Thread: Southern Lite Packs

Some of you may have heard about my backpacks already. But thought I'd just make a quick post to introduce myself.

I make custom lightweight backpacks here in NZ. Originally I intended to make light packs for tramping. But I'm getting more and more hunters ordering packs and as a hunter myself can understand why a large pack that only weighs 1100g has an appeal for long days in the bush.

I offer packs from 35L up to 85L and can customize the features of the pack to best suit your needs.

Although I make ultra light frameless packs I would certainly recommend one with a light frame. My framed packs use 2 removable aluminum bars that run from the bottom of the hipbelt to the top of the load lifters to help transfer the weight to your hips. I normally use 12mm aluminum but can up this to 25mm if needed

Most of the tramping packs I made have a large mesh pocket on the back. I can make this pocket from solid fabric so it doesn't catch on everything and the solid pockets have drain holes in the bottom.

Other options I can add are rifle butt droppers, hipbelt pockets and shoulder pockets.

There's definitely a few packs I've made being used by hunters now and I'm getting great feedback from them so that's why I decided to make this post.

The only down side is the wait, as it's just me making the packs. My current lead time is about 20 weeks. So if after the roar you decide you need a new, lighter pack get in touch.

https://www.southernlitepacks.co.nz/...ustom-backpack

More photos of my pack here https://www.instagram.com/southernlitepacks/?hl=en

They look bloody good.

Be interested to see your frame system. Does it have anything between the two stays and anyway to lift the load lifters higher?

How much can you fit in the rolltop hip bag. Approx litreage/size compared to a Macpac bum bag??How noisy are they in the bush?

I have brought specialist small bags off southerlitepacks for separating meat bags knife and small bits in pack management. Awesome service fast delivery and best of all made to my measurements and bloody cheap.

Special deal for forum members and shorter turnaround!

Originally Posted by Chur Bay

How much can you fit in the rolltop hip bag. Approx litreage/size compared to a Macpac bum bag??How noisy are they in the bush?

Hard to work out exactly but think it's about 3L. 170mm high, 240mm wide by 80mm when closed.

The fabrics not to noisy and soften up over time but it's not like the soft hunting fabrics.

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

Special deal for forum members and shorter turnaround!

Special deal for forum members isn't going to help me with turnaround time. I'm also not going to rush or cut corners to be able to charge less. If anything the prices will have to go up so i can afford to employ some one to help me and get more equipment to speed things up to get the lead time under control.

Originally Posted by Stocky

Be interested to see your frame system. Does it have anything between the two stays and anyway to lift the load lifters higher?

I haven't found a need for a bar between the 2 stays. There's foam padding between the frame and your back that helps the back panel to keep its shape and the alu stays go all the way up to the load lifter. The packs made to your back size so the load lifter site in the right spot and yu can adjust the webbing but not move it up and down in length.

Its a basic lighter style harness then normal hunting packs hence the lighter weight pack. As the packs made to your back size it doesn't need all the adjustment that most store brought pack need to make then fit everyone so saves a lot of weight from this too.

Do you make them in blaze colors? Like 100% blaze blue or orange? I might be in the market early next year.

Always identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss and I will be missed