Backpack Advice

[adzza]

Hey all,

So here is the story. Im currently building up my gear collection and only need a few bits to complete my "pack". I plan on doing multi day hike with it in all conditions, including some snow trips eventually. Im after something that can accommodate all my gear, so looking at 75 Litre and up at least. Im 6'4, and weight 95 KG's.

I was sorting out what would go where in my current pack the other night when I noticed a seam had given way inside. Its a brand new pack.

Turns out the pack I have is "Outdoor Expedition" brand, which is Rays Outdoors brand. This was a real worry, and the closer I looked at the bag, the less confident I felt in its build quality, the more seems I saw that were becoming detached and the last thing I want is a bag breaking when I'm on a multi-day hike.

So.....I have decided to invest in a quality pack.

I looked at the One Planet bags yesterday, and they just scream quality, and are made in Melbourne! Yay!

I have also looked at "White Mountain" Packs online, which seem ok but they only open on Saturdays apparently. Here is a link:

http://www.whitemountain.com.au/hike_pack_main_peak_75_MK_III.html

I have also looked at Black Wolf packs, etc but im interested to hear what people think of these lesser quality packs.

I guess Im coming to this forum seeking some advice on brands, etc. I also would like some advice on which style bag I should go for. I have basically nailed it down to two (i have used One Planet links below as examples only):

1. The pure Hiking pack which is basically top only opening

http://www.oneplanet.com.au/bushwalking/strezlecki

2. The Hybrid which is top open, but also has a zip around the front that allows access, and usually has a zip off day pack.

http://www.oneplanet.com.au/adventure/tasman


What does everyone think? And secondly, does anyone have a quality pack for sale? lol.

Cheers, Adam.

[johnw]

Like you I started with a cheaper (though reasonable) pack and soon became aware of it's shortcomings. Some of Ray's gear is not too bad but I probably wouldn't buy one of their rucksacks (I'd be returning yours for a refund if it's failed like that already).

One Planet I would think is not going to give you any grief quality-wise but also don't forget any pack needs to fit you properly etc. I've got a Wilderness Equipment Mountain Expedition and happy with that. It's a big pack, mine is medium length harness and about 100L capacity (I'm only about 170cm/56kg). However it's easily configured to suit smaller loads. Meant for snow/alpine use, although I didn't get it for that purpose. WE brand (co-branded/distributed through Sea to Summit) has a good reputation for quality and so far I would agree. So might be worth a look, and they have several other designs.

http://www.wildequipment.com.au/
http://www.wildequipment.com.au/backpack_detail.php?Code=WEMOUNT
http://www.wildequipment.com.au/backpacks.php?Category=Backpacks&Subcat=Classic%20Canvas%20Backpacks

I've heard of White Mountain before but don't know much about them. Looking at their site though they seem to be committed to producing quality packs designed for Australian conditions. Worth checking out I guess if their claims can be substantiated.

I'd probably steer clear of Black Wolf (and similar cheaper brands). Although again, I think that some BW gear is quite OK. However I recently bought a BW daypack for commuting to work/office use and I've found that, in use, the design, harness and zips are not ideal. Otherwise the quality seems OK though.

Umm, I'd consider selling my old pack

[Son of a Beach]

Disclaimer : I think you'll find that most people will recommend the brand they use themselves, and/or the brand they sell, or have some other association with. I am no exception, so take it all with a grain of salt...

I have a One Planet Strezlecki (as you linked to being one you were considering). I highly recommend the One Planets (although they are on the expensive side) as I think their quality is second to none. From all accounts I've heard from users, including my own, their harnesses are more comfortable, and more practical than any others I've tried.

If you're considering the Strezlecki, I would recommend that you get a One Planet McMillan instead. It is exactly the same except that it doesn't have the extra zip opening at the bottom (and the extra optional separator in the middle). I've never used these in the Strezlecki, and couldn't use them even if I wanted to, because I keep all my gear in the pack in a single large waterproof(ish) pack liner bag. So if I need another pack any time soon, I wouldn't be getting a Strezlecki, but would get a McMillan. If your usage is likely to be similar to mine, you may like to consider this, if you're already considering the Strezlecki. Less openings, means less places for water/dirt/etc to get in.

I know that there are several people on the forums who have WE packs, and are very happy with them too.

