Packs

Got my Macpac Casecade 90 for only 300 Dollars! (even though not made here anymore, they are still made for New Zealand Conditions.)

Yes, I did see the Cactus pack in Bivouac, though the model they had on the shelf was loaded up with railway iron or something. I couldn't get it off the rack to look at. From memory they told me that Cactus didn't make an 80L pack but I see from your web link that they do. That is another brand to keep an eye on. They look like nice simple packs, which is what we want really.

The ULA Catalyst should probably be on anybody's short list if you're looking to cut your pack weight. 75L, 47oz. My wife loves it. http://www.ula-equipment.com/catalyst.htm

2 years ago I pulled my pack apart before going to Chile for a couple of months. I was relieved that I did because I found a large amount of broken branches and leaves and all kinds of junk trapped inside the harness, which could have gotten me into trouble in customs, certainly coming back into NZ if not getting into Chile. Lately it's crossed my mind how much extra weight all of that might account for, and I'm tempted to pull apart the harness again for a look-see when I next get an opportunity.

Thinking of getting a new Pack.... Looking for one around 50L, I own a (65+10) Aarn Natural Balance and finding it it simply to large to fill so I have never used it. Whenever I upgrade my gear it gets more compact and lighter so I can never see myself needing such a big pack. Any suggestions on a good lightweight 50-55L pack? Out side straps to attach fly rod tube or ice axe would be ideal.

Do like the look of Osprey Exos 58, weighs 1185g which is nice and light. Is quite expensive http://www.bivouac...eight_Tramping_Pack[2].html The Mont Bell Ballistic Versalite at 50L, weighing 1130g. Sells for $300, limited avaibility in NZ. http://www.iclimb.co.nz/packs.htm There is also the Vaude Expedition Rock 45+10, it is heavier at 1500g. Nearly half the of the Osprey at $179 Deuter Guide 45+10 Pack, weighs 1500g. Costs around $280, tough enough to carry crampons on the outside. There is the Golite Jam2, but I do not beleive they are avaiable in New Zealand. Also a couple of Aarn packs, the featherlite freedom weighs in at 1300g and has a capacity of 55L, that can be increased to +10 (+.300g) with the addition of the front pack.

I used to use a women's Macpac Esprit which weighed 2.5kg, then I discovered a lightweight pack on Bryan Dudley's [from Auckland] tramplight website which I bought and have used a lot - it only weighs about 700g. However, I've had a love-hate relationship with it - at that weight something's gotta give and that's the harness which is not so comfortable, and it has poor pockets and nowhere to attach an ice axe. Some improvement after unpicking and resiting the shoulder straps though. My husband has been using a Golite Pinnacle [750g]and likes it. Bought in the USA when the dollar was in better shape.Postage wicked price. I discovered Golite has an agent in Oz and I tracked him down in Mooloolaba last week when I was there and bought a Golite Quest, women's harness [1.3kg]. $360 Aus, got the GST back on TRS scheme and had no postage,so cheaper than ordering one from USA. About 58-60L. Looks nice but hasn't had a test drive yet.

Hi I've got a Golite Pinnacle too. Women's 600g I think. It's good but I've found it pulls me backwards so I have to pack the heavy stuff against my back e.g. sleeping bag, food and the light stuff on the outside e.g. my 200g waterproof shell, the mylar groundsheet. A friend has an ULA pack and reckons it would be more comfortable.

I use a Ultralite Adventure Equipment(ULA) Conduit it's ideal for tracks that dont involve bush bashing.Its not as durable as Macpac but for a fraction of the weight and a little bit of extra care it is a highly functional ultralite pack. The pack weighs 550 grams and is really comfortable with a load of up to 10kg.These packs are used a lot on the Applachian and Pacific Crest Trails. www.ula-equipment.com

Hey, Johno. You were the friend I meant! I've been using the Golite for bush-bashing and it hasn't got a scratch yet!