Thread: K2 Antarctic Products Pack Owners - thoughts on pack mod

I am considering purchasing an 85l k2 hunter frame pack but am unsure on about the side pockets. I have enquired with Antarctic products and they are happy to custom make an 85l frame pack without the side pockets and add side compression straps instead so can strap jackets / tripods / tents etc to outside of the pack.

My questions to existing K2 pack owners are:

How do you find the side pockets?
Do you think doing away with side pockets and adding side compression / tie down straps is a useful mod?
Any other mods to this pack you think would enhance function?

Also is 85l big enough (would be 75l without side pockets)

Any input appreciated, thanks.

I’ve got the alpine hunter, which has little mesh pockets on the sides as standard. I got her to leave them off, as I don’t reckon they’d last all that well pushing through scrub. It already had compression straps so didn’t need to add them. The ones on the hunter are a nice idea but I reckon the straps are better, the pockets would be a lot more restrictive in terms of the shape and size of what you could put in them.


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Hi MSL

Thanks for the feedback appreciated. Also, do you ever find yourself wanting for more capacity with the alpine hunter?

Originally Posted by Kaweka2506

Hi MSL

Thanks for the feedback appreciated. Also, do you ever find yourself wanting for more capacity with the alpine hunter?

No, it’s plenty big enough. Early March chasing sika, I came close to filling it, but only because I had a big fly, two sleeping bags, two inflatable mats, food, cooking gear, and my 38l one planet pack inside it.


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Thanks MSL, that’s good endorsement of the size.

I had one many years ago and didn't find the side pockets overly useful. Zip off day bag was good and never had an issue with the size for multi day trips.

Thanks Shearer, good feedback as well. Think I am on the right track with losing the side pockets and replacing with external straps.

I’m not a huge fella, and I thought it too big when I first got it, but after setting the harness up, it’s great.


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Originally Posted by MSL

I’m not a huge fella

More leg days would help.

@Kaweka2506 I have the 85L Hunter with the collapsible pockets and the zip off day pack that I’ve since lost. The side pockets were not great to get stuff in and out of due to the angle of the zip. I think you’d be better with side compression straps or bungee arrangement. I’m actually thinking of getting rid of the K2 in favour of something about half the size. Given it’s a 20 year old model missing the daypack and the rifle holder that’s was crap anyway, I’d let you have it if you want.

Ishoot10s, thanks for the feedback and advice some food for thought there regarding size. Sounds like the rifle sling hook is not much chop? What generosity re the offer of your pack!!! Thanks very humbled by that but I will decline given I am still working out requirements and quite keen on the day pack as well but again thanks.

Originally Posted by ishoot10s

@Kaweka2506 I have the 85L Hunter with the collapsible pockets and the zip off day pack that I’ve since lost. The side pockets were not great to get stuff in and out of due to the angle of the zip. I think you’d be better with side compression straps or bungee arrangement. I’m actually thinking of getting rid of the K2 in favour of something about half the size. Given it’s a 20 year old model missing the daypack and the rifle holder that’s was crap anyway, I’d let you have it if you want.

You missing just the rifle hook or the bottom harness as well? if you are gonna move yours, gimmie a shout. Make a whole pack between us....

@257weatherby missing the hook Up top and the pad cup thing that hung off the Bottom of the frame. cant really remember what that all looked like, just that I preferred to sling the rifle over my shoulder and got rid of it.

if you decide you really want to give it away.....I could find a home for it LOL.

Originally Posted by ishoot10s

@257weatherby missing the hook Up top and the pad cup thing that hung off the Bottom of the frame. cant really remember what that all looked like, just that I preferred to sling the rifle over my shoulder and got rid of it.

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Mine is missing the side pockets, I see yours is one of the newer fancypants ones with camo on the pockets, mine is a little older and a lot more abused!