Pack opinions

[bluetongue]

I am considering putting my 30 year old Karrimor frame pack out to pasture (sob sob !). We have had some great trips together, but to be honest, I find it's harness system is now a bit harsh on my ageing frame, along with the pack fabric starting to lose most (All?) of its warterproofness and durability. Recently, I was shown a 70 L Mont (Flyte, I think) which seemed to tick most of the boxes I was looking for in a replacement- price ($250) ; materials (canvas) along with a fairly comfortable harness- tho' I did only try it on unloaded, but I quite liked the adjustment system. I'm not sure how axiomatic it is that what you get is what you pay for, but I believe that Mont is a fairly reputable brand- along with being an Aust owned company. The other brands I've considered but largely ruled out based mostly on price are the WE and One Planet .I am most interested in reading any forum members :
1. Experience with Mont packs and in particular Mont Flyte. A forum search is fairly scant on info for Mont but there is a plethora of opinions etc for other well known and fairly reputable brands.
2. Opinions/experience for and against single compartment packs- I know that this will probably open up a can of worms. The ones I'm most familia with are FOR(a) one less entry point for water esp in northern Australia where a lot of creek crossings are encountered (b) keeps to the KISS principle AGAINST more difficult to organise gear, having to rummage through to the bottom for sleeping bag etc.(b) bit more thought and time needed to organise gear
Your opinions appreciated pls
Bluetongue

[wayno]

no 2. if you've got a decent dry bag, getting water in your pack isnt necessarily that bad, few packs are waterproof anyway, repeated river crossings will let water in but if you've got a zip compartment the water can get out faster , one compartment packs can have the water pool at the bottom.
i've pack floated with a pack with a zip sleeping bag compartment, my sleeping bag got a bit wet because it was in a plastic bag and not a dry bag.... but the pack still floated well. i'm not sure its just an old school rule that doesnt like the look of packs with easy access compartments...

[stepbystep]

Hi Bluetongue,

I have used a Mont Flyte(nylon) for about 4 years and have taken it on several trips including the Western Arthurs and the Denison Range. It has stood up very well to some rough treatment and actually still looks brand new.

This one http://www.mainpeak.com.au/outdoor/mont ... n-70l.html

My Flyte has an outer pocket handy for wet weather gear and a top/lid pocket for snacks/maps etc

It is a simple design with a good build quality. The harness is very good and when set up correctly carries a heavy load very well. My only complaints come when the pack is not fully loaded. The lid can swing about a bit when off track and ducking in amongst scrub so you need to make sure all the straps are well tightened. On the subject of straps I have noted that while walking they can loosen a little so you need to adjust every hour or three, very simple but you have to be conscious of it. I have considered tying them off so they don't slip. The drink bottle pockets on the hip aren't particularly well designed but the straps allow them to be adjusted to suit different size bottles which you can figure out after some use.

I have received a Macpac Cascade for testing and have an OP Mungo for shorter trips so rarely use the Mont these days. If you end up deciding on a Flyte give me a PM and I'm sure I can give you a good deal.

Cheers, sbs