Tips on selecting the best hiking packs

There is so much hiking gear in Australia that it can be difficult to decide which hiking packs are best for your needs. Hiking backpacks are essential if you are spending more than a few hours in the bush, as you need some supplies and emergency hiking equipment at the very least.

One of the best ranges of hiking packs are the Osprey packs in Australia, as they are high quality hiking backpacks with amazing features. The best type of hiking packs for walking on trails have a supportive frame, as these position the load onto your hips, allowing you to walk upright, rather than bending forwards as we tend to do with internal framed hiking backpacks.

For short treks you need hiking gear that can carry between 10 to 20 kg, for up to 5 days you need a 20 to 25 kg capacity and for longer trips.

All that’s left is to grab your hiking equipment, put on the North Face jacket you love and hit the trails!

Backpacks, hiking packs, trekking packs, or rucksacks - whatever you call them we stock a fantastic range of sturdy and lightweight hiking backpacks at Paddy Pallin. Specialising in hiking packs, we have something in store for everyone - whether you’re looking for an ultralight pack for weekend jaunts, or a super supportive trekking backpack for multi-week excursions. Whether you want a men’s hiking pack, women’s hiking pack, or kid’s hiking pack - you’ll find what you need at Paddy’s.

FAQs

Does Paddy Pallin sell Osprey hiking packs?

Yes! Paddy Pallin stocks the widest range of Osprey packs in Australia. Along with full-sized Osprey hiking backpacks, Paddy's stocks Osprey daypacks, and convertible Osprey travel backpacks like the Farpoint Trek and Fairview Trek. From Osprey ultralight packs like the Exos and Eja, to rugged expedition-style Osprey trekking packs - there’s something for everyone. We stock Osprey women’s packs, Osprey men’s packs, and Osprey kids packs, so there’s an Osprey backpack for every hiker.

Can I get a hiking backpack fitting in store?

Yes! Our specially trained staff are happy to take you through an in depth hiking pack fitting. We stock a range of highly adjustable hiking packs and our staff are more than happy to make sure you walk away with a perfect fit!

Does Paddy Pallin sell lightweight hiking backpacks?

Yes. Paddy’s stocks a number of ultralight packs for fast and light hiking. We stock the ever-popular Osprey Exos 48L and 58L, and the women’s Osprey Eja 48L and 58L. We also stock Arc’teryx’s lightweight hiking backpack Arios range which comes in a 30L and 45L options. These are perfect for ultralight hikers, overnight trips, or trips like El Camino or the Three Capes where you don’t need to bring all your camping gear. Whether you’re a thru hiker or just looking for an ultralight hiking pack for weekend trips, Paddy’s stocks plenty of hiking packs under 1kg for ultralight hikers.

Does Paddy Pallin sell women’s hiking packs?

Yes, Paddy’s stocks a range of Osprey hiking packs for women. We stock Osprey women’s hiking packs for a variety of needs, from ultralight women’s hiking packs to heavy-duty women’s trekking packs.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s packs?

Hiking backpacks have come a long way from the older style hiking rucksacks. The hiking packs we sell are designed with plenty of handy features and many adjustment points to ensure a perfect fit. Most pack styles come in a men’s and women’s option. Women’s hiking packs feature a shorter back length, wider hipbelt, and women’s specific shoulder straps that curve around and won’t press in on the chest. The Osprey women’s packs we stock are some of the best women’s hiking packs available and have been specially designed with women’s bodies in mind.

Do you sell hiking backpacks in different sizes?

Yes! The Osprey hiking packs we stock come in a range of different harness sizes and capacities. From 38L overnight packs for ultralight hikers or hut-to-hut trips, to 105L expedition packs, there is a full range of volumes to choose from. The Ospreys we stock are also available in a range of harness sizes from extra small hiking packs to large hiking packs. This means we can provide the perfect fit for a wide range of body types. Whether you're looking for hiking packs for tall hikers, packs for small hikers, packs for thin hikers, or packs for bigger hikers - our staff are more than happy to help you find the right fit!

Does Paddy’s sell kids hiking packs?

Yes! Paddy’s sells Osprey children’s hiking packs. These backpacks for kids work as both backpacks for boys and backpacks for girls. These children’s multi day hiking packs are supportive and very adjustable, making them perfect for growing hikers. For kids overnight packs, have a look at the Ace 50. For kids trekking packs, the Ace 75 will have plenty of extra capacity.

Does Paddy’s sell overnight hiking packs?

Yes. Paddy’s stocks a broad range of multi day hiking packs. From ultralight backpacks for overnight hikes, to trekking packs for multi-week journeys - we have an Osprey rucksack for every kind of hiker.

Does Paddy’s sell travel backpacks?

Yes. Paddy’s stocks a number of models of Osprey travel packs that can be used as hiking packs, but can also easily be used as checked luggage. These hybrid packs come in a men’s or women’s version which are very capable and well-designed convertible backpacks. If your travel involves city and trail, have a look at the Farpoint Trek and Fairview Trek.

How do I choose my hiking pack? 

At Paddy Pallin, we stock a wide range of hiking packs so sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start! The first step is working out what you want to use your pack for. If you’re mostly going on weekend trips, something like the women’s Osprey Aura or men’s Atmos may be a perfect fit. If you want something with a bit more support for weeklong trips like the Overland, the women’s Osprey Ariel or men’s Aether may be perfect. Conversely, if you’re looking for an ultralight pack, the men’s Exos and women’s Eja may be perfect pack for you. Fit is also a major consideration when buying a pack. The Osprey packs we stock are highly adjustable and come in a range of different sizes. We recommend coming into one of our stores for a pack fitting with one of our friendly staff.

For more information on how to choose and fit your pack, have a read of our in depth article.

How big a pack do I need?

The size of your pack depends on how you’re using it. If you’re mainly going on overnight trips, a 40-60L pack will likely be sufficient. If you’re going on weeklong trips, a 60-75L pack will give you extra capacity needed. If you’re carrying gear for others, bringing specialist equipment or plenty of comfort items, you may need even more space. Conversely, if you’re carrying only essential ultralight gear and all of your equipment packs down super small, you may be able to get away with a smaller pack.

Also consider your climate when deciding between pack sizes. If you’ll be hiking in cold weather, you’ll need more space for extra layers, more food, and a warmer sleeping bag. If you hike exclusively in hot or mild conditions, you may be able to get away with a smaller pack as you don’t need to carry cold weather gear.

Does Paddy’s sell mountaineering packs or climbing packs?

Yes. Paddy Pallin sells a number of packs designed specifically for mountain sports. The Mutant 52 is specially designed as a backpack for climbing or backpack for mountaineering. It sits close to the body for optimum balance, is designed to be worn over a harness, and has gear-specific attachment points. The Mutant and the slightly beefier Ariel Pro also make fantastic backpacks for ski touring or minimalist hiking packs.

Does Paddy Pallin sell pack accessories?

Yes. We stock a range of pack accessories including Sea to Summit pack liners and Osprey pack liners as well as dry sacks for waterproofing gear inside of your pack. We also stock Sea to Summit pack covers, and Osprey rain covers, Airporter travel cases, and nifty Aircover hybrid raincover and travel cases.