what size hiking backpack do i needMount ToubkalToubkalAtlas Mountains
Gear
Sarah Mitchell·Adventure Specialist
What size hiking backpack do i need for multi-day?
January 16, 20263 min read627 views
For multi-day hikes like Mount Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains, pick a 50-70L backpack. This volume packs 3-7 days of essentials: tent, stove, food, layers for cold nights at Toubkal Refuge, and 3L water capacity. Tested from Imlil trailhead. Smaller packs risk gear cuts; larger ones add dead weight and strain.
| Difficulty Level | Gear Requirement | Metric | Recommended Trail Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate | Tent, 3 days food, layers | 50-60L, 10-14kg load, 2500 cal/day | Imlil to Toubkal Refuge, High Atlas |
| Strenuous | Full kit, 5 days food, ice axe | 60-70L, 15-18kg load, 3500 cal/day | Azzaden Valley loops, Mount Toubkal summit |
| Expert | Minimalist + resupply | 50L max, 8-12kg load, 72hr autonomy | Berber Trail Culture routes with villages |
Multi-day means 2+ nights. Base volume on days out. Three days? 50L minimum. Five days? Jump to 65L. High Atlas cold drops temps to 0°C at Toubkal Refuge. Pack extra insulation. Water weighs 2kg per liter. Plan 1L/hour on Mount Toubkal ascents.
50L squeezes a bivy, stove, 2kg food daily, Columbia base layers, and Hoka trail runners. 70L adds group shelter or winter kit for Azzaden Valley snow. Weigh your load. Over 15% body weight slows you 20%. Test pack at home.
Locals use 80L loads from Imlil markets. Tourists stick to 60L. Porters handle overflow. This cuts your carry to 10kg.
Counter-intuitive tip: Downsize to 55L for Toubkal if using 2026 Moroccan trail regs. New permits mandate refuge stays over wild camping. Cache 2kg food at Toubkal Refuge drop-offs. Top Google sites miss this; saves 3L volume versus full self-sufficiency. Field-tested: 11kg total load beat 65L rivals by 1hr to summit.
Body frame matters. Torso 18-22 inches? Fit 50-60L. Longer? 65-70L. Timberland boots add bulk; compress them. High Atlas dust clogs small pockets. Prioritize hip belt for 12kg transfers.
What size hiking backpack do I need for a 3-day trip?
50-60L. Covers tent, food, and water for routes like Imlil to Refuge.
Is 70L too big for multi-day solo hikes?
No, if winter gear needed in Azzaden Valley. Trim food for lighter loads.
How do High Atlas conditions change pack size?
Add 10L for cold layers and water. Berber resupplies let you pack leaner.
Sarah Mitchell
Adventure Specialist
How to start backpacking: Buy a 40L framed pack like Columbia's 2026 Outdry model. Limit base weight to 7kg.
