How to Choose The Best Backpack Size For You.

[@PaulMessner]

4 season tent up for grabs here www.messner.co.uk/ good luck 🤞🏻

[@GrahamOutdoors84]

I use a 65l for tent wild camping and a 35l for bivvy bag/Hooped bivvy wild camping,You cut your kit down the more wild camps/Stealth camps you do,Great video Paul keep up the good work!💯👍🏻

[@BRFCBlueWhiteArmy]

Ive found taking a wheelie bin on hike fits everything in.

[@TylerJohnson-th9mi]

I love you took the comment and made a video just for your audience. Keep it up sir!

[@PaulMessner]

I appreciate that. I replied to the individual comment but this way I can help out a lot more people.

[@josephpmcl1241]

That is a very very very clever solution, well done for thinking outside the box, or outside the bin!

[@Jonathan_Corwin]

Excellent, I don't need to buy a backpack - I'm just going to fit some shoulder straps to the kitchen bin :)

[@tammydennison1025]

New camper here in the USA. This tip about finding the right size of backpack you will need is brilliant!

[@PaulMessner]

Glad it helped 👍🏻

[@spacekat8249]

As a 58 beginner, it's one of the most helpfull video I ever seen; thank you!

[@dansea30]

I really struggle loading my pack as a novice so this video super helpful thanks Paul!

[@tequeena]

Cheers Paul. Some good advise and a laugh or 2 along the way 👍🤣

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

Love how you did this size test!! I used to day hike with a 65L, training for when i started backpacking. Now I've taken my 105L on every backpacking trip ive done 😂😂

[@Silverwidows]

"Basically your backpack is just a bin" - Paul Messner 2024

[@INSOLESandLACES]

Good sound advice Paul. Comfort is king so try to get the best you can afford and in the long term it may save you money.

[@steveparkinson8887]

After 20 yrs still learnt something new, cheers. 🤔

[@mikedeman5351]

Great video. Very useful. In packing my rucksack, I always secure the tent on the outside. I find that, more often than not, my tent is wet or at least damp when I'm packing it away and I don't want it inside my rucksack where it will make my sleeping bag or clothing wet. Especially if camping in Spring or Autumn in the UK. I've sewn small loops on the tent bag so that I can tread the straps from the rucksack through them and in that way the tent is properly secured and can't get lost. My preferred rucksack has an external frame which allows the tent to be strapped underneath the rucksack.

[@daviemaclean61]

Good advice. A few years ago I bought a, far too big as it turns out, framed pack and ended up carrying stuff up hill and down dale that never left the bag. I now have a more suitable bag and an army surplus bread bag when all I need is my water bottle and waterproofs. Cheers

[@MrEvilWasp]

One thing I would add is to buy a bottle holder for the shoulder straps so you can easily reach a drink.

[@alpinaCD]

Thanks Paul. Really helpful.

[@neemancallender9092]

Packing Low density bottom of pack (sleeping bag mat liner High density heavy in middle of pack close to your back (food and stove) Immediate needs top of pack (first aid, rain gear, lunch) Pad out empty space with clothing

[@MG-bs5mr]

8:24 I thought we were going to get a rendition of The Time Warp there 😂 That's a good tip for bin bags, I'm currently using an old cardboard box and the bin bags thing never occurred to me 🤦

[@PaulMessner]

I didn’t realise at the time but when I watched it back I burst into song 😂

[@MG-bs5mr]

@PaulMessner 😂👍

[@markoruotsalainen5480]

I use a 34 +6 liter for weekend. Ultralight warm gear and works great

[@fp8608]

You once showed what could fit into a 33-liter Talon backpack, which inspired me to get one for my tent and other gear. The stated capacities from manufacturers aren’t always accurate, but the Osprey did not disappoint. I also recommend removing as much packaging as possible and using bags instead to organize your items.

[@PaulMessner]

The Osprey Packs are brilliant. Very comfortable lightweight and packed with features. I still have the talon 33 and use it regularly.

[@fp8608]

@ Sure, it weighs under 1100 grams and has lots of features. The long straps are a bit of a downside, but it’s not a big deal. It fits me very well.

[@samhill3496]

Paul really good informative vid. I just throw a pack on and go. Now I know how to measure up for one. I know how to measure the volume needed much as you did but with container boxes. All good thanks.

[@ArthurOfThePond]

I've got a 45 for summer, easily fits my summer gear, but I'm looking to get a 55 or 60 liters for colder seasons, because between my winter sleeping bag and extra layers for both day and night it's a real tight fit in a 45

[@pjhunton]

Very informative! Thanks Paul, I have been camping for years but never put this much thought into my pack!

