Which pack for me?

After a few decent walks I've become sick and tired of the uncomfortable kathmandu pack that I've been using for a few years, I dont even know the name of it...
Looking for a new pack that can definitely take enough gear for 2 nights (my general max trip) So: Tent, bag, mat, cooker, food, clothing and general stuff.

I have no idea where to start other than I would guess a 65lt pack?

For the right pack - ie comfortable with a semi decent load I'm willing to pay around $500 but it needs to be really nice quality that will last.

Macpac cascade
Cactus Hector
Cactus huntaway - too small?

Any others?

K2 Hunter...external frame,nice sold heavy canvas,comfortable harness,built to last........ I waited 20 years to get one and now wish I had done it sooner. this pack will see me out and probably go on to do someone after me. the zip off daybag is big enough for day gear/hunting gear.

I really like the look of that mate, the small one looks like the business @ 70lt.
What's the benefits of a aluminium frame?

I really like the eberlestock Just one packs, I have an older one and I had a red hind and a fellow hind packed in it (boned out) and carried it about 8km out


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There was a Macpac Cascade on here recently... Happy with mine

allot depends on your build not the manufacturer of the pack, some packs are short and wide, some are tall and narrow like the person using it. best to go try a few on

Genesis ok? On sale ATM. $320 70L.


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i have a markhor and like it but if i could turn back time prob go for the Cactus

I have macpac but if I was going again I would go cactus...

I bought my macpac cascade back in Dec 1986. Still going strong. It has had a few repairs, it is on it's second set of shoulder straps and a couple of the zips have been re-sown back onto the pack (zip itself is fine).
I don't know if the new macpac are as good a quality though.

recently upgraded my old macpac cascade to a new cactus and love it

From what I've read the new macpacs don't hold a candle to the older ones: looks like its between K2 Hunter and Cactus..

first time out with the K2 I spotted fallow going like clappers up ridge infront of us,sat down put pack out front and shot using frame to support rifle via the dreaded "hand samwidge" thats the furtherest Ive shot a deer yet...closer to 400 than 300 yards.
they allow your back to breath a tad as there is an air space between fabric and your back...not a lot but it helps.
you can sit on the plurry thing (semi standing) on a wet day and not worry about squashing everything down or it breaking.
they dont stick out like a set of skis above your head to catch on every 2nd vine and branch while walking through the bush.
its good quality canvas so it is waterproof.
if you have awkward load you can rope it to outside and still get benifit of the straps/harness.
its old school and it works.
and as for the funny side pockets being useless...you can fit 3 pair of heavy woolen socks or a polarfleece top in them if you carefull.

Got an H&F gift card for Xmas - so off to the local people in Masterton.
Decided on a Stoney Creek Buller model - 60+10 extender in plain colour OD green. Extra for camo pattern.
More than enough for my 'paltry' tramping and hunting, max time out 4-5 days.
Arrived early Jan, off to try it out and get fitted at the shop.
Smaller models were too short in length, but suitable for kids and smaller women.
This one fits well, seems to be quite adjustable and has a good selection of pockets/straps plus an adjustable rifle carry strap type pocket/support.
Look it up on Stoney Creek's website - it seems to be quite waterproof, but not 'drop it in the river' sealable.
With gift card and top up - $399-95.

K2 alpine hunter

The K2 look pretty solid, and the prices aren't bad. I would go for one if I was in the market. But my MacPac Ravine is doing it for now.

As has been said. GO AND TRY SOME ON. Just like boots (perhaps more so) everyone is different.
I owned a K2 Hunter and it was really solidly made but didn't fit my scrawny frame.
I have had a Fairydown Terra Nova for the last 25 odd years and it has been brilliant - it is well made but the main thing is that it fits me well. You will be lucky to find one of them but as I said, go try some and make sure the shop fills them with a bit of stuff because you won't learn anything trying on an empty pack.

I recently got a oneplanet pack. I really rate it, it has an amazing harness system that is a lot more comfortable than the cactus packs. Build quality is amazing too. Can't fault it at all. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.


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All good tips, I found out the straps for the pack I was using were too small for me. I've bought the larger size tomsee if it helps (only 40$) will see if that changes anything

tatonka bison 75 litres mines great

The new cascades have very thin straps/small buckles but otherwise are comfortable and very hard to go past the price for what they are when on special plus there is easy backup/warranty service in the $400 range they are hard to beat

A mate had a custom made K2. Believe it or not it was ordered and supplied in 115L!
He has just purchased a NZ Aarn pack.