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What Size is a 28L Backpack? A Guide to Backpack Sizes 

 July 29, 2023

By  Keith Terrell

Packing for a trip can sometimes be overwhelming — what should I bring? Where should I put it? Do not worry, we are here to help! If you have been thinking about a new backpack lately but are not sure what size to buy, you're in luck. 

The size of a 28L backpack typically ranges from 45-50cm (18-20in) in height, and 25-30cm (10-12in) in width, and depth. However, it is always wise to read specific measurements before purchasing to determine whether the backpack will best fit your needs.

In today's blog post, we are answering the age-old question: what size is a 28L backpack? Not only that, but we will also guide you through the wild and wonderful world of backpack sizes so you can make an informed purchase that suits your needs. We'll take a look at the various types of backpacks and their sizes and let you know the ideal uses for the different sizes. Are you ready to clear the confusion? Then let's get started!

Measuring Your Backpack

Measuring your backpack is an important step in deciding which size is right for you. This will give you an idea of how much capacity the backpack you're considering actually has and whether it can be comfortably carried on your back. There are two ways to measure a backpack – by its volume or liters, and by its height.

Measuring the volume of a backpack is a reliable way to determine its size, and this is typically measured in liters or cubic inches. To find the volume of a backpack in liters, you would multiply the length, width, and height of the backpack in centimeters and then divide by 1000. To find the volume of a backpack in cubic inches, you would multiply the length, width, and height of the backpack in inches.

For example, if the dimensions of a 28L pack are 18” x 12” x 8”, then the volume of the backpack in cubic inches would be 18 x 12 x 8 = 1,728 cubic inches.

Before buying a backpack, you should also measure its physical size. To do this, you need to measure the length and width of the backpack from seam to seam. Make sure all pockets are completely empty before you start measuring to get the most accurate results. The further a pocket is from the seam of a backpack, the more total space it has inside, so the physical measurement is less accurate than giving liters or measurements..

The last point to consider when measuring your backpack is the shoulder straps and chest straps. All backpacks have shoulder straps that are designed to sit comfortably on your shoulders, distribute weight evenly across your back and do not interfere with air circulation while hiking. Some backpacks have adjustable chest straps that take  pressure off your shoulders during long hikes or treks.

Once you have thoroughly measured your backpack, you can better judge whether it fits your needs and lifestyle. Now look at details such as the type of material, features, and style. Knowing these measurements will help narrow down your choices to find just what's right for you! Now that we've discussed how best to measure our backpacks, let's take a look at the different length and width measurements that are available so we can make an informed decision on what size will work best for us.

Length & Width of the Bag

When looking into the length and width of a 28L backpack, there are two main components to consider: the size of the bag that best fits your body and the space you need for the items you plan to carry. Depending on your needs, different sizes may be appropriate. For example, if you are using the bag for hiking, you'll likely want a longer, wider bag to comfortably fit all your outdoor paraphernalia. On the other hand, if you’re using the bag for day trips to run errands or attend meetings, you may prefer straps with smaller length and width that are better for maneuverability.

No matter what your needs are, there are options available when it comes to selecting a 28L backpack with proper length and width dimensions. Most bags in this range measure approximately 18-20 inches long by 10-12 inches wide. This provides enough storage capacity while still remaining comfortable and lightweight.

When deciding which size is right for you, it can also be beneficial to read customer reviews of bags with different strap measurements to get an idea of how they look on different people and what kind of items they can accommodate with ease. Ultimately, it’s important to find a bag that fits well and has enough space for everything you need to carry.

Now that we’ve explored the length and width of a 28L backpack, let's dive deeper into how much space there is from front to back in this type of bag.

Depth of the Bag

Now that we've discussed the length and width of a 28L backpack, let's look at the depth of the backpack. The depth of a standard-sized backpack often varies significantly, depending on the type. The most important factor that determines the depth is how much stuff the backpack needs to hold.

For example, a typical school or day backpack measuring 19 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 6.5 inches deep would be considered a medium-sized bag and is ideal for storing textbooks and binders. On the other hand, a large-sized hiking bag measuring 23 inches tall, 14 inches wide and 7.9 inches deep would provide more space for items such as clothing and food.

The depth of each bag should also be carefully considered before buying. A larger bag may be able to store more items but will also be harder to carry around if you are traveling for several days or need to hike long distances with your bag. Therefore, it may be beneficial to make sure the depth is just enough to store all required items without making it unnecessarily bulky.

When deciding on the size of your backpack, it is important to consider the length as well as the width and depth so that the backpack meets your needs while being light enough to carry comfortably. Now let's move onto the capacity and how to pack the backpack effectively to make the most of the space inside.

