Multi-day packs are big enough to hold food and gear for several days (including a tent if required), and have harnesses and padding designed to ensure heavy loads can be carried comfortably.

Capacity

These packs have capacities from 50 to 80 litres. As other tramping gear has become lighter and more compact, it’s now possible to use 50–65L packs for most multi-day trips. Packs are either single or double compartment, with the lower compartment usually for a sleeping bag. Numerous pockets provide ample storage.

Hip belt

A padded belt cups the top of the hips so that around 80 per cent of the pack’s weight is supported by the hip bones. The belt can be easily tightened or loosened, and it should pivot so the pack moves with the body – this aids stability over uneven terrain and reduces fatigue when carrying heavy loads.

External storage

Compression straps, gear loops, stash pockets and daisy chains allow tents, walking poles, ice tools, clothing and other equipment to be carried outside the pack.

Fabric

Most packs are made from nylon, a material that is lightweight, strong and water-resistant. Canvas packs are heavier but also tougher and usually longer-lasting. Extra-durable fabrics are used in high-wear areas like the pack’s base. A PFC-free durable water-repellent (DWR) coating is applied to increase water resistance.

Pack access

Top access is standard, but it’s also common to have front zippered access, making it easier to find items. This is convenient, but tends to add weight and can compromise water resistance.

Waterproofing

Packs are water-resistant, not waterproof. Use a waterproof pack liner or dry bags to ensure gear stays dry. 

Harness

The harness keeps the pack stable and – when fitted correctly – transfers weight onto your hips. It may be adjustable or fixed. A fixed harness usually comes in several sizes to ensure correct fit. A foam back panel promotes airflow and provides back support.

Women’s packs

Many packs come in women-specific options. These have smaller harnesses and shorter hip belts, and shoulder straps are narrower and contoured differently.

ONE PLANET Tarkine $669

A modern classic canvas tramping pack. It features an EXACT FIT harness, water-resistant canvas fabric, single-entry, large front pocket with water-resistant zip, snow-shovel pocket, walking pole and axe holders, front stash panel and side pockets, and it’s hydration compatible. Made in Melbourne. Fabric WATERLOC canvas with 750D Cordura base Capacity 85l Weight 2800g. www.oneplanet.au

Aarn Featherlite Freedom $599
A balanced pack for fast and light trips of up to a week’s duration. Includes Aarn Balance Pockets
and water-resistant dri liners, an auto-mould suspension system, stretch front and side pockets, twin trekking pole attachment, ice axe attachment and it’s hydration compatible. Fabric 100D nylon Robic ripstop, 210D Dyneema gridstop base Capacity 50l + 10l pockets (small). Weight 1204g (small). www.aarnpacks.com

Big Agnes Parkview 63 $499.99
A lightweight men’s pack in two sizes to ensure fit and comfort. It will carry loads up to 22kg and has an injection-moulded frame sheet, contoured shoulder straps and hip belt, zip pockets, extendable and removable lid, external stash points for poles and tools, front stash pocket and mesh side pockets. Fabric Recycled Mipan nylon, heavy-duty twill base Capacity 63l Weight 1640g (medium).
www.gearshop.co.nz

Big Agnes Garnet 60 $499.99
A lightweight women’s pack designed to carry loads up to 22kg. It has curved, contoured shoulder straps, an anatomical hip belt, injection-moulded frame sheet, zip pockets, extendable and removable lid, external stash points for poles and tools, front stash pocket and mesh side pockets. Fabric Recycled Mipan nylon, heavy duty twill base Capacity 60l Weight 1620g. www.gearshop.co.nz

Twin Needle Tuke $649
This is a New Zealand-made hiking and alpine pack, available in three back-length sizes. It has a modular attachment system and fixed non-adjustable harness with a removable 3D framesheet. It has a front bungy for ice tools or quick-stash items, a removable lid, and water bottle pockets. Fabric X-Pac VX07 – 70D ripstop nylon, 1000D base Capacity 60l Weight 1150g. www.twinneedle.co.nz

Salewa Alptrek Women’s 50+10 $489.90
A women’s alpine trekking pack designed for heavy loads and with a fully- adjustable ‘Dry Back’ carry system, an expandable volume to suit trip duration, double axe or walking pole attachments, rope fastener and front stash pocket. It’s hydration compatible. Fabric 100Dx280D nylon twill, 210D base Capacity 60l Weight 1765g. www.bobo.co.nz

ONE PLANET Tussock $449
A sleek pack with an EXACT FIT Mid harness (available in three sizes) with hand-bent frame, double-back hip belt and composite harness structure. It has a large front zippered pocket, side pockets, a floating lid, double-layered throat, and it’s hydration compatible. Made in Melbourne. Fabric Diamondloc nylon with double layered base Capacity 60l Weight 1600g. www.oneplanet.au

The North Face Women’s Terra 55 $400
This pack has a women-specific fit and an easily used OPTIFIT suspension system. It features a self-equalising Dyno Lift System, foam and mesh back panel, zippered front access, front stash pocket, a floating lid, walking pole holders, and it’s hydration compatible. Fabric 210D nylon, 600D polyester base Capacity 55l Weight 1616g. www.thenorthface.co.nz