Rucksacks 31L to 50L - Overnight, Weekend & Patrol Packs
This is the size most people end up buying. 31L to 50L is the first band that genuinely carries a sleeping system, a shelter and food for a night or two without strapping half of it to the outside. It is the standard weekend pack, the standard DofE pack, and the standard patrol pack.
The Highlander line covers most of it: the Eagle 3 40L and Ivar Men's 40L for general hill and camp use, the Forces Elite Pack 33L and the Harrier 35L and 45L V2 MOLLE packs for field and exercise use. Sierra Designs brings the adjustable-volume approach with the Flex Capacitor 40-60, Flex Trail 40-60 and Nexus Lite 40-50, which let you run the same pack light for an overnight and loaded for a longer trip. The Jack Pyke Roe Sack 40L is the countryside option.
Shop by brand, including Highlander, Sierra Designs, Kelty, Stoirm Tactical, Pentagon Tactical and Jack Pyke.
What you'll find in this collection
- Weekend and overnight packs with proper hip belts and load transfer
- MOLLE patrol packs sized for exercise and field use
- Adjustable-volume packs that expand into the next band
- Men's and women's specific back lengths
- Side compression for carrying a mat or poles externally
At this weight the hip belt starts doing real work, so fit matters more than it did in the smaller band. Keep the sleeping bag dry with a liner or dry bag, and see sleeping mats for what straps to the outside.
Ideal for
Overnight & Weekend Trips • DofE Bronze & Silver • Military Exercise • Wild Camping • Bushcraft • Travel
Related collections
Going lighter? See Rucksacks Up To 30L. Going longer? See Rucksacks 51L to 70L. The full range is in Rucksacks & Backpacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40L enough for DofE?
For Bronze and Silver, usually yes, provided the group is sharing tents and stoves. Gold expeditions carry more food and more days, so most people move up to 51L to 70L. Check the kit list your centre issues before buying.
What does an adjustable-volume pack actually do?
Packs like the Flex Capacitor use a roll-top and side gussets to change usable volume, so one pack covers a light overnight and a fuller load. It saves owning two.
Can I fit a tent in a 40L pack?
Yes, if you split it. Inner and flysheet inside, poles down the side under the compression straps or in the side pocket. Carrying a full tent inside the pack is what pushes people into the next size up.
MOLLE or hiking pack at this size?
For hill and camp use, a hiking pack carries better because the harness is built for walking. For exercise and duty use where pouches and mounting matter, the MOLLE packs are the right call.