[Son of a Beach]

See also, these older topics:

Which pack advice.
Time to update the pack
Pack Choice

[Trapper]

I originally started with a Black Wolf Mountain Ash 85 litre pack. It proved to be a good pack, comfortable, reasonably durable and I felt good value for money. However, be aware that the size rating is rather "ambitious". The so called 85 litre is really only 65. (I know because I measured it by putting a large bladder inside the pack and then filling that with water.) However, now that I am walking more, I have found its limitations and have invested in a Macpac Glisade 75 litre. It is definitely a much better pack, stronger, better fittings, and very comfortable when fully packed. It also actually holds 75 litres. I am very pleased with it. So you get what you pay for. My daughter is now using the old Black Wolf and it is still going strong. My wife still uses her old Black Wolf, and won't change for quids, because she finds it very comfortable. (And also due to the rather eroneous size ratings, we can't put too much in it, so it's always light.) A cobber of mine has bought a One Planet and is very please with it. Happy hunting!

NS

[Nuts]

If your re-newing gear, why not buy a 50L pack and only carry up to 50kg?

[norts]

I am in the Wilderness Equipment corner, great gear. I was surprised on a walk a few weeks ago when walking with someone I had never walked with before but was very experienced and he was using a Black Wolfand had used it on some pretty wild walks. He was very happy with it. I have always thought of BW as entry level.

If your pack is purely for bushwalking I would not recommend a hybrid, carrying extra weight that comes with the extras that are not necessary for bushwalking.

Roger

[corvus]

I'm in the WE camp, harness on the latest ones are excellent and single entry bag is the way to go as a full pack liner is a good option rendering extra entry superfluous
Don't know if Nuts is being serious but I think a 54lt pack is a tad small ,maybe OK if in a bigger group share trip but IMHO not big enough for self containment .
To clarify my statement I don't carry anything on the outside of my pack other than snow shoes so I require a larger pack which will take Tent ,S/Bag et all.
Good hunting .

[Nuts]

..

[corvus]

Nuts no skipping posts, you are eigther in or out and your experience is welcome if just a tad flawed because most folks dont have the gear we may have that will compress to fit into a 50lt pack

[Nuts]

..

[corvus]

Nuts would my 1.5 lt precious liquids fit in such a small pack? and it it too late cause I have a 90 lt one .

[Damien]

adzza,

Have a look at the Macpac range, I use the Ascent XPD and love it. It can take quite a beating and I can see it lasting a long time.
The One Planet range has been highly recommended to me from some friends that are outdoor educators. One Planet do custom orders if you can't find something you like within their range.

[Nuts]

..

[corvus]

Guess I will need to check out these new One Planet Packs (gees only bought my replacement WE one last year) and if one suits me do the deed however my knees at this stage are OK and 1.5 lt of precious liquid is plenty for most trips so pehaps not.

[Son of a Beach]

It's worth noting that the light weight packs also have light weight harnesses, which are not as sturdy and comforatble as the top quality harnesses on larger packs (this goes for all brands, as far as I've seen). The theory is that if you're not carrying as much weight, then you don't need such a comprehensive full-on harness and therefore you can save even more weight by having a slightly lesser harness. This makes good sense, but it's worth keeping in mind that if you do find the light weight pack harnesses to be inferior, don't carry that mental perception across to all the other packs of the same brand (whatever brand it may be).

[Nuts]

..

[adzza]

Hrmm...considering just the size of my sleeping bag and tent alone, I don't see 50L being near enough. My sleeping bag is small, Roman Trek Ultra, and my tent packs to about 40cm X 15cm. Add 5 days of water, food, and everything else...its just not going to happen!

Im a big bloke, 6"4, 95KG's, Fit and 25 years old. I'm sure I can handle a 15KG pack no worries.

[Nuts]

..

[Tony]

For over twenty years I have been told that for Australian conditions I needed a internal frame pack and I believed it until about 4 years ago when I purchased a frameless Golite Trek 75l volume, less than 1 kg weight, it is the most comfortable pack that I have ever used and I have carried over 20kg in it on occasions, this pack has survived some very tough walking conditions and it is still going strong. I have just purchased my second frameless pack a 50l Golite Jam2 that I hope to use for warmer walks.

