Tramping Packs
A tramping pack is your home on your back for multi-day trips in the NZ and Australian backcountry. Unlike daypacks or travel bags, tramping packs are engineered specifically for overnight and multi-day use — with load transfer systems that shift weight onto your hips, ventilated back panels, and enough capacity to carry everything you need for 3 to 10 days on track.
How to Choose the Right Capacity
Pack capacity is measured in litres and should match your trip length and style:
- 35–45L: 2–3 night hut trips with minimal gear. Suited to trampers using DOC huts who don't need a tent, sleeping mat, or cooking set.
- 50–65L: The sweet spot for most NZ Great Walks and multi-day backcountry trips. Enough for tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, stove, and 4–6 days of food.
- 65–75L+: Extended trips, winter travel, or trampers who carry more comfort items. Also useful if you're bringing heavier gear like a larger tent or inflatable mat.
Fit Matters More Than Brand
The most important factor in a tramping pack is fit — specifically torso length, not height. Most quality tramping packs come in multiple back lengths (S/M/L or specific measurements). A properly fitted pack transfers 70–80% of its weight to your hips, reducing shoulder fatigue over long days. Always try a loaded pack before committing to a multi-day trip.
Tramping Pack Brands at Dwights
Dwights is an authorised Deuter dealer — New Zealand's leading brand for technical tramping packs. We also stock Rab and Lowe Alpine for trampers wanting a range of options.
- Deuter: The Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10 and 40+10 are built around Deuter's Aircontact back system — exceptional load transfer for heavy multi-day loads. The 35+10 SL is the women's-specific fit with a shorter back length.
- Lowe Alpine: The Lowe Alpine Sirac Plus 65L and 50L offer solid tramping performance at an accessible price point.
- Rab: The Rab Muon 50L is a capable women's tramping pack with a clean, streamlined design.
Also consider pairing your pack with a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and hiking tent for a complete backcountry setup.