Thread: Please recommend a 5 day suitable pack please

Or you could take less shit, I've done 7 days out of my 60l,

65 to 75l should be plenty if you can do 3 days with the 50l.
Strap stuff on the outside when your packing meat out.
The exped and osprey packs at bivouac look good

Cactus. Best option for your budget, give or take a few $$

Most of the above will be made in Asia

Cactus. Buy once cry once... will probably outlast your knees!

Originally Posted by gonetropo

https://cactusoutdoor.co.nz/collecti...products/foray

made in nz too

I'd have to save up a but more for that but looks really good

Originally Posted by Nick-D

Or you could take less shit, I've done 7 days out of my 60l,

What's your gear list? I use the nimrod list on fish n hunt. I usually just run out of space for food.

I'm using Aarn packs with front pouches a lot these days, especially if not going to be using it for bush bashing. I also use it for SAR work as its so useful having things to hand without removing the pack.

That was mostly tounge in cheek man, 50l for 5 days would be a challenge. I have a simialr gear list to the nimrod one, I have just focused on simple lightweight and compact items. I use a quilt which saves heaps of space, and use a lightweight rain jacket etc on those sorts of trips. Lots of small cuts make big differences. Not having a tent is a good space saver to, a little fly takes up virtually no room

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I recon the dry weight of the tatonka is a big downer for them. I have a Macpac Cascade 75ltr which is great but they don't make the 90ltr any more. I think the 80ltr Torre is their biggest pack. The Osprey ones look good for what you get size and money wise.

I have a Cactus Hector and im real happy with it, its a bit on the heavy side but I've done my time with lightweight stuff and quality, after sales service and comfort are top of the list now. Its super comfy and a simple design so doesnt have straps all over the show which is a pet hate of mine with packs, its also built really really well and I expect a long service life out of it

Originally Posted by Nick-D

That was mostly tounge in cheek man, 50l for 5 days would be a challenge. I have a simialr gear list to the nimrod one, I have just focused on simple lightweight and compact items. I use a quilt which saves heaps of space, and use a lightweight rain jacket etc on those sorts of trips. Lots of small cuts make big differences. Not having a tent is a good space saver to, a little fly takes up virtually no room

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I am thinking of a fly and ground sheet duo. A tent is usually heavy and large as you said.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

I have a Cactus Hector and im real happy with it, its a bit on the heavy side but I've done my time with lightweight stuff and quality, after sales service and comfort are top of the list now. Its super comfy and a simple design so doesnt have straps all over the show which is a pet hate of mine with packs, its also built really really well and I expect a long service life out of it

Yeah man. Don't think I could break my cactus if I wanted too

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Thanks everyone. A lot to research!

I've done 11 days with tents and mountain gear (ropes, harnesses, axes + crampons etc) using a Macpac Ascent 75 (previous model), it was tight for space and with ~30kg load the straps tended to loosen with movement and need sporadically re-tightening but worked ok. The lid that detaches and turns into a bumbag is handy for short evening jaunts from camp.

Since then bought a second hand Cactus Foray which feels bulletproof, albeit noticeably heavier empty.

Interestingly despite both being nominally 75L packs, the Cactus has a heap more space - I think the Ascent is 75 including extended throat and the Foray is 75 plus extended throat, its probably more comparable to a Macpac 85 or 90.

I had an Osprey and really liked it but the hip belt was just a bit too big for me. Could never cinch it down tight enough for heavy loads to feel stable. So moved that on and got a Tatonka. Slightly heavier pack but feels a lot more secure on me. If you're looking at Tatonka try Dwights Outdoors. Just sign up to join their club and get the club price which is about 20% off I think. If you're in a rush I'd call them first though to make sure they have stock on hand to send out. Their website can be a bit behind stock on hand sometimes.

Originally Posted by Ned

I had an Osprey and really liked it but the hip belt was just a bit too big for me. Could never cinch it down tight enough for heavy loads to feel stable. So moved that on and got a Tatonka. Slightly heavier pack but feels a lot more secure on me. If you're looking at Tatonka try Dwights Outdoors. Just sign up to join their club and get the club price which is about 20% off I think. If you're in a rush I'd call them first though to make sure they have stock on hand to send out. Their website can be a bit behind stock on hand sometimes.

Legend!