aaron keating
2008-01-22 12:04:08 UTC
Macpac Pursuit Classic (Size 3) Owner Review
Personal biographical information
Name: Aaron Keating
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Height/Weight: 5â9", 135 lbs
E-mail: aaron_spurs-/***@public.gmane.org (aaron underscore spurs at yahoo dot com)
City: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Date: 22nd January 2008
Backpacking background
Experience: Iâve been hiking and camping since I was about 20 years of age. I have typically walked around many parts of New South Wales including, the Blue Mountains, Kanangra-Boyd NP, the Warrumbungleâs NP, the Snowy Mountains NP, Royal NP, Washpool NP, Wollemi NP and the Gloucester Tops area. I have undertaken the fantastic Cradle Mountain/ Lake St Clair trek in Tasmania. I have also done the Oxfam Trailwalker 100 Km charity marathon bushwalk two years ago.
Typically my hiking consists of walks ranging from overnighters (2 days) to longer walks (5 â 7 days) both on and off track. Overnighters mostly consist of 15-mile walks whilst longer walks consist of anything up to about 60 miles. I like to walk with at least three or more friends (for company and safety sake).
I also own a Macpac Ascent XPD Size 3 (slate coloured) and a Caribee (Crisi) 80L (my first pack which is essentially just an el cheapo brand). The Macpac Ascent XPD at 80L, is great for larger loads (for longer duration/ multi day walking hiking), but it is a bit on the heavy side at about 5.8 pounds. Knowing that Macpac make comfortable tough packs, I started looking for one of their smaller, lighter packs for 2 or 3 night hiking trips. The Pursuit met my requirements and has proven to be an astute purchase. In fact, in terms of its appearance and handling characteristics, the Pursuit Classic is somewhat like a shrunken Ascent XPD.
Product Summary Information
Pack manufacturer: Macpac
URL: http://www.macpac.co.nz/
Year of manufacture: 2006
Listed weight: 3 lbs, 15.5 oz
Measured weight: 4 lbs, 1.2 oz (checked on accurate old fashioned âsee - sawâ style scales)
Sack volume: 55 L (3400 cu in) and when extended 65 L (4000 cu in)
Size of pack: Size 3
Colour: Slate
Comfort level: Very good
Price: $240AUD (inc GST)
Product Description
This internally framed pack is specifically designed for alpine climbing use. It is a single top opening sack with a slim tall profile. It features a medium size top pocket in the lid (with what looks like a strong zip), two small base pockets on each side, dual haul loops, dual ice axe attachments and crampon pad (elasticised hold down area which I use for loose stuff). The base and front of the pack are made from Kevlar Matrix (blended Kevlar and Cordura nylon threads woven together) whilst the top and sides are made from Aztec fabric (cotton and polyester fibre blend).
The top of the pack is expandable within the confines of the lid. There are two side compression straps on each side and two vertical straps between the lid and the base of the pack ensuring the load is compressed and well centred for stability. Shoulder and chest straps are fully adjustable and the lumbar pad and hip belt are thick and well padded. The (height adjustable) âActiveâ harness allows for a suitable amount of free movement whilst keeping the load close to the back thereby transferring weight comfortably to the waist (via the hip belt). The size 3 harness also suited my long back well. The harness handles 30-32 pound loads comfortably in a stable, well balanced manner.
This pack seems to be well built, tough and quite weather-resistant. I base this last assertion on the fact that I have walked with it in extended drizzle type rain without any water appearing to enter the pack. Having said that, it would be interesting to see how it copes with a torrential downpour. The pack capacity is 55L but may be extended to a maximum of 65L.
I bought mine on special for $240 AUD at Paddy Pallinâs in Kent St, Sydney (but they usually retail for $300 AUD).
Field information
The first time I used my Macpac Pursuit was on an overnight hike to Mt Gungartan in the Kosciuszko National Park (about 2000 to 2200 ft altitude). As we set off the temperature rose to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (about 3 degrees centigrade) with the morningâs early snow all but melted. At the end of the day as I was cooking dinner, the temperature dipped to a chilly 20 degrees Fahrenheit (about -6 degrees centigrade). All my gear (Thermarest, sleeping bag, tent, food/ water, cooking equipment, clothing and other odds and ends fitted into my pack without any trouble. I needed to use the whole 65L extended capacity but that was because I was carrying a two-man tent). Water was readily available along the way so we only had to carry about 2L at any one time.
