Backpack Conundrums

[bushwalker zane]

Hi all,

I am thinking of getting a new pack. I currently have a WE Breakout. It's good, but just not big enough for what I need. I have taken it on many long walks and know it is a proven harness system, so my thoughts on WE are high. I have been looking at the Lost Worlds pack, having seen it in the field on the backs of other guides I have worked with. It is comfortable and the size that I want. The conundrum is, I also have my eye on One Planet. I have used them for a few days, again, know they are very good packs. I have been looking at the McMillan, and know it's a great pack from everything I've heard.

I am wondering on what you lovely people might think on this issue?

Cheers,
Zane!

[wayno]

dont ask me, I'm loyal to black diamond packs...

[blacksheep]

And I'm loyal to macpac...

[Mountain Rocket]

If you don't mind the weight and the price, One Planet make some brilliant packs. The McMillian is on of their stand-out models in my opinion (so is the Mungo, but that is a lot smaller). Go and try one on at your local and see what you think of the harness/fit. Also keep in mind all the new models come with a modular harness, so in theory you can change the hip-belt independent of the shoulder straps. I doubt you will have any problems. They are a deservedly popular pack.

Good luck!

[MartyGwynne]

Thats why there are a lot of different packs, they fit different people.
I have only 3 packs now.....
I now like my smaller light weight one which makes me take less un-needed stuff. It also suits my needs for a dicky back problem.
It is an Aarn pack.
My older one is a Macpac (my tragic old faithful bullet proof tub but still gets used).
And a newer light weight/duty Catmandude pack.
You may well have answered your question and are going to get the pack you like the look of.
Marty.
PS they are all way too heavy!

[SHD]

Hi I've had a One Planet McMillan for six months and really like it. It has a great harness and at 85 litres has plenty of space for multi-day walks. I also like the Australian Made factor on several levels. I can't fault it.

[Gusto]

I own a WE Lost World and I love it. I spend more time in the field for work rather than recreation. So I regularly need lots of space or need the option of space. I also tend to carry alot of extra weight in first aid and coms etc.

My thoughts are that if you know that you like the harness system then you should stick with it. The Lost World is a fantastic pack.


One Planet packs are incredibly good too though. However their shape and size isn't as useful as the Lost World.

I use the connector strap between the hip wings too.

[bushwalker zane]

If only I could get a Lost Worlds with a One Planet harness on it, that'd be great! I do love just how much stuff you can get into the Lost Worlds. I need to take a lot of stuff, first aid, comms etc. So that is where it really is tantalising. But I love the harness system of One Planets and the drink bottle slots just behind the hips are great.

Also, One Planet recently sold their packs off-shore. Manufacture wise. Sad

[Mountain Rocket]

Also, One Planet recently sold their packs off-shore. Manufacture wise. Sad

Really? That is shocking (terrible) news. Can you provide a link?

[bushwalker zane]

I can't provide a link, as I haven't actually looked into it, but I have been told by many other sad people that it is the case. It's not surprising, as their tents etc are all made overseas. I think their sleeping bags are still Australasian made though.

[Mountain Rocket]

I think their sleeping bags are still Australasian made though.

How strange. It still states on their website that their packs are 'Still made in Australia'. Hopefully it proves not to be true.
As far as their sleeping bags go, the shells are sewn in China and quality controlled/filled here in Aus. They do not claim that they are made in Australia.
And as you pointed out, their tents are manufactured in China.

Sorry for the digression.

[Gusto]

I would be very very surprised if One Planet shifted there canvas pack/gaiter manufacturing off shore. All their custom stuff

As for tents. they are made off shore, that is no secret.

As for sleeping bags, they are all sewn overseas except on side seem. They are filled in Australia then the last seem if sewn in Australia.

[bushwalker zane]

I hope so much that I have been fibbed to. I know I shouldn't be making claims I can't back up, but it's just what I've heard on the grape vine. Thanks for clearing it up guys!

[Gusto]

It might be worth you ringing One Planet. It's a pretty damaging rumour that you have heard.

[Ent]

Hi

I have a few One Planet packs. For sheer capacity the McMillan is an excellent pack. It's harness can just about take any load you can fit in so say around thirty kilograms unless hauling water or gold bars.

The toughness is very good especially around the base. If you go that way make sure you get the right size harness. OP make both back length and chest size fitting so get the right combination for you.

Cheers

Ps it would be a sad day lose Aussie manufacture as other brands that have gone offshore have suffered.

[bushwalker zane]

Thanks for the info on that ent. It would be sad to lose them. The McMillan is the pack I am looking at, seems great. Going to go have a look around my locals today!

[Gusto]

It would sound as though you prefer the One Planet harness. Which really then means you should by the One Planet. The fit of the harness and ability to put load on your hips is the most important feature.

If You are really particular One Planet do offer a custom service with respect to harness and pack design. Asking for the Mcmillian with a 'Roll top' dry sack style closure would make the pack closer to that of a Lost World.


