Hey everyone, if you’ve ever stared at a wall of casual backpacks wondering “wait, is this too big? Or is that one gonna leave my stuff squished by the end of the day?” – same. As someone who’s been in the casual backpack game for a minute, I’ve lost count of how many customers hit me up saying they grabbed the “cute one” online only to realize it’s way too small for their weekend hike, or way too bulky to stuff under a plane seat. Today I’m breaking down how to pick the right size for you, no confusing charts or jargon – just real, actionable stuff that works for actual people. Casual Backpacks
First, let’s get one thing straight: “size” isn’t just a number on a tag. I know, I know – all backpacks have that random little number, like 22L or 35L, but that’s just the total volume, right? What actually matters is how you’re gonna use it. Let’s be real, casual backpacks aren’t just for back-to-school. Some folks use them for coffee runs with their laptop, others for 3-day camping trips, some just for hauling snacks and extra clothes to a music festival. So let’s start with your vibe, not the label.
Wait, let’s talk about the most common mistake people make: sizing for “just in case” instead of “exact need”. Like, I had a guy order a 40L backpack last month because he thought “it’s always better to have more space” – but he ended up returning it 3 days later because it was so big it kept slipping off his shoulder when he walked to work. He only needed a 22L for his 13-inch laptop, a notebook, and a water bottle. Lesson number one: if you’re using it for daily commutes or errands, go as small as you can that still fits your essentials. No need to carry extra space you don’t use – that just adds weight, and trust me, your shoulders will thank you.
Now, let’s get to the actual measurements that matter, not just the liters. First, measure your torso length. Wait, I know that sounds like something a personal trainer would yell at you for, but hear me out. A backpack that fits your torso is way more comfy than one that’s just the right volume. Here’s how to do it fast: stand up straight, put your hands on your hips, and the bone that sticks out at the base of your neck (that’s your C7 vertebra) to the top of your hip bone. That number is your torso length. Most casual backpacks are made for torso lengths between 16 and 20 inches, but some adjustable ones work for more. If your torso is shorter than that, a too-big backpack will ride up and hit your neck. If it’s longer, a too-small one will pull on your shoulders. I can’t tell you how many people skip this step and end up with a backpack that gives them a sore back by lunch – don’t be that person.
Next, what are you actually putting in it? Let’s break down common use cases so you don’t guess:
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Daily commutes (laptop, notebook, phone charger, water bottle): This is usually the 18L to 25L range. I recommend 20L if you just need the basics – my go-to is our daily casual backpack that fits a 15-inch laptop, a pack of gum, and that extra face mask I always forget I need. If you sometimes throw in a workout outfit or a pair of shoes, bump up to 25L. Any bigger than that for daily use, and you’re just carrying extra space, trust me. I see this all the time – people buying big commuter backpacks and then only using half the space. It’s like carrying a empty suitcase to work.
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Weekend trips (overnight, 1 or 2 nights, a change of clothes, toiletries): That’s usually 30L to 40L. Now, here’s a tip: if you’re flying, check your airline’s carry-on size limit first. A lot of people grab a 35L backpack thinking it’s carry-on, but some airlines only allow 22L for personal items, 40L for carry-on. I had a girl panic last year because she showed up to the airport with her 38L backpack and had to pay $150 to check it. So always confirm before you buy if you’re using it for travel. If you’re driving to your weekend spot, go with 35L – that fits 2 t-shirts, a pair of jeans, a toothbrush, and even a portable charger, no problem.
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Outdoor casual stuff (hikes, beach days, music festivals): This is a wildcard, but usually 25L to 35L. For a day hike where you just need water, snacks, and a jacket, 25L is perfect. If you’re going to a festival and want to throw in a change of clothes, a blanket, and extra sunscreen, 30L works. For a beach day where you’re bringing a towel, a portable speaker, and snacks, even a 22L is enough – overpacking here just makes the backpack heavy to carry on sand, trust me.
Wait, let’s talk about things most people forget: the shape of the backpack. Not all 25L backpacks are the same. A slim, vertical 25L is way different than a wide, boxy 25L. If you have a laptop, you want a vertical one with a padded laptop compartment – that way it doesn’t get squished. If you’re bringing bulky stuff like water bottles or a jacket, a slightly wider one might work better, but don’t go so wide that it sticks out when you’re walking. I see this all the time too – people buy a super wide backpack that hits the doors in elevators or gets in the way when they sit at a cafe. So shape is almost as important as volume.