The second time I used my Macpac Pursuit was on another overnight walk in the Royal NP an hours drive south of Sydney, NSW (sea level). We took the ferry across to Bundeena and from there started walking south, camping overnight by the sea at North Era Beach, before proceeding to Otford the next day (16 miles from where we started). The Pursuitâs narrow profile means it tends to avoid getting snagged on heavy undergrowth, rocks and overhanging branches. I again had no trouble fitting everything in. On this trip there was little drinking water available so I had to carry 6 litres in my pack (again requiring the full 65L capacity). The weather was generally warm to hot during the day so I mostly wore t-shirts.
The third time I used my Macpac Pursuit was on another overnight walk again in the Kosciuszko National Park on the Blue Lake Walk (about 2100 to 2200 ft altitude). The temperature hovered around 37 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and dipped to just above freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) during the night. Water was again readily available along the way so we only had to carry about 2L each. I did not require more than the normal 55L capacity.
The fourth time I used my Macpac Pursuit was on a trip to the Colo River north east of Sydney in the Wollemi NP. This was a difficult 2 and a half day off track walk in cool conditions (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night) involving two river crossings and serious âbush bashingâ. We walked through thickly vegetated thorny vine like vegetation for several hours each day. The pack seemed to cope well with the abrasive nature of the thorns and vines and displayed little evidence of being dragged over rocks. After two river crossing in waist deep rapids, the inside base of the pack remained dry leading me to think that it is a reasonably water resistant pack. Being a tall pack, I did notice however that the top of the pack became somewhat easily wrapped around vines.
Advantages
Stable and agile
Slim profile (for fast paced climbing and walking)
Comfortable (yet enables free movement)
Tough
Well equipped
Disadvantages
Slightly heavier than some other similarly sized packs however it does seem well made.
When the pack is completely full (extended to 65L), it becomes quite tall. This becomes a problem when you are walking through thick vine like vegetation, which tends to catch on the top of the pack.
Unlike the Ascent XPD, the lid does not detach to become a bum bag which I think might be a worthwhile move albeit one that would add a bit to its weight.
Overall, I really like this pack and thoroughly recommend it to everyone.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Personal biographical information
Name: Aaron Keating
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Height/Weight: 5â9", 135 lbs
E-mail: aaron_spurs-/***@public.gmane.org (aaron underscore spurs at yahoo dot com)
City: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Date: 22nd January 2008
Backpacking background
Experience: Iâve been hiking and camping since I was about 20 years of age. I have typically walked around many parts of New South Wales including, the Blue Mountains, Kanangra-Boyd NP, the Warrumbungleâs NP, the Snowy Mountains NP, Royal NP, Washpool NP, Wollemi NP and the Gloucester Tops area. I have undertaken the fantastic Cradle Mountain/ Lake St Clair trek in Tasmania. I have also done the Oxfam Trailwalker 100 Km charity marathon bushwalk two years ago.
Typically my hiking consists of walks ranging from overnighters (2 days) to longer walks (5 â 7 days) both on and off track. Overnighters mostly consist of 15-mile walks whilst longer walks consist of anything up to about 60 miles. I like to walk with at least three or more friends (for company and safety sake).
I also own a Macpac Ascent XPD Size 3 (slate coloured) and a Caribee (Crisi) 80L (my first pack which is essentially just an el cheapo brand). The Macpac Ascent XPD at 80L, is great for larger loads (for longer duration/ multi day walking hiking), but it is a bit on the heavy side at about 5.8 pounds. Knowing that Macpac make comfortable tough packs, I started looking for one of their smaller, lighter packs for 2 or 3 night hiking trips. The Pursuit met my requirements and has proven to be an astute purchase. In fact, in terms of its appearance and handling characteristics, the Pursuit Classic is somewhat like a shrunken Ascent XPD.