Capacity & Packing the Bag

Now that we've discussed the depth of the 28L backpack, it's time to talk about its capacity and packing the bag. Most 28L backpacks, although sizes vary from model to model, provide enough space for a whole day on the trail or in the mountains. If you choose a bag with many pockets, you can be more organized during your adventure. External pockets, for example, are great for quickly accessing items such as maps and snacks. Internal pockets protect you from water ingress while you are on the move, while also providing space for larger, heavier items such as books, water bottles and camping gear.

As well as choosing a 28L backpack with plenty of compartments, you should also make sure it is comfortable. When choosing a backpack, it is important that you can keep all your items balanced, and sufficient padding on the shoulder straps and back can certainly help. If possible, try out several backpacks in a shop before buying to see which one is most comfortable for you.

When choosing the right 28-liter backpack, comfort and space are crucial — it goes without saying that it is also important to fill it properly. You can find out exactly how to do this in the next section.

Selecting the right 28L backpack is important in order to ensure comfort, ease of use, and organization when you head out on the trail or into the mountains. Look for bags with plenty of pockets; outer pockets are great for quickly accessing items like maps and snacks, while internal compartments prevent water ingress and provide designated spaces for larger, heavier items.


It is a good idea to try out several bags in a shop before buying to see which is most comfortable. In the following section, you will learn more about how to properly fill your 28L backpack.

Filling the Bag

Now that you’ve got your bag and enough space for everything you need, it’s time to fill it! But how should you pack your bag for optimal storage and comfort? Some believe that the best way to tightly pack a backpack is filling every corner of the bag with supplies. This way, the weight is evenly distributed and balanced, making it easier to carry. Plus, if you’re trying to zip it up, it will be much easier when all the pockets are filled.

Others argue that a bag that is too stuffed canmake it more difficult to access needed items quickly. When too many items are crammed into a small space, they can be harder to find and bulky items can dig into your back when you carry them, causing  discomfort over a long period of time. Packing too much also makes it more difficult to adjust the straps properly, which can also affect the overall balance of the bag on your body.

When packing a 28L backpack, or any other type of backpack, it really depends on your preferences and what works best for your individual needs and lifestyle. Consider what items you need to access quickly and keep them within easy reach. Also, make sure you fill both side pockets, if applicable, to make it easier to carry. If you pack wisely and pay attention to how the extra weight affects your comfort, you can achieve optimal packing success with a 28L backpack!

Once you have considered these tips, the final step is to maximize your comfort by adjusting the straps and customizing the laptop pockets. Adjusting the straps properly will help distribute the weight evenly so that you do not feel like you are dragging on one side when you walk, allowing you to travel as comfortably as possible with your backpack. This is especially important when carrying heavy loads in a 28L backpack!

Adjustable Straps and Laptop Pocket

Once you have filled your backpack, you may need to tweak the straps accordingly. This is especially important if you’ve loaded your 28L pack with heavier items such as textbooks or a laptop. The adjustable straps on most backpacks allow for easy customization as they are designed to fit a variety of body sizes. A laptop compartment also provides protection for your electronic devices. So before you buy, make sure your 28L backpack is equipped with such a compartment. In addition, the side compression straps can be adjusted up or down depending on how much space is needed in the bag. Although this may seem like an exercise in trial and error, the unpredictability of adjusting your backpack straps need not be a problem.

The length of the straps should always come second in importance when choosing a backpack size. First and foremost, it is important to make sure that your backpack fits properly around your torso. If a backpack is not securely fastened, it can quickly become uncomfortable when walking or sitting. That's why adjustable shoulder straps, also called sternum straps, are crucial on most 28L backpacks. Adjustable sternum straps help keep the shoulder straps in place and the backpack closer to your body, no matter how heavy the backpack is packed. If you know how to adjust these types of straps properly, you can carry your backpack comfortably while walking or running

Now it's time to check that our bag's adjustable straps and laptop pockets meet our needs — both practical and aesthetic. Since comfortable and adjustable straps are an essential part of any good backpack, we can soon move on to making sure it also meets all the other criteria for optimal backpacking conditions: the length of the straps!

Length of the Straps

The length of the straps is an important factor in choosing the right backpack size. Longer straps provide support and comfort when carrying heavy loads on your back. On the other hand, shorter straps can strain the shoulders, resulting in discomfort and fatigue in a shorter time. It is recommended that adjustable straps are at least 19” long from where they connect to the backpack to where they meet at the shoulder. This allows for a comfortable fit for most body sizes.

For a laptop compartment, the adjustable straps should be long enough for the laptop compartment to fit comfortably between your shoulder blades. Even with laptop pockets that are not adjustable, the straps should allow for a comfortable fit for different body sizes. In general, it is best to try various sizes to determine which length of strap works best for you.

