Thread: Pack for hunting/hiking

Have just returned my second osprey atmos pack due to the harness being extremely noisy, making a high pitched noise every step.

What packs do you guys use/recommend that I can look at?
Was looking at the macpac cascade but also have my eye on Lowe alpine zephyr. Any insights into a good all around pack would be appreciated.

Got two macpac packs, one huge 80l? Good for 10+day tramps, smaller one for overnighters or quick trips. Cactus gun scabbard if I'm walking a long way till a rifle is needed

Originally Posted by 223nut

Got two macpac packs, one huge 80l? Good for 10+day tramps, smaller one for overnighters or quick trips. Cactus gun scabbard if I'm walking a long way till a rifle is needed

What’s the smaller one? I’d love a cactus bag but they are pretty bloody expensive for a good one.

go old school and be happy........Ive finally got a K2 Hunter 85ltr and love it to bits,tried the internal frame thing and it just doesnt cut the mustard. Ive loaded the K2 up to the hilt and still managed to walk semi upright...last trip she had a weighed 51kg to slow me down to a stagger. the other huge bonus of frame pack is keeping it below shoulder/head when bush bashing....skinny high packs are painfull in the scrub.

https://www.platatac.com/platatac-me...k-ii-5908.html

Absolutely awesome pack!

Exped packs are nice man. Good harnesses and not too heavy. The old macpac is tried and true as well. People seem to like the tatonkas too but imo they are a bit on the heavy side

I’m considering a new pack. The Tatonka Bison seems to be popular. Who’s got one and how have you found it?

Ive got an old school Canvas 90L Huntech pack, they stopped making them years ago. Was thinking of the Macpac cascade, If a mad English man can walk the length of the Amazon river for two years with a Macpac cascade, there is nothing they cant handle.

https://youtu.be/DvXL7SeetPg

I had a good run from my Fairydown now Macpac Torre 80+10 ltr. large single pocket no frills tough. Had it restitched twice where the frame started to come out the side. (Over use and abuse) and then the foam and padding in the harness started breaking down.
Retired to the teenage son and got a smaller hunting pack 65 ltr with lots of frills (not doing long big trips and I've learned to minimize). Its heavier, More comfortable, cooler, lower when ducking under branches and more usable.
Markhor Ibex 65+10. Comes with heavy duty blood bag, fluro hood and rain cover. set up for water bladder, side pockets, Rifle holder on back or side. Ammo loops etc.
Probably not as robust as the Fairydown but suits what I used it for. Carrying rifle and 2-4 day hunts/walks.
Infact a few years later I went and got a Markhor Macho Montes 35 ltr for day and overnight trips, fluro hood and rain cover. 5 pockets 2 compartments. Bow or rifle holder
Zq

PS don't assume that just becasue its 11am i the morning it's safe to have the rifle strapped to the pack. A few years back I was taking the dog for an easy walk down river and was planing on exploring a side creek for a sunset or day break hunt. I was a bit sore so had a quiet day while my mates did a loop up and over and back down. Just walking though a patch of bush back to the river when the dog just in front of me froze. 2 deer in the middle of the river. By the time I dropped back and down, got the rifle out and loaded it they where moving off into the bush on the other side.

+1 on the Markhor.

I like it

Got rid of a few "lightweight" packs that I had in the past and bought a second hand Macpac Cascade 65L from a forum member. Love it, think I paid $200. Put a cactus rifle holder on it for long walks along roads or tops. Find the lighter packs cut in to your shoulders and are generally made out of some noisy nylon materials that just can't cope with NZ. I've never been too keen on large packs. If I have extra gear like a bulky tent I just strap it to the bottom of my pack on the outside and throw a cover over the whole thing. The Macpacs are a bit heavy but really comfortable for multi day treks and can carry substantial loads.

Originally Posted by ZQLewis

I
Infact a few years later I went and got a Markhor Macho Montes 35 ltr for day and overnight trips, fluro hood and rain cover. 5 pockets 2 compartments. Bow or rifle holder
Zq

I have its slightly smaller ( corsica ) 32 L brother, discontinued now, Wire external frame that can be removed to pack it down on a heli trip. 1 main and two side pockets plus the lid pocket that holds a floro flag and rain cover. Lacked a decent hip belt so I threw a emrson hip belt on it, its a great day bag