Pack sizing

From Trail-Finder -- Dedicated to getting you outside

How big should your pack be? Big enough to carry everything you expect, plus one jacket. And maybe a camera. And a dry pair of socks. And...

There are too aspects of pack size that are important. First, if it's too small to carry everything you actually need, then you end up leaving stuff at home that shouldn't be left. Unfortunately, this may well include first aid kits, emergency equipment, or even just something that will make your trip more fun, like a camera or binoculars. On the other hand, if it's too big, stuff you do put in it will bounce around, making it unstable to carry, and you may be tempted to load it up with extra stuff you know you'll never want or need, making for a heavier pack. Your goal, therefore, is to find a pack big enough to hold everything you need, plus one jacket, while still being the smallest pack which fits comfortably.