Another big one: weight when empty. A lot of people don’t realize that a bigger backpack doesn’t just hold more stuff – it weighs more when it’s empty. So if you’re picking a 35L vs a 25L, check how much the empty bag weighs. If the 35L is made of cheap fabric and weighs 2 pounds empty, that’s a lot of extra weight you have to carry even when it’s half full. Our casual backpacks are all made with lightweight, durable polyester, so even the 35L only weighs 1.2 pounds empty – that’s a huge difference. I always tell customers to check the empty weight if they’re choosing between two similar sizes – that’s a hidden factor that makes or breaks comfort.
Wait, let’s do a quick test you can do right now, no measuring tape needed. Grab a backpack you already have and like – pull it out, lay it flat, and see how it compares to what you need. For example, if your favorite old backpack fits your laptop and your water bottle, that’s your size range. If it’s too small for a weekend trip, you know you need to go up a liter or two. This is way easier than scrolling through product descriptions and getting confused. I actually tell all my first-time customers to do this before they order – it saves everyone time, and less returns for both of us.
Let’s also talk about common mistakes I see as a supplier. First, people sizing for current trends. Right now, super oversized backpacks are everywhere on TikTok, but unless you actually use all that space, it’s just a waste. I had a girl buy one of our extra-large casual backpacks because “it looks cool” and then text me a week later saying it was so big she couldn’t find her phone in the bottom. Trendy is great, but functional is way better for everyday use. Second, ignoring shoulder strap adjustment. A lot of cheap backpacks have fixed straps that don’t adjust, so even if the volume is right, it doesn’t fit. All our casual backpacks have adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a chest buckle to keep it snug – that makes a huge difference in how it feels when you’re walking or moving around. Third, not accounting for bulk. If you carry a big laptop, like a 17-inch, you need a backpack with a larger laptop compartment, not just a higher liter count. A 25L backpack with a 17-inch slot is way better than a 30L backpack with a 15-inch slot.
Wait, let’s get personal for a second. I’ve been using our 22L daily backpack for over a year now. I commute 45 minutes to work every day, carry my 13-inch laptop, a notebook, a water bottle, and a small pouch with my keys and headphones. It’s the perfect size – not too big, not too small, fits under the bus seat, and my shoulders don’t hurt at the end of the day. Last month I bought a 35L for a weekend trip to the lake, and it held everything I needed – a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, even a portable grill tool kit. But I’d never use that 35L for daily use, because it’s just too much. That’s the key: match the size to what you’re actually doing, not what you think you might need.
Is there a one-size-fits-all? Hell no. I have a friend who uses a 15L backpack for everything – she’s a student, just needs her laptop and a snack. My dad uses a 40L for his work trips, since he carries a big laptop, his tablet, and a change of clothes. My niece uses a 20L for middle school, fits her books and a lunchbox. So all these sizes work, it just depends on you.
Wait, what about if you’re between two sizes? Like, 22L vs 25L. My rule of thumb: if you’re only carrying the essentials, go with the smaller one. If you sometimes have extra stuff, go with the bigger one. If you’re on the fence, pick the one that’s still comfy when it’s full – don’t stuff it so tight it’s bulging. A good backpack should have a little extra room, but not so much that stuff shifts around inside.
Now, let’s cut to the chase. No matter what size you pick, the best casual backpack is the one that works for your life. If you’re still confused, or you just want to chat about what size would fit your routine, hit me up to discuss your specific needs and find the perfect fit for you. We make casual backpacks for all kinds of uses, from daily commutes to weekend trips, so we can help you narrow it down. Don’t waste money on a backpack that’s too big, too small, or uncomfortable – let’s talk through it.
Casual Backpacks REFERENCES
- Outdoor Industry Association. (2022). Backpack Fit and Sizing Guide for Casual and Recreational Use.
- Consumer Reports. (2021). How to Choose a Backpack for Daily Use and Travel.
- American Chiropractic Association. (2020). Best Practices for Backpack Fit and Weight Distribution.
Hebei Dikou Luggage Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
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