What should I buy?!

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Originally Posted by Preacher

Have a look at the Osprey packs. Unfortunately probably mostly found at H&F (depending on view about them).

I have an Atmos 65l that is perfect for the short (2-3 or 4 day) trips I kinda have to do. Is by FAR the most comfortable pack I have ever used. Hasn't felt too small but depending on what sort of kit he carries may need a bigger model. Highly rate my one and was around the $350-400 mark.

Don't feel you need a "hunting brand" pack as most of the dedicated brand name ones are crap and have next to no real world warranty. Tatonka seem to have the buzz but cannot personally vouch for them.

Definitely separate plb and gps as others have said. Plb battery is like 10 year standby time but most modern gps won't make more than a week.

There was a real good phone app up until recently when the latest update removed the DOC overlay and apparently they are not going to renew it. Still functional as gps though. Some others may be able to chime in with suggestions?

Sorry for the novel, but on another note, he is a lucky man. I buy a couple of boxes of ammo a month and get the stink eye for a few days...

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I did see some people talking about the app and some change they weren’t too happy with. I’m not too fussed on brand and have seen some nice torpedo7 packs. I’m the same with the ammo haha but we are trying to sell up so we can travel and we will be doing a lot of hunting so I’m trying to think of this as a long term investment

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Originally Posted by Micky Duck

I use and love my K2 HUNTER 90ltr pack....I really like 85-90ltrs so I can fit all my stuff in and have room for venison on way out...epirp /plb $3-400 and really it doesnt matter if its a once used thing....your life or someone elses are worth more than that...and it will be life threatening or very serious if you decide to push button.
plenty of good gps units around....I use a really basic old one and more than happy....maps would be nice but as has been said can do that on smart phone in flight mode.

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Good point with the plb. Will definitely be getting one sooner than later. I’m thinking the app is the way to go too. Even better it can work on flight mode.
I’ll have a look at the larger packs, didn’t even think about carrying meat out haha. Wouldn’t mind getting a game bag too if I can.

I have brought a heap of different gear over the years and you don't need a Rhino although they are nice I have one but unless your hubby's mate he hunts with has one I would not bother.
PLB is a must it's like having a lifejacket in a boat.
I run 2 packs a main pack to carry everything in with and a smaller 40l day pack one that can be rolled up without a frame and a heap of padding. This can also meet used for overnight hunt at a pinch.
Use your cellphone as a GPS makes it easier to read and get a battery pack for it.
There is aheap of other things to spend money. I've wasted a heap of money over the years on stuff I have given away or just don't use.
I hope it helps.

Sent from my CPH1903 using Tapatalk

What kind of hunting do you do a pair of decent binios might be worth looking at as well something he will have for a long time

By the way your a top sounding lady

Cactus Huntaway pack — it will last him a lifetime of hunting

IhikeGPS NZ app on his phone

PLB of your choice

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Originally Posted by northdude

What kind of hunting do you do a pair of decent binios might be worth looking at as well something he will have for a long time

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Been out for reds, samba and sika. We have some binos that were quiet pricey but went for a hike on the weekend and they are suddenly not so good so definitely will need a new pair.

The Pack question is a curly one. If it will carry meat, it will get stained and second-hand fast, so buying a second-hand one isn't silly. Years ago an older friend who had done a lot of hunting and meat hunting said to me "This move to tall narrow packs that sit high is all wrong for hunting, what you want is a pack that sits well below the shoulders, doesn't get hung up and keeps your centre (of balance) as low as possible. These tall packs are made for trampers on tracks" He is right, his pack is an old K2 or Mountain Mule type that is wide and low. Easy to access the contents without pulling everything out and if it catches on something at hip-height it doesn't throw him off balance.
Buy one that can be washed with the garden hose that will be easy to maintain.

One of the ones i use an army surplus pack works for me

Maybe for a pack get a voucher so it gives him the chance to try some

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Originally Posted by northdude

One of the ones i use an army surplus pack works for me

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We actually have a army style one from an army gear store. It’s too small for big hunts and pulls on the shoulders but still does the job. It has a tonne of clips which is super handy and my stepson managed to strap his slug gun on to the side so he didn’t have to carry it when we went for a little pest hunt.

Thanks for all the advice on the gear! I’m thinking I can save a fair bit of money. I always knew we needed a plb but it’s definitely something I’ll be getting sooner rather than later. I might get a second hand bag that’s got good review and then give him a voucher to buy a new one or something else if he likes. If he doesn’t like the second hand bag I’ll keep it for myself. Going to look at those apps today and keep an eye out for some older style Rinos. And I’ll definitely be looking into a battery pack for his phone. I Didn’t even consider that one.

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Originally Posted by Chelsea

We actually have a army style one from an army gear store. It’s too small for big hunts and pulls on the shoulders but still does the job. It has a tonne of clips which is super handy and my stepson managed to strap his slug gun on to the side so he didn’t have to carry it when we went for a little pest hunt.

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If a larger army pack might work for you, and if you haven't already been there, have a look at Army and Outdoors.

They have larger capacity packs in the 100 lt range. I think one with a frame of some sort might be a starter.

i have a mint set of nikon bonocs for sale if interested. i use open sights for close stuff and tele for long range so never used them.

Macpac have some good deals on packs at the moment , i rate their gear and the backup is pretty bloody good as well