Macpac Cascade rucksack with Liberator harness

[Peaksnik]

I'm in the market for a new pack and these are currently on sale. I've tried one out in store (75l version) and it is an improvement on my Macpac Ascent XPD when loaded up (e.g. 20+kg).

Can anyone offer feedback based on their personal experience of using one of these packs?

From what I've seen,

Pros: tough aztec fabric, harness system does not dig into my glutes (confirming one Macpac's claims about the system)

Cons: I'm not keen on the bottom zipper section - prefer one compartment; its weight at 3.3kg for size 3; price - even at sale price of $420.

Cheers

[ILUVSWTAS]

I have 2. A 90L and a 65L love em both! Comfy, roomy and the bottom section you refer to can be unzipped on the inside and the pack becomes one compartment.....
The 65L does have a couple of holes in it already ( only had it 6 months ) but then I am fairly hard on my gear. it's already been on a few quite epic walks!

[Maelgwn]

Remember buying packs is all about fit. If you are happy with the macpac fit then it is a reasonable choice.

It will last forever and take massive loads but is somewhat complicated (lots of 'features') and heavy. eg the removable ice axe holders, sleep mat loops, pole carrying compression straps, stretchy side pockets with zips and drain holes, elastic tie on thingo and uselessly small hip belt pockets are all features that sound kinda cool but are totally unnecessary and just add weight and complication. I would think that it is targeted at the mainly on track crowd.

I do own one but if buying macpac and canvas again I would be tempted by the glissade - simple, rugged reliability. Saying that macpac packs are heavy and IMHO there are hard wearing fabrics that are not as heavy as the canvas.

Shop around and try on as many different packs as you can.

[Peaksnik]

Thanks for the comments, it's all helpful.

ILUVSWTAS, do think that the 65L would carry enough for 7 days? I'm thinking that it would save me 300g by downsizing from 75L. I would normally have to include about 4-5kg food, 5kg for accommodation (tent, sleeping bag, mat etc, and about 4-5kg clothes; and 2kg other (cooking and eating gear, lamp etc.).

Maelgwm, I'm with you on some of the features - the little zipper pocket on the hip belt seems ridiculously impractical.

Cheers

[ILUVSWTAS]

I catered for 8 days food recently in my 65L on our trip to the Arthurs, and still had quite a bit of space in my pack! If you pack smart it can be done easily!

[corvus]

Thanks for the comments, it's all helpful.

ILUVSWTAS, do think that the 65L would carry enough for 7 days? I'm thinking that it would save me 300g by downsizing from 75L. I would normally have to include about 4-5kg food, 5kg for accommodation (tent, sleeping bag, mat etc, and about 4-5kg clothes; and 2kg other (cooking and eating gear, lamp etc.).

Maelgwm, I'm with you on some of the features - the little zipper pocket on the hip belt seems ridiculously impractical.

Cheers

Do you carry your Tent outside your pack.
corvus

[Peaksnik]

[/quote]
Do you carry your Tent outside your pack.
corvus[/quote]

Corvus,
Normally it sits under the lid.

[ILUVSWTAS]

I hate having anything except my water bottle on the outside of my pack

[ollster]

ILSWT - I swear you musthave the tardis version of the 65L...

[blacksheep]

that wee pocket is great- perfect size for a compact camera, or lip-balm/sunscreen, a compass or a $1 bag of mixed lollies

the liberator harness does add a bit of weight, but the outcome is one of less fatigue after a days walk with a decent load on- we tested this with Massey University, with guys like Wes Moule from Tassie wilderness trekking, Marty Schmidt used on several international expeditions and Ed Stafford on his 6500km trek along the length of the Amazon. The current pack's external pockets sit flat if not in use, and if for some reason you don't like bungy cord on the outside of the pack, well, take it off!

It should be noted the difference between the 65 and 75 litre pack is not purely volume- the 75 has the "freeload" system. similar to the quantum harness system, this assists in transferring some load forward of the hips (rather than the frame transferring 100% of load to the interface between hipbelt and sack as is standard on most packs..)

[Peaksnik]

that wee pocket is great- perfect size for a compact camera, or lip-balm/sunscreen, a compass or a $1 bag of mixed lollies

the liberator harness does add a bit of weight, but the outcome is one of less fatigue after a days walk with a decent load on- we tested this with Massey University, with guys like Wes Moule from Tassie wilderness trekking, Marty Schmidt used on several international expeditions and Ed Stafford on his 6500km trek along the length of the Amazon. The current pack's external pockets sit flat if not in use, and if for some reason you don't like bungy cord on the outside of the pack, well, take it off!

It should be noted the difference between the 65 and 75 litre pack is not purely volume- the 75 has the "freeload" system. similar to the quantum harness system, this assists in transferring some load forward of the hips (rather than the frame transferring 100% of load to the interface between hipbelt and sack as is standard on most packs..)

Thanks for this Blacksheep. My current pack is the Macpac ascent XPD. I know that it is designed for 15kg but I have used it with up to 30kg over the past 6 years. But I'm now finding that the tiredness associated with heavy loads pressing down on my bum is taking the edge off the fun of walking. Given the differences in the harness systems, in your view, which Cascade pack is better suited to carrying 20kg on a regular basis - the 65 or 75L?

Cheers

[blacksheep]

we advise a comfort rating on our packs-
lower limit/comfort load/upper limit.
the comfort load is the ideal range that the pack system is designed for.(lower means you may consider a simpler system/ upper rating is upper upper limit of recommended)
for the cascade 75FL the ratings are 12/30/40kg. for the cascade 65 the ratings are 12/22/28kg. (for the ascent XPD the ratings are 8/18/25kg ).

