Overnight missions require a pack that will comfortably hold the essentials. The smaller the pack, the lighter your gear will need to be. Go for larger models if you want to add a few luxuries.

Capacity

With gear getting ever lighter, it’s possible to cram all you need for an overnight trip into a 26-litre capacity pack, but most overnight packs are between 35 and 50 litres. They typically feature a single compartment capable of holding a sleeping bag, food, cooker and other essential items. It is possible to strap a tent onto larger capacity packs, but not onto the smaller models. 

Pockets

A front stash pocket or bungee system is used to store quick-access items like a rain jacket. There will also be stretch-mesh side pockets for drink bottles, as well as organiser pockets in the lid and on the hip belt and shoulder straps.

Compression

Compression straps are found on all packs to provide stability and to modify the pack’s profile to suit the amount of gear being carried. Straps may be long enough on larger capacity packs to strap a tent to its side or base, but check this if it is important for you.

Harness and back panel

Larger capacity packs may have an adjustable back-length harness but most will be a fixed length. A ‘trampoline’ back panel or grooves cut into a foam back panel provide airflow and muscle support. 

Hip belt

Because loads can still be quite heavy, most packs in this category have a padded hip belt to support the pack’s weight. Lightweight packs, designed for carrying light loads, may opt for a webbing strap only. 

Fabric 

Recycled ripstop nylon fabrics are becoming common. The fabric should be durable enough to handle scrapes and knocks without tearing. Heavier, more durable fabrics are often used in high-wear or stress areas such as the pack’s base. Fabrics are waterproofed with a silicon coating.

Shoulder straps

Padded straps contour around the neck and armpits to avoid chafing. Adjustable sternum straps help stabilise the pack and manage pressure points. 

Women’s packs

Many packs come in women-specific options. These have smaller harnesses and shorter hip belts. Shoulder straps will be narrower and contoured differently to a standard pack.  

Lowe Alpine AirZone‭ ‬Trek 45:55‭ $‬449.95

Airzone+ ventilated and fully-adjustable carry system with FormKnit technology, stretch mesh side and front pockets, hip belt pockets, rain cover, lash points, internally adjustable back-length, HeadLocker ice axe attachment, secure TipGripper walking pole attachments. Fabric 50% recycled 210D 6.6 Mini Ripstop with HydroShield Capacity 45+10l Weight 1630g. www.outfitters.net.nz

Patagonia Ascensionist 35‭ $‬319.99

Gear hauler with removable framesheet, compression straps and hip belt pads. Rope-carrying system, multiple lash points, internal stash pocket, ice axe carry system. Fabric 420D recycled nylon Capacity 35l Weight 890g. www.patagonia.co.nz

The North Face Hydra 26‭ $‬300

With patent-pending self-equalising Dyno Lift system, trampoline back panel for breathability, T6 aluminium frame, front stash pocket, 6+ pockets, hydration sleeve, lash points, sternum strap, quick drying FlashDry back panel, two tool keepers. Fabric 70D IronLite nylon Capacity 26l Weight 879g (m), 850g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz

Lowe Alpine AirZone Camino Trek ND35:45‭  $‬379.95

Women’s pack with AirZone breathable back for airflow, hydration compatible, side stretch pockets, walking pole and ice axe attachments, top entry, zipped front panel, and base entry with zipped divider, extendable lid, SpiderPlate bungee system. Fabric 50% recycled 210D 6.6 Mini Ripstop with HydroShield Capacity 35+10l Weight 1460g. www.outfitters.net.nz

Lowe Alpine AirZone‭ ‬Trail 35‭ $‬299.95

Fixed AirZone carry system, secure internal lid pocket, rain cover, breathable back, secure TipGripper walking pole attachments, single buckle entry, hydration compatible, hip belt pockets, zipped front pocket, side stretch pockets, ice axe loop. Fabric 50% recycled 210D 6.6 Mini Ripstop with HydroShield Capacity 35l Weight 1070g. www.outfitters.net.nz

Lowe Alpine Sirac 40‭ $‬279.95

Adjustable Air Contour X carry system, elastic front stash pocket, dual access side stretch pockets, sleeping bag compartment with divider, rain cover, hip belt pockets, walking pole attachments, lash points, hydration compatible. Fabric 50% recycled 420D Dobby, 100% recycled 600D PW/HydroShield Capacity 40+10l Weight 1770g (m/w). www.outfitters.net.nz

Sierra Designs Flex‭ ‬Capacitor 2540l $299

Adjustable volume, Y Flex suspension system, stretch mesh side pockets, stretch mesh hydration pockets on shoulder straps, zippered hip belt pockets, U-shaped top access zipper, lid stash pocket. Fabric 100D ripstop nylon body, 420D nylon Oxford base Capacity 25–40l Weight 1100g. www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Montane Trailblazer 44 $219

Customisable body-hugging Covalent harness, adjustable back system, mesh back panel, pre-curved central aluminium frame, quick release pole carry system, two chest straps, quick access bivi opening. Fabric 70D body, 210D base Capacity 44l Weight 980g. www.furtherfaster.co.nz