Thread: Please recommend a 5 day suitable pack please

its not a simple answer really, but packs are all built different, so like shoes you need to try one that fits. From my experience its hard to really know how well it will fit until your day 3 into your week long trip and your hips and shoulders are buggered !

The duleys have really done tatonka wonders promoting their packs, but as noted in this thread the bisons are quite heavy for what they are ( about 1kg heavier than the 90L macpac equivalent). The fabric they are made of isnt particularly strong and and the harness system is extremely large in its length and the 5 people i know with tatonka packs, 3 of them incl myself have to run it on the shortest length and still need a shorter length. i have had a few dealings with tatonka myself about some of their packs and they seemed to think if the duleys had tested it, then that was their R&D done! 1 thing for sure, if the pack relys on a zip for the main closure, then stay away.

Another thing to think about is the weight carrying capacity of the pack. For example some might be rated to 20kg which for a week long backpack hunt in winter with winter gear like crampons, axe and warm clothes you would be edging over 20kg before you had food and water in it. So yeah, it might be comfortable in the shop when you try it on with their 5 and 10kg test weights but with more weight in it, the pack might slip down past your hips further and as a result the weight doesnt distribute properly. You might think that 20kg is heaps of a 2 night weekend trip, but put 15ish kilos of venison in that and your body will be feeling it. Something that few people think about because lets be realistic, when your in deep you aint carrying full carcases out like a hero instead fitting it in your pack and keeping the weight close and centred is really whats the key. well.. unless your sika hunting !

The next pack i will probably get is the larger capacity osprey..

Originally Posted by scoped

its not a simple answer really, but packs are all built different, so like shoes you need to try one that fits. From my experience its hard to really know how well it will fit until your day 3 into your week long trip and your hips and shoulders are buggered !

The duleys have really done tatonka wonders promoting their packs, but as noted in this thread the bisons are quite heavy for what they are ( about 1kg heavier than the 90L macpac equivalent). The fabric they are made of isnt particularly strong and and the harness system is extremely large in its length and the 5 people i know with tatonka packs, 3 of them incl myself have to run it on the shortest length and still need a shorter length. i have had a few dealings with tatonka myself about some of their packs and they seemed to think if the duleys had tested it, then that was their R&D done! 1 thing for sure, if the pack relys on a zip for the main closure, then stay away.

Another thing to think about is the weight carrying capacity of the pack. For example some might be rated to 20kg which for a week long backpack hunt in winter with winter gear like crampons, axe and warm clothes you would be edging over 20kg before you had food and water in it. So yeah, it might be comfortable in the shop when you try it on with their 5 and 10kg test weights but with more weight in it, the pack might slip down past your hips further and as a result the weight doesnt distribute properly. You might think that 20kg is heaps of a 2 night weekend trip, but put 15ish kilos of venison in that and your body will be feeling it. Something that few people think about because lets be realistic, when your in deep you aint carrying full carcases out like a hero instead fitting it in your pack and keeping the weight close and centred is really whats the key. well.. unless your sika hunting !

The next pack i will probably get is the larger capacity osprey..

Yep this.

Wish a kiwi brand would design and build a decent hunting pack with a more suitable material. Cactus and k2 and the like make a bloody good pack but canvas, while bulletproof is so bloody noisey in the bush. Sweet in the open but no good for bush hobbiting. Even somthing similar in cordura or the likes would be awesome, balance durability with noise a bit

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Osprey Aether AG 85lt, most comfortable pack I have ever bought...

https://www.bivouac.co.nz/gear/campi...tml#additional

Originally Posted by MSL

K2 Antarctic alpine hunter


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This

Take a look at Tasmanian Tiger Range packs.

I’ve got a Cactus foray and really rate it.
It’s a bit heavier than some but it’s bullet proof with a simple design that’s comfortable and more weather proof than most. I find it very versatile as you can cinch it down really well, which reduces the overall size by quite a bit for overnighters and day hunts. Also a major plus is that when it’s fully loaded it sits nice and low behind your head which is great for pushing through scrub etc.
Best of all it’s made in NZ!

Originally Posted by Happy Jack

I'm using Aarn packs with front pouches a lot these days, especially if not going to be using it for bush bashing. I also use it for SAR work as its so useful having things to hand without removing the pack.

I second that. AARN packs are awesome with front packs. I have done a week in fiordland with mine and the main pack volume is only 55 liters. Light weight and super comfy

more than happy with my K2 Hunter,its not the lightest pack,but when its got 30kgs of venison in it I know it wont break...Ive done the 5 days with it....5 days isnt a heck of alot different to 2 days worth of gear.
mine is the 85ltr model....would go 90-95 is buying again...but would probably just put more stuff in that not needed.

Originally Posted by ebf

Osprey Aether AG 85lt, most comfortable pack I have ever bought...

https://www.bivouac.co.nz/gear/campi...tml#additional

That looks good!

what do you guys think of the harness on the K2 packs?

Been looking and reading about these as they look legit. https://www.outfittersstore.nz/tramp...ark-olive-l-xl

Originally Posted by MSL

K2 Antarctic alpine hunter


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Yea Ive got one that has mainly been used for hikes, super comfy/light. Makes a bit of noise though

Originally Posted by scoped

what do you guys think of the harness on the K2 packs?

I’m very happy with the harness on mine.
They are a bit noisy when new, but the canvas softens over time and becomes quieter.


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Originally Posted by ebf

Osprey Aether AG 85lt, most comfortable pack I have ever bought...

https://www.bivouac.co.nz/gear/campi...tml#additional

Yep, have the Atmos 65 and although maybe a bit small for 5 days it's been freaking awesome for 2/3 and warmer weather 4 day runs. That AG system is brilliant