How to choose a multi-day hiking backpack
A multi-day backpack is a completely different piece of gear to a daypack, and getting it wrong doesn't just mean discomfort, it can genuinely derail a trip. Between capacity, fit, and suspension systems, there's a lot to get right before you commit. This guide walks through exactly what to look for when choosing an overnight hiking backpack, then compares our full range so you can find the right fit for your next trip.
What size backpack for a multi-day hike?
Capacity is usually the first question people ask, and it depends heavily on trip length and season.
| Trip length | Recommended capacity |
|---|---|
| 1-2 nights (warm weather) | 40-50L |
| 3-5 nights | 55-65L |
| A week or more, or cold-weather trips | 65-85L |
It's worth resisting the urge to size up "just in case." A bigger multi-day backpack than you actually need just means more temptation to overpack, and more unnecessary weight on your back for the entire trip. Match the pack to your actual gear list, not your longest hypothetical trip.
Getting the fit right matters more than the brand
A multi-day backpack that doesn't fit your torso properly will be uncomfortable no matter how good the brand or how many features it has. Before you even look at capacity, get your torso length measured, most stores (including ours) can do this in a few minutes, and it's the single biggest factor in how a loaded pack actually feels on your back. Many packs, including several in our range, offer adjustable torso length or multiple size options specifically to dial this in.
The hip belt matters just as much as the shoulder straps. A properly fitted pack transfers the majority of its weight onto your hips, not your shoulders, so a hip belt that sits correctly on your hip bones (not your waist) makes a genuinely significant difference over a multi-day trip.
Comparing our multi-day hiking backpack range
| Pack | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Osprey Sirrus 36 (women's) | 36L | Overnight trips, longer day hikes |
| Osprey Eja 58 (women's) | 58L | Ultralight multi-day trips, thru-hiking |
| Exped Lightning 60 | 60L | Lightweight multi-day trekking, remarkably light for its capacity |
| Exped Ridgeline 65 | 65L | Week-long hikes, gear-heavy trips, dual pack access |
| Osprey Aura AG 65 (women's) | 65L | Heavier gear loads, maximum comfort and organisation |
| Fjällräven Keb 72 | 72L | Year-round, heavy loads, genuine long-term durability |
| Osprey Aether Plus 85 | 85L | Extended expeditions, technical terrain, heaviest loads |
The Osprey Eja 58 is a genuine standout for hikers who want serious multi-day capacity without the bulk. Made from 100% recycled materials with Osprey's AirSpeed suspension and a trampoline-style ventilated back panel, it weighs in at just under 2lb 12oz, genuinely light for a 58L pack, while still delivering the comfort experienced backpackers expect.
The Exped Lightning 60 takes a similar lightweight approach, using a T-Rex suspension system with an adjustable, height-customisable frame to deliver stable, comfortable load transfer without the weight penalty most 60L packs carry. It's a genuine favourite among backpackers who don't want to compromise between comfort and pack weight.
For hikers who want more structure and organisation, the Exped Ridgeline 65 offers dual main compartment access through both a roll-top closure and a large U-shaped front opening, plus a separable sleeping bag compartment, genuinely useful when you need quick access to specific gear without unpacking everything on top. Its ThermoMould and wireframe construction adds real stability on uneven terrain.
The Osprey Aura AG 65 is our pick for hikers prioritising comfort over minimalism. Osprey's AntiGravity suspension contours to your body and distributes weight so effectively that heavier loads feel considerably lighter than they are, making it the pack we'd recommend for genuinely gear-heavy multi-day trips.
The Fjällräven Keb 72 takes an entirely different design approach, using an iconic wooden birch frame to distribute heavy loads while minimising strain on your back. Built from durable G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric with a waterproof Bergshell base and sides, it's designed for genuine year-round use and includes an integrated rain cover, a robust, long-lasting option for hikers who value durability over cutting-edge weight savings.
At the top end of our range, the Osprey Aether Plus 85 is built for genuinely extended expeditions and heavier technical loads. Its Custom Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt and shoulder straps, along with adjustable torso length, allow for a precise, fine-tuned fit, while the close-to-body carry stays stable even when the trail gets technical.
Learning from real multi-day trip packing
Choosing the right pack is only half the equation, what actually goes inside it matters just as much. Our CEO Dave has shared his own approach to packing for genuinely demanding trips in our guide, Dave packs for a multi-day hike in New Zealand, covering everything from cooking systems to safety essentials. And if ultralight principles matter to you beyond just the pack itself, our guide to the ultimate guide to ultralight pack covers how to apply the same thinking across your whole kit.
If you're considering Osprey specifically, we've also covered the design philosophy behind the brand in our guide, Osprey backpacks built for every trail.
Why shop with us at PAST Outdoors
We're a family-owned Australian outdoor retailer with a genuine passion for helping people get out on the trail properly equipped. Our team tests and uses the gear we sell, so when we recommend a multi-day hiking backpack, it's based on real trail experience, not just spec sheets. We're proud to stock trusted brands like Osprey, Exped, and Fjällräven, and back every purchase with honest advice from people who actually spend time outdoors.
Thousands of hikers and campers across Australia have trusted us to kit them out for everything from weekend trips to serious multi-day expeditions, 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 fitting advice.
Frequently asked questions
What size backpack do I need for a 3-day hike?
For a 3-5 night trip, a 55-65L multi-day backpack is generally the right range, giving you enough room for a sleeping system, shelter, food, and clothing without unnecessary bulk.
How do I know what torso length backpack I need?
Torso length is measured from the bony bump at the base of your neck down to the point level with the top of your hip bones, not your overall height. We're happy to measure this for you in store, or you can find guides online to measure it yourself at home.
Should I choose a men's or women's specific backpack?
Women's-specific packs typically use a shorter torso range and a hipbelt shaped for wider hip-to-waist ratios, generally offering a better fit for most women than a unisex pack. Fit matters more than the label though, so it's always worth trying a pack on regardless of which version you lean toward.
Is a heavier backpack always more durable?
Not necessarily. Modern lightweight packs like the Osprey Eja 58 or Exped Lightning 60 use advanced materials and suspension systems to deliver genuine durability without the weight penalty older heavy-duty packs required.
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