Michael Turner
Typical dimensions: height 17–19 in (43–48 cm), width 11–13 in (28–33 cm), depth 6–9 in (15–23 cm). That translates to roughly 18–28 liters for standard graphic streetwear packs and 28–40 liters for larger travel-oriented models. Empty weight usually falls between 0.6–1.2 kg (1.3–2.6 lb) depending on material and hardware.
What fits by capacity: 15–18 L – phone, wallet, 13″ laptop or tablet, small water bottle (500 ml), light jacket; 18–25 L – 15″ laptop, A4 folder, 750 ml bottle, lunchbox, midweight hoodie; 25–35 L – 17″ laptop, change of clothes, toiletry kit, sneakers; 35–45 L – 1–2 nights of travel gear plus electronics. Use these groupings to match the pack to your daily essentials and planned outings.
Practical tips: measure the diagonal and width of your laptop and compare with the manufacturer’s sleeve dimensions rather than relying on liters alone. If you carry a 15″ computer, aim for a pack with an internal sleeve opening ≥ 16.5 in (42 cm) tall and ≥ 11 in (28 cm) wide; for 17″ allow ≥ 18.5 in (47 cm) height. Check depth measurements if you routinely pack bulky items (sneakers, camera with lens, lunch box).
Pocket and strap notes: look for a dedicated laptop sleeve, a front organization pocket for chargers and keys, and a side pocket sized for a 750–1000 ml bottle. Adjustable sternum straps and padded shoulder straps improve load distribution when the pack is filled above 20–25 L. When in doubt, compare external dimensions listed in inches/cm and visualize your daily kit laid out to confirm the fit.
Size guide for the brand’s signature packs
Choose a 25L model for everyday carry; pick 30–35L for school or short trips; opt for 40L+ when you need carry-on capacity plus extra clothing.
Representative measurements and capacities:
- 15–20 L – dimensions ≈ 38×26×14 cm (15×10×5.5 in); weight empty 0.5–0.7 kg; fits a tablet, small water bottle, wallet, keys, light jacket.
- 25 L – dimensions ≈ 45×30×15 cm (18×12×6 in); weight empty 0.7–0.9 kg; fits 15″ laptop sleeve, a full-size water bottle, lunchbox, 2–3 textbooks.
- 30–35 L – dimensions ≈ 48–50×32–33×18–20 cm (19–20×12.5–13×7–8 in); weight empty 0.9–1.2 kg; fits 15–17″ laptop, 3–5 textbooks, packing cube with 2–3 shirts, sneakers.
- 40 L+ – dimensions ≈ 55×35×22 cm (22×14×8.5 in) and up; weight empty 1.1–1.5 kg; fits carry-on items for 2–4 days, toiletry kit, extra shoes, larger laptop plus charger and accessories.
Packing recommendations by capacity:
- 15–20 L: phone, charger, slim power bank, passport/wallet, single-layer jacket.
- 25 L: 15″ laptop in padded sleeve, notebook, lunch, medium water bottle, small umbrella, front-pocket essentials.
- 30–35 L: laptop + charger, 2 textbooks or a tablet + notebooks, toiletry pouch, packing cube with 2–3 outfits, gym shoes in separate pocket.
- 40 L+: clothing for 2–4 days, toiletries, spare shoes, electronics organizer, tripod or bulky items if needed.
Fit and comfort metrics:
- Torso length: measure from C7 vertebra to iliac crest. Short torso (48 cm / 19 in) can carry 35–40 L more comfortably.
- Shoulder straps: look for 4–6 cm width padding and adjustable length for load distribution.
- Sternum strap and hip belt: use when loaded weight exceeds 6–8 kg to stabilize load and reduce shoulder strain.
- Safe loaded weight guideline: keep total under 10–15% of body mass for daily use; heavier touring loads require hip-belt support.
Carry-on and travel notes:
- Most 25–30 L options fit standard airline personal or small carry-on dimensions; verify specific airline limits (typical max ~56×36×23 cm for carry-on).
- 40 L+ often meets carry-on size but may approach depth or weight limits; measure packed dimensions before flights.
