Been looking at getting a new pack from MacPac as there's a decent sale on at the moment. Just wondering what packs everyone has used, and can recommend. Looking at getting one in the 75L range.
Cheers,
Nelson
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Been looking at getting a new pack from MacPac as there's a decent sale on at the moment. Just wondering what packs everyone has used, and can recommend. Looking at getting one in the 75L range.
Cheers,
Nelson
Hi lost I use the K2 Hunter its about 75litre with a 10litre zip off day pack and also a rifle hook on it.
I have a Macpac 85l. It is good and Macpac are a decent company to deal with. I understand the One Planet packs are very good too.
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Hey Nelson I only own a small 25L Macpac "Tekapo" so not quite as big as you're after but I can say they are built well! I've had mine for nearly eight years and it looks like new. Easy to clean, nice tough ripstop fabric and a few little 'tweaks' that make it really useable.
I'm a Macpac slut though as hubby calls me so I may be bias..
Nelson whatever macpac pack you choose you won't regret it . I've had a 75 ltr for 20+ years and it's had a hammering . It finally failed one day after all the abuse , took it to macpac to see if they could repair it they said no problem charged me only $35 , come back like new replaced everything bar the canvis. Probably good for another 20 yrs .
Macpac Cascade 75lt for me, more than enough room, and holds well when not filled up too.
I've got a Ravine.
Very basic but handles everything I've thrown at/in it.
It's not the biggest (60 or 65L approx?), but if I had anything bigger I'd only put too much in it.
Only thing I would change on it is some external straps to hold a bed roll etc. Apart from that it's a great pack.
Twin Needle do some very nice custom packs as well. Worth looking at ;)
--- Twin Needle | Outdoor Equipment Repairs | Christchurch, New Zealand ---
I've borrowed a Ravine a few times, nice simple pack and narrow set. If you are a skinny guy or doing some bush bashing it's a good pack for that. I think they were actually made for a crossover tramping/climbing pack (thinking back to when I worked at R&R sport when I was at school!)
I have quite a few Macpac packs. The first is Gemini, the first model travel pack, and now 30 years old with the straps replaced recently, quick and cheap. For small game and bird hunting I use a Torlesse 35. There is a Ravine in the cupboard for when I get some spare time to finally chase something bigger. I have another Torlesse 35 that the kids can use and a Think Tank for my laptop for work.
I do have a bigger Fairydown tramping pack of about 90l, but I leant it to my brother a few years ago, so I probably need to check the sales for a new replacement for that. Normal course of events when he borrows stuff.;)
Think I like Macpac gear, pretty good value, good after sale service. Don't see that much point in camo bags; If it's on your back it will not be that visible to anything you are stalking, if you put it down you can't see it that well (though could be an advantaged if stashing while carrying out I suppose), and if something brighter is on your back there is a batter chance someone sneaking along behind you can better identify you.
Cascade is like the Hilux. Need I say more. Only trouble is that you can still load it to the max. Its just getting it off the deck is the problem. Iconic.;)
Use a Macpac Pursuit as a day pack for last 10 years or so and been very happy with it.
I have a Ravine for longer trips and a Kakapo for over-nighters - both great packs
Got a Macpac traverse 70l thrashed it and cant break it ,,,,it normally breaks me!!! well made bit of gear
Cheers for all the advice!! Seems as though any pack from the Macpac range would be fine :) Popped in today and picked up a Cascade 75 :D Cant complain when its 30% off, and a further 10% off for MWC members :D
Cheers again!
Nelson
My Ascent XPD pack that I bought in 2007 is starting to show some significant signs of wear already, I may have to get it repaired soon
Mac pac still made 100% here?Anyone thought of calling them and giving some hunter needs advice,complaining is a good way to create the ball of change rolling
that is a bummer,will ever stop destroying our industries?but thats a whole much bigger discussion
Pre 2008 (new ownership): Macpac was manufactured in China, Vietnam and the Philippines.
I think the new owners are using factories in Korea, I could be wrong.
Have a Macpac Torre 90Ltr. Upgraded from a forked Fairydown 75Ltr. No comparison, but I still manage to fill it up...
I've got a Mapcpac Cascade 90 that I bought when I was about 24. In the time I've had it I've replaced the shoulder straps and had the lumbar pad re-padded. It has no rips in the fabric even the base wasn't worn through. I'm 41 now so thats 17 years of fairly heavy use. I'm kinda hoping something will break on it soon so I've got an excuse to buy the new one.
