A versatile weekend pack is capable of taking you to huts, remote campsites or on fast and light multiday missions.
Compression
Compression straps secure the load and modify the profile of the pack to suit the amount of gear being carried.
Harness and back panel
Most models have a fixed, non-adjustable harness (though some have multiple length and volume options to suit the user’s height and shape). Airflow, muscle support and moisture wicking comes in the form of padding or a mesh trapeze.
Hipbelt
These smaller capacity packs most often have light, moulded hipbelts. The padding needs to be comfortable without bulk, and should cup the pelvis, keeping the load in place and carried by the hips.
Fabric
Ripstop nylon, Cordura or polyester cotton canvas is common. All offer tear resistance and are coated to provide water resistance. The denier rating will be 400-plus in high-wear or stress areas such as the pack’s base, with lighter fabrics used in low-abrasion areas.
Capacity
Ranging between 35 and 50 litres, mostly likely as a single sac, the pack will feature front and, possibly, side pockets, as well as pockets on the hipbelt and hood. Most overnighters will have tool attachment points, but not all have compression straps long enough to carry a tent.
Shoulder straps
Flowing up and over the shoulder, they should be contoured around the neck and armpits to avoid chafing. Adjustable sternum straps slide into position to help stabilise the pack.
Denier rating
Denier refers to a fabric weight and filament, or yarn, size. Extended over a distance of 9000m, a fibre strand’s total weight is calculated to determine its denier rating. The thicker the fibre, the greater its weight. As an example, a 1000g fibre equals 1000D.
Denier also relates to durability. Heavier fabrics offer greater wear resistance. They can also be combined with ripstop weaves to further improve abrasion and tear resistance.
Now you know what to look for, it’s time to choose an overnight pack.
 Lowe Alpine AirZone Trek+ $399.95Centro Adjust Air Zone harness, top, front and bottom opening, stretch mesh side pockets, front, top and hipbelt pockets, hydration compatible. Fabric 210D Mini Ripstop nylon 6.6 Capacity 35:45l, 45:55l, 55:65l Weight 1500-1700g.  |
 Marmot Graviton 48 Pack $399.95Wrap around zipper access to main compartment, Airflow suspension, padded waist belt with mesh pockets, zippered lid compartment, side and bottom compression, removable lid, storm collar, dual tool attachment, clipping points with reflective tape, daisy chain, hydration compatible, lid and front lash points. Fabric 70D nylon Robic ripstop Capacity 48l Weight 1180g. |
Macpac Tasman 45 $299.99
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Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail $269.95
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 Osprey Stratos 36 $249.99Airspeed suspension and spacer mesh harness, raincover, top or zippered front entry, mesh hipbelt, Compression straps, Stow-on-the-Go walking pole attachment, mesh side pockets, tool attachment, sleeping bag compartment. Fabric 210D nylon dobby, 420d nylon Capacity 34l, 36l Weight 1310g, 1360g. |