NOW I do NOT believe that you MUST have a internal frame pack for Australian conditions.

I wonder how many other BW-T forum members have actually used a lightweight frameless pack.

Remember

The bigger the pack the more gear that one tends to take.

A smaller pack forces one to look at what gear they really need to take.

Tony

[adzza]

Well some disappointing news, but a good thing none the less.

"White Mountain" called me last night at 9pm as I had left a message claiming interest in their packs.

After speaking with the woman, she let it slip that the packs are manufactured in Vietnam, in the same factory that Lowe Alpine and some other brands are made in. This made me a little concerned about perusing a pack like this.

Not only that, but one must make an appointment to meet with them to see their packs, and try them on. A little off putting simply because it is inconvenient.

Hrmmm....need to ponder.

[Nuts]

..

[NickD]

I'm in WE's corner.
They are quality made packs!
The guiding company I am working for this season recommends them to their clients and especially their guides as WE's harness is superior as a big load carrier.
Of course take it with a grain of salt, but from my eyes (and it seems the opinion of the BWT members too) Wilderness Equipment and One Planet are the ones to look at.

[Robbo]

WE and OP seem to be the best around at the moment in respect of quality. Main difference seems to be the different harness design philosophies. Having spoken to the designers of both there are very good reasons why they have chosen design the harnesses the way they have. Bottom line seems to be try both out and choose the one that feels best for you. I personally have a OP McMillan which I have to be very good - although nothing could be called comfortable with 20 kilos in it!

Tony Robinson

[Son of a Beach]

would like to see a full explanation of where One Planet gear is made...

I would also like to see a full explanation. They certainly make some of their gear in Australia. Their website implies that it is all made here, but does not specifically say so...

In an industry where local manufacturing is almost extinct and importing from Asia is the norm, One Planet is still proudly manufacturing in Australia. Our factory is a member of the Greenhouse Challenge Plus and contributes zero CO2 emissions by offsetting using Greenfleet, Green Power and other inititives.

For the owners of One Planet, the business is very much a hands-on operation. By focusing on manufacturing efficiency and having fewer levels in the production process, One Planet is able to compete on price with imported products, beat them on quality, and continue to manufacture in Australia.

I suspect that if 100% of their gear was manufactured in Australia, they would say so explicitly. But they clearly make more gear in Australia than most (all?) other brands.

[corvus]

One Planet Gear ?? why not ask them the question what is and what is not made in Australia its that simple.

[adzza]

Thanks all for your advice.

After much consideration, and research, and advice, and shopping around, on Saturday I bought a ....(Drum Roll!!)................................................


One Planet McMillan.

The One Planet factory is just around the corner from my house, so I payed them a visit late last week and they were happy to show me around. I sited the bags BEING MADE here! That was enough proof for me...What more proof could I ask for right?

I tried on several brands, but just found the OP to be so comfortable, and when loaded with 20KG's, It honestly felt like 5KGs. The thing I like most about the pack is its made from canvas, has excellent zips, is waterproof, and that harness is just awesome.

Again, Thanks for everyone's help here. At first I was a little worried about not having an opening at the bottom, however I soon realized I never really used it on my old pack anyways, and I really like the idea of top only access now.

[tim]

In a past life not so long-ago I went to a training session for One-Planet retailers.

Off the top off my head (so there may be some factual errors) I recall the following about their manufacturing process:

Sleeping bags - the fabric is woven and cut here, then sent offshore (Vietnam, I think...) where it is stiched together. The sleeping bag is then sent back to Australia, where it is held as is until an order is placed, at which stage the bag is filled with the required down.

Packs - can't remember much, I think they are pretty much entirely Aussie made.

If you contact them directly I am sure they will set you on the straight and narrow.

Cheers

PS - anyone esle notice the mirror-like similarity between the harness on those White Mountain packs and on OnePlanet packs>

[alliecat]

Pretty sure you're right about the One Planet sleeping bags being filled here because they will custom fill a home-made bag for you if you take it to them. Not a bad way to go actually because filling a bag is easily the messiest part of the job.

[adzza]

I can tell you that the sleeping bags are definitely done offshore, as I spoke with them about it. The woman I spoke to also stated that the packs are 100% Aussie made, and I had proof when viewing their factory.

Cheers.