Packs

Purchased a Osprey Exos 46 today, Would probably be the pack I take on 3-4 day trips. It only weighs 1100g. Also had a look at the Vaude Expedition Rock, which was a nice enough pack but the frame was slightly short. Weighed around 1.5kg. Was a good price. The Deuter Guide, another nice pack. Can not remember the reason behind discounting it. Weighed around 1.5kg Looked at the Aarn featherlite freedom. Looked quite 'bulky' and thought it was to expensive. I do not like the idea of the Balance pockets because I never have enough gear to add weight on short trips. looked at the torlesse 50.... Was a nice comfortable pack and was on clearance so the price was excellent. But it was by far the heaviest (over 2kg) so decided not to go for it. The last pack was a Mammut Ice, I liked this pack quite a bit. It was made very plain, with lots of straps, loops and tie off points. Built tough and not to heavy. Was to expensive in the end.

Already having second thoughts over my Osprey Purchase... Maybe should of gone one size larger.

Is there an option to return and swap it?

I had a good look at the Atmos 55 on the weekend, unfortunately only in the shop, but it looked good and felt OK. Don't know how it'll feel fully loaded though. Would like to see the new Gregson packs but there's no outlet for them in Australia. Personally I wouldn't go for anything less than 55 litre unless I could find someone to carry it for me, then I'd have a 150 litre and take the kitchen sink as well.

Played around with my pack a bit more, and loosen a couple of things and tighten a few more.... Most of my second thoughts are gone now. It lighter in weight then my 32L pack which makes my planning a bit strange... Would probably only use my 32L for trout fishing when I push and bash through lots of undergrowth, and my opsrey would be used for 2-4 day trips

Personally I hate having to cram things into a pack so I would always choose a larger size. The flaw in this arguement is that it is a real bugger when you have the bigger size and STILL end up cramming everything in.

yeah isn't that the truth, i take way to much gear, i could probley lose a couple of kg chucking out 'just incase items' but i figue onday ill be happy to have everything in there

I have found that when I take a larger then required pack I normally end up carrying other peoples baggage which they can not fit in theirs.

and there comes the advantages of tramping alone.... ;)

militaris This really looks like a good pack for the money I was wondering how it will stand up too NZ conditions Currently I use several packs but my favorite is still: http://www.aarnpacks.com/products/natural_exhilaration.html I have used this for 7 day trips (with 9 days food) over the summer but still very comfortable with the balance pockets etc. It about 40l with the balance pockets and 1260gm + 2x 130gm for the pockets on the longer trips (measured on my electronic scales at home) The Aarn is a bit heavier but has been very durable and water resistant so far, and has stood up to a bit on NZ bush-bashing I have been looking at the Osprey (mostly because our weak $ makes importing some the the lightweight US gear a bit expensive currently) so I would be keen to hear about you experiences with it