

Budget airlines are stricter and may charge you for the extra weight or force you to check your bag and pay the baggage fees.Īirlines will vary by volume, dimensions, or weight. Weight: Most airlines allow bags up to 22 lbs (10 kg).The international max is 55 x 35 x 20 cm. Linear inches are the sum of the dimensions: length + width + height. You might also see a limit of 45 linear inches. Dimensions: The common 45L volume is usually measured as 22 x 14 x 9 inches.If you want to pack ultralight, anything 35L or under can be carried on virtually any airline. For international or budget airlines, choose a bag under 40L. Volume: A 45L backpack is the maximum-sized carry on allowed on most US airlines.Some airlines also publish weight limits. Preventing airlines from mishandling or losing your bag: Keep it on the plane and in your hands, not theirs.Īirlines’ carry on limits are either defined in volume (liters) or dimensions (inches).

Downsizing your luggage: Packing light can be hard, so self-imposed constraints can be a good thing.Avoiding baggage fees: Save $50 per roundtrip flight.The ideal travel backpack is carry-on-sized for: If you have to check your bag, you’ll pay checked bag fees, wait around at baggage claim, and risk lost or damaged luggage. Keep reading to learn why and how this size can save you money. You can’t-or at least shouldn’t-try to carry a month’s worth of dirty clothes.īetween these two extremes is the sweet spot of backpack sizes. If you’ll be traveling for more than a week or two, you’ll need to do laundry anyway. These bags work well in the outdoors when you will be carrying multiple days’ worth of clothing, food, and camping gear.īut bags larger than 65L are way too big for travel, even on extended trips. Twenty-five liter bags can also be used for short weekend trips if you’re a light packer.Įxtra large bags, 65L and up, are for long hiking trips. They work well when you’re only carrying a few items that you need to keep handy, like a light jacket, a camera, or snack. Small bags, starting around 20L, are best used as daypacks. Most backpacks are between 20 and 85 liters. This article is your quick guide to understanding travel backpack sizes.
