Thread: Osprey packs

Originally Posted by uk_exile

I've managed to get an Aether 85 from trademe. How is everyone carrying rifle on them?
Using the straps on it or have you added a scabbard? https://www.stoneycreek.co.nz/gun-scabbard.html

I've got the kifaru rifle carrying system. It's awesome. Can be slung under the armpit for quick access in those spots where an animal can pop up anywhere and can also be set up to be strapped to the side of the bag. I personally prefer the rifle to be slung as low as possible so like it below the pack, I'm pretty much always in or near the Bush though

Osprey packs are great. Offer a fantastic pack for the price if you get it on sale. I have been using a 44L Talon for some time now for light weight over nighters and day hunts above the bush line. It is fantastic, and not at all bad carrying a load of meat out.

Within family we've now got several Talon 22, a Talon 44 (my favourite during multi day adventure races), a old school Ceres 38 and now my new Aether 85.
The Ceres is about 15yrs old, well used and still going well. It's my daily commuting bag. No way near as comfy as the Talons though. Backpacks sure have improved in the last few years.

Hey Robojaz, your photos and list are awesome. I am referring to it to help me buy my hiking and hunting kit. Cheers Dave

Originally Posted by Robojaz

@Tentman equipment list of gear in my photos.


Sleep system is

Sea to Summit sleeping bag, if I am going to in colder climates I add a Sea to Summit Reactor liner, but it would have to be above bushline cold conditions.
Bivvi bag
Thermarest Neo-air Sleeping pad
2 x Black Diamond Contour trekking poles
DD hammocks 3m x 3m ultralight Tarp, i usually set this up on the ground as an open front tent bivvi using trekking poles to hold it up. keeps the wind out quite well.
Macpac inflatable pillow, after years of using a rolled up jacket , I decided to splash out, it weighs next to nothing.

Spare clothes

Macpac Rain jacket, or if weather is colder I take a Swazi Wapiti coat.
Macpac primaloft puffer jacket these stay warm when wet, unlike down and still pack up very small
Heavy weight polypropylene thermal (or merino)
Spare shorts, long-john's, socks and undies
Shemargh, Beanie and gloves

This set up is usually more than enough. I used to take a heavy polar fleece long sleeved top, but never really used it. If i was to take an extra layer it would likely be my Sitka thermal mid-layer hoody, which get very toasty.


First aid Kit

Med Kit containing usual stuff
I also carry 2 x Israeli trauma compression bandages, a CAT tourniquet, some wound filling sterile gauze and an emergency blanket.


Hunting gear includes:
Leica Range finder and 10x25 binos, Rhino 650 GPS, PLB
Zvord Hunting knife,
Silky Pruning saw and Cold steel knife for cutting fire lanes, tracks and firewood.
meat bags (pillow case or similar)
spare para cord

Cooking system is:

MSR Reactor stove with 1 litre pot, and 2x gas bottles (for longer trips)
3 litre bladder
Katadyn Befree water filter
Spork, Svord peasant knife and folding cup
Fire steel and a couple of Bic lighters


Other gear:

2 x head torches, (Zebralight and Nightcore)
Spare batteries,
SOL Emergency bivvi bag,
sharpening stone and rifle cleaning kit
Hunters Element 25 litre pack-able day bag


A few other smaller items are also in photos. On longer trips I sometimes take a small power bank with solar charger, (especially if I am taking the boy with me)

Hope this helps

Hey Robojaz, your photos and list are awesome. I am referring to it to help me buy my hiking and hunting kit. Cheers Dave

Hey Robojaz, is the Hunters Element 25 litre pack-able day bag the Bluff? If so, how does it handle weight as a meat bag? Cheers. E.

For the past few years I’ve been like others on here using a Tatonka Bison which are bullet proof, have a great frame, carry the loads well and stand up when placed on the ground unlike other packs that just fall over or you need to lean them against something.

I was on a Tahr hunt early last year using the Tatonka as a day bag after the walk in. It’s a heavy bag for that purpose so it go me thinking there must be a lighter pack

I saw this thread and @stagstalkers review and just happen to be in bivouac for a look and ended up walking out with one and havn’t looked back.

With the same amount of gear I just find with the Osprey it’s just a better load to carry than the Tatonka.

I’m not sure why as the difference between packs is just over a kilo but the difference is huge in how I feel when walking in and how I feel once I’ve got into my destination as opposed to have used the Tatonka where I know I’d feel far more drained.

The Osprey has a great comfortable harness, it’s a light pack but handles weight well and can be used as a day pack on the hills.

I haven’t used the top compartment as a day bag yet but it looks functional.

As mentioned by others the Ospreys have a lifetime warranty regardless of whether your the original owner or not.

I bought a 70 ltr osprey aether ag pack while ago , if I was 20 years younger would have got the 85 , I can't praise it enough Seventenths post above sums my thoughts up nicely .
One feature I really like is on the front of the pack there are 4 loops that are designed to attach a smaller osprey of 20 ltr or so, but I've found buy using some snap hooks I can attach my ole Huntech day bag so effectively making it a 90 ltr pack , usually put my tent in there if I'm carrying it.
Straps on the left hand side which is where I prefer to carry my rifle just seem to be perfectly designed for strapping on a rifle.
Absolutely brilliant packs !!

I've run two Kathmandu packs for the last 10+ years. a 60L and a 85L. I found them comfy, big loads always felt heavy, well they should, right?.
Bought an Osprey Aether 75 last year after reading a few reviews, Stagstalkers review on here was the clincher. First walk the waist belt was a bit uncomfortable, was a little concerned but tightened the waist belt and kept going. Next day the walk out was bliss, pack sat nicely, the weight was almost non existent. The Brain comes off as a day pack which is a bonus.
Highly recommend them. LIfetime warranty too.