Great Walks of New Zealand
Hiking Backpack
When it comes to hiking in New Zealand, having the right gear is essential. A backpack with a capacity of 50-65L is ideal for multi-day hikes, allowing you to carry all the necessary gear and supplies. The pack needs to be comfortable and sturdy to wear all day long. Remember - the bigger the backpack, the more you will stuff into it and the heavier it will be. Most hikers should be able to fit the essentials in a 50L pack but if you are camping or carrying extra gear (cameras, gear for children) opt for a bigger size.
Load Up
Need help on choosing the right backpack? Check out some links below for help
What to consider when selecting a backpack
When choosing a hiking pack, consider the following:
1. Purpose
What kind of hiking will you be doing? Day trips vs weekend warrior vs multi-day hiking?
The kind of pack you will need will depend on the purpose you intend to use it for. If you are looking at completing a day hike or an overnight trip, then your pack size can be much smaller and lighter. If completing a multi-day hike the pack will need to have more capacity, be sturdy and comfortable enough to carry for hours over many kilometers.
2. Capacity
How much gear will you need to carry and fit in the pack?
If you are completing a multi-day Great Walk a 50L to 65L hiking pack will have sufficient capacity to carry all your gear. If you are camping or carrying gear for younger children, you may require a bigger pack size.
3. Features
What kind of pack features do you need to help store all your gear and that gives easy access?
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Ventilation - consider whether the pack has good ventilation systems when sitting against your back. Consider packs that have either ventilation channels or suspended mesh back panels that will allow airflow between your pack and back to keep you cool and comfortable.
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Access - consider packs with easy access to your gear. If you have a top loading pack, look for packs with side zippers that allow easier access to the bottom of your pack to avoid having to unpack your gear.
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Day packs/Hip belts - if you intend on completing day trips or side trips, look for packs that have removable day packs or hip belts.
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Pockets - having a pack with loads of functional pockets to compartmentalize and access gear easily is really helpful on the track. Look for packs with Side pockets that are easy to reach without taking your pack off. These are great to store things like water bottles. Hip pockets are handy to store snacks, hand sanitizer, and phones/cameras etc. Shove pockets easily store rain gear, warm clothing etc. without having to open the pack.
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Tool Attachments - cords or clips to attach tools, camping gear, or hiking poles when not using.
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Hydration Reservoir - consider packs that have a separate compartment for your hydration reservoir. Some packs have the reservoir outside the main compartment, so you can remove it and re-fill it without having to unpack your gear.
4. Fit
A comfortable pack is one that fits your torso well.
The key to a good hiking pack is finding one that fits your torso length (not your height). Generally packs will come in either small, medium, or large sizes so getting the right size pack is critical. To measure you torso - look down at the ground and find the bony base of your neck, this is the top of your torso. Now cup your hands on your hip bones on each side of your body, then move you thumbs together across your back until they touch. This is the bottom of your torso. Stand up tall and get a friend to measure the distance between the top and bottom of your torso, giving you your torso length.
$ Pack Options
High Sierra Pathway 2.0 60L - A budget hiking pack that has all the essentials - hydration sleeve, hip pockets, stash pockets and side mesh pockets. One of our crew is still rocking her High Sierra hiking pack she bought 12 years ago. The packs are durable, have good back support and come with lots of features.
$$ Pack Options
Macpac Torlesse 65L / 50L / 30L (Junior) - A mid-range pack option built for NZ conditions. Includes 3D Air Mesh ventilation, hardwearing rip stop nylon fabrics, and space for a hydration bladder and integrated rain cover. The Macpac Torlesse also comes in a smaller junior version for younger hikers.
$$$ Pack Options
Osprey Aura AG 50L / Osprey Ariel 65L - Osprey make packs specifically designed for women, featuring Anti-Gravity storage, outstanding ventilation, an integrated rain cover with all day comfort. Available in 50L for lighter hiking trips and 65L which is handy for longer multi-day hikes, or if you need to carry extra loads.
Osprey Atmos AG 50L / Osprey Aether 65L - Osprey is well known for pack adjustability and these packs are the equivalent men's version of the Aura and Ariel. Feature-rich with good suspension, choose between 50L or 65L for heavier loads.
Aarn Mountain Magic 50 PRO / Aarn Natural Balance Pro 65L - NZ designed, lightweight unisex packs that weigh around the 1kg mark. Aarn packs are designed for better postural comfort by balancing the weight of your gear on your back and your front with Balance Pockets. Featuring a free-flowing harness system and a comfy-adjustment hip belt, this pack keeps you feeling light and nimble on any trail. The Magic 50 Pro pack includes 7L Balance Pockets, but you will need to purchase them separately for the 65L pack.
Deuter Aircontact Ultra 45+5SL (Womens) / Aircontact Ultra 50+5L (Men) - Deuter is known for reliable hard-wearing packs. These packs are part of Deuter's ultralight range that boast comfortable hip belts with pockets, roomy stash and side pockets. Suitable for loads between 12kg-15kg.
pack Options
With so many packs to choose from it can be difficult selecting the right hiking pack. As well as considering capacity, features, and fit, you will need to consider the cost. If you want a good quality pack that will last for years, then Osprey and Aarn hiking packs are very popular. Osprey packs are often rated as some of the best and most comfortable with Aarn having a unique design balancing the weight on your front as well as your back.
If you are going to spend some money then a good quality hiking pack and rain jacket is a really good investment. But reputable, good quality multi-day hiking packs can be expensive and when you are just starting out it's a lot of money. We certainly didn't start out with expensive packs and used what we had in the cupboard. Over time though, we have all gone on to purchase decent packs and the difference in comfort on the trail is incomparable.
But you know what, our packs did just fine for a few years so here are some more budget conscious options for packs if you're looking. Check out some pack options below for all budgets.
How to fit and pack your gear
If possible, consider getting your pack properly fitted instore to ensure you have the right size before purchasing.
1. Check out videos on how to properly fit your pack so it is comfortable on your back. The hips should take the bulk of the load if fitted properly.
2. Pack your bag properly for the best balance on your back.
a) Less used lighter gear at the bottom (sleeping bag)
b) Heavy gear close to the center of your back incl food and water bladder
c) Frequently used gear on top (Clothing, rain gear, snacks)
Pack Rain covers & dry bags
Pack Covers will keep your pack dry when it is raining out there. Many backpacks come with pack covers attached hidden in a bottom pocket. If not, don't forget to pick one up. It will keep your pack and its contents from getting soaked. A wet pack is a heavy pack!
Dry Bags
Dry Bags will help to keep your clothes and gear dry inside your pack. A pack rain cover will not be enough and the Great Walks are located in areas prone to high rain fall. The Fiordland National Park has up to 200 days of rain per year so ensure your clothes and sleeping bag are placed into dry bags before going into your pack.
We use the dry bags of different sizes and colours. It makes it easier to section off your gear and identify what you are looking for. The multi colour dry bags make packing and unpacking in a dark hut room much easier.
For a cheap and cheerful option, a heavy-duty rubbish bag or the Pack Liner from the Mountain Safety Council will absolutely do the trick, which handily has some safety information about hiking in NZ printed on it. You can pick them up at most outdoor stores in NZ for about $10 and we used them for our first few Great Walks.