Touring Pack

Touring packs are larger packs for overnight trips of up to a week in the summer half of the year. The pack must hold the basic kit for an overnight stay, plus food and any fuel. When the pack holds more, it places higher demands on carrying comfort.

Size

The pack should be in the order of 60–80 litres. We often see that women’s packs are smaller than men’s — even though women on average need a warmer sleeping bag and clothing than men, which adds volume to the load.

Compression and expansion

The variation in the load is usually down to consumables (food, fuel) that take up less space as the trip goes on. You therefore need to be able to compress the pack to draw the load in tight against your back. A lid that can be raised matters too — under the lid you will often pack a sleeping mat or tent.

Carrying system

The shoulder straps and hip belt should be well padded and easy to adjust. If the back length and the width between the shoulder straps can be set, that is a plus. The pack should be stiffened in the back for added support.

Other details

Larger outer pockets on the sides, front and lid are practical — you will be able to fetch lunch, waterproofs or a water bottle without opening the main compartment. It should allow you to attach kit that does not fit inside the pack (e.g. a fishing rod).

Next steps

• Pack — overview
• Day pack — smaller — day trip
• Expedition pack — larger — long-distance trip
• Packing lists — what belongs in the pack

Learn more

• DNT — equipment — recommendations and courses
• Friluftsmagasinet Fri Flyt — tests and specialist material
• Klepp & Tobiasson — Lettkledd — sustainable thinking about equipment