Great Walks of New Zealand
Hiking Backpacks
With so many packs to choose from it can be difficult selecting the right hiking pack for you. 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 hiking packs are very popular. Osprey packs are often rated as some of the best and most comfortable hiking packs and for good reason due to their fit and functionality.
There are other brands available that are also pretty good including Aarn which has a unique design balancing the weight on your front side as well as your back. These brands will come at a price, but your back and shoulders will thank you for the investment. If possible, consider getting your pack properly fitted instore to ensure you have the right size.
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)
Don't forget to put your gear in a waterproof liner or dry bags before packing it. Nobody needs a wet sleeping bag for the night.
Check out some pack options below for all budgets.
Hiking Backpacks
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:
$ 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 Covers & Dry Bags
Pack Rain Covers
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.