Heya gents, I've had a look at quite a few past threads comparing options but I've ended up with analysis paralysis and hoping for some real world feedback on NZ and US brands. I have a trip over there in a few weeks and will be around for the black Friday sales so it's definitely feasible to find some quality kit at a reasonable price.
I'm specifically looking for a day pack, already have a big pack and most of my hunting is day trips. Right around 30L or so. My primary use is to carry some food/water/rain gear but it needs to be strong enough to carry a boned out red. Durability is also important so I'm not really looking into the ultralight tramping packs. I've been using a 25L macpac for years but it's giving up and it has a weird flap opening that makes it a pain to access the main compartment and I can't close it if I put a set of hind legs in it. I like the waist belt options that have pockets for some small incidentals and load transfer.
I've looked at the Miklat and it's looking like a strong contender but I don't like the waist belt, no padding or pockets. Same as the Mollyme, just doesn't look that comfortable. The Kuiu Venture Divide is at the top of my list, nothing to fault with this one but I haven't seen one in the flesh. Also looking at the Tatonka Stealth 30L, my concern with this one is that the compression straps don't go around the zipper so a heavy load may cause the zipper to burst. Alternatively I can just get another MacPac, the Torlese 35L is relatively inexpensive and pretty much ticks the boxes.
Open to suggestions and any feedback on other options. I'm not a brand snob.
