Home / Backpack size by trip length / one night
1 night · 2 days · 6 brand recommendations
What size backpack for one night?
For one night (two days on trail), the brands' guidance runs 35–50 L. Gregory gives 35–50 L, Gossamer Gear points to its 36, 38, 42 L packs, and Osprey to 35–40 L.
- 1Top of range 50 L
- 2Bottom of range 35 L
- 3Trip 1 night · 2 days
- 4Winter, Gregory +10–15 L
Each brand for one night
| Brand | What it says | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Osprey | a 35-40 L pack suits a single overnight stay | 35–40 L |
| Gregory | Weekend Trip (1 - 3 Nights) (Zulu & Jade) | 35–50 L |
| Gossamer Gear | Ultralight overnights; ultralight kit only | 28 L |
| Gossamer Gear | 1 to 3-day trips | 36 L |
| Gossamer Gear | Overnights | 38 L |
| Gossamer Gear | 2 to 5-day trips | 42 L |
| All brands | no single volume every row shares | 35–50 L |
Guidance: Osprey backpack size guide; How to choose the perfect hiking backpack; What size backpack do I need for backpacking? (11 Mar 2026). Last checked 2026-10-20.
Why the brands differ for one night
Gregory's "Weekend Trip (1 - 3 Nights)" row gives 35–50 L and says it fits sleeping bag, compact tent, stove, food. Gossamer Gear builds lighter packs for hikers with pared-down kit, and its picks for two days (36 and 38 and 42 L) sit at the low end of the span. Its own line: "When your gear is dialed in, 40 to 42 liters is more than enough for multi-day adventures."
Osprey's guide says a 35-40 L pack suits a single overnight stay. In Osprey's trip-length categories this span covers Weekend Packs, Multi-Day Hikes. For an ultralight overnight Gossamer Gear goes as small as 28 L, below the standard span.
Adjusting the volume
- Winter: Gregory says to plan for an additional 10 to 15 litres, which turns this span into 45–65 L.
- Base weight: Gossamer Gear's question is "Is my base weight under 15 pounds or closer to 25?" A lighter, compact kit sits at the bottom of the range; bulky sleeping bags and tents at the top.
- Food and water: longer food carries, a bear canister or long dry stretches all push toward the top, per Gossamer Gear.
- Fit: Osprey: "The pack's back length should match your torso length rather than your height." Gregory: "Ideally, about 70% of the weight should rest on your hips, with the remaining 30% supported by your shoulders."
Shorter and longer trips
A day hike reads 15–36 L. Two nights reads 35–50 L.
For one night these are the brands' published starting points; how you pack decides where you land. See the methodology for how nights and days are matched.
Other gear
- Ski size by height
- Snowboard size by weight
- Kayak size by weight
- Paddleboard size by weight
- Bike size by height
Other trip lengths
a day hike · two nights · three nights · four nights · five nights · six nights · seven nights · all trips
Guide: pack volume vs base weight · size every category at once