The North Face Trail Lite 36L Review

Finding the right size hiking pack is always a bit of a balancing act. Go too small and you’re jamming gear into every nook and cranny; go too big and you end up hauling empty space. At 36 litres, The North Face Trail Lite looks to land squarely in that middle ground, big enough for long days and the odd overnight, without the bulk or fuss of an expedition pack.

Built for Day Hikes (and a Little More)

The Trail Lite 36 is made for hikers who want one pack that can do most things. There’s plenty of room for food, water, spare layers, and a few extras on a full day hike, but it’s also large enough to stretch into lightweight overnighters if you pack smart. It’s not a stripped down minimal setup, nor is it overbuilt.

Design and Features

The Trail Lite is built tough, using recycled nylon with a water repellent finish and a heavier duty base so you can drop it down on gravel or rocks without a worry. The back panel and shoulder straps are padded and well shaped, with an adjustable harness that makes it easy to fine tune the fit for different body types.

There’s a lot of thoughtful detail throughout. Each shoulder strap is contoured for comfort and includes a stretch pocket for snacks or smaller items, and dual sternum straps add an extra layer of stability when the track turns rough. The side pockets are deep enough to take large 1.5–2 litre bottles without feeling like they’ll bounce out, while the hipbelt pockets give you quick access to a PLB, compass, or trail mix. Inside, there’s a hydration sleeve, and externally you get trekking pole loops and compression straps to tidy everything up.

Up top, the lid compartment offers two zippered pockets for keeping smaller items organised and easy to grab. The main compartment uses a simple cinch-top closure that’s quick to open and close on the move.

On the Trail

Out on the track, the Trail Lite 36 feels stable and balanced on your back. It carries weight well without sagging or shifting, even with a full load, and the structure provides enough support to keep heavier gear comfortable across long distances. The 36 litre capacity feels spot on for the bigger end of a daypack or the smaller end of an overnight setup.

It’s also a great option for anyone carrying a bit more than their share, whether that’s gear for the kids, a partner, or a friend travelling light.

At just under 1.4 kilograms, it’s not ultralight, so if cutting grams is your thing, this might feel a little on the heavier side. That said, the added weight pays off in durability and back support. The lid can also feel slightly fiddly when the bag’s packed to the brim, but it’s secure once adjusted and easy enough to live with.

Who It’s For

The Trail Lite 36 is ideal for hikers who like to be prepared. It’s made for those who prefer to carry a bit extra: a camera, a proper lunch, or even a lightweight camp chair in my case. It’s also a solid pick for parents carrying gear for the kids, or anyone sharing the load on a group trip. Sitting between a daypack and an overnight bag, it offers that rare middle ground that works equally well for long days or short light overnighters.

Verdict

The North Face Trail Lite 36 hits the mark for comfort, durability, and practicality. It’s built for tough Aussie conditions, carries weight evenly, and comes with useful features that we actually used. It’s not the lightest pack out there, but it’s reliable, well made, and ready for just about anything the trail throws at it. For those looking for one pack that can cover most bases, the Trail Lite 36 is hard to beat.

More information on the The North Face Trail Lite 36L here.

The Trail Lite 36 was supplied to us by The North Face for testing.