Packs & Bags

Tramping Packs and Backpacks NZ

We ship packs NZ-wide, and you’ve got 30 days to return one if it doesn’t fit. Packs are personal, so that matters.

We stock Osprey tramping and hiking packs (Aether, Ariel, Atmos AG, Aura AG, Exos, Kestrel, Talon and Tempest), Patagonia Black Hole packs and duffels, CamelBak hydration packs, and Sea to Summit dry bags and stuff sacks. Osprey’s warranty is one of the reasons we back them.

Honest sizing for NZ tramping:

• Day walks: 20 to 30 litres covers layers, food, water and a first aid kit. Talon, Tempest and Hikelite are a good place to start.
• Overnight or a hut trip: 35 to 50 litres. With a light kit, an Exos 38, Talon Pro 40 or Atmos AG 50 does the job.
• Great Walks and multi-day: 50 to 65 litres if you’re staying in huts. Go 65 to 75 litres or more if you’re carrying a tent, cooking gear and food for several days. Look at the Aether, Ariel or Atmos AG 65.

Fit matters more than litres. Choose the pack by your back length (torso), not your height. Most of the weight should sit on your hips, not your shoulders. A good pack in the wrong size will hurt by day two.

We’ll help fit you even online. Give us a call on (03) 319 5028 and we’ll show you how to measure your back and choose the right size. If you’re passing through Kaikoura, come in and we’ll load one up so you can walk it round the shop. We’ve tested plenty of these on the tracks behind town.

FAQ

What size pack do I need for a Great Walk?
For hut-based Great Walks, 50 to 65 litres is usually enough. If you’re camping and carrying a tent, look at 65 to 75 litres.

How do I know which pack size fits me?
Measure your back length from the bump at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bones. Call us and we’ll talk you through it.

Can I return a pack if it doesn’t fit?
Yes, within 30 days if it’s unused, in the original packaging with tags on. Get in touch first so we can confirm the return. See /info/30-days-right-return/.

Do you ship packs NZ-wide?
Yes, to anywhere in New Zealand. Rates are at /shipping-info/.