Finding the Right Pack for the Adventure: Day, Overnight, Multi-Day and

Packs For All Adventures

Your hiking pack is one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll own — it carries everything that keeps you moving, fed, and comfortable on the trail. But not all packs are created equal. The right one depends on the length of your hike, how much gear you need, and how you like to carry weight.

Here’s a breakdown of what to look for in a pack for different types of adventures, and the packs I personally use — tried and tested on trails all across New Zealand.

🥾 Day Packs

For single-day adventures, comfort, light weight, and accessibility are key. You don’t need to carry a full kit, but you still want enough space for food, water, extra layers, and emergency gear.

💡 What to look for:

• Size: 10–25L depending on the season (larger in winter when you need extra layers)

• Fit: A snug, body-hugging fit to prevent movement when scrambling or climbing

• Hydration compatibility: Space for a bladder or water bottles

• Pockets: Stretch pockets for snacks, maps, and your phone

• Breathability: Ventilated back panels help prevent overheating

🎒 My go-to day pack: Black Diamond Distance 12L

This is my lightweight adventure pack for day missions. It fits like a running vest, meaning it stays stable even when I’m climbing or moving fast. It has just enough room for my essentials — snacks, extra layer, PLB, and first aid — without feeling bulky.

🌙 Overnight Packs

For one-night trips, you’re balancing the need to carry sleeping gear, food, and cooking equipment without overloading. These packs sit in the 35–45L range, which gives enough space for an overnight hut trip or lightweight camping setup.

💡 What to look for:

• Comfortable harness system: Padded straps and a good hip belt to distribute weight

• Easy access: Top and front access zips help reach gear without unpacking everything

• Compression straps: Useful for adjusting volume when carrying less

• External pockets: For quick access to snacks, rain gear, or a water bottle

• Durability: A good overnight pack should handle rough terrain and weather

🎒 My go-to overnight pack: Aarn Pace Magic 40L

This pack is all about balance and comfort. Aarn’s bodypack design keeps the load close to your natural centre of gravity, so even with a full overnight setup it never feels like it’s pulling me backwards. It’s incredibly comfortable and ideal for trips where I want to move efficiently but still have everything I need for the night.

🏔️ Multi-Day Packs

For longer adventures — anything from two nights to a week — you’ll need a 50–70L pack. This size allows room for extra food, clothing, and all-weather gear. Fit and comfort are absolutely critical here; a poor-fitting pack can ruin a multi-day hike.

💡 What to look for:

• Support: A solid internal frame and adjustable suspension system

• Fit: Women’s-specific or adjustable torso options can make a big difference

• Access points: Side or bottom zips for reaching your sleeping bag or clothes

• Load lifters & hip belt: To fine-tune comfort over long distances

• Weatherproofing: A good rain cover or built-in waterproofing layer

🎒 My multi-day pack: Lowe Alpine 60L (no longer sold)

It’s an older model but has been incredibly reliable over years of use. It carries weight comfortably, has solid access points, and has held up through countless backcountry adventures. A reminder that you don’t always need the newest pack — the best pack is the one that fits you well and works for how you hike.

🎽 Bum Bags

Sometimes less really is more. For short walks, easy trails, or side trips from camp, a bum bag (or waist pack) is perfect for carrying just the essentials — your phone, PLB, snacks, and a small water bottle.

💡 What to look for:

• Size: 2–5L is ideal

• Fit: Adjustable waist strap and good stability

• Material: Water-resistant or easy to wipe clean

• Pockets: Enough for organisation, but not overcomplicated

🎒 My bum bag: Cotopaxi 3L

I love this one for short hikes, travel days, or when I’m exploring from camp without needing my main pack. It’s bright, compact, and has just enough space for the essentials.

⚖️ How to Choose the Right Pack

When picking a hiking pack, think about:

• Trip length – how much gear do you truly need?

• Comfort – a pack that fits well makes a huge difference, especially under load.

• Weather – will your pack handle rain, or do you need a liner or cover?

• Weight vs durability – ultralight isn’t always best if it sacrifices comfort or toughness.

• Storage & access – how easy is it to grab what you need mid-hike?

If you can, always try a pack on with weight before buying — what feels comfortable empty can change completely once it’s loaded up.

🏕️ Final Thoughts

The right pack isn’t just about capacity — it’s about comfort, balance, and how it supports your hiking style. Over time, you’ll learn what works for your body, your gear, and the type of trips you love most.

From the light, minimal feel of my Black Diamond Distance 12L to the comfort and capacity of my Aarn Pace Magic 40L, each pack has its place in my hiking routine — and each one has carried me through its own set of adventures.

Whether you’re heading out for a half-day wander or a multi-day mission deep into the backcountry, a well-fitted pack makes all the difference between simply getting there — and enjoying every step along the way.

🏕️ Pro Tip

Even with the perfect pack, how you pack it matters.

• Keep heavy items close to your back and centred.

• Place quick-access items (like snacks and rain gear) in outer pockets.

• Use a pack liner or dry bag to keep gear dry — even the best packs aren’t fully waterproof.

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