Yeah the made in "New Zealand *not*" issue annoys me too. I wish they provided work for New Zealanders rather than offshore industries but from looking at their new ones and what I've heard from other users they've kept the quality control up at least.
I saw your cactus bag in the background of the coffee pic there Mr Grumpy! ;)
Owned 2 macpacs in the past year, pretty disappointed, would not recommend to anyone looking at using them seriously. Remuera track walkers excluded. Looking at an Eberlestock now, anyone want a second hand Macpac Torlesse 65 :)
Chris
nothing?
-Yes got it "fitted"
-Got home and the straps were still all loose, so all he had done is stand there and touch the straps while it was on my back until I said it felt ok. There were straps inside the pack that he had to actually move, never put his hands inside the pack, so never actually did anything. Only found this out myself after playing with the pack for like an hour wondering why it felt so fucked up.
-I asked him expressly if it was going on sale the following monday when a new sale started, he said no way, I said are you sure, look it up and tell me. All good he said. $50 cheaper the next monday
-Buckles loosen every 2-3 minutes while walking. Anymore than a full camel back and it cant handle it. Im being serious, its fucking useless.
-They are both fucking uncomfortable. Probably because of the muppets that sold me them 'fitted' them and 'sized' them.
-There is much, much better options available, in terms of value, design, longevity, and service.
I must stress that Macpac has the fucking worst customer service I have ever experienced in an industry where the average purchase must be over $500.
Did I mention my Macpac resolution that leaks like a sieve, both due to design and e-vent. And did I mention then entire Routeburn great walk crew experienced the same thing and complained to macpac and got told they were not using it in its intended purpose? They threw them out. $600 jackets, in the bin, they're fucking shit.
Did I mention that when I went to buy gaiters it took 30 minutes for the old whore on the computer to realise I was there to buy something and needed help, because the 3 guys were too busy following around the 13 year old chick looking at puffer jackets, even though she clearly didn't want all three of them to be there?
She was walking around doing fuck all at most 5 metres from me while im staring at her waiting for a 'Hi'. Not one single acknowledgement from anyone, in over 30 minutes, until I had the CC out.
She only acknowledged me after her facebook session when I put the gaitors on the counter. Never asked what size, who theyre for, nothing. I asked if they had any of the wire things. She said yeah over there. I asked her to size them for me, she said we don't have your size, youll have to come back. WITH OUT FUCKING LOOKING.
I fucking hate macpac. I would have spent 20k on hunting equipment in the past 12 months. Aint no fucking way im gonna spend it at one of these shit fucking stores again.
Chris
Oh and this is all after Blacksheep gave us a 15% off sale price voucher a year or so back. I was so happy that I could get 15% off an already discounted price.
Got what I paid for. Not.
Chris
Sounds like you had a great time in store :yuush:
You should have grabbed half a dozen items and chucked them on the counter.... then when they had it all set to pay say "That is what I was going to buy but due to your lack of service I am going elsewhere"
But I guess its only the plebs and they dont give a shit unless on preformance pay and I doubt that crew was...
I have had a great run with mine smaller one but my main pack isn't macpac.... Just what was in my local store
Yeah I truly wanted to like them, being an NZ store and because of blacksheeps's generosity. Unfortunately it takes more than one person to steer a ship.
I tend to be very quiet until ive got someone/something figured out, I hate complaining, I try to vote with my $$$, but I guess you asked me the right questions!
Chris
Bullshit I can steer a ship with my feet while laying back in my leather recliner with my hands behind my head.........
haha dick
Ive had it in light fiordland drizzle and been soaking to the core. When it started raining I was farken irate.
All the problems ive heard are with the resolution, what do you have?
Chris
Chris you are probably just a sweaty bastard! The problems people have with breathable fabrics are that when they are working hard and when the DWR coating wets out NO breathable fabric is particularly breathable any more - working hard, sweating lots = you feel wet straight away and then get wet from sweat.
I have LIVED in goretex etc outside 8-18 hour days, 5 - 6 per week, getting back into the same still damp on the outside gear through London winters and never been anything other than a bit sweaty in the groin (motorbike courier) - if you are not working up a sweat and you stay totally TOTALLY dry (even if you feel a bit sticky).
And back on topic - twin needle (used to be macpac repair centre) will still make you that bomb proof macpac from the 90's. 20 year out of my Torre and still going strong!--- Twin Needle | Outdoor Equipment Repairs | Christchurch, New Zealand | Custom Sack Builder ---
they seem to be on holiday at the mo but worth a call