What Size Outdoor Backpack Do You Need?

Choosing the right backpack size depends on how long you will be away, how much equipment you carry and whether you need space for clothing, food, water or camping gear.

The 5.11 RUSH backpack range provides a useful comparison, covering compact 24L daypacks through to 60L load-bearing packs for longer trips. Below, we compare the RUSH 12, RUSH 24, RUSH 72 and RUSH 100 to help you choose the right capacity.

Browse the complete range of outdoor backpacks or add extra organisation with our utility pouches and organisers.

Outdoor Backpack Size Guide

24L Backpacks: Everyday Carry and Day Hikes

5.11 RUSH 12 2.0 Backpack

The 24L RUSH 12 is the best option for customers who need a compact backpack for commuting, day hikes, work or everyday use.

It provides enough room for water, food, a light jacket, first aid supplies and daily essentials without becoming excessively bulky. A padded laptop sleeve also makes it suitable for carrying electronics between work, study and travel.

External MOLLE webbing allows additional pouches to be attached when more organisation is required, while hydration compatibility supports walking and outdoor activities.

Choose a 24L backpack if:

• You mainly carry equipment for one day
• You want a compact commuting or work backpack
• You regularly take short hikes or outdoor day trips
• You do not need to carry overnight clothing or camping equipment

37L Backpacks: Overnight Trips and Travel

5.11 RUSH 24 2.0 Backpack

The 37L RUSH 24 sits between a daypack and a full multi-day backpack. It provides substantially more storage than the RUSH 12 while remaining manageable for regular travel and everyday use.

This size works well for overnight trips, weekend travel, larger work kits or customers who carry extra clothing and equipment throughout the day. Its padded laptop sleeve, front admin panel and multiple internal compartments make it particularly useful when organisation is a priority.

The RUSH 24 is also hydration compatible and constructed from durable 1050D water-resistant nylon.

Choose a 37L backpack if:

• You need more room than a standard daypack
• You take regular overnight or weekend trips
• You carry clothing, electronics and work equipment together
• You want one backpack for commuting, travel and outdoor use

55L Backpacks: Multi-Day Hiking and Camping

5.11 RUSH 72 2.0 Backpack

The 55L RUSH 72 is designed for customers carrying enough equipment for several days. It offers space for clothing, food, water, outdoor equipment and larger essentials while retaining the organised layout found throughout the RUSH range.

A PE frame sheet with an aluminium stay bar helps support heavier loads, while contoured shoulder straps, a padded waist belt and a ventilated back panel improve carrying comfort.

The large front compartment provides quick access to jackets and other frequently used gear, while internal pockets help separate smaller equipment.

Choose a 55L backpack if:

• You are packing for two or more nights
• You need room for camping or outdoor equipment
• You carry bulky clothing or additional protective gear
• You need better load support than a standard travel backpack

60L Backpacks: Extended Trips and Heavy Loads

5.11 RUSH 100 Backpack

The 60L RUSH 100 is the largest and most load-focused backpack in the range. It is intended for longer trips, camping, remote travel and situations where heavier equipment must be carried over greater distances.

Its adjustable aluminium frame and fibreglass rods provide additional load support, while the padded waist belt transfers more of the weight away from the shoulders.

The removable side pouches can also be converted into a separate shoulder bag, providing additional flexibility once you reach your destination.

At approximately 2.6 kg before loading, the RUSH 100 is heavier than the smaller RUSH packs. It is therefore best suited to customers who genuinely need the additional structure and capacity.

Choose a 60L backpack if:

• You are carrying equipment for an extended trip
• You need stronger frame and load-bearing support
• You regularly carry heavier or bulkier gear
• You want removable storage for shorter trips away from camp

Which 5.11 RUSH Backpack Should You Choose?

Choose the RUSH 12 2.0 for everyday carry, commuting and day hikes.

Choose the RUSH 24 2.0 if you need one versatile backpack for work, travel and overnight trips.

Choose the RUSH 72 2.0 for camping, multi-day travel and larger equipment loads.

Choose the RUSH 100 when load support and maximum carrying capacity are more important than keeping the backpack lightweight.

Capacity Is Not the Only Consideration

Backpack volume is important, but it should not be the only factor in your decision. Also consider the empty weight of the pack, torso fit, waist-belt support, hydration compatibility and the way the internal compartments are arranged.

A larger backpack is not automatically better. Carrying a half-empty 60L pack on a short day hike adds unnecessary bulk, while trying to fit multi-day equipment into a 24L pack can result in poor weight distribution and uncomfortable external attachments.

Shop Outdoor Backpacks in Australia

Explore GearOut’s complete range of outdoor backpacks for work, hiking, travel and everyday use. You can also expand compatible backpacks with MOLLE and utility pouches for tools, first aid supplies, electronics and smaller outdoor essentials.