size backpack first time!

Choosing the right size backpacking bag is a nightmare. There are so many variables and so many things to think about when buying a backpack. In this backpacking gear video I break down how to choose the right size backpack.

I like Osprey Packs because they have lots of different types of osprey backpacks, lots of size options, they fit me really well and above all, they're comfortable. Be careful though, you still need to make sure you buy the right osprey backpack one for you.

Think about when and where you might go wild camping. How far are you likely to hike? What time of year will you go camping? Will you go wild camping in all weathers? How many days will your backpacking trip be? What backpacking tent are you thinking of buying? What camping sleeping bag will you buy? The answers to these questions will ensure you have enough space for your camping gear, food and clothing.

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Thanks, Andy.

#backpacking #wildcamping #ospreypacks

[wr]

As a beginner I chose a massive backpack and I never regretted it, in fact I only bought a second smaller one 25 years later. The reason is that back in the nineties I didn't do much hiking but I went on trips abroad for weeks by public transport to youth hostels and bed & breakfasts. So I didn't stuff it so much with tent and sleeping back but with clean clothes. And if I did go camping, it was on stationary locations, not walking around, so the sleeping back and mat could be carried at the outside for the first day. The point is that you can't fix it when your backpack is too small, while you're just walking around with extra air if it's too big.

[boxiedog]

Good advice here, but in over 50 years of hiking & camping, I have never ever packed my tent in my rucksack/backpack. I live in Scotland.. it never goes away dry so lives on the outside.

[karlbratby]

when starting out, surely it's best to get the majority of your chosen gear with season usage and weight in mind and when got the majority of the gear, tot up the weight (ISH) then get a backpack to suit, get it home pack it and see how it works, if not big enough or too big then back to the shop to exchange, as long as a good shop they wont have an issue. or that is my ex-military brain thinking. but on the whole two packs one for quick and easy say 35/36 is good for a one night excercise and for multi nights a 55/60L... great video again Andy...

[raytaylor]

I’ve got the Atmos AG 50 & 65, I’m 5ft9 slim/medium build and I have to say I honestly prefer the 50 litre, I’ve managed to fit everything I need in there using all the external fasteners, this includes the Fjallraven Abisko Dome 2, Rab Ascent 900 sleeping bag, Big Agnes rapide SL wide, Jetboil, clothes, food and accessories, just about fits everything in for 1 to 2 nights wild camping, it is tight but much more balanced and gives you the ability to travel further more comfortably, luckily I do have my girlfriend who has the 50 litre too so it makes it a bit easier for us. When I began my journey a year ago my thought process was completely different, get the biggest possible bag lol, now that I tried both I’d rather aim to reduce my load than to fill a 65 litre 😊

[backpackingireland]

Great video Andy . Very good advice. I’ve dialed into my 48L Kestrel. A few tips ! Get a waterproof liner to take sleeping system. I fill every corner of the bag with this way . I never use compression sack . I strap Helm 2 at the top . Vango seat strapped to bottom . Clothes, cookset, food, bits and bobs throughout in hip pack pockets and lid . Poles for tent in side compartment. It’s about 14kg . Compact and easily carried . Less is more for sure 🙌👌🇮🇪

[trevormegson]

Gave up tents a few years ago, but had much fun and wild camping memories for both my children and I. I tend to book cabins at my age now (60). have a 65 ltr and still manage to stuff it to the gills.

[varunreddykamireddy]

I always will want the largest rucksack possible. Because they're pretty good with compression systems. When mostly empty, I compress mine to the tightest possible, and make the footprint smaller. Will always have room for more stuff when needed.

[marksephton]

Really good advice!!!! Very clear explanations with some great insights on the different capacities of the same day is a school day lol!

[tweedyoutdoors]

Thanks that was really helpful! Every time I go for a wild camp I struggle to squeeze everything into a 45L Osprey Levity, particularly in winter as I have a synthetic bag/quilt which is great but a bit bulky. I really should have just gone for the 60L version in the first place and stopped kidding myself that I'm some sort of minimalist ultralight backpacker.

[GeorgeBeck]

All great advice Andy. People tend to start off by carrying a house on their back and soon realize they need to pack lighter. I got the Atmos 65L for multi day hikes (which would have been perfect if you could still remove the top). I also have the Talon 33L for day hikes or overnight in a hut. But going UltraLight with a base weight of 7kg (including tent) for 2 season multi day tramping I think I will get the Exos 48L.

[darkshaman]

Myself prefers a 65l even if not carrying to heavy as there is plenty of room for sleeping bags etc as somethings can be puffy and the longer im out the more I need to carry

[RandomCryptoHodler]

Good advice for people. Some people have big tents and some have ultralite. Some have single person tents and others four. Just so much gear with different sizes.

[sasproductions]

I hope ur good Andy im looking at getting another backpack. I currently have the berghaus Arrow 30L backpack and it's not bad it's been alright but not perfect for me. im after something bigger but I don't want too big that it looks stupid on me being a small guy of 5ft3. when I do one day camping with my 2 big dogs I use the berghaus backpack and the items I put in are (Naturehike cloud up 2 the lighter version 4 season white tent with everything with it in the backpack, blowup naturehike mat, MacBook Pro 16", that fire maple frying pan u reviewed, titanium firebox, anger 27000 power bank, cables, GoPro, marauder mini torch and some other items I could fit in but I struggle to get my north face booties and sleeping bag in and food for me and the dogs so I just use 1 carry a bag for them. I only do one night campings so I don't need to have extra space for say clothes. im not sure if 40L, 45L, 50L is the one to try get for my need. like I said I don't want to so big it looks stupid on me being small lol. any bigger than 50 im guessing is gonna look silly. I also like to hide everything in the bag rather than strapping stuff to it. like I could strap my sleeping bag to my berghaus but I don't because I don't want people to know im camping.

[rogerhudson]

I still have a mid 1970s Camp Trails Astral Cruiser magnesium alloy pack frame with the Royal Marines Arctic Bergen bag, not really heavy and about 40L.

[Thedagda]

I’ve a few backpacks, I chose according to what I’m doing!

[davidjpeacock]

Learning to camp with a tarp instead of a tent is the key! ☺️

[thewanderingforester]

Gear is an absolute minefield, especially for beginners. Probably whatever you buy first will get replaced after a bit of experience and more knowledge of what kind of adventure you enjoy. But good advice in here, sure to be very helpful. ATB, roger

[Crazyoldman]

Kelty fury 35 is a really good day and overnight pack for a budget price.

[jjjow]

Absolutely brilliant video Andy. Really helpful. Thank you. 👍

[merlin]

Timely video for me Andy, I just got the Osprey Exos Pro 55 after seeing your review of the Levity 60, for a lighter set-up in Spring/Summer, also have the Kestrel 68. Will you be doing one that covers best time to buy kit ?