
The Exped backpack range, explained
Exped's backpack range covers a lot more ground than people expect from a brand best known for sleeping mats. From ultralight packable drybags through to genuine multi-day trekking packs, every Exped backpack we stock shares the same design DNA: lightweight construction, genuine weather protection, and features that actually earn their place. Here's a full breakdown of the range, and what each pack is built for.
Cloudburst 25: the ultralight packable option
The Exped Cloudburst 25 merges a genuine waterproof drybag with a lightweight backpack, weighing in at around 270g and folding down small enough to disappear into your main pack. Its 70D recycled taffeta nylon shell carries a 7,000mm water column rating, and the roll-top closure keeps contents fully dry when rolled at least three times. An EVA foam back pad and removable hip strap add comfort, while a front shock cord holder lets you lash on a jacket or helmet. It's the pack we'd point most people toward as a backup option, ideal for water sports, travel, or as a spare pack for side trips on longer hikes.

Typhoon 25: the everyday waterproof daypack
The Exped Typhoon 25 takes the same waterproof principle as the Cloudburst and builds it into a more fully-featured everyday pack. Its 210D recycled robic ripstop nylon shell is considerably tougher, and a fully taped, seam-sealed liner keeps it 100% waterproof. Unlike the Cloudburst, the Typhoon adds a zippered front pocket, mesh side pockets, and a padded back panel, plus a choice of two roll-top closure styles, a classic drybag roll or a cleaner clip-to-side-strap look. It's built for genuine everyday use: commuting, day hikes, and travel, without sacrificing waterproof protection.
Skyline 20L: the multisport daypack
The Exped Skyline 20L shifts focus from waterproofing to genuine hiking comfort and versatility. It includes a stowable hip belt for real load support on longer days, a full-length side zip for quick access without unpacking from the top, and an included rain cover for when the weather turns. With plenty of pockets for organisation, it's a strong option for hikers who want a daypack capable of handling technical terrain as comfortably as it handles everyday use.

Lightning 60: the multi-day trekking pack
For genuine multi-day trips, the Exped Lightning 60 is the pack we'd recommend. Weighing from around 1,190g depending on size, it's remarkably light for a 60L pack capable of hauling serious loads over several days on the trail. Its T-Rex carrying system uses an adjustable, height-customisable frame with minimal back contact points for genuine ventilation, while still delivering stable, comfortable load transfer to the hips. A full front and side compression system lets it shrink down for lighter loads or expand out for bulkier gear, and the large roll-top opening, combined with generous pockets and attachment points, makes it just as easy to organise as it is to load up. It's a genuine favourite among backpackers and thru-hikers for exactly this reason: it doesn't force a trade-off between comfort and weight.
Which Exped backpack should you actually choose?
If you want an ultralight backup pack for travel or water sports, go with the Cloudburst 25. If you need a genuinely waterproof everyday pack for commuting or day hikes, the Typhoon 25 is the stronger pick. For hiking-focused day trips where comfort and organisation matter most, the Skyline 20L is worth a look, and for multi-day treks, the Lightning 60 is hard to beat.

Why shop with us at PAST Outdoors
We're a family-owned Australian outdoor retailer with a genuine passion for helping people get outdoors properly equipped. Our team tests and uses the gear we sell, so when we recommend an Exped backpack, it's because we trust it ourselves on real trips, not just because it's on the shelf. We're proud to stock the full Exped range, and back every purchase with honest advice from people who actually spend time outdoors.
Thousands of hikers, campers, and travellers across Australia have trusted us to kit them out properly, and our customers keep coming back because we get the details right. Browse our full range online today, or reach out to our team for personalised recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
Which Exped backpack is best for multi-day hiking?
The Lightning 60 is our pick for multi-day trips, offering 60L of capacity, an adjustable comfort suspension system, and genuine load-carrying comfort at a remarkably light weight.
What's the difference between the Cloudburst and Typhoon?
The Cloudburst is lighter and more packable, ideal as a backup pack. The Typhoon is more feature-rich and durable, with a zippered front pocket and tougher fabric, better suited to everyday and commuting use.
Is the Skyline 20L good for technical hiking terrain?
Yes, its stowable hip belt provides genuine load support, making it a strong choice for day hikes on technical or uneven terrain, not just casual everyday use.
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