Chapter 70: How to Measure the Volume of Your Hiking Gear

Here is a quick and easy way to measure the volume of your gear and buy the right size pack.

In order to choose the right backpack, you need to know how much volume your gear will take. Here’s a simple method that should be helpful.

Take a box that’s larger than the pack you’ll be using. Load the box with all your usual gear, including food and cool weather clothing.

Pack it about as tight as you would pack your backpack.

Then measure and multiply the length and width of the box, and the height of your gear. The total amount is the number of cubic inches you’ll need in a pack.

Buy a pack that is big enough for long trips and cool weather, but don’t buy too big of a pack that will tempt you to carry extra weight.