Also, I tend to think the W.E. harnesses get better with age/wear like a leather boot. Whereas I think most other harnesses are the opposite. I think the durability of the harness to be better in W.E.. The actual sack construction and durability is similar, hard to say which is better. Both brands offer good customer service and warranty.

[bushwalker zane]

I'm not really sold on either one yet.. I keep thinking of how useful the Lost Worlds features are. Having worn a WE pack for a few years, I already know that their harnesses to get better with age, so comfy. The one down fall on their system is that the hip pads are held on with one bolt, I've always thought that they are kind of flimsy, although I've never had it fail me.

[Gusto]

Two bolts and it wouldn't 'swing'.

I often (every 20 days of walking) have to retighten them. I always carry a leatherman so this is no drama for me.

[bushwalker zane]

Yeah, it wouldn't exactly be the best if it had more bolts. Trusty leatherman. I've never actually had to tighten mine, so there are no obvious dramas with it.

[Mutley]

I have owned a Macmillan for a few years. Some positives..it is made in OZ, the packs are very comfortable, even with 20 plus kgs. The usable volume is good, as is access. The top pouch fits heaps of gear that needs to be accessed quickly. The build quality is excellent and the zips are extremely robust. Ok, the not so good...the drink bottle holders are very high, difficult to get at with the pack on. The zips are almost too big and can be difficult to open. The bottom pack access is good in theory but I have not really used it. There are no suitable xternal belts to strap a camera bag to. Some clip on points for a hat or small camera case would be handy. My two biggest gripes - the weight. In hindsight, I would not buy another 3kg pack. And it is NOT waterproof. In heavy rain, it wets out quite quickly.

Would I buy another ? I would probably look for something lighter next time.

But if you want a really robust, well made pack that's super comfortable over a weeks hiking, go for it.

[bushwalker zane]

I have owned a Macmillan for a few years. Some positives..it is made in OZ, the packs are very comfortable, even with 20 plus kgs. The usable volume is good, as is access. The top pouch fits heaps of gear that needs to be accessed quickly. The build quality is excellent and the zips are extremely robust. Ok, the not so good...the drink bottle holders are very high, difficult to get at with the pack on. The zips are almost too big and can be difficult to open. The bottom pack access is good in theory but I have not really used it. There are no suitable xternal belts to strap a camera bag to. Some clip on points for a hat or small camera case would be handy. My two biggest gripes - the weight. In hindsight, I would not buy another 3kg pack. And it is NOT waterproof. In heavy rain, it wets out quite quickly.

Would I buy another ? I would probably look for something lighter next time.

But if you want a really robust, well made pack that's super comfortable over a weeks hiking, go for it.

Weight isn't really a problem for me, I often carry around 30 - 35kgs for work. Don't care about waterproof as I use pack liners and dry bags. A good insight though, thanks!

[Mountain Rocket]

I have owned a Macmillan for a few years. [...] The bottom pack access is good in theory but I have not really used it.

Sounds like you own a Strezlecki, as the McMillan does not have a bottom opening.

The McMilan is also slightly larger (+5L), has crampon attachments and a useful bungee system on the front. In my eyes the McMilan is the better pack of the two.

[blacksheep]

Zane if you carry bigger loads you should talk to macpac owners with the liberator harness. It excels for loaded up carries, ask around, you'll find many out there..

[bushwalker zane]

Zane if you carry bigger loads you should talk to macpac owners with the liberator harness. It excels for loaded up carries, ask around, you'll find many out there..

Looks like I may have another pack to keep in mind.

[stepbystep]

Zane if you carry bigger loads you should talk to macpac owners with the liberator harness. It excels for loaded up carries, ask around, you'll find many out there..

Looks like I may have another pack to keep in mind.

For heavy loads I have used a Mpnt Flyte but have recently changed to the Macpac Cascade. Takes a huge load very comfortably in comparison to the Mont. I haven't used the McMillan but plenty of people like them.
The Cascade seems to be a very durable pack.

[Gusto]

Both Macpac and Mont packs are well worth trying on. Fit of the harness is important. Likewise you should try Black Diamond and Aarn too if you have the time.

On a separate note, I think BlackSheep should be congratulated. It is a tricky position to try to give an opinion without overstepping the boundaries between opinions and sales. He is very correct in saying that the Macpac make good packs. He is also being very polite in not pushing his point.


cheers

[bushwalker zane]

There are a lot of options. I have used Mont packs before, they're great don't get me wrong, but not for me. I just didn't find them as comfortable as others. I also looked at a Golite, 80Lt, $100. But you can only by it for that cheap off their website. And they only ship to the U.S *shakes fist*

[bushwalker zane]

I just found another contender, the Wilderness Equipment Mountain Expedition:

http://hiking.com.au/p/6022399/wilderness-equipment-mountain-expedition-hikingpack.html

Anyone know how this one travels?

[Drifting]

I love my Karajini, but I prefer my wife's Mont Pioneer. The Karajini is awesome, but a bottle pocket or two would be nice. The suspension is awesome, but the features too limited- and it's heavy. Still love it though.