Backpacks
Backpacks for commuting, travel, day walks and multi-day tramps, from slim everyday packs to fully adjustable hiking backpacks. Our range is led by Osprey, Patagonia, The North Face, YETI and Fjallraven Kanken, with options from compact daypacks to load-carrying packs for the backcountry.
For everyday and travel, look for a padded laptop sleeve, organised pockets and a comfortable back panel. For hiking, choose a pack with a supportive hip belt, an adjustable harness that matches your torso length and a ventilated back. Pair it with a hydration reservoir for long walks, and keep the contents dry with a dry bag inside.
Fit is everything with a backpack, so come and try one on loaded at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about backpacks
What size backpack do I need for a day walk?
For most day walks, a pack of around 20 to 30 litres is ideal. It carries water, food, a rain jacket, a warm layer and a small first-aid kit without being bulky. Choose the upper end of that range for longer or alpine day walks where you need more clothing, or if you are carrying gear for children. If you also want the pack for commuting, around 20 to 25 litres is the most versatile size.
What size pack do I need for an overnight or multi-day tramp?
For overnight trips staying in huts, 35 to 50 litres is usually enough, as you do not need to carry a tent. For multi-day tramps with a tent, cooking gear and several days of food, most people need 50 to 70 litres. Lighter, more compact gear lets you use a smaller pack. Pack your gear at home first to see how much space you really need before choosing a size.
How do I measure my torso length for a hiking backpack?
Your torso length runs from the prominent bone at the base of your neck down to the top of your hip bones, roughly level with your belly button at the back. Have someone measure along your spine between those two points. Pack makers size their harnesses by this measurement, not your height, so it is the best guide to choosing a size or setting an adjustable harness correctly.
What does a hip belt actually do on a backpack?
A padded hip belt transfers most of the pack's weight from your shoulders onto your hips, which are far better at carrying a load. On a well-fitted pack, the hip belt should carry around 80 percent of the weight, with the shoulder straps mainly keeping the pack close to your body. On small daypacks a simple webbing belt just stops the pack swinging, while hiking packs have padded, supportive belts.
Are rain covers or pack liners better for keeping gear dry?
A rain cover keeps the outside of your pack drier and stops the fabric soaking up water, but it can blow off and leaks at the back panel in heavy rain. A pack liner or large dry bag inside the pack keeps your clothes and sleeping bag dry even if the pack gets soaked, which makes it the more reliable choice for tramping in New Zealand. Many trampers use both.
Which backpacks work best for commuting with a laptop?
Look for a pack with a dedicated padded laptop sleeve that holds the computer off the bottom of the bag, so it is protected when you put the pack down. A clamshell or wide opening makes it easy to get to, and a few organiser pockets keep chargers and small items tidy. A ventilated back panel and comfortable straps matter on longer walks or rides, and water-resistant fabric protects electronics in showers.
What is the difference between a daypack and a hiking backpack?
A daypack is a smaller, simpler pack, usually 15 to 30 litres, for carrying the day's essentials on walks, commutes and travel. A hiking backpack is larger and built to carry heavier loads comfortably over long distances, with a supportive frame, padded hip belt, adjustable harness and features like sleeping bag compartments and attachment points for poles and ice axes.
How do I clean a backpack without damaging it?
Empty every pocket, shake out dirt and brush off dried mud, then hand wash the pack in a tub of lukewarm water with a mild soap, using a soft brush on dirty areas. Avoid washing machines and harsh detergents, which can damage coatings, foam and buckles. Rinse thoroughly and hang it upside down to dry out of direct sun. Cleaning after salty or muddy trips helps fabric and zips last longer.