Organizational features to check before purchase:
- Padded laptop sleeve dimensions (confirm max laptop diagonal and bezel allowances).
- Number and placement of zip pockets for quick-access items and valuables.
- Side pockets for bottles and compression straps to reduce bulk when partially full.
Standard dimensions for the brand’s daypack (height × width × depth)
Standard size: 18 in × 12 in × 6.5 in (46 cm × 30 cm × 17 cm).
Usable volume ≈ 23 L (≈1,400 in³). Internal laptop sleeve typically accommodates up to a 15.6″ device with sleeve dimensions around 38 cm × 28 cm. Typical internal layout fits one 15″ laptop, two average textbooks (each ~25–30 mm spine), a 750 ml bottle in the side pocket, and a light jacket.
Recommended maximum carried weight for daily comfort: 8–10 kg. Best fit for torso lengths about 41–48 cm (16–19 in); those with longer torsos should select taller, deeper models.
Mini and large variants
Mini: 15 in × 10 in × 5 in (38 cm × 25 cm × 13 cm), ~12 L – suited for tablet, phone, wallet. Large/tour: 20 in × 13 in × 8 in (51 cm × 33 cm × 20 cm), ~36 L – fits up to 17″ laptop plus clothes; may exceed some carriers’ personal-item limits.
Packing and compatibility tips
Keep daily load under 10 kg and distribute weight low and close to the spine. Measure bulky textbooks or binders before packing (standard US textbook height ~11 in). For airline use choose mini as a personal item or the standard size as a carry-on under most overhead bin restrictions, but verify dimensions with the carrier.
Volume in liters – translating liters into practical capacity
Choose a pack in the 18–25 L range for daily carry; 25–35 L for commuting with a 15″ laptop and several textbooks; 35–45 L for overnight trips or gym gear plus shoes and a towel.
Quick conversions and a simple volume formula
Convert external dimensions in centimeters to liters with (height × width × depth) / 1000 = liters. Example: 45 cm × 30 cm × 20 cm → (45×30×20)/1000 = 27 L. For imperial: 1 L ≈ 61.02 in³ and 1 L ≈ 0.0353 ft³, so 27 L ≈ 1,647 in³ ≈ 0.95 ft³.
Practical item-volume guide and packing notes
Typical item volume estimates (approximate): 500 ml water bottle = 0.5 L; 13″ laptop sleeve = 1.5–2.5 L; 15″ laptop sleeve = 3–5 L; hardcover textbook = 1–2 L each; pair of sneakers = 4–6 L; fleece or light jacket rolled = 2–4 L; lunchbox = 2–4 L. Use these figures to add up a realistic load.
Packing realities: internal dividers, laptop sleeves and padding reduce usable space by about 10–20%. If carrying bulky or oddly shaped items (camera, helmet, large lunchboxes), pick the next size up from the calculated liter requirement. For organized daily use, allocate volumes per compartment: main compartment ~65–75% of total liters, laptop sleeve ~10–15%, front pocket(s) ~10–20%.
What fits inside: laptop sizes, tablets, water bottles, and towels
Place a 15.6-inch laptop in the padded sleeve; 17-inch notebooks typically will not fit comfortably.
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Laptops
Must-Have THE NORTH FACE Vault Everyday Laptop BackpackSleek design with ergonomic support featuresDesigned for comfort and organization, this backpack has a protective sleeve for your laptop and a spacious main compartment. Its ergonomic features ensure maximum support, making it ideal for daily commutes.- Recommended: up to 15.6″ (diagonal) devices fit in the internal sleeve of most models of this style.
- If you own a 17″ machine, measure the device’s width and height and compare with the product’s internal sleeve dimensions before purchase; many 17″ units require a larger daypack or separate laptop carrier.
- Thick gaming laptops (over 25–30 mm chassis) reduce available internal clearance; remove bulky cases or use a slim sleeve for best fit.
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Tablets
- Secondary/front sleeves accept tablets up to 12.9″ (iPad Pro 12.9) without obstructing the main compartment.
- Smaller 7–11″ tablets slide into accessory pockets or a padded organizer; use a folio case for extra protection when stacked with other gear.
