Most of my expereince is adventure racing and have seen more failed carbon poles than alloy. They get a lot of use though.
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Most of my expereince is adventure racing and have seen more failed carbon poles than alloy. They get a lot of use though.
I use cheap Ali express carbon poles. Three piece, cam lock. I'm not really hard on gear but they haven't looked like failing. They are light and have done their job for over 3 years without issue. At 30USD for the pair delivered I think I have had my moneys worth out of them.My wife has a pair of high end Leki alloy poles which are great too but she does have trouble with the twist lock sometimes.
Cam lock definitely more reliable than twist lock, I've had a few twist lock ones fail in the past and wouldn't go back to them. Of course Murphy's law they would often slip and retract just as you went to lean on them on some dodgy steep ground!
Re the carbon poles and adventure racing, they might take more impacts on rocks etc when being used for racing? and that is an area that I think the alloy poles would have more of an advantage - the same sharp impact might dent an alloy pole but crack a carbon one.
@Tentman equipment list of gear in my photos.
Sleep system is
Sea to Summit sleeping bag, if I am going to in colder climates I add a Sea to Summit Reactor liner, but it would have to be above bushline cold conditions.
Bivvi bag
Thermarest Neo-air Sleeping pad
2 x Black Diamond Contour trekking poles
DD hammocks 3m x 3m ultralight Tarp, i usually set this up on the ground as an open front tent bivvi using trekking poles to hold it up. keeps the wind out quite well.
Macpac inflatable pillow, after years of using a rolled up jacket , I decided to splash out, it weighs next to nothing.
Spare clothes
Macpac Rain jacket, or if weather is colder I take a Swazi Wapiti coat.
Macpac primaloft puffer jacket these stay warm when wet, unlike down and still pack up very small
Heavy weight polypropylene thermal (or merino)
Spare shorts, long-john's, socks and undies
Shemargh, Beanie and gloves
This set up is usually more than enough. I used to take a heavy polar fleece long sleeved top, but never really used it. If i was to take an extra layer it would likely be my Sitka thermal mid-layer hoody, which get very toasty.
First aid Kit
Med Kit containing usual stuff
I also carry 2 x Israeli trauma compression bandages, a CAT tourniquet, some wound filling sterile gauze and an emergency blanket.
Hunting gear includes:
Leica Range finder and 10x25 binos, Rhino 650 GPS, PLB
Zvord Hunting knife,
Silky Pruning saw and Cold steel knife for cutting fire lanes, tracks and firewood.
meat bags (pillow case or similar)
spare para cord
Cooking system is:
MSR Reactor stove with 1 litre pot, and 2x gas bottles (for longer trips)
3 litre bladder
Katadyn Befree water filter
Spork, Svord peasant knife and folding cup
Fire steel and a couple of Bic lighters
Other gear:
2 x head torches, (Zebralight and Nightcore)
Spare batteries,
SOL Emergency bivvi bag,
sharpening stone and rifle cleaning kit
Hunters Element 25 litre pack-able day bag
A few other smaller items are also in photos. On longer trips I sometimes take a small power bank with solar charger, (especially if I am taking the boy with me)
Hope this helps
I've gone through a few packs and have now settled on a McHale. McHale Alpine Style Packs (Warning: the website is hard to navigate).
They're not cheap and the process of getting one can take up to 6 months or more (and involve hundreds of emails back and forth, trialing 'demo' packs, and watching a couple DVD's) but the pack's are hand built by 1 individual, and they're built to your individual specs (your body dimensions + desired features). Dan can make them out of a range of materials, including Dyneema.
In a nutshell, you'll end up with a pack that fits you like a glove and will last several lifetimes. Worth the investment I reckon if you're doing a lot of backpacking off the beaten track. Warranties mean f*ck all in the field, and the price of a quality bit of kit is soon forgotten.
Pack he built me: Attachment 135921
Some other examples:
Attachment 135922
Attachment 135923
Attachment 135924
Attachment 135925
When I had mine built, I asked Dan to not put any velcro or mesh fabric on the pack (I hate that shit - always gets clogged up with hook grass etc, and degrades over time).
Dan doesn't do any advertising. Most of his business is repeat business. That should tell you something about the quality of his work. :)
I'll flick you a PM.
Depends on the size, materials, and features.
His most basic stuff will still seem quite expensive compared to something off the shelf, but it's a bit like a tailor made suit vs something from Hallenstines. I really struggled to scrounge together the pennies, but I'm glad I did.
50% off at moment
https://www.bivouac.co.nz/osprey-men...5yVM4Bcz-lEOWw
got both the atmos 65 and the ather 85 the ather 85 replaced my bison. they are super comfortable. super durable.
