An overnight pack can be used for camping or hut adventures, though a smaller capacity pack would do for the latter.

Capacity

Gear is getting lighter and it’s possible to cram all you need for an overnight hut-based trip into a 28-litre pack. Most overnight packs are between 35 and 50 litres, with the larger packs also suitable for longer trips or those where a tent is carried.

Pockets

A front stash pocket or bungee system can store quick-access items like a rain jacket. Other pockets could include: stretch-mesh side pockets for drink bottles, and organiser pockets on the lid, hip belt and shoulder straps

Compression

All packs have compression straps that provide stability and can modify the pack’s profile to suit the amount of gear carried.

Fabric

Fabrics can 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 treated with a silicon coating for water resistance.

Shoulder straps

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

Compression

All packs have compression straps that provide stability and can modify the pack’s profile to suit the amount of gear carried.

Harness and back panel

Some larger capacity packs have an adjustable back-length harness, although most are a fixed length. A ‘trampoline’ or a ventilated foam back panel provides airflow and muscle support.

Hip belt

Most overnight packs have a supportive, padded hip belt, which is good for heavier loads. Ultralight packs designed for carrying the lightest gear, or smaller capacity packs, may have only a webbing strap to ensure load stability.

Women’s packs

Many packs come in women-specific options with a smaller harness and shorter hip belt. Shoulder straps are narrower and contoured differently.

Lowe Alpine Yacuri 48 $549.95

A do-it-all pack with a simplified design and V-TRAX carry system, a forward pull hip belt, a U-shaped front zip for easy access, front stash and stretch mesh side pockets, TipGripper walking pole attachments. and a 6mm aluminium frame. Fabric 330D Striped Dobby (49% recycled) Capacity 48L Weight 1540g. www.outfitters.co.nz

Rab Muon 50 $549.95

A streamlined pack for fast and light trips. It has a removable lid, close-fitting TRI-FLEX carry system with a wraparound harness, shaped lumbar pad and supportive hip belt. There are front and side pockets, a hiking pole carry system, and it’s hydration compatible. Fabric 100D high tenacity nylon with Spectra Ripstop (85% recycled) Capacity 50L Weight 995g. www.outfitters.co.nz

Bach Day Dream 50 $499.99

A pack capable of 20kg loads. It has a close-fitting padded back panel with ventilation air channel and suspended mesh, padded shoulder straps and replaceable hip belt. It uses recycled fabric and has multiple pockets, ice axe/walking pole attachment points and it’s hydration compatible Fabric 210D recycled ripstop nylon, 500D Cordura base Capacity 50L Weight 1593g. www.colorado-traders.co.nz

Aarn Mountain Magic 50 Pro $549

A mid-volume framed balance pack with pared-back design to reduce weight. There are removable Multi Balance Pockets (choice of two sizes), an adjustable back length, form-fitting back panel with mesh air gap, front and side pockets, roll-top closure, ice axe and hiking pole attachments. Fabric 70D Robic Gridstop, 210D Robic Gridstop base Capacity 50L Weight 810g + 240g pockets. www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Lowe Alpine AirZone Trek 35:45 $499.95

This pack uses the award-winning AirZone+ ventilated carry system. There are front and side mesh pockets, axe and walking pole attachments, an integrated rain cover, an extendable lid and it’s hydration compatible. Fabric 210D 6.6 Mini ripstop (50% recycled) Capacity 35+10L Weight 1600g. www.outfitters.co.nz

Kiwi Ultralight Tui 42 $425

A New Zealand-made pack, among the lightest in the world, designed for fast and light trips where ultralight gear is carried. It’s frameless, has seven external pockets, roll-down closure, adjustable and removable hip belt (120g) to lessen pack weight, and comes in a variety of coloured patterns. Fabric HyperD 300 polyester Capacity 42L Weight 300g + 120g hipbelt. www.kiwiultralight.co.nz

Lowe Alpine AirZone Camino Trek 40:50 $399.99

A day hiker or lightweight summer overnighter with side stretch water bottle pockets and a ventilated breathable back for airflow. The pack can be accessed from its top, front and base and there are TipGripper walking pole attachments, ice axe loops and a bungee stash system. Fabric 210D 6.6 Mini Ripstop (50% recycled) Capacity 40+10L Weight 1530g. www.outfitters.co.nz

ONE PLANET Hot Sauce $399
This pack has a roll-top closure and removable bungee and compression straps to trim overall weight. It has a compact, supportive and ventilated Exact Fit Mid Lite harness, a hardened aluminium frame, walking pole attachments, water bottle pockets and it’s hydration compatible. Made in Melbourne. Fabric 210D Diamondloc nylon with ripstop grid Capacity 50L Weight 1200g. www.oneplanet.au