Thread: packs what to buy?

looking for a 75L size pack for big trips. I have had a look at the cactus hector pack and really like it in terms of simplicity and durability but feel it will be a bloody heavy pack when wet.

Other options are something like macpac cascade/torre.

I have a 40l pack for overnighter/couple of nights away and want to upgrade my current 65L.

What is everybody using for those extended trips?

New Cascade looks pretty good. Not cheap but I would say it would last well.
FCO have some discounted Tatonka packs at the moment.
Tatonka Yukon Backpack - 70L - FCO

I have a Tatonka bison 90l and a macpac cascade 75l both are good but for heavy loads and big trips the Tatonka wins hands down best pack around in my opinion

Originally Posted by 7mmsf

I have a Tatonka bison 90l and a macpac cascade 75l both are good but for heavy loads and big trips the Tatonka wins hands down best pack around in my opinion

Ive got a 90l tatonka, bloody comfortable pack with a load!!!!!

No surprise but I'd say macpac . I'd also say the cactus would be built to last , and if you choose it and it's not on sale ,contractors ( LBPs , master builders etc ) get a discount around 18 % from memory . ( is on clothing ,not sure on packs ?) You may be aware already ? Or even qualify with your position . I'm registered with them if it helps ?

Originally Posted by Munsey

No surprise but I'd say macpac . I'd also say the cactus would be built to last , and if you choose it and it's not on sale ,contractors ( LBPs , master builders etc ) get a discount around 18 % from memory . ( is on clothing ,not sure on packs ?) You may be aware already ? Or even qualify with your position . I'm registered with them if it helps ?

Second Cactus gear. Started with Macpac. All my packs have switched over to Cactus for climbing and tramping. And travel. Solid as a brick s*** house. Not cheap but kiwi made and quality seldom is.


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Originally Posted by Damnitchy

Second Cactus gear. Started with Macpac. All my packs have switched over to Cactus for climbing and tramping. And travel. Solid as a brick s*** house. Not cheap but kiwi made and quality seldom is.


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+3 for the Cactus gear. I have a Foray and a Miklat. Great packs. Very comfy.

Originally Posted by kiwijames

+3 for the Cactus gear. I have a Foray and a Miklat. Great packs. Very comfy.

Yeah! Got those... and a Deepwinter and an Alpine Henry and a Zero. Cactus whore I am. Mind I use to work in a gearshop and that certainly helped.


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Shameless plug but there a Sitka pack in buy/sell that would be ideal


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I have been using one of these for years - pretty rugged and sensible design

Sabre 60-100

K2 packs are reliable as heck. Planning on getting at least one of those one day when saved up. Can get custom made as well.
Macpac Cascade is a great choice and what I'm currently bagging for long trips - I somehow always end up with big gear, need a good pack - is a bit heavy though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tth7c8J7LI4

got one of those love it

I swear by my markhor. Worth checking out.

Originally Posted by SiB

I swear by my markhor. Worth checking out.

As a comfortable day pack, my 60L markhor is brilliant. But not robust enough as a big load carrier.
Bought a Macpac cascade off TM for $150 for the big trips.

Avoid the Stoney Creek 80L hunter/hunter2 packs. They are useless. Twin needle have repaired mine so many times that its now more repairs than original.

Originally Posted by scottrods

As a comfortable day pack, my 60L markhor is brilliant. But not robust enough as a big load carrier.
Bought a Macpac cascade off TM for $150 for the big trips.

Avoid the Stoney Creek 80L hunter/hunter2 packs. They are useless. Twin needle have repaired mine so many times that its now more repairs than original.

Yes I was going to buy that cascade on trademe but would prefer 75l to the 90l