If your pack’s wrong, you’ll feel it all day.
That’s usually the moment people realise a pack isn’t just a bag, it’s part of how your whole trip feels. Get it right and things move well. Get it wrong and every kilometre reminds you.
When trips get longer and loads get heavier, choosing the right tramping or overnight pack starts to matter a lot more. Here’s what we look at when helping someone choose the right pack.
Here's our buyer Dave giving you the rundown
Pack Volume: How Big Does Your Pack Need to Be?
The first decision is size, usually measured in litres. Pack volume comes down to what you’re carrying: trip length (overnight vs multi-day), season and weather (winter means bulkier gear), food and water requirements, and how comfortable you want to be.
There’s always a trade-off here. You can carry less and move lighter, but it often comes at the cost of comfort, especially over multiple days. If you’re unsure, this is one of the easiest things to get wrong. Most people either overpack into a larger pack, or try to squeeze too much into something too small.
For most 1 to 3 night trips, a tramping or overnight pack in the 50 to 70 litre range tends to be the sweet spot. Packs like the Osprey Aether and Ariel are a good example of this, giving you enough space for food, layers, and a full sleep system without pushing into expedition size.  
Back Systems: Support vs Airflow
Next is how the pack sits against your back. Most packs fall into two categories: traditional back systems, which sit closer to your body and offer better load carry and stability, and vented or mesh systems, which prioritise airflow with slightly less direct load transfer.
There’s no universal better option. It depends on how heavy your load is, how hot you run, and the kind of terrain you’re on. Heavier loads generally benefit from a closer, more supportive carry, while lighter loads and warm conditions can make airflow more appealing.
If you’re trying to understand how these systems actually feel, packs like the Osprey Atmos and Aura are a good reference point. They use a suspended mesh back panel that creates airflow while still carrying weight well for most multi-day trips.
Pack Weight and Padding
More padding gives you better load distribution and a more secure feel on your hips and shoulders, but it also adds weight. Less padding reduces overall pack weight and feels more minimal, but requires more care in packing and load management.
This balance is important when choosing a pack for multi-day tramps where both comfort and efficiency matter.
Pack Features: What Do You Actually Need?
Different packs suit different styles of tramping. Think about how you move and what you reach for regularly. Do you want easy access to water bottles while walking? Will you use a hydration bladder? Do you need to attach ice axes or trekking poles? Where do you prefer your pockets, whether that’s hipbelt, lid, or front stretch?
The right features depend on your trip and your habits, not a checklist.
Getting the Right Pack Fit
Fit is the most important part of choosing a pack. A properly fitted pack will match your torso length, sit on your hips rather than your shoulders, and adjust to your shape without creating pressure points.
Most packs come in different sizes, with adjustable harness systems. There are also differences between men’s, women’s, and unisex packs. Even within the same brand, different models can fit quite differently. Something like an Osprey Aether will feel more structured and supportive with a closer carry, while an Atmos uses a suspended mesh back that sits slightly away from your body and prioritises airflow.
For younger trampers, fit matters just as much. Packs like the Osprey Ace are designed to adjust as they grow, which makes them a practical option for families getting into overnight trips.
Why Pack Fitting Matters
The easiest way to get the right pack fit is in-store. We fit packs every day, loading them up, adjusting them properly, and matching them to how people actually move. It’s not just about what feels comfortable standing still, but what will still feel right after a few hours on the track.
That experience comes from seeing what works and what doesn’t in real conditions. If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this: don’t let a poor fitting pack hold you back.
At Bivouac, the goal isn’t just to sell you a pack. It’s to help you carry well, move comfortably, and get more out of your time in the hills. That’s what keeps people coming back.