- Place tablets in a separate sleeve or pocket to avoid pressure from water bottles or sharp objects.
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Water bottles
- Side pockets typically hold bottles with diameters up to about 70–76 mm (2.75–3.0 in).
- Practical fits: 20 oz (591 ml) and most 32 oz (946 ml) narrow-neck stainless bottles fit; wide-mouth 40 oz bottles usually do not.
- When carrying larger insulated bottles, place them in a side sleeve and keep chargers/tech in a separate compartment to avoid spills; use a leakproof bottle to protect electronics.
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Towels
- Compact microfiber towels (approx. 40 × 80 cm / 16 × 32 in rolled) fit easily in the main compartment alongside clothes or gym gear.
- Standard beach towels (approx. 70 × 140 cm / 28 × 55 in) occupy most of the internal volume and often require external attachment or a compression sack.
- For wet towels, use a waterproof pouch or dry bag placed at the bottom to protect electronics and paperwork.
Packing sequence that maximizes protection and space:
- Insert laptop into the padded sleeve first.
- Place tablet in the front sleeve or padded organizer.
- Roll towel and position it at the bottom as a buffer or in a compression sack to save space.
- Store chargers, cables, and small accessories in a top or front pocket for quick access.
- Put the water bottle in the side pocket; if only internal storage is available, place the bottle upright near the outer wall and isolate it with a pouch.
Typical daily load examples that fit comfortably in a single pack of this style:
- 15.6″ laptop + 11″ tablet + 1L water bottle + compact towel + lunch box + headphones.
- 15.6″ laptop + chargers + thin jacket + gym towel + 32 oz narrow bottle (may reduce room for bulk items).
Selecting the right size for commute, school, or pool use
Choose 12–18 L for short commutes, 22–30 L for a full school load, and 14–18 L with a dedicated waterproof pouch for swim sessions.
Commuter pack specs: target external dimensions ~30–40 cm H × 20–28 cm W × 10–16 cm D (12–18 L). Capacity should fit a 13″ laptop sleeve, slim charger, A5 notebook, 600–1000 ml bottle (diameter ~7 cm), light jacket, and small lunchbox. Keep fully loaded weight under 6–8 kg for daily shoulder comfort; choose a padded back panel and S-shaped straps for pressure distribution.
School bag specs: target external dimensions ~42–48 cm H × 30–34 cm W × 15–20 cm D (22–30 L). Aim for a rear laptop sleeve plus a large main compartment that accepts 2–4 textbooks (typical hardcover ~25 × 18 × 3 cm each), a three-ring binder or folder, pencil case, and a pair of gym shoes. Look for reinforced base, internal dividers, and a zippered front organizer for stationery and a calculator.
Pool/swim pack specs: target external dimensions ~28–36 cm H × 22–28 cm W × 10–16 cm D (14–18 L) with a sealed wet pocket of 2–5 L. Pack a microfiber towel folded to ~30 × 25 × 3 cm, swimwear, goggles, flip-flops in an external shoe pocket, and a small toiletry kit. Drainage grommet or mesh vent speeds drying; TPU-lined compartment prevents leaks into electronics.
Laptop sleeve sizing (internal clearances): 13″ – sleeve ~32 × 23 cm, thickness allowance 2.5 cm; 15″ – sleeve ~37.5 × 26 cm, thickness 3 cm; 17″ – sleeve ~41.5 × 28.5 cm, thickness 3.5 cm. Measure device width and height and add ~2 cm to each side and 0.5–1 cm to thickness for case or sleeve clearance.
Packing suggestions: place heavy items close to the back and low in the main compartment, use a separate wet pouch for swimwear, roll towels to save space, stow chargers in an accessible top pocket, and add a sternum strap when load exceeds 15–18 L to stabilize movement.
Measure your torso and adjust straps for a comfortable fit
Measure torso length from the C7 vertebra (the most prominent neck bone) straight down the spine to the top of the iliac crest (hip bone). Use a flexible tape or string, record both centimeters and inches. Recommended frame matches: S ≤41 cm (≤16″), M 42–47 cm (16.5–18.5″), L 48–52 cm (19–20.5″), XL ≥53 cm (≥21″).
