{"id":3409,"date":"2026-09-28T22:03:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T14:03:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/?p=3409"},"modified":"2026-09-28T22:03:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T14:03:25","slug":"how-do-i-choose-the-right-size-of-a-casual-backpack-4a2b-d4d07e","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/2026\/09\/28\/how-do-i-choose-the-right-size-of-a-casual-backpack-4a2b-d4d07e\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I choose the right size of a casual backpack?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hey everyone, if you\u2019ve ever stared at a wall of casual backpacks wondering \u201cwait, is this too big? Or is that one gonna leave my stuff squished by the end of the day?\u201d \u2013 same. As someone who\u2019s been in the casual backpack game for a minute, I\u2019ve lost count of how many customers hit me up saying they grabbed the \u201ccute one\u201d online only to realize it\u2019s way too small for their weekend hike, or way too bulky to stuff under a plane seat. Today I\u2019m breaking down how to pick the right size for you, no confusing charts or jargon \u2013 just real, actionable stuff that works for actual people. Casual Backpacks<\/a><\/p>\n

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First, let\u2019s get one thing straight: \u201csize\u201d isn\u2019t just a number on a tag. I know, I know \u2013 all backpacks have that random little number, like 22L or 35L, but that\u2019s just the total volume, right? What actually matters is how you\u2019re gonna use it. Let\u2019s be real, casual backpacks aren\u2019t 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\u2019s start with your vibe, not the label.<\/p>\n

Wait, let\u2019s talk about the most common mistake people make: sizing for \u201cjust in case\u201d instead of \u201cexact need\u201d. Like, I had a guy order a 40L backpack last month because he thought \u201cit\u2019s always better to have more space\u201d \u2013 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\u2019re 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\u2019t use \u2013 that just adds weight, and trust me, your shoulders will thank you.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s 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\u2019s just the right volume. Here\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019s longer, a too-small one will pull on your shoulders. I can\u2019t tell you how many people skip this step and end up with a backpack that gives them a sore back by lunch \u2013 don\u2019t be that person.<\/p>\n

Next, what are you actually putting in it? Let\u2019s break down common use cases so you don\u2019t guess:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    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 \u2013 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\u2019re just carrying extra space, trust me. I see this all the time \u2013 people buying big commuter backpacks and then only using half the space. It\u2019s like carrying a empty suitcase to work.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Weekend trips (overnight, 1 or 2 nights, a change of clothes, toiletries): That\u2019s usually 30L to 40L. Now, here\u2019s a tip: if you\u2019re flying, check your airline\u2019s carry-on size limit first. A lot of people grab a 35L backpack thinking it\u2019s 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\u2019re using it for travel. If you\u2019re driving to your weekend spot, go with 35L \u2013 that fits 2 t-shirts, a pair of jeans, a toothbrush, and even a portable charger, no problem.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    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\u2019re 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\u2019re bringing a towel, a portable speaker, and snacks, even a 22L is enough \u2013 overpacking here just makes the backpack heavy to carry on sand, trust me.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Wait, let\u2019s 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 \u2013 that way it doesn\u2019t get squished. If you\u2019re bringing bulky stuff like water bottles or a jacket, a slightly wider one might work better, but don\u2019t go so wide that it sticks out when you\u2019re walking. I see this all the time too \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

    Another big one: weight when empty. A lot of people don\u2019t realize that a bigger backpack doesn\u2019t just hold more stuff \u2013 it weighs more when it\u2019s empty. So if you\u2019re 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\u2019s a lot of extra weight you have to carry even when it\u2019s half full. Our casual backpacks are all made with lightweight, durable polyester, so even the 35L only weighs 1.2 pounds empty \u2013 that\u2019s a huge difference. I always tell customers to check the empty weight if they\u2019re choosing between two similar sizes \u2013 that\u2019s a hidden factor that makes or breaks comfort.<\/p>\n

    Wait, let\u2019s do a quick test you can do right now, no measuring tape needed. Grab a backpack you already have and like \u2013 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\u2019s your size range. If it\u2019s 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 \u2013 it saves everyone time, and less returns for both of us.<\/p>\n

    Let\u2019s 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\u2019s just a waste. I had a girl buy one of our extra-large casual backpacks because \u201cit looks cool\u201d and then text me a week later saying it was so big she couldn\u2019t 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\u2019t adjust, so even if the volume is right, it doesn\u2019t fit. All our casual backpacks have adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a chest buckle to keep it snug \u2013 that makes a huge difference in how it feels when you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

    Wait, let\u2019s get personal for a second. I\u2019ve 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\u2019s the perfect size \u2013 not too big, not too small, fits under the bus seat, and my shoulders don\u2019t 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 \u2013 a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, even a portable grill tool kit. But I\u2019d never use that 35L for daily use, because it\u2019s just too much. That\u2019s the key: match the size to what you\u2019re actually doing, not what you think you might need.<\/p>\n

    Is there a one-size-fits-all? Hell no. I have a friend who uses a 15L backpack for everything \u2013 she\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

    Wait, what about if you\u2019re between two sizes? Like, 22L vs 25L. My rule of thumb: if you\u2019re only carrying the essentials, go with the smaller one. If you sometimes have extra stuff, go with the bigger one. If you\u2019re on the fence, pick the one that\u2019s still comfy when it\u2019s full \u2013 don\u2019t stuff it so tight it\u2019s bulging. A good backpack should have a little extra room, but not so much that stuff shifts around inside.<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    Now, let\u2019s cut to the chase. No matter what size you pick, the best casual backpack is the one that works for your life. If you\u2019re 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\u2019t waste money on a backpack that\u2019s too big, too small, or uncomfortable \u2013 let\u2019s talk through it.<\/p>\n

    Casual Backpacks<\/a> REFERENCES<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Outdoor Industry Association. (2022). Backpack Fit and Sizing Guide for Casual and Recreational Use.<\/li>\n
    2. Consumer Reports. (2021). How to Choose a Backpack for Daily Use and Travel.<\/li>\n
    3. American Chiropractic Association. (2020). Best Practices for Backpack Fit and Weight Distribution.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n

      Hebei Dikou Luggage Manufacturing Co., Ltd.<\/a>
      As one of the most professional casual backpacks manufacturers and suppliers in China, we’re featured by quality products and good price. Please rest assured to wholesale bulk casual backpacks in stock here from our factory. We also accept customized orders.
      Address: No.19, Gejiazhuang Village, Xiaozhuzhuang Town, Dingxing County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, China
      E-mail: dikou5288@163.com
      WebSite:       https:\/\/www.dikou-bags.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Hey everyone, if you\u2019ve ever stared at a wall of casual backpacks wondering \u201cwait, is this … How do I choose the right size of a casual backpack?<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":3409,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[3372],"class_list":["post-3409","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry","tag-casual-backpacks-4e75-d5086f"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3409"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3409\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.testigodecine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}