Summit Gear packs

[rsriddle_76]

Has anyone got/used Summit gears packs. They are made at katoomba in the blue mountains. The guy on the phone was very helpful and was told that they will fully custom fit the pack to the customer. They have been making packs for more than 30 years. Any comments appreciated http://www.summitgear.com.au/shop/index ... fb848f295d

[HitchHiking]

Classic stuff. From materials to the 'look'. Although I havent used them myself I always stop through when Im in katoomba. One of my good walking mates has a few in different sizes for different trips. He rates them at the top of his list.

[ULWalkingPhil]

What a coincidence, I'm now at Katoomba and today I checked out those packs. I'm not so keen on the look myself.

[johnw]

Yes the look is probably not for everyone. I don't have one but from time to time I walk with several people who do have them and swear by them.
Some of these are ancient, much loved examples that look like they're about to disintegrate, but their owners won't part with them. Not sure I'd bother myself. I think they look robust, good quality but overpriced compared to similar alternatives. But that's just an opinion based on observation.

[melinda]

Bomb proof packs, but a bit on the fat side.
They make a nice canyoning pack, water drains out the sides.

[rsriddle_76]

Well got fitted with one of their large packs (much appreciation from the guy in the shop) which felt good but decided to go with OP Strezlecki. Both very good pack i guess but just liked the finish on the OP stuff. very well made gear i think!

[Mountain Rocket]

Hmmm. Struggling to find the perfect pack for my partner at the moment. Stumbled across Summit Gear in my pursuit of an Aussie made pack.
Nothing in the One Planet, Wilderness Equipment (made in Malaysia I know) or Summit Gear range quite fit the bill but with the option of a custom made pack is currently quite intriguing.

Only problem is now I need to hop over the the mainland and get my partner from Newcastle to Katoomba so we can suss it out.

I am somewhat surprised by the lack of comments to date. If there are any other people out there with further relevant comments to Summit Gear packs please chime in.

[clarence]

For the last ten years I have made nearly all my own packs, bags and panniers. The ONLY brand I have bought when I can't be bothered sewing one myself is a Summit Gear. (If you look on the Make Your Own Gear thread you will see one of my own packs).

The first time I used Summit Gear packs was when I worked for the NPWS in the field and regularly had to carry lots of specialised work gear in to bush work sites. Summit Gear were the only ones who could custom make the packs I required to my exact specifications (this was before I really got in to pack sewing myself).

I was so impressed by the functionality and simplicity of their packs. At the time I had a Macpac Caynon with a fully adjustable, "armchair padding" style harness (as is seen on most commercially available packs). The Summit Gear harnesses were very simple and minimalist, yet they were more comfortable than the fully-featured Macpac harness, even when it was loaded to its maximum. The fact that a small manufacturer like Sumiit Gear can get it so right in an area as critical a harness design says a lot about the way they do things. It also demonstrated to me that how something looks can be a very poor indicator of how it performs. On top of that the quality of finish and fabrics was outstanding too.

Some years later my partner had all manner of trouble finding a pack which fitted her small frame. Despite trying numerous packs, nothing worked. The packs she had used caused her so much discomfort that I regularly carried out her pack AND mine on the second day of our weekend trips. It almost made her give up overnight walking altogether. In desperation we went to Summit Gear. I told them exactly what I thought she needed, we refined the design from a few of their standard models and they made the pack for about $100 more than an equivalent off-the-shelf brand name model at the time. Since then I have never had to carry her pack for her- canyoning, liloing, skiing and bushwalking. She and her pack have since completed numerous multiday walks (including a ten day trip) without any back problems whastoever. Again, through excellent knowledge of their product and assessing the customer's physique, they manufactured a pack which solved the problem completely. And it was lighter than most of the mass-produced packs of the same size as well. The best $450 she ever spent. Even though she now works for one of the major outdoor companies, she still swears by her Summit Gear pack.

Most outdoors people now refer to the new benchmark of mass produced low cost imported product. These usually have an abundance of unnecessary features that are mainly designed to help them sell in the shops, and which don't necessarily do much in the real world out in the scrub. Compared to this artificial benchmark, Summit Gear may seem "agricultural" and overpriced. I would argue that they include the features that really work and offer excellent value for money in a unique custom made product. If you can't find exactly what you like there is a good chance they can modify something to suit you exactly (which may cost a little more).

Are people on this forum really worried about the "look" of their gear? I worry more about weight, functionality, durability and comfort. If you're worried about looks maybe consider disco dancing instead of bushwalking.

Some people will whinge about how expensive the packs are. I checked out the Summit Gear site. Their 80L pack is $459. The first Macpac Canyon I bought in 1991 was over $400. That is over 20 years ago. $459 only seems expensive now because all those poor Asian factory workers are sewing everything on the shelves of Paddys and MDs and Macpac and getting paid $10 a day. They are the ones who should be complaining. I don't reckon you've got much to complain about if you've got to pay $459 for a pack that will last 15 or more years.