Cam

[ILUVSWTAS]

ILSWT - I swear you musthave the tardis version of the 65L...

Hehehe yeh it was on special earlier this year.... Im just getting better at packing smaller

[Peaksnik]

Thanks to all for helpful comments.

I now have a red Cascade 75 and it's packed and ready to go - 7 days on the Overland track starting Saturday. This year I hope for one clear day to get up Ossa, Cradle Mtn, or Barn Bluff. I'm not greedy, any one of these will do.

Cheers

[Nuts]

Obviously a bit late but thought i'd seen them before: http://www.moontrail.com/macpac-cascade75.php
Kinda ironic, strapping dinosaurs like this to yer back and calling the harness any sort of 'liberator' though

[ILUVSWTAS]

Not a fan Nuts? I find them quite comfortable, very strong and reliable...Touch wood

[Nuts]

No, nothing against them, never actually used one so probably a bit harsh. Having used some of the really lightweight alternatives over the past few years (not such a fan of the lightest either) it shows the fact that the harness, its design and the comfort provided really is only a concern when the pack (and contents) get heavy.

Still have my 65L WE expedition pack from guiding days. While nothing we carried back then would be considered 'ultralight' the point that it was commonplace to carry everything for a group for a week (including their tents....) perhaps shows what is possible on a private trip...

Body parts, no matter how tough, wear out in everyday use. Carrying weight (being an unnatural activity) can only speed up the process. The more carried, the quicker the process and more damaging the outcome. I never thought much about it till too late, no amount of thought will help now. Perhaps passing on the experience will help someone else.

Either way, the chance for a bit of a stir is a side benefit

[ILUVSWTAS]

Either way, the chance for a bit of a stir is a side benefit

LOL! nice answer mate....

Packs are a hard one cause it's all down to what fits the individual. I do like Macpac but thats probably because up until 6 months ago they are all I've had, besides my VERY cheap black wolf which for what it cost was a good pack....
I did recently buy a 38L OP pack and just LOVE it! It is so so so comfortable I really dont notice it on my back at all!! I think all future packs I look at will be OP cause they are just as strong as macpac just as practical and MORE comfortable!!

Funny you should say that about overpacking causing injuries. I recently got told by a couple of people who would be classed as 2 of the most experienced walkers in Tasmania say to me "being quite young you should look after your knees, pack as lightly as you can" I am really trying to put it into practice as much as possible!

I've also been trying to tell Ollster and Stu the same thing, but being the big strong boys they are,they just wont leave for a walk with under 25kg strapped to their back

[ollster]

I've also been trying to tell Ollster and Stu the same thing, but being the big strong boys they are,they just wont leave for a walk with under 25kg strapped to their back

25kgs is basically 25% of my body weight. This is within spec!

[ILUVSWTAS]

I've also been trying to tell Ollster and Stu the same thing, but being the big strong boys they are,they just wont leave for a walk with under 25kg strapped to their back

25kgs is basically 25% of my body weight. This is within spec!

A more than apt point .....well shut my mouth

How is the ankle BTW??

[ollster]

A more than apt point .....well shut my mouth

How is the ankle BTW??

If my ankle was a Roald Dahl character it would be named Willy Wonky. Make of that what thou wilt.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Hehehe oh if only I had the patience and wit to wait til I had a good response before replying.....

[Nuts]

I recently got told by a couple of people who would be classed as 2 of the most experienced walkers in Tasmania say to me "being quite young you should look after your knees, pack as lightly as you can" I am really trying to put it into practice as much as possible!

I've also been trying to tell Ollster and Stu the same thing, but being the big strong boys they are,they just wont leave for a walk with under 25kg strapped to their back

I'm only 'middle age' but it appears my knees are much older. Perhaps its not such a big deal in an average pack hauling life, we would do silly things while carrying heavy packs. Just the concept that i may be walking 'on borrowed time' baulks me a bit these days. Perhaps a bit over cautious, whoknows... even with (relitavely) light packs, braces and poles the knees seem to be slowly getting worse each year (now that its started).

Less is best must generally be a wise attitude though, without survey results it would appear obvious that many older bushwalkers have knee (and hip) trouble. Wanting to still be able to go walking (even just around the block) in later years is desirable.

[MJD]

I've also been trying to tell Ollster and Stu the same thing, but being the big strong boys they are, they just wont leave for a walk with under 25kg strapped to their back

They could carry some of my stuff if they want but I usually don't have much to go around Must admit that I'm looking at a Macpac for our two week jaunt.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Hey thats the spirit MJ!!

Hahaha yeh we'll all take a kilo of your stuff and you'd be walking with JUST your camera....

[ollster]

Hahaha yeh we'll all take a kilo of your stuff and you'd be walking with JUST your camera....

Best make sure he has a GPS and PLB after the KW debacle...

[ILUVSWTAS]

Ouch! Having a hard day there Oll?

[ollster]

Ouch! Having a hard day there Oll?

Just taking my oppourtunity to have a dig at someone else before I get lost again.

[MJD]

A GPS won't stop us getting lost but it does help with working out where we got to.... and even better if you leave the tracking on then you can work out how you screwed up from the comfort of your computer when you eventually get home.

And to keep on thread: the only apparent downside of the Macpac is its weight.

[ILUVSWTAS]

Yeh they are quite heavy ish. Mine has a nice hole in it already too (had it about 6-7 months) but they are pretty reliable.
What size are you looking at Mj??