How Big is a 20 Liter Backpack? Visual 20 Liter Backpack Size Guide
Determining if a 20L backpack is the right size for your needs can be a confusing task, especially when shopping online where it’s hard to determine if a backpack will be too large or too small when going just by select specifications.
This is why we put together this visual guide to help you determine the size of a 20 liter backpack and how much it can hold. 20 liters is often considered the “goldilocks” of backpack sizes - not too big, not too small and just the right size for school, light traveling and everyday carry.
20L backpacks: Topo Designs Rover Pack (left), Db Hugger (center) and the Able Carry Daily Backpack (right)
In this guide we will be exploring 3 different 20 liter backpacks:
How Big is a 20L backpack?
The liters of a backpack refers to the internal capacity of a backpack that is made up of either the main compartment or a combination of multiple internal compartments. A main compartment is the largest compartment inside of a backpack and where the bulk of our storage resides.
The number of liters usually excludes smaller compartments for laptops, external pockets and side pockets for water bottles. As a result, any examples we give in this guide will exclude any additional pockets and will just focus on what the 20L main compartment can hold.
Size comparison: Db Hugger 30L vs Db Hugger 20L
What are the dimensions of a 20L backpack?
When determining a backpack’s size there are two different measurements to look out for: external dimensions and internal dimensions.
The external dimensions includes the total height, width and depth of a backpack’s footprint while the internal dimensions only measure the internal packing room of the main compartment.
It’s important to understand that backpack size is not only determined by its number of liters. Extra exterior pockets, backpack shape and shoulder strap/back panel design also contribute to a backpack’s overall size. As a result different 20L backpacks can all be different sizes as we highlight below.
Keep reading for 20L backpack dimension examples
Internal Dimensions of a 20 liter main compartment
For our 20L backpack examples we have the Db Hugger, the Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic and the Able Carry Daily Backpack
We used inches to determine the measurements of the inside of each main compartment (interior dimensions). Note that all of these are 20L backpacks!
Db Hugger main compartment dimensions: 15” H x 10” W x 6” D
Topo Designs Rover Pack main compartment dimensions: 16.8” H x 10.8” W x 4” D
Able Carry Daily main compartment dimensions: 18.5” H x 11.5” W x 5” D
External Dimensions of a 20 liter backpack
Below are the overall external dimensions of three different 20L backpacks. This includes all pockets and compartments and takes account of the various materials used.
Db Hugger external dimensions: 17.71” H x 10.6” W x 6.5” D
Topo Designs Rover Pack external dimensions: 17” H x 11” W x 4.5” D
Able Carry Daily external dimensions: 19” H x 12" W x 7.5” D
As you can see from the measurements above, no two 20L bags are exactly the same size.
If you want to determine the best backpack fit for your height, torso and shoulder size then going with the external dimensions will be a better indicator if a backpack size will be too big or too small.
The internal dimensions are where you will want to focus to determine what fits inside each bag.
How much does a 20L backpack weigh?
The weight of a 20 liter backpack depends on the type of fabrics used, back panel and shoulder harness, hardware material and any additional features that would add to the overall weight. As a result, no two 20 liter backpacks weighs the same!
Here are some examples of real 20L backpack weights:
Db Hugger: 2.18lbs
Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic: 1.4lbs
Osprey Daylite Plus: 1.29lbs
Able Carry Daily Backpack: 2.1lb
Although the weight of each bag depends on a variety of factors, we have found that most 20 liter backpacks weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds.
What Can You Fit in a 20L Backpack?
Now let’s determine how much a 20 liter backpack can hold using some of the most common backpack uses: school, work, travel and the gym. These examples feature the 20 liter Db Hugger.
20L Backpack for School and Work
How much can a 20 liter backpack hold for school or work?
13” Laptop with Case
Tech Case (8” x 5.5” x 2”)
Pencil Case
Water bottle (24oz)
1-inch Binder
5 Subject Notebook
Read more about using a 20L backpack for school or work
How much can a 20 liter backpack hold for school?
A 20 liter backpack can hold school essentials such as a few folders, notebooks and books as well as smaller items such as pens, calculators and tech accessories like chargers and cables. Most 20 liter backpacks have additional padded sleeves for a laptop or tablet for safe storage.
Unfortunately, a 20 liter bookbag may be too small for multiple large textbooks, binders and notebooks. If you are a student who carries many large items you may find a 20 liter backpack for school to be too small.