Make the trip to Katoomba, visit Dave and Brett at Summit Gear, and make sure you make time for a walk in the beautiful Blue Mountains while you're there.

Clarence

[Wolfix]

Just an aside, MD is moving all its production to BlueSign approved manufacturing so working conditions will conform to Swiss standards. Not sure what those standards exactly are but i hope they are higher than Chinese national standards for workers.

My concern with SG packs is that when fully loaded they are convex against the back.

[buggeriamold]

Hi,
"My concern with SG packs is that when fully loaded they are convex against the back."

... Not the case with either of my Summit Gear packs, they have a back sheet in them which has an Aluminum stay & can be bent to any shape you want.

I have been carrying packs from the late 70's & thus probably have a bias to canvas packs, but I find their packs to be the least cluttered & most practical/comfortable of the many I have used.

Mark

[Wolfix]

Interesting. I was thinking more of the smaller day packs I see on the backs of many Mountains residents.

[buggeriamold]

Hi,

I must say I cant comment on the smaller ones, I have a 55l Bluegum & 55l canyon pack.

Mark

[FatCanyoner]

I've been using the Summit Gear Canyon pack for close to 2 years now. In that time it's probably done close to 100 'bush days'. While it is designed for canyoning (with great drainage) and that is why I bought it, I now use it for all my longer bushwalks. It has done about four week-long walks now, as well as plenty of day, overnight and multi-day trips.
My experience has been that the Summit packs survive incredible scrub and abrasive rock. It sits very comfortably (I prefer it to packs with a frame). And best of all wears well. I reviewed it nearly a year ago (http://fatcanyoners.org/bush-guide/summit-gear-canyon/) and despite it being a year on, and a huge amount of use later, it doesn't look much different. I haven't had to make any repairs, and I'm only starting to get a few little holes in the outer canvas layer on the bottom now (which will be easy to get fixed).
A lot of the Summit packs are similar in design to the old Tom Williams packs still found on the backs of our more experienced walkers. These designs have thrived over three decades for a number of very good reasons. They are incredibly heavy duty and can survive some serious abuse. They have no 'bells and whistles', so nothing hanging off them to get caught in scrub. They last and last and last. They use simply, proven, tough materials.
While the Summit packs are fairly expensive, they fit a very particular use. If you stick on tracks, they aren't really necessary. But if you a serious walker, if you want to walk off track, to explore, to scramble over rock, to drag them through creeks and ravines, then you'll find them better than anything else you can find.

[Wolfix]

Thanks FatCanyoner, that's an excellent review and summary of the Summit Gear packs. I will now know when to recommend them to customers who aren't satisfied with what MD stocks, which is what I always want to do and I feel is important in maintaining a reputation as a gear expert.

I am still in love with Aarn packs and find their balance system unparalleled but if I get into more serious bush bashing or canyoning/caving as you say, I will certainly make a trip up the hill to SG!

[Mountain Rocket]

For the last ten years I have made nearly all my own packs, bags and panniers. The ONLY brand I have bought when I can't be bothered sewing one myself is a Summit Gear. (If you look on the Make Your Own Gear thread you will see one of my own packs). [...]

Hi Clarence,

Thanks so much for taking the time to write such an informative post. It is good to have my observations based on looking at their website confirmed by someone with first hand experience with their products. I think we share similar thoughts regarding the (apparent) simplicity and functionality of their designs. In my eyes there are so many over-designed packs on the market today, harnesses particularly, but the same is true for pockets and access points. Zips and pockets strewn everywhere! I can understand how it sells and its appeal, but it is not for me. With that said, I do not like the external pockets on the Summit Gear packs (Korowal) but I can see how they are actually practical

While the Summit packs are fairly expensive, they fit a very particular use. If you stick on tracks, they aren't really necessary. But if you a serious walker, if you want to walk off track, to explore, to scramble over rock, to drag them through creeks and ravines, then you'll find them better than anything else you can find.

The price of the pack a long way down the priority list so that is not a point of concern. Having something that is Australian made, functional and potentially custom (exactly what I want) is far more important to me. But yes, I can appreciate how this would be a determining/contributing factor for most people.

Clearly I will have to speak to the guys at Summit Gear and see if they could tailor a pack to my specifications. I am heading up to Sydney in a few weeks so I will try and make the time to get out there. Having my partner actually try on the harness is also quite important (duh). Fingers crossed!

[MBP]

Hi,

I have done a search and came up with a little but thought it may be worth asking again.

Anyone own or using one? Anyone owned/used one?

After a pack that is super tough and built to last. Will be used pretty much only off track for hunting.

Made in Aus is a big plus.

thanks.

[tsangpo]

I have their loribike model as a stupidly visible pack for bike riding around the city with and as an occasional daypack. I've found it pretty tough and durable for the close to a year or so that I've had it. They use heavy duty canvas on some of their packs so I would say it would survive a similar beating to aiking/one planet packs.

