Do you know which is the best backpack for you?
Of course, the one which fits you the best and can carry all your essentials.
But wait, do you know how to measure a backpack?
Afterall, the capacity of the backpack is going to decide whether the backpack is suitable for you or not.
You know, many people face this problem when they are looking for a backpack. They do not understand the backpack dimensions and measurement.
So, if you want to avoid this, then you should understand the methods of measuring a backpack.
This will help you to know the exact size of the backpack. So, let’s get started…
Quick Over View
What Are The Methods Of Measuring a Backpack?
No matter which type of backpack you are going to choose, a daypack, regular backpack, travel backpack or any other backpack.
There will be two methods of measuring the backpack, measuring volume and measuring the dimension of the backpack.
Both of these can provide you useful insights which will help you to understand what it can be used for.
Sounds Good!
Let’s Discuss about them in detail.
Measuring the Volume:
You must have seen 45L,30L or 20L in the description of the backpack.
But what is it?
This is the capacity of the backpack. These terms are used while measuring the volume/capacity.
Volume is a total three-dimensional space which can be filled in a backpack.
Suppose, a person is filling the backpack with water.
Then the volume of the water required to fill the whole backpack is the volume of the backpack.
Volume of water required = Volume of Backpack
The manufacturers of the backpack sum up the volume of each compartment to get an overall volume of the backpack.
They may also include the exterior pockets such as the water bottle holder and mesh.
This method can help you to get a more accurate volume.
But, if you want to measure the volume of the backpack at home then you can use the easiest way of calculating the volume of a backpack.
That is, you need to measure the dimension (Length, Width and Height) of the backpack.
Then multiple each of them together (Length*Width*Height).
This will give you a rough estimate of the volume of the backpack.
The dimensions are first measured in cubic inches and later converted into liters.
However, the volume of the backpack differs according to the need and usage of the backpack.
Measuring the Actual Dimensions:
Measuring the Dimensions of the backpack is the easiest way to get an overview of the backpack’s capacity.
You may need a ruler or measuring tape for this.
After finding the perfect measuring tool for yourself you need to measure the exterior dimensions, that are length, height, and weight.
If you want to go one step farther, then you can measure the interior of the backpack.
This will help you to get an idea about what can fit in the backpack perfectly and what is going to be too large.
However, this may not give you the perfect capacity of the backpack, just a closet.
This is why I will advise you to use this method to measure the size of the backpack only.
Backpack Dimensions Explained:
As I mentioned earlier that different backpack sizes have different capacity and volume.
This is why I should explain to you the backpack dimensions and their capacity.
So that you can choose the best product for yourself.
| Backpack Volume/Capacity | Backpack Dimensions (inches) (H*L*W) |
| 8 Liter Backpack | 17*8*5 |
| 20 Liter Backpack | 17*11*9 |
| 30 Liter Backpack | 21*13.5*9 |
| 40 Liter Backpack | 21*14*9 |
| 50 Liter Backpack | 29*13*10 |
| 70 Liter Backpack | 30*18.5*13 |
How To Measure A Backpack?
Till now, you must have got an idea of how to measure a backpack capacity and how to measure backpack size.
Now, let’s see how you can measure a backpack at home.
So, to measure a backpack you can follow the below mentioned methods.
First, you can measure the dimension of the backpack and divide it by 1000 to convert volume in litres or leave it in cubic centimetres.
You can also measure the dimension of the interior of a backpack to understand the capacity of the backpack properly.
Secondly, you can measure each compartment separately and then sum them together to find the final and total volume of the backpack.
So, this is how to measure a backpack at home.
Measuring each compartment separately can be a tough job and this is why most manufacturers do not do it.
So, the volume that you see in the description of the backpack is precise volume.
You can check the customer’s review to get a full idea about the real capacity of the backpack.
But wait, you may be thinking why I am saying litres again and again.
So, let me tell you that there is a reason behind it which I will tell you in next heading.
So keep reading…
How To Measure Backpack Size In Litres?
The capacity of the backpack is measured in litres and ounces.
But why?
You may know that not every measurement unit is universally accepted.
Also, the cubic centimetres is not a standard unit of measuring volume. This is why the volume is converted into litres.
To determine the capacity of the backpack, the manufacturers use a basic formula which is directly proportional to the length, width and height of the backpack.
In this formula, the dimensions of the backpack are measured and then they are multiplied together and divided by thousands.
The formula can be written as:
Length*Width*Depth/1000
This helps them to get the volume of the backpack in litres.
This is how you can measure the capacity of the backpack easily.
How To Measure For A Hiking Backpack?
You can measure the capacity of a hiking backpack using any of the methods mentioned above.
But if you want to measure yourself for a hiking backpack then you should focus on measuring the torso and hip measurements.
This will help you a lot to get the right hiking backpack for yourself.
If you do not know how to measure torso for a backpack, then do not worry I am going to tell you how to do it easily.
So, keep reading and enjoy the article.
Also Read: How To Attach Sleeping Bag To Backpack
How To Measure Your Torso For A Backpack?
Measuring a torso is an easy thing, but you may need a friend for it.
To measure your torso for a backpack, you need to follow the below mentioned steps:
- First, you need to tilt your head forward and try to feel the bony bump at your back. This is the area where your shoulder meets your neck.
- Now, move your hand on each side of the body down the rib cage to the top of the hips.
- Make sure your index finger is pointing forward and your thumb pointing back.
- Draw an imaginary line between your thumbs.
- The place on your lumbar is the bottom for your torso measurement.
- Now, ask your friend to measure the distance between the bony bump (C7) to the imaginary line.
This is the measurement of your torso length. So, I hope that you have understood How To Measure Your Torso For A Backpack.
Tip On How To Adjust a Backpack?
- Fully Adjustable Backpack: Your backpack should be fully adjustable which will help you to adjust it as per your wish.
- Adjustable Suspensions: Maybe, if your backpack is not fully adjustable then in that case you should find adjustable suspension, these suspensions can really help you a lot.
- Adjust Hips and Shoulder Straps: Now, if you are able to adjust your backpack then now you should adjust the hips and shoulder straps of the backpack which will keep you comfortable.
Frequently Asked Question:
What Are The Dimensions Of A Backpack?
The dimensions of the backpack simply means the length, height and the width of the backpack.
The dimensions of the backpack is directly based on its capacity to hold the items.
If the backpack has a capacity of 45 Liter then it can hold a good number of stuff as compared to 20 Liter backpack.
You should check out the Backpack Dimensions Explained section to understand this better.
How Big Is a Standard Backpack?
A standard backpack that you should have must be at least 20L to 30L in capacity.
If you want a backpack for short trips or daily use then you should look at a 20 Liter backpack as one of the best options for yourself.
Is 65l Backpack Too Big?
Yes, a 65 Liter backpack is too big. I will advise you to use this much big backpack only if you are going on too long a trip or hike.
Also you should try to pack the things or items in the backpack in such a way so that you do not feel much pain after a long walk.
Conclusion:
There are two ways in which you can measure a backpack.
Both of them will give you a good idea of the capacity of the backpack.
So now, you have understood “how to measure a backpack size and how to measure a backpack”.
We have also discussed the backpack dimensions and we came to know about different capacity backpacks with their dimensions.
Some manufactures measure the dimensions in cubic centimetres while some Other measure in cubic inches. Later, both of them are converted into litres o get a standard unit.
If you have any doubt related to this article then please do comment.
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