Thread: K2 Antarctic Products Pack Owners - thoughts on pack mod

I am considering purchasing an 85l k2 hunter frame pack but am unsure on about the side pockets. I have enquired with Antarctic products and they are happy to custom make an 85l frame pack without the side pockets and add side compression straps instead so can strap jackets / tripods / tents etc to outside of the pack.

My questions to existing K2 pack owners are:

How do you find the side pockets?
Do you think doing away with side pockets and adding side compression / tie down straps is a useful mod?
Any other mods to this pack you think would enhance function?

Also is 85l big enough (would be 75l without side pockets)

Any input appreciated, thanks.

I’ve got the alpine hunter, which has little mesh pockets on the sides as standard. I got her to leave them off, as I don’t reckon they’d last all that well pushing through scrub. It already had compression straps so didn’t need to add them. The ones on the hunter are a nice idea but I reckon the straps are better, the pockets would be a lot more restrictive in terms of the shape and size of what you could put in them.


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I had one many years ago and didn't find the side pockets overly useful. Zip off day bag was good and never had an issue with the size for multi day trips.

Hi MSL

Thanks for the feedback appreciated. Also, do you ever find yourself wanting for more capacity with the alpine hunter?

Thanks Shearer, good feedback as well. Think I am on the right track with losing the side pockets and replacing with external straps.

Originally Posted by Kaweka2506

Hi MSL

Thanks for the feedback appreciated. Also, do you ever find yourself wanting for more capacity with the alpine hunter?

No, it’s plenty big enough. Early March chasing sika, I came close to filling it, but only because I had a big fly, two sleeping bags, two inflatable mats, food, cooking gear, and my 38l one planet pack inside it.


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Thanks MSL, that’s good endorsement of the size.

I’m not a huge fella, and I thought it too big when I first got it, but after setting the harness up, it’s great.


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@Kaweka2506 I have the 85L Hunter with the collapsible pockets and the zip off day pack that I’ve since lost. The side pockets were not great to get stuff in and out of due to the angle of the zip. I think you’d be better with side compression straps or bungee arrangement. I’m actually thinking of getting rid of the K2 in favour of something about half the size. Given it’s a 20 year old model missing the daypack and the rifle holder that’s was crap anyway, I’d let you have it if you want.

Ishoot10s, thanks for the feedback and advice some food for thought there regarding size. Sounds like the rifle sling hook is not much chop? What generosity re the offer of your pack!!! Thanks very humbled by that but I will decline given I am still working out requirements and quite keen on the day pack as well but again thanks.

Originally Posted by ishoot10s

@Kaweka2506 I have the 85L Hunter with the collapsible pockets and the zip off day pack that I’ve since lost. The side pockets were not great to get stuff in and out of due to the angle of the zip. I think you’d be better with side compression straps or bungee arrangement. I’m actually thinking of getting rid of the K2 in favour of something about half the size. Given it’s a 20 year old model missing the daypack and the rifle holder that’s was crap anyway, I’d let you have it if you want.

You missing just the rifle hook or the bottom harness as well? if you are gonna move yours, gimmie a shout. Make a whole pack between us....

I run their 50 litre its served me very well, Had some big loads in it. Used it for 3-4 day trips also. Great pack imo

TAKE UP THAT OFFER.....dont hesitate.you will love the pack.
I waited 20 years till I could afford one and wish Id done it many years ago.
the side pockets easily fit in a poweraid bottle and pair of woolly socks
you can fit polarfleece pants in there too....yes the angle of vip makes it a challenge BUT its doable
Ive put some very heavy loads in mine and its the legs not my back that moan..... mine is the 85ltr model and its big enough.....when you take daybag bush stalking,undo the back to front straps and make whole bag wear a fleece T-Shirt keeps it quiet and its there if it gets cold...you can fit quite a bit in the against your back pocket of said daybag.
what would I change.....make daybag twice as big...which the likes of twinneddle could do in a flash.

they were $399 new when I was taking home $450 in hand...with wife n 2 kids to support....prioraties.
first car was mk3escort 2 door cost me a grand.....we upped that each time by a couple of hundy only.....hunting expenses are very low on list of necessities when you have low wage and young family.
now kids have grown up n left home I can afford the things I can justify,but its still not a free for all $$$$ wise.

@257weatherby missing the hook Up top and the pad cup thing that hung off the Bottom of the frame. cant really remember what that all looked like, just that I preferred to sling the rifle over my shoulder and got rid of it.