Large-capacity multi-day packs have space for all the food and gear required for trips of three days or more, and are loaded with features that let you carry such weight in relative comfort.
Capacity
Multi-day packs have capacities from 50l. 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.
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 suspended ‘trampoline’ mesh or ventilated foam back panel promotes airflow and provides back support.
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.
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.
Fabric
Most packs are made from nylon, a material that is lightweight, strong and water-resistant. Canvas packs are heavier but also tougher and 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 through the lid 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 weatherproofing.
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.
Water-resistance
Packs are water-resistant, not waterproof. Use a waterproof pack liner and dry bags to ensure gear stays dry. Some packs have a rain cover, but on their own these are generally insufficient to protect the gear inside.
Rab Hyperon 65 $799.95
This pack features the adjustable V-TRAX carry system with an internal divider panel and zipped front and lower entries. It has plenty of pockets for smaller items, internal and external compression straps, and is hydration compatible. Fabric 210D ROBIC nylon with Spectra Ripstop Capacity 65l Weight 2605g.
The North Face Summit Series Cobra 65 $600
This pack is built for summit approaches and has semi-translucent fabric to help make gear easy to locate. A floating lid, external pocket and multiple compression straps add versatile storage. Features include ice-tool holders, foam back panel and shoulder straps, hipbelt and wand pockets, hydration sleeve and 360-degree reflectivity. Fabric 210D recycled ripstop nylon, 210D TPU-coated nylon ripstop base Capacity 65l Weight 1650g.
Aarn Featherlite Freedom $599
A balanced pack for fast and light trips of up to a week’s duration. Includes Aarn Balance Pockets Sport and water-resistant dri-liners, a Free-movement harness system, stretch front and side pockets, twin trekking pole attachment, ice axe attachment, and it’s hydration compatible. Fabric 100D nylon Robic ripstop, 210D Robic Gridstop with UHMWPE Capacity 50l + 10l pockets (small). Weight 1204g (small).
Deuter Aircontact Core 70+10 $599.95
This pack’s modular gear straps can be positioned to attach a range of items depending on the trip’s requirements. It has Deuter’s Aircontact back system with spacer mesh and a large ventilation channel, ergonomic Active Fit shoulder straps, Y-frame for load transfer, J-shaped front-access zipper and a removable lid. Women’s version is 65+10SL. Fabric 500D polyester Capacity 70l Weight 2530g.
Rab Muon 50 $549.95
This ultralight pack features a close-fitting TRI-FLEX carry system including a wraparound harness, shaped lumbar pad and supportive hipbelt. Other features include a removable lid, two harness pockets, two large side stash pockets and ultralight compression lower straps. Also available in narrow dimensions (ND). Fabric 100D (85% recycled) high-tenacity nylon with Spectra Ripstop Capacity 50l Weight 995g
Rab Exion 55 $599.95
This pack comes with the adjustable V-TRAX carry system, wraparound shaped harness construction and U-shaped front zip and zipped lower entry. Additional features include a 6mm aluminium frame, walking pole attachments and a rain cover. Also available in narrow dimensions (ND). Fabric 330D nylon Capacity 55l Weight 1950g
Patagonia Ascensionist 55 $519.99
A streamlined climber’s pack designed for long approaches, lightweight trips and expeditions in alpine terrain. Its customisable design includes a removable hipbelt, padding and frame. There are multiple lash points, a full-sized top pocket and removable ice tool carry straps. Made of recycled materials in a Fair Trade-certified factory. Fabric 210D recycled nylon Capacity 55l Weight 1264g.
ONE PLANET Tussock from $469
A streamlined top-loading pack with the Exact Fit Mid harness available in three sizes. It has a hardened aluminium frame, double-stitched binding for seam durability, a large front pocket, attachment points for poles, tools and skis, YKK zips and a double-layered throat. It has side water bottle pockets and is hydration compatible. Made in Melbourne. Fabric 210D Diamondloc nylon with ripstop grid Capacity 60l Weight 1600g.
The North Face Terra 65 $430
This TNF staple has a full-length U-zip for easy access, and breathable and adjustable back panel, shoulder straps and hipbelt. Other features include a removable top lid, external stuff-it pocket, hipbelt and water bottle pockets, hiking pole and ice axe carry points and multiple compression straps. Fabric 600D recycled polyester plain weave, 600D polyester base Capacity 65l Weight 1950g (s/m), 2110g (l/xl).
ONE PLANET Hot Sauce from $409
This pack has trimmed weight with its roll-top closure and removable bungee and compression straps. It has a compact Exact Fit Mid Lite harness offering support and ventilation, a hardened aluminium frame, walking pole attachments, water bottle pockets and internal loop and hose port for a hydration bladder. Made in Melbourne. Fabric 210D Diamondloc nylon with ripstop grid Capacity 50l Weight 1200g.
Salewa Trek Mate 65+5 $399.90
A heavy-duty pack for multi-day trails. It features a Dry Back Custom carry system with easily adjustable back length and anatomically shaped padded shoulder straps. It has load lifter straps for optimal back fit over long distances, a shaped hip fin, multiple attachment options for poles and ice tools, a daisy chain, and is hydration compatible. Raincover included. Fabric 420 polyester, 750D polyester base Capacity 70l Weight 1500g.
Lowe Alpine Sirac 50 $349.95
This hydration-compatible pack offers walking pole attachments, an integrated rain cover and an elasticated stash pocket. It has an adjustable Air Contour X carry system, a sleeping bag compartment with divider, and a sternum strap with whistle. Fabric 420D nylon (50% recycled), 100% recycled 600D base Capacity 50l Weight 1780g
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