Thread: What size backpack for multi-day hunts?

Ok, so I'm looking for a multi-day backpack.

I always tend to go for too small so as a kneejerk reaction I'm looking at Osprey Aether 85l (and furtively at Stone Glacier Talus 6900, but I don't look too long in case I press the trigger.)

For those who know: what is a good size for a multi-day hunt backpack?

Probably needs to include lightweight tent for those times you want/need one. I figure you can always carry less in a big bag, but you can't carry more in a small one.

I just got my pack from Southernlite last week.
85l job.
Loaded up with gear including tent for a couple of nights and with the top rolled down and everything cinched in it looks like a 50l pack.
For sure pricier than an off the shelf, but I now have the pack with only features on it that I want, and none that I don't want.
Very happy with it.

Hi there,

Interesting topic, one I've been thinking about lately myself. As I've become a more successful hunter, I've tended to favor one backpack for all my hunter adventures.
I use the Cactus Foray 75l. It's heavy, but it can cope with the abuse I give it on a regular basis. I can pack out a full animal, with climbing/hunting and camping gear all included. Its New Zealand made, and has excellent back support for my buggered shoulders too. But still, its bloody heavy.

https://cactusoutdoor.co.nz/products...xoCbcQQAvD_BwE

54 litres for me. Can carry tent camping equipment and food for 7 days.

Originally Posted by WhiteBait

Hi there,

Interesting topic, one I've been thinking about lately myself. As I've become a more successful hunter, I've tended to favor one backpack for all my hunter adventures.
I use the Cactus Foray 75l. It's heavy, but it can cope with the abuse I give it on a regular basis. I can pack out a full animal, with climbing/hunting and camping gear all included. Its New Zealand made, and has excellent back support for my buggered shoulders too. But still, its bloody heavy.

https://cactusoutdoor.co.nz/products...xoCbcQQAvD_BwE

About 3kg. Those fancy frame packs from Hunters Element and Bushbuck are both heavier (3.5kg?) and I suspect not as robust.

1k tho'. Dang, that take commitment. Stone Glacier would be more - $1.2k. SG = 2.4kg.

Originally Posted by gimp

54 litres for me. Can carry tent camping equipment and food for 7 days.

When I do some googling around, 55 seems to be the sweet spot for tramping packs. it's what's making me wonder about the bigger packs.

Originally Posted by Ned

I just got my pack from Southernlite last week.
85l job.
Loaded up with gear including tent for a couple of nights and with the top rolled down and everything cinched in it looks like a 50l pack.
For sure pricier than an off the shelf, but I now have the pack with only features on it that I want, and none that I don't want.
Very happy with it.

Hmm. https://www.southernlitepacks.co.nz/...l-hunting-pack

Originally Posted by davetapson

When I do some googling around, 55 seems to be the sweet spot for tramping packs. it's what's making me wonder about the bigger packs.

You need to be disciplined about what you pack, and your gear needs to be compact.

Originally Posted by gimp

You need to be disciplined about what you pack, and your gear needs to be compact.

Yeah, that's the problem with space. It gets filled.

I use a 50 liter Berghaus but I'm usually doing 3-4 days and never plan on carrying a lot of meat back. If you get a big pack you invariably just fill it up.

I have a 65l Osprey Atmos Ag and love it. Bit too many pockets for some folks but they are streamlined and it cinches down very slim when only out for a night or two

This might be the best bang for buck - $399 on special, 65l:

https://www.bivouac.co.nz/osprey-men...ping-pack.html

Atmos 65 AG LT comes in below 2kg.

https://www.bivouac.co.nz/osprey-men...-ag-lt-65.html

For 2-3 days I like 65-75 L size packs, for 4+ days 75-90L

85l hunters element summit is decent.and light weight 2.5 kgs.$359 sharp price.Go large.

I like a big pack. more room for meat.