Measurement method (step-by-step)
1. Stand upright with feet shoulder-width, head neutral. Locate C7 by tilting head forward until a single prominent bone appears at the base of the neck. 2. Palpate the highest point of the iliac crest on either side and mark the midpoint level on the spine. 3. Run a tape measure along the contour of the back between those two points; if using string, lay it flat against a ruler afterwards. 4. Repeat once while wearing a typical shirt you will use under the pack to account for clothing thickness; use the larger result for sizing.
Strap and belt adjustments (practical targets)
Hip belt: position the padded belt so its top edge sits directly above the iliac crest; tighten until snug enough to transfer most of the load to hips. Target weight transfer: ~70–80% of load for heavy day loads (>8–10 kg), ~50–60% for light daily loads (≤5 kg).
Shoulder straps: tighten so straps wrap the top of the shoulders with no gap, but without compressing the trapezius muscles; you should be able to slide one finger between strap and shoulder. Load-lifter straps (if present): set at roughly a 10–20° angle from vertical so the upper pack sits close to the torso. Sternum strap: fasten 4–6 cm below the clavicles to stabilize shoulder straps; loosen if it restricts breathing.
Fine-tune while walking with typical contents: loosen hip belt and re-seat, then re-tighten shoulder straps and load-lifters in small increments until the pack feels stable and hips bear the targeted share of weight. For camera gear or alternate carry needs, compare rig options such as the best messenger bag and camera insert combination, or luggage choices like the best luggage for super tenere.
Carry-on, locker, and gym storage compatibility by model
Recommendation: pick the 17-inch daypack (approx. 18 × 12 × 6.5 in / 46 × 30 × 17 cm; ~28 L) for guaranteed overhead-bin fit on most carriers and for standard gym lockers; choose the mini sling (13 × 9 × 4 in / 33 × 23 × 10 cm; ~8–10 L) for strict under-seat or small locker use; reserve the 21-inch travel variant (21 × 14 × 9 in / 53 × 36 × 23 cm; ~40 L) only when airline carry-on size is confirmed or when using checked baggage.
| Model type | External dimensions (H × W × D) | Volume (L) | Overhead bin (22×14×9 in) | Under-seat (18×14×8 in) | Small locker (9×12×15 in) | Standard gym locker (12×12×36 in) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-inch daypack | 18 × 12 × 6.5 in / 46 × 30 × 17 cm | ~28 L | Yes | Usually (compress contents) | Tight | Yes | Best all-round choice for commuting and pool gear; laptop sleeve fits 15–17″ devices. |
| 21-inch travel rucksack | 21 × 14 × 9 in / 53 × 36 × 23 cm | ~35–40 L | Usually yes (measure with exterior pockets) | No | No | Yes (may occupy one shelf) | Use for overnight trips; check airline carry size before boarding. |
| Mini sling / compact pack | 13 × 9 × 4 in / 33 × 23 × 10 cm | ~8–10 L | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Ideal for essentials, phone, small tablet; fits inside most personal-item restrictions. |
| Weekender / duffel-style | 24 × 12 × 12 in / 61 × 30 × 30 cm | ~45–55 L | No | No | No | Depends on locker size | Best as checked luggage or placed into large gym cubbies; bulky when filled. |
| Compact skate/clear design | 15 × 11 × 5 in / 38 × 28 × 13 cm | ~12 L | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Great for camera bodies and accessories in padded inserts – see best digital camera consumer search for packing tips. |
| Tactical / 26 L day pack | 19 × 13 × 7 in / 48 × 33 × 18 cm | ~24–28 L | Yes | Usually | Maybe (compressible) | Yes | Structured pockets increase effective depth; expect tight fits in small cubbies. |
Practical checks: measure fully packed external dimensions (including side pockets and straps) and subtract 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) if using compression straps; small internal organizers or camera cubes add 1–3 L and 0.5–1 in to depth. For school lockers under 12 in deep, favor mini or compact types; for gym wall cubbies and standard airline overheads, choose models listed as “Yes” for reliable fit.
