Discussion: Expedition Packs

I was hoping to consult the Attackpoint wise ones about what size and brand of packs they are using for expedition AR's.

I have got an old Salomon XA sky 35 that I used for XPD Cairns however I have entered Godzone and looking at the compulsory kit list I suspect I will need a larger pack. Before I start spending money I was curious if people out there are racing with larger packs, or spending money on getting smaller, better quality kit.

I am competing in a mid pack team that is just hoping to finish so we will be stopping for real sleep at times, and will need warm clothes for when we slow down.

The Osprey packs are quite popular for AR. Very comfortable, well designed. Several of us use the Osprey Talon 33 for longer races.
However it sounds like it would be about the same size as your XA35. I know our teammate Revy also used a larger Talon pack for hauling lots of group gear.

2nd and 3rd at ARWC 2013 appeared to run Out There packs. (fb login not required)

https://www.facebook.com/OutThereUSA?sk=wall&f...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tecnu-Extreme-Adven...

I've used the Osprey Talon 33 for 3 years now with no problems. I have the 44 as well and used it in Patagonia and in the last Untamed NE Expedition. My only complaint with them is the side pockets are hard to get into for ther person wearing the packs and they don't keep water bottles very secure. For this reason I may give the Out There! packs a look.

I love the MacPac Amp packs for expeditions -- but they're hard to find in the US.

I actually have the Osprey Exos 34 not the Talon. Nice thing about it is that it is very light while still having a basic suspension system. Personally if I am carrying a lot of gear I prefer not to have it all hanging off my shoulders. I used to get wicked trapezius tightness with previous packs after a couple days but didn't with the Exos. Lots of outside pockets - too easy to get into the side ones as they are open on the side as well - can lose stuff if not careful. Looks like it comes in a 38L size now which would be ideal for carrying a lot of mandatory gear in an expedition AR.

Thanks guys, I live in Oz so the Macpacs are easy to find, and I took a team mates AMP 40 out for a spin on the weekend. it was OK, but I struggled to get the shoulder straps to sit well.

The Out There packs look really good in the pictures, I would be interested in seeing one in the flesh.

Size wise, I am struggling ot chose which way to go, If I get a 40L pack I am sure I will fill it with stuff, that I then need to lug around. Perhaps a 35 will teach me to leave stuff out.

Definitely a fan of 'Out There' packs. I have used one for several years. Used it at ARWC 2012 in France. Was a little put off by all the zips/seems/storage & ways to get into the main part of the pack. But got over it quickly and became a fan of it. They have 2 versions, a small one which one might get away with in a warmer 24hr race. Otherwise they are great! Besides they are made by Mike Closer... can you get better field testing than that guy

I'm a fan of the Out There packs too. It's a bit heavier than other packs but totally worth it with all the AR oriented storage. I used the Talon 33 for most of the 2013 season and they are very solid and comfy. The 2014 Osprey packs (might be the Exos but not sure) offers easier access to side pockets witch was lacking on the previous editions.

+ 1 for Out There. I have some where north of 2500 hours wearing my AS-1 and it still looks and works like new.