A rain jacket at the bottom of your pack means an unnecessary stop on a day walk near Lake Siljan. I would arrange the things I need along the way before deciding whether to buy a larger backpack.
Start with the trip, not the capacity
A walk from the car and two nights in a tent need different loads. Lay out the equipment for your actual trip, including food, water and weather protection, then see whether it fits. A partly empty large pack may need compressing to stop the load moving.
STF's backpack guide suggests around 30 litres for most day walks and 50–60 litres for walking between accommodation. These are starting points; your equipment and food determine the space you need.
Give each item a place
STF recommends keeping heavier items close to your back and making water, your map and first aid easy to reach. Items only needed overnight can go lower down. Balance the side pockets so the pack does not pull to one side.
I would keep rainwear accessible without opening the bag of dry clothes. Choose bags for their contents: one for spare clothing and one for small items may work better than many nearly empty compartments. Check the actual water protection of any bag intended to keep sleeping equipment dry.
Try taking a break at home
Imagine stopping for food after an hour when the wind picks up. Try reaching your warm layer and lunch without putting everything else on the ground. If that does not work, I would move them before leaving.
Finish packing. Lift the bag. Take a short walk with the water and food you expect to carry.
As a suggested trial, walk for 15 minutes and take the pack off and on twice. Notice anything pressing or shifting. Adjust the hip belt and straps to your body and the manufacturer's instructions; tightening everything does not necessarily fix a poor fit.
Separate day walks from overnight trips
If your tent and sleeping equipment stay at a base camp, your day walk still needs its own load. Transfer what you need for weather, navigation and breaks rather than simply taking the lightest bag. For an overnight trip, read about choosing a sleeping bag for warmth and fit.
Keep the stop you want to remember
After two days near Siljan, a photograph from a lunch stop may be the one you want to find again. FARON lets you save the stop with a photo and note on the map. Log your first night to start keeping your trip's places together.
FAQ
How large should a day pack be?
STF suggests around 30 litres for most day walks. Try your actual equipment before choosing a size.
Where should heavier items go?
Keep them close to your back and distribute the load so the pack feels balanced. Try it fully packed before setting off.
What should be easy to reach?
Water, a map, first aid and things needed for changing weather or breaks should be accessible without emptying the pack.
Do I need a new backpack?
Not if your current one holds the equipment and fits comfortably when loaded. Try it first.
