Home / Backpack size by trip length / three nights
3 nights · 4 days · 4 brand recommendations
What size backpack for three nights?
For three nights (four days on trail), the brands' guidance runs 35–70 L. Gregory gives 35–50 L or 50–70 L, Gossamer Gear points to its 42, 50 L packs.
- 1Top of range 70 L
- 2Bottom of range 35 L
- 3Trip 3 nights · 4 days
- 4Winter, Gregory +10–15 L
Each brand for three nights
| Brand | What it says | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Gregory | Weekend Trip (1 - 3 Nights) (Zulu & Jade) | 35–50 L |
| Gregory | Multi-Day Hike (3 - 5 Nights) (Paragon & Maven, Stout & Amber) | 50–70 L |
| Gossamer Gear | 2 to 5-day trips | 42 L |
| Gossamer Gear | 3 to 7-day trips | 50 L |
| All brands | no single volume every row shares | 35–70 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 three nights
Gregory's table has two rows that touch three nights: "Weekend Trip (1 - 3 Nights)" at 35–50 L and "Multi-Day Hike (3 - 5 Nights)" at 50–70 L. Gossamer Gear builds lighter packs for hikers with pared-down kit, and its picks for four days (42 and 50 L) sit inside of the span. Its own line: "When your gear is dialed in, 40 to 42 liters is more than enough for multi-day adventures."
In Osprey's trip-length categories this span covers Weekend Packs, Multi-Day Hikes, Extended Treks.
Adjusting the volume
- Winter: Gregory says to plan for an additional 10 to 15 litres, which turns this span into 45–85 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
Two nights reads 35–50 L. Four nights reads 42–70 L.
For three nights 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 · one night · two nights · four nights · five nights · six nights · seven nights · all trips
Guide: pack volume vs base weight · size every category at once