Hiking Packs

About

Choosing the right hiking pack matters more than most gear decisions. The right pack fits your torso, carries the weight on your hips rather than your shoulders, and holds exactly what you need for your trip — no more, no less. Get it wrong and you'll know about it by day two. At Dwights, our hiking pack range is built around Deuter — one of the most trusted names in tramping packs, with back systems designed specifically for multi-day load carrying in variable terrain. From lightweight daypacks for day walks to 65L+ expedition packs for extended backcountry trips, the range covers every NZ tramping scenario from the Abel Tasman to the Routeburn. Choosing the Right Pack Size As a rough guide: 17–30L for day walks, 40–55L for multi-day hut tramping, 55–75L for camping trips with tent and sleeping gear. Don't size up unnecessarily — a bigger pack usually means a heavier pack, and most trampers overestimate how much space they need. For Great Walks on the DOC hut network, 50–65L is the sweet spot. Back Systems: What Actually Matters The most important spec on any pack isn't the volume — it's the back system. A well-fitted hip belt carries 70–80% of the load through your hips, not your shoulders. Deuter's Aircontact system is designed for maximum load transfer on long multi-day trips; the Futura system prioritises back ventilation for active day walking in warmer conditions. Both are adjustable for torso length, which matters more than your overall height when finding the right fit. Hiking Pack Brands at Dwights Dwights is an authorised Deuter dealer — New Zealand's leading brand for technical hiking packs. We also stock Rab and Lowe Alpine for trampers and travellers wanting a range of options across capacity, fit, and price point. Deuter: The Deuter Aircontact Core 55+10 and 45+10 are benchmark multi-day tramping packs with Deuter's Aircontact back system. The Aircontact Lite 45+10 is the women's-specific fit. Rab: The Rab Muon 50L is a versatile alpine and hiking pac