New tough 45L pack

[farkewie]

Hi All,

So i am finally up for a new pack, I am looking at something around 45L, tough (canvas etc) and pretty waterproof. Kit used is generally around 11.5kg, unless ropes are required then it jumps up a bit.
It will spend a lot of its days scrub bashing, pack hauling and generally being abused.

it will be replacing my Mountain Hardware dihedral
https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Hardwea ... op?ie=UTF8

This pack has been great, though pretty uncomfortable (may have been a bit small which contributes to this). What i loved about it was how tough it was, good storage option in the way of pockets, webbing and rop strap under the lid.


These are the options i am looking at going forward and would love feedback on any of them or potential other options

Mont Sentinal - this would be top at the moment, largely due to aussie company and canvas
https://www.mont.com.au/products/sentin ... -backpacks

Osprey Archeon 45
https://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/osprey ... ck/OSP0855

WE Contour
https://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/wilder ... s-backpack

Thanks.
Ty

[slparker]

One Planet packs are still made in Australia, not just an Australian company.
They have a couple of packs ubder their 'day an a half' range that might suit you:
https://www.oneplanet.com.au/product/pa ... /traverse/

And, more climbing backcountry orientated:
https://www.oneplanet.com.au/product/pa ... lf/vertex/

[farkewie]

Thanks,
I had forgotten about them, my wife works at paddys so always tend to steer towards their brands. I have always wanted a One Planet though.

The vertex looks interesting.

[johnw]

Noting your "abuse" criteria, based on my experience over the past 10 years or so with an earlier version of the WE Contour they are extremely tough.
I can't comment specifically on the current model which has more features (and about 600 gm heavier), but the one below that I have is bombproof. I've used it mainly for off track bush regeneration trips, dragging it over rocks, fallen trees, getting hooked up on branches, wading through creeks, lawyer vine, blackberry infestations and so on. Also taken it on many trips as a carry on and for destination hikes including overseas. Bonus of being quite light at ~1kg and easily compressed to fit airline requirements. I have seen the more recent incarnations in shops and they still look to have the same tough construction, but with a few more bells and whistles.

[Moondog55]

I have the very first iteration of the WE Contour, bought S/H and was my hunting pack for ages so lots of abuse. Simple and tough as nails even if a little industrial in the design and construction. They are all pretty good packs but as a cheapskate i'd be buying the one on sale. Sometimes simple is best.

[Neo]

Summit Gear make tough packs too.

https://www.summitgear.com.au/summit-gear-packs.html

I have a 25L Lorikeet as a day pack, fancy the Canyonita or Cockatoo but I already have a 45L.

One Planet make an add-on hipbelt pocket.

[farkewie]

Summit Gear make tough packs too.

https://www.summitgear.com.au/summit-gear-packs.html

Thanks,
This is a new one to me. The Cockatoo looks promising!

[Lamont]

Second the One Planet ruckies. Good stuff.

[farkewie]

Well ended up with the One Planet vertex in the end.

Always wanted a one planet. It's the perfect size for my use and Aussie made (and in stock). Can't wait to use it.

Managed to sneak some La Sportiva TX4 Mids in while I was there too, so pretty chuffed after today.

[Dalmeny Mark]

The OP bag is a good choice.However I need to second Summit Gear as brilliant. Their bags still made in Katoomba. Last year I bought a Blue Gum bag and being a oversize male they added 10 cm to the hip belt (not just increasing the length of the webbing) and moved the attachment points for the harness for a perfect fit for my long back and ape arms. The bag is tough as nails. The extra cost for this bespoke adjustment NIL.

[gisborne612]

Hi, I have a Mont Sentinel 45. Havn't used it much yet, but appears tough, well built with a good harness. Should last, hopefully as long as my Berghaus Dart 35, which it replaced.