How many litres should your travel bag be? A practical size guide
- · Updated on , by Miquell Hellings
- 5 min read
The right capacity for your travel bag depends on how long you travel, what you take with you and any hand luggage rules. Below you'll find a clear guideline for each type of trip, plus answers to common questions, such as whether a 40-50 litre bag can go as hand luggage and how many litres you need for a weekend bag or a long trip.
Quick answer: how to choose the right capacity
Use the rules of thumb below as a starting point. Note: whether a bag is allowed as hand luggage depends on its dimensions and weight, not on litres. Soft bags can be squeezed a little, but always stick to your airline's maximum dimensions.
| Trip type/length | Recommended litres | Often fits as | What fits inside |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 day city trip | 20-30L | Small personal bag or compact hand luggage (depending on dimensions) | 1-2 outfits, toiletries, compact footwear |
| Weekend, 2-3 days | 25-35L | Hand luggage if the bag stays within cabin dimensions | 2-4 outfits, a jumper, basic toiletries |
| 4-5 days | 35-45L | Usually hand luggage, sometimes tight with strict size limits | 4-6 outfits, light jacket, extra shoes |
| 1 week holiday/business | 45-60L | Generous cabin size or light checked baggage | 7-10 outfits, sneakers, toiletry bag, accessories |
| 2 weeks | 60-80L | Checked baggage | 10-14 outfits, extra shoes, jacket or jumper |
| 3+ weeks / world trip | 80-110L | Checked baggage | Seasonal clothing, several pairs of shoes, extras and souvenirs |
Travelling to a warm country or able to do laundry at your destination? Then go for the lower end of the range. Winter sports, outdoor trips or travelling with children often call for the upper end.
Hand luggage or checked baggage: what should you look out for?
Litres tell you nothing about whether a bag is allowed in the cabin. Airlines mainly check dimensions and weight. A 40-50 litre duffel can sometimes go as hand luggage, provided it stays within the cabin dimensions. With a rigid rectangular bag every centimetre counts; a soft duffel can flex a little. Want to know more about how litres and dimensions relate? See Travel bag dimensions and capacity (litres): the complete guide.
Ryanair, for example, uses fixed categories. Make sure you get the right combination of type and size:
- Free small personal bag: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- 10 kg cabin bag: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- 20 kg check-in bag: maximum 80 x 120 x 120 cm
- 23 kg check-in bag: maximum 80 x 120 x 120 cm
Rough volume guide for soft bags: a 40 x 30 x 20 cm bag often holds 20-25L. A bag that comes close to exactly 55 x 40 x 20 cm usually holds around 35-45L. Always check the product dimensions and your airline's conditions before you leave. Looking for a compact option? Browse our carry-on travel bags (up to approx. 30-40L).
Weekend bag: how many litres is ideal?
For a weekend bag, 25-35 litres is the sweet spot. Go for 25-30 litres if you pack light or travel in warm weather. Choose 30-35 litres if you're taking an extra pair of shoes, a thick jumper or sports gear. If you want something that works as hand luggage, focus on the dimensions above all. A compact option is the ByMetz 3-WAY Boarding Bag measuring 40 x 25 x 20 cm, which many airlines accept as a small or second bag, depending on your ticket. See the selection: Weekend bags 30-40 litres.
Choose your type of travel bag: duffel, backpack or wheeled bag
Duffel bags offer the widest opening and flexible volume. Ideal for city breaks, sport and road trips. Backpacks spread the weight more comfortably and are handier on stairs or rough ground. Travel bags with wheels win on comfort in long terminals or stations and are practical from 60 litres and up.
Do you mainly fly and want to stay strictly within cabin dimensions? Then choose a duffel or boarding bag with precise dimensions. For 1-2 weeks, a 60-70 litre wheeled bag is comfortable, especially if you're bringing heavier items. Browse our travel bags with wheels 60-90 litres.
Checklist: quickly work out your ideal capacity
- Trip length and climate: warm weather and laundry facilities lower the litres you need.
- Activity: outdoor trips, winter sports or sports gear need more space.
- Transport: lots of walking or stairs? Choose a backpack or wheeled bag from 60L.
- Airline rules: check dimensions and weight, not just litres.
- Packing style: do you pack like a minimalist, or do you take extra shoes and outfits?
Recommended travel bags by litre category
Need compact hand luggage or a small personal bag? Take a look at the ByMetz 3-WAY Boarding Bag measuring 40 x 25 x 20 cm. For a 1-week trip, a 60L duffel such as the Samsonite EcoDiver Duffle M (60L) is a safe choice. Want more comfort at 60-70 litres? Consider a wheeled bag such as the Travelite Skaii travel bag with wheels (63L).
Frequently asked questions
How many litres do you need for a 1-week trip?
Count on 45-60 litres. If you're packing light summer clothes or can do laundry at your destination, 45-50 litres is enough. For cooler weather, several pairs of shoes or business outfits, 55-60 litres is more comfortable.
Is a 40 litre bag enough for travelling?
For 2-5 days usually yes, especially with smart packing bags such as packing cubes and a capsule wardrobe. For 1 week, 40 litres can work if you pack minimally, have access to laundry and keep the number of shoes down.
Can a 50 litre bag go as hand luggage?
That depends on the dimensions, not on the litres. If the bag fits within your airline's cabin baggage dimensions, it's often allowed. For Ryanair's 10 kg cabin bag, the limit is 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Always check the product dimensions and the weight.
How many litres of backpack do you need for 3 months of travel?
Usually 60-80 litres. Experienced minimalists manage with 50-60 litres by doing laundry more often. Go for 70-80 litres if you travel through different seasons or take extra gear.
Ready to choose? ByMetz has travel bags from 15 to 116 litres, from compact hand luggage bags to spacious models on wheels.