How do I get the right pack for me? 

So you’re planning your next big tramp? Have you pulled all your gear out and your pack is looking a bit worse for wear? Or are you just starting and you’re wondering what's the pack that's right for me? Don’t fret, we are here to help, to get you started let's go back to basics: there are three main areas where you’ll need to make some choices.

  • Capacity - The size of the pack and how much this can hold. Also consider the weight of what you will be taking. 
  • Features - What additions are make and break for your adventure 
  • Fit - The overall length of your back and the back should be nice and snug so you carry that pack in the right places on your body


What capacity do I need?

How do I choose the size of my pack? Let's start with the duration of your adventure!

A Weekend Away| 1-3 nights | 30-50L

If you’re popping away for a weekend and a couple nights and the hutts are your main source of shelter, packing efficiently into smaller bags is great! Typically you will be carrying less gear for less time, fewer resources and less additional ‘what if’ layers. You can look at this as scale by starting at 30L for 1 night and adding that additional 10 for an additional night each time. The more you go the more you realise just what you do and don't need!The pack sizes we recommend are based on what we find to be the best use when out adventuring. Some trips may vary based on the season and the amount of supplies you will need to take.

Multi-Day | 3-5 nights | 50-80L

Typically we see a lot of buyers in this range. Most packs in the 50-80L capacity range are versatile for all duration of trips and means on those shorter trips you are able to carry a few more luxury items or a few extra items for those ‘what if situations’. These packs are an excellent choice for warm-weather trips lasting 3 or more days

Expeditions | 5+ nights | 65L +

Trips of 5 days and above usually call for packs of 70 liters or more. We would also recommend this sized pack for winter treks lasting more than 1 night. Packs of this size can easily accommodate a load that needs extra clothing, a warmer sleeping bag and an all important. We would also recommend packs of this size when on family tramps when parents need to carry their young ones gear too. 

Please note: The pack sizes we recommend are based on what we find to be the best use when out adventuring. Some trips may vary based on the season and the amount of supplies you will need to take. These recommendations are based on the average gear you will need to take when out there.


What should I look for in a hiking pack?

  • Gear Access
  • Pockets
  • Ventilation
  • Sleeping Bag Compartment
  • Padding
  • Attachment points
  • Rain Cover
  • Hydration Compatible 

Features on your pack can be make or break for storage and being able to carry all the gear you need for your tramp whilst making the experience and enjoyable as possible. Think about what stands out and what is important to you.  

Gear Access - Packs have a few different ways to access your gear while out on the trail. Some are top access only so packing will see items that are needed during the day packed close to the top. However some have front access so you can unzip the main compartment without unloading it from the top. Consider what your preference might be and how that relates to your style of packing. 

Pockets - Do you like having side pockets or do you like a more streamlined look? Most packs will have large elasticated pockets on the size to hold a water bottle or tent accessories, a large pocket behind the head for easy access to snacks, sunscreen and cameras and smaller pockets on the hip for miscellaneous items. 

Ventilation - Wearing a pack all day walking will generate a fair amount of warmth regardless of the weather. Packs have been designed to assist you in this and avoid leaving you feeling like you've been caught out in a small rain shower. Packs can feature a suspended back panel made from breathable mesh giving you ventilation between the back and your bank. This small channel can make all the difference in you being comfortable. 

Sleeping Bag compartment - This is a pocket at the base of your pack for you to store your sleeping bag if you don't want to put it away in its stuff sack or to pull it out without unpacking all other gear. Though it’s designed for a sleeping bag, this space can hold items that you’d like to access easily.

Padding - Getting a bag with the right amount of padding can be key to avoid rubbing whilst out in the field. Womens packs are specifically designed to have more padding in key areas such as the hips to make those long treks comfortable. 

Attachment points - Having additional attachment points can be key for that extra gear you want to carry on the outside of your pack. These can include gear loops for clipping equipment onto your packs. 

Rain Cover - Carrying a rain cover on your trip is a great idea for those days with 4 seasons worth of weather. Pack exteriors are usually treated with a coating and are thicker materials to protect gear to a certain extent but water can seep through and will often absorb some water weight during a downpour. You can also put gear in a waterproof compression sack for dry storage and great organisation. 

Hydration Compatible - Nearly all packs offer an internal pocket that holds a hydration bladder (sold separately) . This is great to have when you are on the go and don't want to slope the place for a drink.


How do I find the right fit? 


Once you’ve chosen the type of backpack you want, it’s time to fit your pack. It should be correctly sized for your torso length and hip circumference.

  • Many packs also feature an adjustable suspension, this can be modified to fit your torso.
  • The majority of a backpack’s weight should be supported by your hips, not your back. 
  • Women specific fit will often work well for young and shorter adventurers of either gender. These packs have a smaller torso and are often narrower. The hip belts and shoulder straps are often moulded in a way that will accommodate a woman's figure. 
  • Attached to the top of the pack frame and stitched into the top of the shoulder straps is a lift loader strap. This enables the user to have the pack closer to the body for a more comfortable, even loaded carry.
  • Sternum straps secure across your chest increasing your stability. It can be useful to have this strap secured when tramping across uneven terrain where balance is key - you don't want to be thrown off and take a tumble!