Thread: Good, lightweight pack options

I bought a Gossamer Gear Maraposa 4 years ago and I've been surprised how well it's lasted. Around 800 grams and 60 litre capacity. The only downside is that it isn't even the slightest bit waterproof.
When this one finally wears out I'll definitely buy another.

Ok so kuiu is out after looking at the price. Mate is lending me an exped lightning 60lt to try but also plan on trying the osprey aether as know a few people with them plus the reviews online sounds bloody good. If it doesn't eventually will stick with the cascade for now

Have a look at AARN backpacks they are light and very comfy to carry with a big load and they last mines over 10 yrs and still going

Looking at light packs myself at present and have narrowed it down to the One Planet Extrovert 55l, proper harness, can fit the Cactus scabbard on the side, drink bottle holders, good size top pocket (much better than the Spiker Drover 40l) weighs 1.3kgs
I like to attach the rifle when travelling something I found hard to do on the Exped Lightening, still no problem as my son has claimed it

K2 Alpine Hunter https://www.outdoorsupplies.co.nz/K2Alpine_Pack85L.html

Originally Posted by cmore

K2 Alpine Hunter https://www.outdoorsupplies.co.nz/K2Alpine_Pack85L.html

That’s what I’ve got, super simple, durable pack. Comfort is excellent, and doesn’t have excess straps etc all over it. I got them to leave off the mesh side pockets, and add a rifle buttstock holder.


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Lightweight anything comes with several downsides. One is ruggedness. No matter what the marketing blurb says.

My pack is outside sitting in the rain, having the mud and blood washed off it from this weekend's jaunt in the Kaimanawas. Its canvas, and has a semi rigid frame (X frame of alloy). Its still reasonably waterproof. And doesn't have a hole in it yet (just the big one at the top!). Its just two compartment, and has fitted 4 x tiny Kaimanawa yearlings in it at a push. This weekend it was just the one.

Its a Macpac something (might be a cascade??), but as I purchased it when I was 18 (now 60 something), and its carted crap around the globe more than once, been up and down the length of NZ more than a few times, and hauled a shedload of venison out of the hills... I reckon a quality canvas pack with some sort of decent frame is hard to beat.

Here it is. A 43 year old pack still doing the business

Has anyone tried a Fiordland pack yet? https://fiordlandpacks.nz/

Originally Posted by paremata

Has anyone tried a Fiordland pack yet? https://fiordlandpacks.nz/

They look impressive...love to try the 45L.

Have You looked at southern light packs, havnt seen one in person but they look good

I think I will keep my big macpac for heavy duty missions as it definitely can haul solid loads but for an overnighter it is a bit much. Have lined up an exped lightning to borrow and hopefully buy but if it doesn't work out will go back to the drawing board

I got one of these for $200 from Comrades, I go for walks with it a couple of times a week loaded up. The frame is comfortable it has a rain cover , a waterproof bottom and it can handle a decent load. The grey/blue french army packs they sell are crap, the camouflage one is the one you want. This guy gives a good explanation of its features.