Thread: Ultralight backpacks USA

Im off too the states in October and am thinking because of schedule, that I might just travel with carryon and buy my hunting gear over there so that I dont get stuff misplaced. Doing a mule deer hunt and potentially a black bear/Sheep backpack hunt.

So wear my boots on plane. Binos in carryon and buy pack, knife etc over there before I leave here.

I have a Hyperlight mountain gear pack here which I really rate, But thought Id ask what else is available with similar weight carry capacity. Especially if its cheaper.

Ive had the 50L Gorilla and they are good. Forum member has it now and loves it.

https://www.gossamergear.com/collect...6CdwQva09Z-T29

If your looking at an ultralight pack based on the Hyperlite design, why don't you look at Southern Lite hunting backpacks? @Thar has used and recommended them among others. They do hunting packs and with some lead time customisation = mint.

https://www.southernlitepacks.co.nz/...ZYZB9kba1Xsz6N

The wear boots bits is what I did on a Nepalese motorbike trip.
Instead of motorbike boots wear some Hunters Elements which did everything.
Took our old helmets gloves jackets etc and gave them to the locals when finished.
What you are proposing makes sense.
Just carry on, buy gear that will do the job and be done with it.

Originally Posted by Snoppernator

If your looking at an ultralight pack based on the Hyperlite design, why don't you look at Southern Lite hunting backpacks? @Thar has used and recommended them among others. They do hunting packs and with some lead time customisation = mint.

https://www.southernlitepacks.co.nz/...ZYZB9kba1Xsz6N

I was wondering if anyone would mention my packs
It's not as light as some fabrics myself or HMG use. But I have a really good cam fabric at the moment too.

But if you're looking at buying in the US instead of supporting NZ made there are lots of good options. seek outside does some cool looking pack with silly load ratings, superior wilderness designs, durston if only up to 55L,

Originally Posted by Southern lite

But if you're looking at buying in the US instead of supporting NZ made there are lots of good options. seek outside does some cool looking pack with silly load ratings, superior wilderness designs, durston if only up to 55L,

I didn't mention your excellent packs because Whanahuia's strategy is to travel minimalist and buy gear in the States. Good idea. He also said that he wanted to keep the price down. Some of those US packs are very spendy. Thats why I suggested Gossamer. Light, strong enough, ok value.

That pack in your pic looks excellent. Yours is a great product.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I didn't mention your excellent packs because Whanahuia's strategy is to travel minimalist and buy gear in the States. Good idea. He also said that he wanted to keep the price down. Some of those US packs are very spendy. Thats why I suggested Gossamer. Light, strong enough, ok value.

That pack in your pic looks excellent. Yours is a great product.

All good, another too look at might be ULA as think they are a little less $.

End of life pic when I gave it to a forum member. He loves it.

Originally Posted by Southern lite

I was wondering if anyone would mention my packs
It's not as light as some fabrics myself or HMG use. But I have a really good cam fabric at the moment too.
Attachment 276994

Just out of curiosity. Could you make a pack similar too this one of yours.

https://www.southernlitepacks.co.nz/...ramed-backpack

That would with a sleeping bag and a change of clothes say, fold down to fit the carryon dimensions?

Part of my reasoning is that last year in the states, the domestic US flights as far as baggage went, were an absolute shitshow and Air new Zealand was so unorganised that even the morning we were due to depart for NZ, they were still changing our schedule and stopovers. Its a recipe for disaster when you have timelines and Arte relying on gear in your baggage.

Black Diamond do a bunch of alpine packs that are reasonably light at a good price point. Just not camo colours.

Originally Posted by whanahuia

Just out of curiosity. Could you make a pack similar too this one of yours.

https://www.southernlitepacks.co.nz/...ramed-backpack

That would with a sleeping bag and a change of clothes say, fold down to fit the carryon dimensions?

They pack down really well. But the hight of the frame is the main problem. These photos of the pack has both my summer and winter sleeping bags in.
Like this is measures 600x330x250. The frames removable so would take it down to 550 tall. But you would need the frame anyway.

@whanahuia
I think my Southernlite the same as you are asking about is 55L. Maybe 60L.

I would be more than happy to lend it to you for your trip. No strings attached, at my risk, for as long as you need it.

That silver pack is huge, 90L when full. I made it with packrafting in mind. But it does pack right down. It's definitely larger then I'd want for any hunting trip.