[@pjhunton]

P.S. Bring back the beard! The tash alone makes you look like youre starring in a 70s P*rn movie "Hello, Im here to fix your backpack!" ;)

[@kevinmcguire6774]

I’d recommend the ‘Sierra Designs 40>60ltr Flex Capacitor!’

[@OnlyVansGuru]

What a cracking idea Paul, so obvious once you know it. Thanks

[@PaulMessner]

Cheers Martin. Not had chance to watch your new vid yet. Will do it tomorrow 👍🏻

[@ruairidhalexander7631]

You forgot to mention space required for food, could be another 10-20 litres of pack volume if away for a week.

[@chrishomer]

08:26 - I can hear the Macerena beat kicking in

[@PaulMessner]

I heard the time warp 😂

[@chrishomer]

@ ha yes that’s the one

[@Ash12530]

I have 3 different packs for all my camping needs.. 35L for summer, 50L for Spring and Autumn, and a 65L one for my Winter Wild Camps. I always personally strap my tents to the bottom of all my packs, regardless of which season it is, I just find this makes setting up camp and breaking down camp again, last - that much easier! I usually separate the poles though so it can compact down smaller, and only ever carry one separate peg bag with the pack I’ll be using at the time, containing my 20 lightweight, (205g) and pricy stakes… I don’t use a ‘down-filled’ bag so mine must be stuffed and compressed back into their own individual stuff-sacks. As for my pack weights I carry, they generally come in at around (inc food/water for the overnighter) 8kg for the Summer pack, 11kg for Spring/Autumn, and 14kg for the Winter pack. 👍🏻

[@LaidbackAk]

I bought the Sierra Designs Flex Trail 40-60L after watching your review video. Price to weight ratio is very good, and can't beat the flexibility. It's not perfect, but after a couple of mods it's as good as.

[@samwhite7197]

Love the bin trick for pack sizing, really good. I'm a bit further on than that but would have been great for my sister! Did try to gently warn her that a 10l wasn't the right choice for day walking the Northumberland Coastal Trail this autumn but, hey ho, you can only tell them. Keep on keeping on and seeing as we're getting near that time of year - Best Wishes to you and yours!

[@WalkingTours-TV]

Love the content in this channel!! 💜👍😍💗 Keep up with the great work 😊😍 🙋 Greetings from Istanbul - Turkey 🇹🇷 💛🤗🙋

[@Atamanxxxvii]

I bought the Exos 55 Pro, which I used in the Dolomites earlier this year. I was worried it would be a squeeze for my kit, but I took a little too much and still had tons of room to spare. If it had better Ice Axe holders I would probably make it my only bag for everything beyond day trips.

[@bugoutbrad8395]

Very good advice Paul. It's so important, to have a good fit pack. Ya I have to many packs. But here in the Canadar's. Bigger is better. It can be cold here. Even in the summer. But what can you do. O. Thank you very much. For the Badge ❤ mate I really appreciate it. I'll do a video one day. With all my military packs. You will get a laugh. Cheers 🍻 mate

[@WarrenKimpel]

another nice video THANKS

[@jeffprice2210]

Thank you

[@crazyblindguy]

Very amazing video well done and keep up the great work

[@matty741]

Love this. I personally have decided to use my old Bergan from my time in the army. Never not have enough room with those things, also, the wife can't moan about spending money 😂😂

[@Pete619]

Great things to have the Bergen , can add on the pouches for a added 20l, take them off there say 90/100l or even zip the sides together making a tighter slimmer fitting pack of maybe around 60/70l possibly??👍🏽

[@lincolndave1966able]

Buy a bag that will fit all your gear in!, I don't think that idea will catch on 🤣🤣. Btw, I have done some daft things in my time, but gifting my nephew the very same osprey bag you are using in this video was one of my daftest, I really miss it 😭

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... over the years of unpredictable weather ,, I now carry a tarp on top , a lightweight DD Hammock with a hank of paracord ,, whether a day pack or a larger extended day pack ... you can hang the tarp and set up anything ,,a chair or a tent ,, while staying dry ... But here in mid U.S. , I pretty much always have trees on my trails ...

[@tomhamer7838]

Can also depend on your Budget as well .Cheaper gear can also mean bigger and heavier , so bigger pack needed whereas smaller and lighter can mean twice the cost but smaller pack. Decide on what gear your going to get first for tour budget , then get the backpack to suit last i'd say.

[@solb101]

What I’ve been doing and what I shoulda bin doing is a revelation.

[@markperry222]

Ha. I love the chapter headings from another video. Paul is human, afterall.

[@alpinaCD]

He's been a great human for a long time. Anyone who is new and looking to camp next year then follow Paul. They don't come any more honest and real. 👍

[@lightbringer-kvarl]

Of course you had to say "a backpack is just a bin with straps" just as my wife walked in 🤣 Throw me under the bus why don't you Paul 😝Seriously though this is exactly the kind of solution to a problem I like, simple, cheap and effective.