Product Summary Information
Pack manufacturer: Macpac
URL: http://www.macpac.co.nz/
Year of manufacture: 2006
Listed weight: 3 lbs, 15.5 oz
Measured weight: 4 lbs, 1.2 oz (checked on accurate old fashioned âsee - sawâ style scales)
Sack volume: 55 L (3400 cu in) and when extended 65 L (4000 cu in)
Size of pack: Size 3
Colour: Slate
Comfort level: Very good
Price: $240AUD (inc GST)
Product Description
This internally framed pack is specifically designed for alpine climbing use. It is a single top opening sack with a slim tall profile. It features a medium size top pocket in the lid (with what looks like a strong zip), two small base pockets on each side, dual haul loops, dual ice axe attachments and crampon pad (elasticised hold down area which I use for loose stuff). The base and front of the pack are made from Kevlar Matrix (blended Kevlar and Cordura nylon threads woven together) whilst the top and sides are made from Aztec fabric (cotton and polyester fibre blend).
The top of the pack is expandable within the confines of the lid. There are two side compression straps on each side and two vertical straps between the lid and the base of the pack ensuring the load is compressed and well centred for stability. Shoulder and chest straps are fully adjustable and the lumbar pad and hip belt are thick and well padded. The (height adjustable) âActiveâ harness allows for a suitable amount of free movement whilst keeping the load close to the back thereby transferring weight comfortably to the waist (via the hip belt). The size 3 harness also suited my long back well. The harness handles 30-32 pound loads comfortably in a stable, well balanced manner.
This pack seems to be well built, tough and quite weather-resistant. I base this last assertion on the fact that I have walked with it in extended drizzle type rain without any water appearing to enter the pack. Having said that, it would be interesting to see how it copes with a torrential downpour. The pack capacity is 55L but may be extended to a maximum of 65L.
I bought mine on special for $240 AUD at Paddy Pallinâs in Kent St, Sydney (but they usually retail for $300 AUD).
Field information
The first time I used my Macpac Pursuit was on an overnight hike to Mt Gungartan in the Kosciuszko National Park (about 2000 to 2200 ft altitude). As we set off the temperature rose to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (about 3 degrees centigrade) with the morningâs early snow all but melted. At the end of the day as I was cooking dinner, the temperature dipped to a chilly 20 degrees Fahrenheit (about -6 degrees centigrade). All my gear (Thermarest, sleeping bag, tent, food/ water, cooking equipment, clothing and other odds and ends fitted into my pack without any trouble. I needed to use the whole 65L extended capacity but that was because I was carrying a two-man tent). Water was readily available along the way so we only had to carry about 2L at any one time.
The second time I used my Macpac Pursuit was on another overnight walk in the Royal NP an hours drive south of Sydney, NSW (sea level). We took the ferry across to Bundeena and from there started walking south, camping overnight by the sea at North Era Beach, before proceeding to Otford the next day (16 miles from where we started). The Pursuitâs narrow profile means it tends to avoid getting snagged on heavy undergrowth, rocks and overhanging branches. I again had no trouble fitting everything in. On this trip there was little drinking water available so I had to carry 6 litres in my pack (again requiring the full 65L capacity). The weather was generally warm to hot during the day so I mostly wore t-shirts.
The third time I used my Macpac Pursuit was on another overnight walk again in the Kosciuszko National Park on the Blue Lake Walk (about 2100 to 2200 ft altitude). The temperature hovered around 37 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and dipped to just above freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) during the night. Water was again readily available along the way so we only had to carry about 2L each. I did not require more than the normal 55L capacity.
The fourth time I used my Macpac Pursuit was on a trip to the Colo River north east of Sydney in the Wollemi NP. This was a difficult 2 and a half day off track walk in cool conditions (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night) involving two river crossings and serious âbush bashingâ. We walked through thickly vegetated thorny vine like vegetation for several hours each day. The pack seemed to cope well with the abrasive nature of the thorns and vines and displayed little evidence of being dragged over rocks. After two river crossing in waist deep rapids, the inside base of the pack remained dry leading me to think that it is a reasonably water resistant pack. Being a tall pack, I did notice however that the top of the pack became somewhat easily wrapped around vines.
Advantages
Stable and agile
Slim profile (for fast paced climbing and walking)
Comfortable (yet enables free movement)
Tough
Well equipped
Disadvantages
Slightly heavier than some other similarly sized packs however it does seem well made.
When the pack is completely full (extended to 65L), it becomes quite tall. This becomes a problem when you are walking through thick vine like vegetation, which tends to catch on the top of the pack.
Unlike the Ascent XPD, the lid does not detach to become a bum bag which I think might be a worthwhile move albeit one that would add a bit to its weight.
Overall, I really like this pack and thoroughly recommend it to everyone.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs