Thread: Pack Recommendations

One thing to be aware of with packs with a alloy frame is that the material creaks as it moves on the frame and can be quite noisy. As said the best bet is to get a non framed pack such as cactus and put a fleece cover over it

I have just changed over to Kuiu pack system one frame and two bags the system looks and sounds really good but I'm yet to try it.
My plane was to use a large bag 80L for packing in then unclip and fit a 40L bag on for hunting with.
Although some guys have said they just use a mid size pack and use the load shelf for carrying out there meat.

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Check out the Osprey range of packs. Bloody good packs IMO. Plenty of discussion on them previously, have a hunt around through the previous threads...

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....y-packs-59491/

I use a Markhor 45L Elk Mtn. Good for day trips as can be squished down pretty small, but I do trips all the way up to about 3-4 days with this pack. It does expand pretty well. If I shoot a deer I’ll usually just strap my sleeping bag to the outside of the pack for the walk back to the car. Handles a load very well too- I’ve had it loaded to about 45kg on one trip recently & it loaded just fine. It’s the second one of these packs for me, & I have been considering also buying their bigger model as well.

Originally Posted by Pixie Z

I use a Markhor 45L Elk Mtn. Good for day trips as can be squished down pretty small, but I do trips all the way up to about 3-4 days with this pack. It does expand pretty well. If I shoot a deer I’ll usually just strap my sleeping bag to the outside of the pack for the walk back to the car. Handles a load very well too- I’ve had it loaded to about 45kg on one trip recently & it loaded just fine. It’s the second one of these packs for me, & I have been considering also buying their bigger model as well.

Cheers mate, looks relatively quiet too is that the case? Definitely one I've been looking at. That along with the Stoney Creek 40+10 or 60+10.

Originally Posted by Scottie

Cheers mate, looks relatively quiet too is that the case? Definitely one I've been looking at. That along with the Stoney Creek 40+10 or 60+10.

Yeah I find it reasonably quiet. Will certainly make some noise but better than my non brushed fabric packs. It comes with a pull over pack cover as well. The other thing I like about it is the rifle sling- it’s centralised on the back, as opposed to the likes of Stoney Creek packs which have the rifle slings on one side. Means I don’t need to worry about my rifle unbalancing my pack if I take it in & out of the sling. I found the ones with the sling on the side can throw the pack balance off if I need to chuck it on for a bit when I need two hands.

Those guys with the Cactus packs...question. Being typical sturdy Cactus gear and being bombproof, does it make them fairly heavy or would you say they are about on par with other brands?

I would say light for its volume. They're a simple design and frameless which keeps the weight down. Listed at 1.6kg.

I got one of these off a forum member. Bit heavy but bloody good with ultralight kit. https://www.elk101.com/2010/07/2010-...5-pack-review/

Ive been using a hunters element 35L boundary pack. Done a number of one night's and a 3 day, 2 night trip into the nelson lakes last month, just enough room when when staying in a hut, had to pack light on the clothing side but was still comfortable considering there was no fire at the hut. Plenty of pockets to organize gear like gloves, snacks, gps ect, tied my Swazi jacket under the bottom of the pack and my sentry bush coat on the side which was handy, rain cover is big enough to cover pack with gear tied onthe side.

The light weight packs can take a beating. This is my Gossamer 40 litre. Its done a lot of work and has been hosed down dozens of times to get the blood out of it. It just keeps bouncing back.
These are damned good packs and are well worth a look. I have a second one "up high" for later.

This pic it has got a reciprocating saw and case in it for a bit of weight - Im off for a lock down walk.

That one looks like it survived The Somme....and still going! :-)

Osprey packs are light and reasonably priced , most comfortable harness system I have ever used , they arent as tough as the likes of and old MacPac cascade or heavier canvas type packs , so depends how many days a year you are packing and what sort of loads , I can’t carry heavy loads any more so these lighter packs suit me fine and they are comfortable .

Just weighed my huntaway. Does have 2x twin needle pouches on it and scales aren't super accurate but close enough. Is made out of canvas an have given it a hiding

Originally Posted by Southerner223

Just weighed my huntaway. Does have 2x twin needle pouches on it and scales aren't super accurate but close enough. Is made out of canvas an have given it a hiding
Attachment 175925
Attachment 175926

@Southerner223 are these the pouches you used?
https://twinneedle.co.nz/collections...ty-pouch-small
or maybe these ones?
https://twinneedle.co.nz/products/4x...32502094757935