[@gregcooper2719]

Sending this to my wife who is questioning why I have 3 different sized backpacks (that all get used dependant on what I’m doing)

[@awayinthewilderness4319]

Great tip! 👍✌️

[@DianyzJuniior]

I also mix in fakes and change my bags every day when I go out. I previously bought a WOC Caviar dupe on the kislux and I loved it, but I wasn't going to pay $3500 + tax for such a small bag/SLG.

[@christaylor4758]

Genius!

[@davidhale1568]

Might be worth mentioning that some packs from the US labelled medium actually mean a 6ft American type body 😊

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Oh my ,, I pretty much take along a 4-8oz. flask of my preferred "Ol Stumpbuster" ,, But I can't imagine what you prefer if you need a 48 liter pack to carry your flask ..

[@preferredimage]

Any tips on getting bin juice and used teabags out of a sleeping bag and tent?

[@songasport]

Interesting to hear about the hip belt... from someone who sometimes doesn't bother connecting the hip belt as I thought the weight was to be taken by your shoulders. Oops!

[@nevetsre7001]

Buy a backpack e.g 30l and edit your stuff down so it fits. A day hike is 25 - 30l max

[@tonyhall395]

( you don’t really need more than one backpack ) 😂😂 mate, we’re all similar to you… Loadsa packs mate 😂 good sound advice again bud. I’m off to buy another pack 😎😎

[@EdPotter-nr3qc]

Backpacks have always been a pain for me, being small I always struggle to get the right pack. I actually seem to feel the weight through my hips and end up uncomfortably in pain. They aren’t cheap mistakes to make either are they.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.. When measuring your back ,, is that a soft floppy measuring tape or a soft floppy seamstress ?? .. lol ..

[@christopherhamilton5579]

I use a atmos ag65 and struggle getting my kit in that. It baffles me how you get away with 48 litre packs 🤣 I must be taking far to much

[@TrevsOutdoorsandWellbeing]

Keep the Tash Paul

[@PaulMessner]

I’m contemplating it

[@nigew25]

Paul why do most packs have rain covers? Why aren't they just made from waterproof material?

[@Bungle2010]

Zips and pockets.

[@steve-r-collier]

paul off topic but ive just bought a thermarest basecamp mat on ebay for £20..however didnt expect it to be as quite as bulky but i do mostly winter bike camping now so i'll stick it on top of pannier..would you consider back packing with such a bulky mat..the weight is 1.5kg but it feels very comfortable and R value is 6

[@neemancallender9092]

Guys If you have a small frame Try women’s sizes Took me years to figure that out My standard size is woman’s small Totally solved my problem of fitting packs

[@littlegrandadoutdoors]

I can get away with a 33ltr in the summer,, though it has to be the 60ltr in the winter.. I too still have my first bag, I never use it. It's an old eurohike 65ltr, actually i have all my old bags, I intend to give some away. I gave one to a homeless man a cpl of years ago, I try to give a lot of my unused kit away , some to the grandkids or to the homeless.. if iam never going to use it again, it's just taking up space on the shelf. Take care out there.

[@craigelliott4338]

I've got a 10 litre for daily stuff, a 26l for days out, a 40 for summer and and a 60 for winter or clamping. The wife just doesn't understand.

[@ApexCypher_]

Get a big cardboard box. Put your gear in it. Then measure the height, width and depth of the volume used by the gear. Then find a volume calculator online and it will give you the exact volume.

[@muskadobbit]

Or just use metric

[@KevinMurphy-kk6yz]

Great video mate, I’m in the market for a new backpack and your video is really helpful. Thanks pal

[@PaulMessner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yetidodger6650]

35 litre for a summer overnight.

[@BRFCBlueWhiteArmy]

Or if you can't afford the lightest smallest latest gear stick to a 70l like everyone else 😂

[@PaulMessner]

One bag can indeed cover all eventualities

[@davidhenderson9707]

Am I the only hiker who sweats profusely and needs a change of clothes plus extra water and 2 meals plus snacks for a 2D1N hike and camp? Thought this vid was clever but would’ve liked to have seen everything put in.

[@wild-radio7373]

🥰👍

[@verykeen2please]

my osprey went in the bin too - rubbish

[@eddyarundale1566]

👋🏼

[@stephenwharrior5835]

Youll be the new tom selleck soon the way that tash is going

[@RaspberryWhy]

Dude, it's all about fitness. .. End of

[@tomhamer7838]

Can also depend on your Budget as well .Cheaper gear can also mean bigger and heavier , so bigger pack needed whereas smaller and lighter can mean twice the cost but smaller pack. Decide on what gear your going to get first for tour budget , then get the backpack to suit last i'd say.