Macpac AMP race 40l model

[JesperH]

G'day,

I am looking into purchasing this pack as I have found that I am not in the market for a ultralight pack but am looking to lighten up. This pack has many of the features I am looking for and is nearly 2-3kg lighter then my current 80L pack I have another 40L pack but this has no support and is a "school" back and would not last a day in the bush but I known thus that my gear will fit into this small of a pack. I am planning on heading into the city to try the pack on before purchase, but was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this pack, I can not seem to find many reviews on this product.
Thanks
Jesper

[Mark F]

I have been using an AMP 40 for about 6 months. Used it in Tasmania (WOJ 4 days, Freycinet 3 days and OLT 6 days) + several multiday (up to 8 days) trips in KNP. I carry a base weight of 5 kg solo or 6 kg with my partner so the maximum weight carried is about 13kg. I have not used it scrub bashing although I think it could take a little.

I am a gram counter and the Amp could be somewhat lighter without compromising very much, but, for the comfort and upper weight levels I don't think I would find much that is seriously better and all that much lighter. I am waiting for a much lighter pack (custom Laufbursche Huckepack - 465g) to arrive for use for 2 to 4 day trips when I am carrying under 8 Kg. If it doesn't arrive by Wednesday am the AMP will be on the plane to the Pyrenees for 5 weeks.

Pros
I have found it very comfortable with great weight transfer to the hips. The back is stiff enough to allow the pack to sit away from the back without it buckling for a bit of ventilation.

Cons
Would prefer non mesh side pockets.
I find the zip pocket in the back a bit odd.
The top lid with pockets seems a fraction too small but these are niggles rather than serious issues.

[Bluegum Mic]

Ive used the amp 25 daily for the last couple of years. It goes to the gym, on holidays as carry on, is my day pack and has even done overnighters. Ive carried up to around 12kg in it and its perfectly comfy (like any of the frameless packs it just comes down to packing but I find this one easy to pack). I've scrub bashed, lawyer vined and everything in between with it and it just doesnt seem to want to die. Well made little pack.
My only gripe was when I bought it the elastic pulled straight out of the top of one of the side pockets when I cinched it, but took me five mins to repair and hasnt had a prob since. I agree Id love to see this pack without mesh sides n front pockets but the mesh is tough so its all good

[ninjapuppet]

My only gripe was when I bought it the elastic pulled straight out of the top of one of the side pockets when I cinched it, but took me five mins to repair and hasnt had a prob since. I agree Id love to see this pack without mesh sides n front pockets but the mesh is tough so its all good

same thing happeend to mine.
A friend had the same problem too. seems to be a common theme among these packs.

[creeping_moses]

I've got both the 40L and 25L, both are great packs for their purpose. The 25L is perfect for trail running, when compulsory gear is required to be carried. I've used the 40L for 2 night walks in summer and it has been great, but it's not made for scrub at all so bear that in mind! As already mentioned the 25L is great for everyday use when commuting locally and on planes and can be easily strapped to a larger pack if traveling overseas. I've found it's one of the more comfortable backpacks to have on while cycling, also.

[Rob A]

For travelling, Ive found anything with the Wraptor harness worth looking at, although on the smaller packs you need to go up to size 3, unlike the regular pack sizing where you want to go smaller.
Been uming and ahhing about an amp but ... Unless you are a trail runner ...
And you should be able to jog in a liberator harness, so its a bit hard.

[kano]

Just read the reviews of the AMP pack.I brought mine online (40ltr.)bad mistake.
This pack is not designed for solid scrub,my old summit gear 40 ltr pack(stolen, along with a full kit of gear)is the best allround pack out there and still made locally.
Easily carries enough gear to o/n canyon or 2 to 3 days hiking.I am looking to replace the macpac with a mountaindesigns of similar capacity,I think the slim profile and no loose stuff hanging off the sides would suit my b/w goals better

[blacksheep]

it is an adventure race pack! that's why it has adventure race features....I would have thought that was pretty clear in how the pack is marketed.

[Strider]

it is an adventure race pack! that's why it has adventure race features....I would have thought that was pretty clear in how the pack is marketed.

It even has the word "race" in it's name!

[Avatar]

Hope you haven't pulled the trigger on this one yet.
Macpac Clearance Smith St Melbourne have a number of the Amp Race 40 packs on clearance sale for $130 (RRP $250) Worth considering at this price level.

[wayno]

have you looked at other brands? osprey do lighter packs of that size..

[Strider]

have you looked at other brands? osprey do lighter packs of that size..

+1 That's what I'd be looking at too.