[FatCanyoner]

MBP, there is already a thread discussing these packs: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=6412&p=144302

If you use the search function on this site you will also find other threads where people have discussed Summit packs and their experiences.

I use one, but my feedback is already on the earlier thread.

[buggeriamold]

Love mine.

[MBP]

MBP, there is already a thread discussing these packs: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=6412&p=144302

If you use the search function on this site you will also find other threads where people have discussed Summit packs and their experiences.

I use one, but my feedback is already on the earlier thread.

I have already said I have done a search and came up with very little. That thread was started over a year ago. All the searches I have done on this site and on google come up with very little, there is only 1 thread on here about Summit Gear Packs, a few mentions in other thread but that is it. You took the time to reply and go to that thread and copy and paste the link why not give us an update.

Tsangpo and buggeriamold how would you say they compare to the likes of One Planet and macpac?

thanks all.

[Moondog55]

I don't think they are going to be quiet enough for hunting, at least not when new.
My old canvas day pack from WE was OK after it softened up ( 3 or 4 years) but got very noisy when I waxed it last year.
I suggest making your own if you truly want a dedicated hunting pack by bonding polarfleece to proofed nylon with silicon glue ( it is a bugger to sew neatly though)

[FatCanyoner]

That thread was started over a year ago.

Yes, but if you scroll down you will see more than half of the comments have been made since September this year...

why not give us an update.

Because I gave a detailed response to that threat in September this year, three months ago, so it is very current and in no need of an update. Given by September my pack had done about 100 'bush days', I'd say it has now done about 110. Other than that there has been no change.

[Strider]

Just because the other thread is a year old doesnt mean you can't add to it. It actually helps to keep information all in the one place.

[frenchy_84]

I dare say you may have received a better response if you had changed the purpose of said pack from off track hunting to off track canyoning...

[Son of a Beach]

The two "Summit Gear packs" topics have been merged.

[FatCanyoner]

I dare say you may have received a better response if you had changed the purpose of said pack from off track hunting to off track canyoning...

Possibly, but that's simply because I use my pack for bushwalking and canyoning, not hunting, so the noise of the canvas / colour / other hunting specific issues are irrelevant to me. What would have got him a far better response would be to continue an existing thread, demonstrating that he'd actually read and considered people's previous comments, rather than re-ask questions that have already been answered.

[MBP]

I don't think they are going to be quiet enough for hunting, at least not when new.
My old canvas day pack from WE was OK after it softened up ( 3 or 4 years) but got very noisy when I waxed it last year.
I suggest making your own if you truly want a dedicated hunting pack by bonding polarfleece to proofed nylon with silicon glue ( it is a bugger to sew neatly though)

Hi Moondog55,

Thanks for your reply. Wasnt something I had given a lot of thought really. I already have a day pack that is really light and small but can take a lot of gear. Maybe I would be better off using it and buying a canvas sack for walking to the camp site. I also do a fair bit of bushwalking and fishing where I need a pack so would be used for that as well. I was hoping to buy something that will last minimum 5-10 years.

I dare say you may have received a better response if you had changed the purpose of said pack from off track hunting to off track canyoning...

Any pastime that is hard on gear or off track is good enough for me. Im not after hunting specific experience, just after experience from those that know good gear and what will work in the bush.

thanks all.

Thanks son of a beach for the merg.

[MBP]

I dare say you may have received a better response if you had changed the purpose of said pack from off track hunting to off track canyoning...

Possibly, but that's simply because I use my pack for bushwalking and canyoning, not hunting, so the noise of the canvas / colour / other hunting specific issues are irrelevant to me. What would have got him a far better response would be to continue an existing thread, demonstrating that he'd actually read and considered people's previous comments, rather than re-ask questions that have already been answered.

Get over it. Before I made the thread I did not realise that the original summit gear thread was updated in Sep this year although I had read it numerous times. I dont see what your problem is.
If you read my original post you would have seen this

thought it may be worth asking again.

If im going to buy a pack for a couple of hundred dollars I am going to ask about it. If I cant do it on here what is the forum for?

[ninjapuppet]

We have used them extensively for canyoning with the UTS outdoors club. Got a good deal on them last year and bought a whole bunch of them for club use. If anyone is keen to try them out in sydney, all are welcome to join up with the UTSOAC for a small fee ($30/year?) and borrow them and come on trips with us.

I rate them highly.

[Moondog55]

IF I was getting a Summit Gear pack for hunting i would get them to modify this one.
http://www.summitgear.com.au/shop/index ... cts_id=575
I would have the side pockets and straps deleted and replaced with a back mounted compression strap or two.
I find I need a decent sized pack for all my gear and this one can be coloured to blend in a little better, I have been considering buying this pack as a replacement for my old WE "Tour-jour" but so far haven't saved quite enough money.