How large should the pack be? Which fit suits your back? We take you through everything you need to know about volume, fit and features – so you find the right daypack for both short and long trips.
A good rucksack can make the difference between a comfortable day out and an aching back. But what is actually the difference between a 20-litre and a 35-litre pack? Which fit suits your body? And when do you need a hip belt and chest strap? In this guide we take you through everything you need to consider before buying a daypack – so you find the right pack for your trips.
What is a daypack?
A daypack is a rucksack designed for trips lasting from a few hours to a full day, without an overnight stay. It should be roomy enough to hold everything you need for a day out – food, drink, extra clothing, first aid and small items of kit – but no larger than necessary to remain light and comfortable to carry.
Daypacks normally have a volume of between 15 and 35 litres, and a simpler construction than larger expedition and multi-day packs. That does not mean they are basic – modern daypacks pack a great deal of clever functionality into a light and compact design.
Volume – how large a pack do you need?
A pack's volume is measured in litres (L) and describes how much it can hold. The right volume depends on how long your trip is and what you are taking with you.
15–20 litres: Short trips and everyday use Suitable for city trips, running, cycling, short nature walks or trips where you only need a drink, a jacket and a little food. Light and nimble, but limited space.
20–25 litres: Standard day hike The sweet spot for most day trips. Roomy enough for a drink, packed lunch, extra fleece or jacket, first aid, map and small items of kit. The recommended size for most people heading out locally or into the mountains.
25–35 litres: Long day hikes and demanding trips For longer day hikes in the mountains, winter trips or trips where you are carrying extra kit such as a climbing harness, crampons, a camera or more food. Also a good choice if you are hiking with children and need to carry their things.
35+ litres: Overnight trips At this point we are no longer talking about a daypack. If you are staying overnight, you need a larger pack – typically 40–65 litres for a hut trip and 65+ litres for a tent trip.
Tip: It is better to have a pack that is slightly too large than one that is too small. A half-full pack is easier to carry than an overstuffed one, and you will have room for extra layers if the weather changes.
Fit – the most important choice
Fit is even more important than volume. A pack that does not suit your body will feel heavy and uncomfortable no matter how good it is in every other respect. Packs are often sized by back length – not body height.
How to measure your back length:
- Tilt your head forward and find the topmost protruding vertebra (C7).
- Place your hands on your hip bones (the top of the iliac crest).
- Draw an imaginary horizontal line between your thumbs pointing backwards.
- Measure the distance between C7 and this line along the spine.
Typical back lengths:
- S/Short: 38–43 cm
- M/Regular: 43–48 cm
- L/Long: 48–53 cm
Many modern packs have an adjustable back system that allows you to tailor the pack to your back length. Osprey in particular has excellent systems such as AirScape and AntiGravity – which provide both good ventilation and stability even under a heavy load.
Women's and men's specific packs
Women's packs typically have:
- A shorter back length
- Narrower shoulder straps
- A different angle on the hip belt to suit a woman's hip width
- S-shaped shoulder straps that sit clear of the chest
If you use a pack that is not designed for your body type, you may experience chafing and poor weight distribution.
The back system – what is the difference?
The back system is what sits against your back and determines both comfort and ventilation.
Close-contact back system (foamed back) Foam padding that sits directly against your back. Provides the best load transfer and control, but can make your back sweaty on warm days. Best for heavy loads and demanding trips.
Ventilated back system (mesh/trampoline) A mesh panel tensioned between the pack and your back, allowing air to circulate. Much cooler against the back, but can feel slightly less stable with heavy loads. Best for summer trips and light loads.
Hybrid system Combines ventilation with good load transfer. A sound middle ground for many people.
For a North Norwegian summer a ventilated back system is often recommended, as temperatures vary and you can work up a sweat quickly even on relatively cool days.
Straps and belts – why they matter
A good daypack has several adjustment points so that the weight is distributed as evenly as possible.
Shoulder straps Should be padded, adjustable and shaped to follow your shoulders. Check that they do not chafe against your neck or underarms.
Hip belt Even on daypacks a hip belt matters – it typically transfers 60–80 % of the weight from your shoulders to your hips. On packs under 20 litres the hip belt is often just a thin strap, but on packs of 25 litres and above it should be padded and wide.
Chest strap Keeps the shoulder straps in place and prevents them from sliding outwards. Should be adjustable in height.
Side and top compression straps Used to cinch the pack down so that the load sits close to your back. Very important for comfort – a loose load that swings back and forth puts strain on your back.
