This pack will hold enough gear to help you achieve your weekend hut or camping missions.

Compression
Compression straps secure the load and modify the profile of the pack to suit the amount of gear being carried.

Harness and back panel
Most models have a fixed, non-adjustable harness. Airflow, muscle support and moisture wicking comes in the form of channels cut into the foam padding or a mesh panel.

Hipbelt
These smaller capacity packs most often have light, moulded hipbelts that keep the load in place and carried by the hips.

Fabric
Ripstop nylon, Cordura or polyester cotton canvas is common. All offer tear resistance and are coated to provide water resistance. The denier rating will be 400-plus in high-wear or stress areas, such as the pack’s base, with lighter fabrics used in low-abrasion areas.

Capacity
Ranging between 35 and 50 litres, the pack will feature a single compartment, front and side pockets, as well as pockets on the hipbelt and hood. Most overnighters will have tool attachment points, but not all have compression straps long enough to carry a tent.

Shoulder straps
Flowing up and over the shoulder, they should be contoured around the neck and armpits to avoid chafing. Adjustable sternum straps slide into position to help stabilise the pack.

Denier rating
Denier refers to a fabric weight and filament, or yarn, size. Extended over a distance of 9000m, a fibre strand’s total weight is calculated to determine its denier rating. The thicker the fibre, the greater its weight. As an example, a 1000g fibre equals 1000D.

Denier also relates to durability. Heavier 400D, 500D and higher fabrics offer greater wear resistance and are often used in high-abrasion areas like the base of the pack. Lighter fabrics, around 200D, are used on other areas.

Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose a pack…

Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail $269.95 Airzone harness, top opening, stretch mesh side pockets front and top and stretch hipbelt pockets, hydration compatible. Fabric 210D mini ripstop nylon Capacity 25-, 35-litre Weight 1270g. www.outfitters.net.nz

Macpac Fiord 40 $299.99 Ventilated harness with corrugated back panel for optimum spinal comfort, detachable padded hipbelt with adjustment feature for additional compression and a sturdier fit, roll top opening and detachable lid, stiffened compression panel on front. Fabric Titan Grid 100D nylon dobby with silicon coating and a 500D Cordura nylon base Capacity 40-litre Weight 1040g. www.macpac.co.nz

Fjällräven Friluft 45 $334.95 Mesh back panel, aluminium frame, front and top opening, hipbelt with two zippered pockets, hydration system compatible, rain cover. Fabric G-1000 Eco cotton, 500D nylon Capacity 45-litre Weight 1600g. www.fjallraven.co.nz