When choosing a travel backpack, bigger can often seem better. A 30L, 40L or even 50L backpack gives you plenty of room to throw in that extra jumper, another pair of shoes or the things you might need.
But more space can also mean more to carry.
For travellers who want to keep things simple, a 24L backpack can be surprisingly capable. With a little planning and the right approach to packing, 24 litres can be enough for a weekend away, a city break or even a full week of travel.
So, is 24L actually enough for seven days?
For many types of trips, yes. The key is not trying to pack everything you own. It's about taking the things you actually need and making better use of the space you have.
What Does 24L Actually Mean?
The "L" in 24L stands for litres and refers to the approximate internal capacity of the backpack.
A 24L backpack sits in a useful middle ground. It's larger than a typical everyday daypack, but considerably more compact than many traditional travel backpacks.
That makes it particularly versatile.
You have enough space for your everyday essentials, clothing and travel gear without carrying a huge bag that can become difficult to manage.
However, capacity isn't the only thing that matters.
Two backpacks with the same litre capacity can feel completely different to pack depending on their shape, compartments and internal organisation.
A well-designed 24L backpack can therefore be more useful than a poorly organised backpack with significantly more capacity.
Can You Really Pack for 7 Days in 24L?
Yes — but your packing style matters.
If you're travelling somewhere warm, staying in accommodation with access to laundry and keeping your footwear to a minimum, a week in 24L is very achievable.
The biggest mistake is thinking you need seven completely different outfits.
Instead, think in terms of versatile pieces that work together.
For example, rather than packing seven outfits, you might take a smaller selection of tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched throughout the trip.
The same principle applies to everything else you pack.
Ask yourself:
Will I actually use this?
If the answer is "probably not", it probably doesn't need to take up valuable space.
What to Pack in a 24L Backpack for a Week
Here's an example of what a lightweight seven-day setup could look like.
Clothing
Your exact clothing list will depend on the destination and weather, but a starting point could include:
-
5–7 lightweight tops
-
2–3 pairs of trousers or shorts
-
7 pairs of underwear
-
5–7 pairs of socks
-
1 lightweight jumper or sweatshirt
-
1 lightweight jacket
-
1 set of sleepwear
-
Swimwear if required
You don't necessarily need a completely different outfit for every day.
Choosing neutral, versatile clothing makes it much easier to create multiple combinations from a relatively small number of pieces.
Toiletries
Keep toiletries compact and take only what you actually use.
Consider:
-
Toothbrush and toothpaste
-
Deodorant
-
Skincare essentials
-
Shampoo and shower products
-
Razor
-
Medication or personal essentials
-
Small grooming items
Where possible, use travel-sized containers rather than bringing full-sized products.
And remember that many hotels, hostels and accommodation providers already provide some basic toiletries.
Technology
Technology can quickly take up more room than expected.
A simple setup might include:
-
Phone
-
Charging cable
-
Power adapter
-
Power bank
-
Laptop or tablet if required
-
Headphones
If you're travelling for leisure, consider whether you really need every device you normally use at home.
Your backpack is not your office drawer.
Travel Essentials
Keep the things you'll need during the journey easy to access:
-
Passport
-
Wallet
-
Travel documents
-
Sunglasses
-
Water bottle
-
Small bag for cables and accessories
-
Reusable tote or packable day bag
The goal is to keep the things you reach for most often somewhere accessible without having to unpack your entire backpack.
The Secret to Making 24L Work: Pack Less, Not Smaller
There's a difference between packing efficiently and simply trying to squeeze more things into a smaller bag.
The goal shouldn't be to find increasingly clever ways to carry 50 items in 24L.
Instead, start with what you genuinely need.
Then organise it properly.
Rolling or folding clothing can both work depending on the items you're packing. Packing cubes can also help separate categories and make the inside of your backpack easier to navigate.
But the biggest space-saving technique is much simpler:
Don't pack things you don't need.
A backpack with a little empty space is often better than one that's completely full.
When 24L Might Not Be Enough
While 24L can work extremely well for lightweight travel, it isn't the right capacity for every journey.
You may want something larger if you're travelling with:
Bulky winter clothing
A thick coat, jumpers and heavy layers can take up a significant amount of space.
Multiple pairs of shoes
Shoes are one of the quickest ways to fill a backpack. If your trip requires hiking boots, trainers and casual shoes, 24L can become restrictive.
Specialist equipment
Camera equipment, climbing gear, ski equipment or other specialist kit can require considerably more space.
Long trips without laundry
If you're travelling for an extended period without the opportunity to wash clothes, you'll naturally need more clothing.
The point isn't that 24L is always enough.
It's that 24L can be enough for far more trips than you might initially expect.
Why Travel With a Smaller Backpack?
There are some obvious benefits to keeping your luggage compact.
Less to carry
A smaller, lighter setup is easier to carry through airports, train stations and unfamiliar cities.
Easier to move around
If you're changing accommodation, jumping between destinations or travelling by public transport, having one compact backpack can make the journey much simpler.
Less temptation to overpack
More space often creates an invitation to fill it.
A smaller backpack encourages you to think about what you actually need.
More versatile
A compact travel backpack doesn't have to live in a cupboard between holidays.
The right backpack can work just as well for commuting, day trips, weekends away and everyday life.
And that's where the idea of one bag, every journey starts to make sense.
Why We Built the Nomad Pack Around 24L
At Nomadico Arc, we wanted to create a backpack that could move between different parts of everyday life without feeling like a specialist piece of luggage.
The Nomad Pack V1 has a 24L capacity, with a 48 × 30 × 18cm footprint designed to provide useful storage without becoming unnecessarily bulky.
It also includes a separate padded laptop compartment designed to accommodate laptops up to 16 inches, making it practical for people who might be heading from work to the airport, or from the city to somewhere further outdoors.
The idea isn't to create the biggest backpack possible.
It's to create one that gives you enough room for the things that matter.
One Bag. Every Journey.
How to Make the Most of Your 24L Backpack
If you're planning to travel with 24L, a few simple habits can make a big difference.
1. Plan your outfits
Think about what you'll actually wear rather than packing something for every possible situation.
2. Choose versatile clothing
Neutral colours and interchangeable pieces allow you to create more outfits from fewer items.
3. Limit your shoes
Try to travel with one main pair and only bring another if you genuinely need it.
4. Use every part of the bag
Small spaces are useful for cables, underwear, socks and other compact items.
5. Keep heavy items close to your back
This can help make your backpack more comfortable to carry.
6. Leave some room
You don't need to fill every litre.
A little spare capacity gives you somewhere to put things you pick up during the trip.
So, Is 24L Enough for a Week Away?
For many travellers, yes.
A 24L backpack can comfortably work for a seven-day trip when you're travelling light, choosing versatile clothing and avoiding unnecessary extras.
It won't be the perfect choice for every journey. A winter adventure, specialist outdoor trip or equipment-heavy holiday may require something larger.
But for city breaks, warm-weather trips, weekends away and everyday travel, 24L can offer a useful balance between capacity, portability and versatility.
Ultimately, travelling with less isn't about having less.
It's about carrying only what helps you make the most of the journey.
One bag. Every journey.
Find Your ARC.