Packing backpack 50 lt for one 8 days in NZ.

@erniec I have a Cumulus Quilt 250 which is fine to 0°C, if you pack some thermals and a beanie. Below that I get some cold patches and need my down jacket to help stay warm enough. I found out that using it like a sleeping bag (not strapping it to the mattress but reducing the straps to the minimum) works better in cold conditions. As for what wayno is saying I do pack a pillow, a silk liner for my sleeping bag, an e-reader/smartphone (reading material), an audio player and headphones, an external battery to recharge all of that (and the cables that go with them), etc. and my pack weight is still about 5-6 kg before food and water. So you can definitely be lighter and still have comfort, and be able to withstand reasonably bad weather conditions :) I've seen hardcore trampers carrying 80 or 90 litres pack as well as hardcore trampers carry little more than a 20 or 30 litres pack, it doesn't really tell you what people are doing to just look at their gear. It's just like saying that you are more of tramper if you use trekking poles or gaiters, it doesn't matter :) And my back (as well as the back of thousands of other people) can tell you that carrying a heavier pack is not a good way to tough it out, it's just a good way to stop being able to tramp earlier by not being able to carry anything on your back anymore :(