No matter how well designed a backpack may be with its adjustable straps, there are certain physical limitations that will affect the comfort level while wearing the backpack for its intended purpose. For example, wider and larger backpacks may have longer straps, but their bulkiness may cause one to lag behind when walking.. Additionally, very narrow and small packs may have shorter straps due to lack of space.

To choose the right backpack, remember to focus on size and strap length first. Then, you can consider factors such as material type and comfortability.

  • On average, a 28L backpack measures approximately 18 inches (45.7 cm) tall and 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) wide.

Material Type & Comfortability

When considering the size of a 28L backpack, the material type and comfortability should not be overlooked. When it comes to durability, two common material types are nylon and polyester. Nylon is generally considered to be more durable since it’s a stronger material and tends to be waterproof, tear-resistant, and often even able to withstand abrasions. Nylon backpacks don’t usually scuff or snag easily. On the other hand, polyester backpacks are sometimes softer than nylon ones, so they may not last as long.

Backpack straps play an important role in comfort during a trip. Longer straps make it easier to lug a heavy backpack, while shorter straps do not allow you to distribute the load. This can lead to more strain on your body and discomfort over time. In general, backpacks with adjustable straps offer more flexibility.

By finding the right combination of material type and strap length in your 28L backpack, you can find a great balance between durability and comfort, which will help you enjoy your trips for years to come. With this knowledge in mind, in the next section, we'll explore how the pros and cons of a 28L backpack can influence potential buyers' decisions when choosing a bag.

Pros and Cons of a 28L Bag

When considering a 28L backpack, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. One advantage of these backpacks is their suitability for daily commuting. They have a medium capacity that can hold all the essential items without feeling bulky or taking up too much space. In addition, they are often made from lightweight materials like nylon, which makes them more comfortable to carry than larger bags.

On the other hand, 28L backpacks may not be suitable for longer trips. They typically have only one main compartment and a few small pockets, which may not provide enough space to efficiently organize items like clothing or electronics while traveling. If you plan to carry heavier or more numerous goods, you may need to opt for a larger backpack with multiple compartments and sizable pockets.

Whether these smaller bags are suitable for long trips or not, their benefits can still be seen when used in certain situations.A 28L bag is ideal for light day hikes where a number of supplies are not necessary and one can benefit from its compact size. Furthermore, urban commuters will find it really handy since its compact nature makes it easier to carry through crowded areas without drawing unwanted attention and taking too much space.

Regardless of how you plan on using your 28L bag, make sure you always keep in mind the pros and cons that come with it so that you can make an informed decision based on your own needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a 28L backpack compare to other sizes?

A 28L backpack is typically considered to be a medium-sized backpack. It offers slightly more space than a 25L or 20L pack and allows you to carry more gear and supplies with you on your travels. However, it is not as big as larger backpacks such as a 35L or 45L, which offer even more space and capacity. A 28L pack is great if you want to keep your loads light and compact while maximizing the amount of gear you can bring with you. It's also a good option for day trips and regular travel where convenience is essential. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference, but a 28L backpack is generally versatile enough for most situations.

Are different brands of 28L backpacks the same size?

No, different brands of 28L backpacks are not the same size. Although many manufacturers try to keep their backpack sizes consistent, there can still be discrepancies between brands due to differences in materials and design. For example, a 28L daypack from one manufacturer may be slightly smaller than a 28L backpack from another manufacturer, even if both backpacks have exactly the same volume capacity. These slight differences in size can make it difficult to compare backpacks from different brands or manufacturers.

What is the capacity of different size backpacks?

The capacity of a backpack can vary significantly depending on the size. Generally speaking, a 28L backpack offers a good balance between portability and capacity for both small and large items. It offers enough space for most essential items (laptop, textbooks, lunchbox, clothes, etc.), but it's not too bulky.

Backpacks come in many different sizes ranging from 12L to 75L or even larger. A 12L backpack is the smallest size and would be suitable for carrying just small items such as a tablet, phone, and more, while a 75L backpack would be ideal for lengthy trips due to its large carrying capacity. Other popular sizes include 25L, 38L, and 55L backpacks, which offer different levels of capacity depending on your individual needs.

When it comes to using the right backpack size, remember that bigger isn't always better; rather, it's important to select a size that fits your needs and requirements without compromising on comfort or portability. The most important factor when selecting the right backpack size is choosing one that you feel comfortable with all your gear in it.

About the author

Keith is a one bag traveler and the owner of Backpacks Global. His go to backpack is the Osprey FarPoint 40.

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