Aarn Packs

Just back from a wonderful 4 days up the Travers ploughing through powder snow and wondering why I did not have an Aarn so that I could dip into a front pocket for nibbles rather than having to stamp out a flat area to take my pack off etc, etc.! You guys have convinced me I have to look into upgrading to an Aarn.

Never considered that advantage. Would have been handy at the weekend - needed to use the fire-irons to hack the snow & ice off the bottom zip on my pack before I could get in. It had got so ice-encrusted from repeatedly being deposited in the powder for clothing changes and snacks.

I like the feature some packs have of zippered pouches on the sides of the hip belts.(Osprey, Exped etc) I've looked for aftermarket options but apart from modifying a soft camera pouch, there doesn't seem to be much about. Twin Needle could make me one but surely there is something out there? Almost like one of those old fashioned zippered pencil cases would do the job with a bit of Heath Robinson. As for aftermarket chest pouches I know Inov8 make one but again it would have to be adapted.

If easy access features are a priority: http://www.zpacks.com/backpacks/arc_blast.shtml

Thats actually an interesting looking pack design. Bit lightweight tho imo. Looks neat for ultralight types and that.

I made my own front packs by using the soft bags that some brands of sandals are sold in e.g. 'Source' and 'San'. I punched holes in the base and put in little eyelets then tied them on to the front shoulder straps with shoelaces. They do the trick but I did feel a bit sheepish wearing them around Aarn. He didn't seem to mind fortunately. Here's a picture from this site: http://tramper.nz/13437/

@Honora For an Aussie he's quite a nice guy :-) Actually he was probably quietly chuffed to see someone else take the initiative to solve the problem in their own way.

Went for first real tramp with the new pack on the weekend. Just a short wander in the karangahake area overnight. Love having the pockets on the front for access to gear. Barely had to open the main pack till I hit camp. Definitely felt less bent over than with my old pack. Back felt more ventilated as well. Just a few small criticisms, I have the expedition pockets and loaded with a reasonable amount of weight they hang in such a manner that the bottom corners in the middle touch and rub together as I walk. Also, I think I need to see about getting a smaller hipbelt, as The medium one that is on the pack at the moment fits perfectly under light load, but Im right at the limit of how tight it will go, and under heavier load it just slips down.

Can't wait to grab one of these soon (probably the Alpine one) and have easy access to gear. Currently my biggest annoyance on track.

other options.. http://www.smartyrugs.com/0325081419-02.jpg