Backpacks Part 1

Backpacks are one of the most important pieces of kit you have and therefore it's not an easy choice.You spend all your time with your backpack on or off in the bush. Currently in my stable i'm using 3 backpacks. Giving me a wide variety to choose from depending on where i'm going or what i'm doing. Let's start from the largest and work our way down.

The backpack is a Tasmanian Tiger - TT Pathfinder

TT Pathfinder Backpack

 

Fully-fledged combat rucksack for several days of use

Features: 85 litre total volume, packsack with snow guard; 
Detachable side pockets (7.5 l) - can be used individually or both as a day sack;

Side pockets joined together.

Neoprene helmet fastening; 
Detachable lid subdivided into 4 pockets; 
Separate bottom pocket; 
Universal belt system on all important points of attachment; 
V2 carrying cystem 

 That's the technical stuff out of the way..................

Personally about this backpack, it really can carry everything you want to. I'm not joking i've loaded this backpack up so that i've had to have help putting it on !

Now that's everything !

Approx pack weight 38kgs. The kitchen sink is there somewhere if you look hard enough.... While using this pack it can be extremely comfortable and to the new player extremely uncomfortable. The first step to a good feel is do up the waist belt a little tighter than you normall would (doing this gives you a base to adjust from) And the waist belt position is slightly higher than the hips for I find it transmits all the weight straight through to the legs.Shoulder straps next, try positioning the pack vertically to the ground. Now just adjust all the straps enough to get a comfortable feel.

One very important comment is on long trips adjust the straps throughout the day. For example loosen the shoulder straps right off for a few km it will save your shoulders later in the day. And on the other hand do up the shoulder straps and then loosen the wasit belt. As with all non external frame packs you will be totally wet by the end of your days bushwalk prepare with extra clothing. 

Packing the backpack is very simple indeed .... generally follow the balance and weight rules. Balance out the left and right sides of your pack especially packs with large side pockets. Then in the main compartment place larger lighter items at the bottom of the main pack area then followed by the heavier items and this position should be close to your back then follow off witrh lighter items on top.

Don't be afraid to experiment with how you pack everything in you might be surprised how much more you can fit in there just by changing the position or location of an item. This pack is very tough don't worry it will take those loads and the zippers haven't yet failed. 

This pack has been thrown, dropped (off some steep banks), dragged (too lazy to carry sometimes), hoisted by rope (way too much gear in it when going up some steep inclines) basically if you think you're tough this pack is tougher ! In an emergency if a strap breaks then undo the broken strap (keep it in your pack for repair later) then undo the bottom of the remaining strap and redo it on the opposite side (where the bottom of the broken belt was) lighten your pack now and you should be able to continue on until repairs can be made.

This pack doesn't come with a rain cover so in a way you can choose what type of cover you'd like to have. Currently I use a SEA TO SUMMIT pack cover or an AUSCAM pack cover both are highly recommended.

Sea-to-Summit pack cover.

There is no real sleeve for a water bladder but 3 internal pockets so depending on how you pack you could use a sleeve or the main internal pack.

Changability is the main name for this pack. You can have everything attached 'complete' pack, Remove the two side packs if your just going out for a little scout. Or use the main pack but remove the two side packs and top lid. There are plenty of options to suit conditions or you walking plans.

Also the pack has attachment points for helmet, snowshoes, axe, hiking poles.