Thread: Packs for heavy loads

A well designed pack with a quality meat shelf is so good when back a ways in the bush or tops. Makes a huge difference in terms of pack comfort, balance and therefore ride. No Kiwi brands provide this feature yet to my knowledge. Managed to break my Exo K3200 last trip carrying a couple of animals out, but done a tonne of miles since 2019 with big loads. Easy repair at Twin Needle. The if you are buying a quality US backpack, is make sure you bought it 5 years ago [/U]when the currency conversion was friendlier. If you do end up buying a pack from the States, buy the accessories and other bits and pieces on the same order. Exo charged $60 US for freight which wasn't unreasonable at the time. TwinNeedle are great should you need general repairs done.

Noticed, a lot of the US packs have too many zips/stash pockets/compartments/b**sh*t all over them, so take a good look before buying if that's your thing. In my view the slimmer/simplier the better. A 60litre pack is more than sufficient if you have a lightweight tent/quilt/sleeping pad set up, and manage your clothing and food. The meatshelf adds the extra capacity. Mindful Hunter (he bought 5 packs) did a comprehensive pack review of Exo,Stone Glacier, Kifaru, Mystery Ranch and Kuiu last year. The Stone Glacier and Exo (no1) were by far the best packs across the board, and particularly when performing under actual meat carrying load.