Thread: Newbie hunter. Which backpack?? Size?? Brand?? Other gear?

Bush hunting in a 60 odd litre pack is a pain in the arse, anything that will carry a load well will stick up above the shoulders and get caught up at the most annoying times. And anything of that pack size that doesnt stick up wont carry a load well.

Personally I would add a cheap pikau to the main pack and use that while hunting. Takes up fuck all rooms and is way better to hunt in. Open country then just use the big pack.

If you want a cheap shelter, build creeds polycryo tarp. Cheap, light and fine in the bush.
For a sleeping pad cheap CC foam isnt very comfortable but it keeps you warm enough and is cheap as chips. If you want to step up for an inflatable Exped is probably the next best for the $ here, similar quality to thermarest but about half the price

Econ Quilts These are the best value (weight price and warmth) bags on the market at the moment IMO. They are quilts though so do a little research and see if that is something that suits you.

MACpacs are good, and there seems to be a heap of em around second hand.
Dont buy anything from katmandu. Their gear is overpriced shite, and they wont stand by it. I learned this the expensive way.

I would go with some basic gear that will get you by for now as if you are anything like me you will want to change all your shit anyway once you actually start hunting and work out what suits your needs. Also as its coming into winter, maybe look at staying in huts a bit as winter in the hills can be pretty unforgiving on the under prepared. Ive spent a few shivering nights in the kaimanawas in a 30 deg bag because I didn't respect the conditions.