Is a 20L backpack good for high school or college?
We recommend 20L backpacks for students who like to keep their daily carry light. Tech-focused students who only carry a laptop, tablet, tech accessories along with a few notebooks or binders will find a 20 liter backpack well-suited for their needs.
Is a 20L backpack the best size for work?
A 20 liter backpack is a great size for commuters who need an easy way to carry their daily work items. Inside you can fit essentials such as a lunch, an extra sweater, paperwork as well as tech items such as a laptop, tablet, cables and chargers.
If you need a daily backpack for work that can also fit gym gear or a change of clothing on top of daily work items we would recommend sizing up to a larger work and gym backpack.
20L Backpack for Travel
What fits inside a 20L travel bag?
Toiletries Bag (10” x 6” x 3.5”)
Medium Packing Cube (13.75” x 9.75” x 3”)
Small Packing Cube (11” x 6.75” x 3”)
Inside the packing cubes:
1 Sweater
2 Pants
3 T-Shirts
A few pairs of socks and underwear
Read more about using a 20L backpack for travel
How many clothes can I fit in a 20 liter backpack?
A 20 liter backpack can fit a 2-3 days of clothing and a small bag of toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, travel size liquids, etc).
Is a 20 liter backpack too small for travel?
We recommend a 20 liter backpack for short-term travel and light packers. Most 20 liter backpacks make great airline personal item backpacks because they are much smaller than standard carry-on backpacks. This means they can comfortably be stored underneath an airline seat. The smaller footprint of a 20 liter backpack also makes for an easy transition to a daypack when needed.
For long trips, going with a larger travel backpack may be a better option.
20L Backpack for the Gym
How much can fit in a 20 liter gym bag?
Towel
Weight Lifting Belt
Weight Lifting Gloves
Water Bottle (24oz)
Workout Shoes (Size 12 Men’s US)
Jump Rope
Read more about using a 20L backpack for the gym
How much gear will a 20L backpack carry?
A 20 liter gym backpack is the perfect size for essential gear such as a change of clothes, snacks, headphones, towels, toiletries, water bottles and smaller items like weight lifting gloves, jump ropes and resistance bands.
Since a 20 liters is on the small side when it comes to gym bags, bulkier items such as a foam roller or a pair of shoes will take up most of the room inside of a 20 liter gym backpack. If you find yourself carrying a lot of bulkier items at once, we recommend sizing up to a larger bag.
Is a 20L backpack big enough for the gym?
A 20L gym backpack is a great size for lighter carry of smaller workout gear and essentials. If you need a bag for sports, boxing and other activities that requires large bulky gear then a 20 liter gym bag may be too small. We recommend with going with a gym backpack that is 30 liters or more for bulky gear.
Our Favorite 20L Backpacks
Db Hugger 20L Backpack
The unique design of the Db Hugger is unlike any backpack we have gotten our hands on yet. The lay-flat clamshell main compartment makes packing and unpacking a breeze while various mesh pockets and a separate laptop compartment gives you the organization you need for just about any adventure. Lightweight and built tough - the Db Hugger is ready for whatever life throws your way.
Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic
Available in a ton of color options, the Topo Designs Rover Classic is a back-to-basics daypack that draws from timeless heritage design. The 20-liter main compartment is just the right size for or daily carry in the city or weekend adventures on the trailhead.
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
If you are on the hunt for a hardwearing yet lightweight 20L backpack for both travel and days on the trail, then we recommend you give the Osprey Daylite Plus a closer look. The multifunctional internal padded sleeve can be used for up to a 15” laptop or for a hydration bladder. Multiple pockets and a roomy 20 liter main compartment give you the storage you need while its water resistant and ultra-lightweight construction makes Daylite Plus a great daypack for everything from daily work commutes to weekend adventures.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
The Peak Design Everyday Pack offers the perfect work, photography and travel companion for those who appreciate streamlined style and innovative design. A really neat feature on the Everyday Backpack is its modular interior that allows for custom partitions of photography gear, clothing and more. Add in a water resistant construction, tons of clever pockets and a sleek design and you have a backpack that is as versatile as you are.
Able Carry Everyday Backpack
The Able Carry Daily is one of our favorite daily carry urban backpacks thanks to its amazing internal organization, tough high quality construction and understated minimalist design. At 20 liters, the Able Carry Daily Backpack is roomy enough for your essential carry without the bulk, making it perfect for work commutes and urban exploration alike.
