50 L Backpacks

A 50-litre rucksack is the first size that can carry a sleeping bag, a mattress, and cooking supplies for several days. At this volume, the load is no longer carried on the shoulders but on the hips, and the belt becomes the key element for comfort. It is the standard size for trekking in huts or lodges.

The 50-litre rucksack, the threshold for multi-day trekking

The jump from the previous size is not just about volume. A 50-litre hiking rucksack provides a frame, a low access to the sleeping bag compartment, and external attachments for the mattress or tent. These features add weight, but they are what make the load manageable over several hours of walking. Osprey, VAUDE and Dakine are the go-to brands for this size.

Adjustable belt and back on a 50-litre rucksack

Two adjustments determine comfort. The back length is measured from the seventh cervical vertebra to the small of the back, and many models allow it to be adjusted on a rail. The belt should rest on the iliac crest and never on the stomach. A well-fitted 50-litre rucksack allows a finger to slide under the strap without putting weight on the shoulder.

Packing a 50-litre rucksack without injuring yourself

The order of packing is as important as the adjustments.

• Put the sleeping bag and night clothes at the bottom, they act as a base and shouldn't be taken out on the go.
• Heavy items, water, and food should be pressed against the back at shoulder blade level.
• Light and bulky items should go on the outside and on top.
• Rain jacket, map, and first aid kit in easily accessible pockets.

A 50-litre rucksack packed high and far from the back tips backward and puts strain on the lower back. We do not specify a maximum recommended weight, as it depends on each person's build and fitness level.