Backpacks

[graham.h]

I am getting a lot of conflicting information on the style and brand of pack to purchase for the track. I will be using the pack more than once.Can someone help?

[aussie]

Hi there. Our trekking company have tried three or four different brands and we have had the best luck with Caribee Brand. We have used them extensively and so far have not had any problems whatsoever.

Another brand name only made one trek and is now damaged and has to go back for repair.

Try and get the biggest pack you can purchase and that you feel comfortable carrying on your back. No smaller than 75ltr and preferably expandable up to 85ltr

Also try and get one with a smaller pack zippered on the back, ie a day pack. That way if you hire a porter he can either carry everything or if you want to carry a day pack you can unzip and carry yourself.

[phantom]

Hi,
Saw your post and can offer some advice on packs. I have used Wilderness Equipment packs on and off for over 20 yrs and they are Bombproof. MacPac and One Planet are also fine. They are expensive but you can bet you will still have them in 15 yrs time and they will still be remarkably waterproof.

Read some of the reviews on trailspace.com and you will see that they have an enviable reputation. I took my WE to Canada last year in minus 40 c temperatures and it never leaked or got wet inside. They are The Best a lot of the others last about 12 months and the lining material falls off.

Another great hint is to go to your local Vet and get a large body bag ( about $2-50 ) and use this as a pack liner they are very strong.

Hope this helps.

[aussie]

Hi there, tks for the tip. How much are these packs so trekkers know roughly the market price and where does one purchase them from?

[wembus888]

Hi.

I have got a 90L MacPac from Paddy Pallins at Miranda,NSW.The cost was approx $500,but I joined their club for $16 and got another $50 off the price.

I have been training with the pack in the Blue Mountains,and found it very comfortable and worth the money.I had prevoiusly bought a pack on eBay for about $100 from Perth,and it didn't last one training walk through the National Park at Waterfall.

Cheers <img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//smile.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:)” border=”0″ alt=”smile.gif” />

P.S.I start the Track on Tuesday 5th July 2005.That will be the ultimate test for my pack.

[phantom]

Hi,
Back again. have been away in the hills. The Wilderness Equipment packs vary in price from $300 to about $500 it just depends on which model you bu. They are very generous in their sizing, mine is rated at 75 ltr but is more like 85. Once again they are bomb proof. No cheap Chinese fittings either.

I bought my latest one from Silk Road in Brisbane and they are very helpful but you can find a dealer on the WE website.

The body bags are great for adding to the waterproofness but I walked the Thorseburn Trail without one and we got 9 inches of rain everyday and nothing got wet. If you use one use the large bags.

You can spend lots of money on cheap packs and you will pay for it, over and over. Buy a good brand name one and they are a delight to carry. I bought my wife a One Planet and she couldn't believe that she could carry 15 kgs of training gear so far with so little effort. It was a big improvement over her old style pack. They certainly have come along way in the last ten years.

Regards and enjoy.

[Dave]

You cant go wrong with
One Planet, Macpac or WE Wilderness Equipment.

The only problem is the price, but for a bomb proof packs
these are the ones. THese will set you back from 300 to 500 dollars
depending on what model etc.

My Mate has a "Outer limits" pack. During the training IT appears to be
hold up really well.

PS THe one Planet are the only one now made in Aussie.

Macpac and WE have gone overseas to Asia, but the quaility appears ok – So far.

I have a WE pack.

Regards
<img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//biggrin.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:D” border=”0″ alt=”biggrin.gif” />

[phantom]

Hi Dave,

Good to see someone who appreciates quality packs. I was lucky and got one of the last WE packs still made in WA. I have seen the latest offerings and can only say , I can't see any change in them. I hope it remains the same.

I know they are expensive but it's like good boots, you buy rubbish and you suffer for it and of all the items that you need to get from the start to the end of the Track these two are The Most important. If you can't walk or you're pack breaks your back, that's it I'm afraid.

I looked at it a long time ago and decided that these items were cheap if they lasted and they didn't cause problems. I know the outlay is big but there is an old saying about that. You can always sell good packs if you find you don't have the use anymore but I would have thought that once you walk The Track you will be hooked for life.

Anyway, great to hear from you and I hope you remain safe.

[Author]

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