Features and details to look for
Beyond fit and volume, there are several details that distinguish a good daypack from a mediocre one:
Pockets and compartments
- Lid pocket: For small items you need frequently (phone, wallet, keys)
- Hip belt pockets: Easy access to snacks, a map or your phone while you walk
- Side pockets for water bottles: Ideally elasticated so the bottle sits securely
- Main compartment with top opening: Standard and practical
- U-shaped or side opening: Lets you access the contents without emptying the whole pack
- Hidden pocket on the back panel: For valuables
Hydration system Most modern daypacks have space for a hydration bladder (Camelbak, Source or similar) of 1.5–3 litres, with a port for the drinking tube. Convenient for long trips when you want to drink without stopping.
Rain cover Many rucksacks have a built-in rain cover stored in a dedicated pocket. Handy for northern Norwegian summers where rain can arrive without warning. If your rucksack does not include one, you can buy a rain cover separately.
Attachment points
- Trekking pole attachment: For trekking poles or ice axes
- Side straps: For securing a sleeping mat, climbing gear or a jacket
- Daisy chain: A row of loops for attaching extra equipment
Material and water resistance
Most day rucksacks are made from polyester or nylon with a water-repellent treatment – but they are not waterproof. If you expect heavy rain, you will need a rain cover as well, or pack valuables inside a waterproof bag within the rucksack.
Weight – how much should a rucksack weigh?
An empty day rucksack normally weighs between 500 and 1,500 grams, depending on size and features. Ultralight models can weigh as little as 300 grams, but often sacrifice comfort and durability.
Rule of thumb: a fully packed rucksack should not weigh more than 10% of your body weight. For a person weighing 80 kg, that means a maximum total weight of 8 kg – rucksack included.
How to fit your rucksack correctly
A rucksack that does not fit properly will feel heavy and uncomfortable no matter how good it is. Here is how to adjust it step by step:
1. Loosen all straps first. Shoulder straps, chest strap and hip belt.
2. Position the hip belt. It should sit on the hip bone – not on the waist and not on the thighs. Tighten it until it sits firmly, but not too tight.
3. Tighten the shoulder straps moderately. Your shoulders should be gently pressed down, but not pulled upwards.
4. Fasten the chest strap. Position it approximately 5 cm below the collarbone. Tighten it until the shoulder straps are held in place.
5. Adjust the load lifter straps. These run from the top of the rucksack to the shoulder straps. They should form an angle of approximately 45 degrees.
6. Fine-tune. You should be able to swing your arms freely, the hip belt should carry most of the weight, and the rucksack should not sway back and forth.
Common mistakes when buying a day rucksack
Mistake 1: Choosing too large a rucksack A "safety margin" sounds sensible, but a rucksack that is too large tends to be overfilled and packed poorly. Choose the right size for most of your intended use.
Mistake 2: Ignoring fit Many people choose a rucksack based on design and price and forget to check whether it suits their body. A cheap rucksack that fits well is better than an expensive one that does not.
Mistake 3: Skipping the hip belt Even on smaller rucksacks, the hip belt dramatically reduces the load on your shoulders. Use it – even when the rucksack is light.
Mistake 4: Packing heavy items at the bottom Heavy items should be packed in the middle of the rucksack, close to your back. Light items go at the bottom and the top. This keeps the load balanced and easier to carry.
Mistake 5: Forgetting a rain cover Norwegian summers are wet. A rain cover is not optional – it is essential. Save yourself from a soaking wet jacket in your rucksack and buy one straight away.
How to choose the right day rucksack – a brief summary
Ask yourself before you buy:
- What trips will the rucksack be used for? Short trips in town, day hikes in the mountains, long marches or a mix?
- How much gear do you normally carry? Just food and drink, or plenty of extra clothing and equipment?
- What is your back length? Measure to choose the correct size.
- Do you need ventilation or stability? Depends on temperature and load.
- Which features matter to you? Hydration system, rain cover, multiple pockets or a minimalist design?
Where can you buy a hiking rucksack in Tromsø?
At Jobb og Fritid we stock rucksacks from Osprey (our largest range), Fjällräven, Norrøna, Arc'teryx and Klättermusen. We are a proud Osprey retailer – known for unrivalled comfort, long lifespan and a lifetime guarantee on all rucksacks.
- Jobb og Fritid Jekta (Karlsøyvegen 10) — widest selection and plenty of space to walk around with a loaded rucksack. Open until 21:00 on weekdays.
- Jobb og Fritid Veita (Storgata 102, city centre) — selected models in the heart of town.
The full range is available at jobbogfritid.no – free delivery on orders over 899 kr, and you can collect in store the same day the item is in stock.
