As gear gets lighter, the need to use mammoth multi-day packs has lessened. The smaller packs shown here can haul everything you need for a two or three-day mission.

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

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.

Rab Exion 48 $529.95

This do-it-all pack has a clean, simplified design and an adjustable V-TRAX carry system, a thermoformed harness and dual densities of foam, a U-shaped front zip and zipped lower entry, front stash, hip belt and harness pockets, walking pole attachments and a 6mm aluminium frame. Fabric 330D nylon stripe Dobby with Hydroshield coating Capacity 48l Weight 1640g. www.outfitters.co.nz

Stealth Adventure Equipment Rata 40 $500

This NZ-made frameless pack is completely customisable and made to order. It has a roll-top closure with a 20mm webbing strap and side release buckle, a stretch front pocket for wet or overflow gear, side pockets, S-shaped shoulder straps, a padded or webbing hip belt and a hydration sleeve. Fabric 200D recycled polyester face, 70D ripstop backing Capacity 40l Weight 680–800g. www.stealthbikebags.com

Rab Muon 40 $499.95

A streamlined pack for fast and light trips. It has a removable lid, a close-fitting TRI-FLEX carry system with wraparound harness, a shaped lumbar pad and a 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 40l Weight 895g. www.outfitters.co.nz

ONE PLANET Grampian $419

A top-loading, roll-top closure overnighter with the Exact Fit Mid harness available in three sizes. It has a hand-bent hardened aluminium frame, two front pockets, walking pole and external gear attachments, YKK zips, external and internal hydration pockets. Made in Melbourne. Fabric 210D Diamondloc nylon with UHMWPE ripstop grid  Capacity 38l Weight 1300g. www.oneplanet.au

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 UHMWPE ripstop grid Capacity 50l Weight 1200g. www.oneplanet.au

Montane Trailblazer 44 $320

Designed for overnight adventures in the mountains, this pack has recycled materials throughout, a PFC-free DWR coating, a precurved aluminium frame, a 3D moulded back panel, a large mesh zipped front pocket, mesh side pockets, side zip access to the main compartment, relocatable T-hooks for adaptable front-panel storage and is hydration compatible. Fabric Recycled nylon, 210D triple ripstop base Capacity 44l Weight 1090g. www.furtherfaster.co.nz

Patagonia Terravia 36 $379.99

This versatile pack’s roll-top closure has room for extra gear for weekend outings or can be cinched down for smaller loads. It has a breathable airmesh harness, an internal frame, hiking pole attachments, a rain cover, multiple pockets (top, front, in the lid and on the hip belt) and is hydration compatible. It’s made in a Fair Trade-Certified factory. Fabric 140D recycled ripstop nylon, 210D base Capacity 36l Weight 1066g. www.patagonia.co.nz