I'm tossing up between the 70 litre and 85 litre Aether AG. Not sure on size to get. Restricted to weekends so most will say 70 is more than enough, but my gear is budget, hence bulky. Tending towards the 85. Day trips it'll be really empty though. Do you find it annoying when carrying a larger pack only partly full? I see then can be senched down tight.
Breathing life into thread- how does it compare now @ebf? Happy?
I’m looking at Totonka or your one above? The idea of breaking it down to do a day hunt appeals.
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Osprey website states medium harness Aether 70 is 2.365kg and the 85 is 2.435kg. So only 70gm increase for 15 litre capacity increase!
I'm still super happy with it @Danny
If I had to buy again today will be the same model.
The Osprey packs also have an absolute killer lifetime guarantee - break it for ANY reason, and they will fix or replace it.
Attachment 141612
just bought it on sale in canada it was $314cdn think i did ok took a bit of tweaking but feels great now super comfortable with a load, see what I think after 5 km and 25kg.
Most comfy pack I’ve ever owned , think mine is a Aether 65 , not the hardest wearing fabric and mine starting to show wear on bottom edges from taking on and off all the time but heck there not that expensive and I will replace it with the same pack when needed.
Lucky, Osprey will replace it for free if it fails. Wicked guarantee. I’ve had a free repair and a free replacement. No questions asked
would there be anyone that has a 70-80 L aether, xenith pack that dosnt like the day pack type lid?
I have a pack that has a more traditional removable 2 pocket lid but without any straps, I would prefer the daypack lid if anyone keen on a swap
I've managed to get an Aether 85 from trademe. How is everyone carrying rifle on them?
Using the straps on it or have you added a scabbard? https://www.stoneycreek.co.nz/gun-scabbard.html
I've got the kifaru rifle carrying system. It's awesome. Can be slung under the armpit for quick access in those spots where an animal can pop up anywhere and can also be set up to be strapped to the side of the bag. I personally prefer the rifle to be slung as low as possible so like it below the pack, I'm pretty much always in or near the Bush though
Osprey packs are great. Offer a fantastic pack for the price if you get it on sale. I have been using a 44L Talon for some time now for light weight over nighters and day hunts above the bush line. It is fantastic, and not at all bad carrying a load of meat out.
Within family we've now got several Talon 22, a Talon 44 (my favourite during multi day adventure races), a old school Ceres 38 and now my new Aether 85.
The Ceres is about 15yrs old, well used and still going well. It's my daily commuting bag. No way near as comfy as the Talons though. Backpacks sure have improved in the last few years.
Hey Robojaz, your photos and list are awesome. I am referring to it to help me buy my hiking and hunting kit. Cheers Dave
Hey Robojaz, is the Hunters Element 25 litre pack-able day bag the Bluff? If so, how does it handle weight as a meat bag? Cheers. E.
For the past few years I’ve been like others on here using a Tatonka Bison which are bullet proof, have a great frame, carry the loads well and stand up when placed on the ground unlike other packs that just fall over or you need to lean them against something.
I was on a Tahr hunt early last year using the Tatonka as a day bag after the walk in. It’s a heavy bag for that purpose so it go me thinking there must be a lighter pack
I saw this thread and @stagstalkers review and just happen to be in bivouac for a look and ended up walking out with one and havn’t looked back.
With the same amount of gear I just find with the Osprey it’s just a better load to carry than the Tatonka.
I’m not sure why as the difference between packs is just over a kilo but the difference is huge in how I feel when walking in and how I feel once I’ve got into my destination as opposed to have used the Tatonka where I know I’d feel far more drained.
The Osprey has a great comfortable harness, it’s a light pack but handles weight well and can be used as a day pack on the hills.
I haven’t used the top compartment as a day bag yet but it looks functional.
As mentioned by others the Ospreys have a lifetime warranty regardless of whether your the original owner or not.
I bought a 70 ltr osprey aether ag pack while ago , if I was 20 years younger would have got the 85 , I can't praise it enough Seventenths post above sums my thoughts up nicely .
One feature I really like is on the front of the pack there are 4 loops that are designed to attach a smaller osprey of 20 ltr or so, but I've found buy using some snap hooks I can attach my ole Huntech day bag so effectively making it a 90 ltr pack , usually put my tent in there if I'm carrying it.
Straps on the left hand side which is where I prefer to carry my rifle just seem to be perfectly designed for strapping on a rifle.
Absolutely brilliant packs !!Attachment 176148Attachment 176149
I've run two Kathmandu packs for the last 10+ years. a 60L and a 85L. I found them comfy, big loads always felt heavy, well they should, right?.
Bought an Osprey Aether 75 last year after reading a few reviews, Stagstalkers review on here was the clincher. First walk the waist belt was a bit uncomfortable, was a little concerned but tightened the waist belt and kept going. Next day the walk out was bliss, pack sat nicely, the weight was almost non existent. The Brain comes off as a day pack which is a bonus.
Highly recommend them. LIfetime warranty too.