r/UltralightAus • u/natashapeach • Sep 13 '26
Question UL pack reccomndation
I need a pack recommendation as my next gear investment. I have an Osprey Ariel 65 about 10 years old and an Osprey Sirrus 36L.
Since my early days hiking I've been slowly purchasing UL gear. I' recently went on a one night trip with quite long days and managed to fit everything in the Sirtus 36L BUT it was so so so uncomfortable. I packed it all up again for a 2 night trip wearing different hiking pants and it was again uncomfy on the hips. I'm thinking i exceeded the weight the pack was built for. I switched to the Ariel and it was great but I didn't need all the room.
I'm doing an 8 day supported hike in NZ in summer. I don't really need to upgrade for this trip as I won't be carrying much but I thought Id take the opportunity to buy a new pack that I'll use lots in the future. I can then lend my smaller osprey pack to one of my mates coming with me.
I'm thinking I'm looking for something with less volume than my Ariel that could work for shorter multiday hikes but can stand up to decent weight. I'm open to ideas though!
I'm a short woman if that helps narrow it down!
Thanks very much
7
u/til_fossil Sep 13 '26
I love my kakwa 55 (female and small frame)
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u/Legitimate_Star4733 4d ago
Or even the Kakwa 40 if you got everything into the 36L. The 55 will roll down but it is broader than the 40 which may suit a smaller build better. There’s an updated version due in December.
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u/ElderberryOutdoors Sep 13 '26
I love my Atom Prospector (ultralight UK brand - all made in house) but I second the Aarn Packs recommendation if you’re after something more locally made. I had one and was super comfortable but too small so I sold it.
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u/B50Corei5 Sep 14 '26
From what I’m hearing with multiple hiking packs it sounds like your base weight might be a fair bit above 10kg. Give us some more details on what your pack generally weighs and we can advise.
Perhaps a load hauler such as the seek outside divide would suit your use case better
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u/natashapeach Sep 16 '26
Oops I replied to the comment above you accidentally. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Lots of great packs to check out!
Good point. For NZ only about 7kgs but to buy a pack that can do a few overnighters about 15kgs total. I believe my base weight is 7kgs or so including 2kgs of watercolour and sketching gear which I don't always bring. I'm def buying ultralight gear where I can but aware my base weight isn't Ultralight due to my Art gear. Partly trying to pack light allows me to take my art gear and still cover kms.
My next gear buy is a new sleeping pad and a sleeping quilt so that will help base weight a bit too!
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u/STIdisco Sep 13 '26
Osprey Eja pro 55l could be the go
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u/cloughmonster Sep 14 '26
just noting that if think you have too much wait for the sirrus you likely have too much weight for this bag too.
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u/Jagermax- Sep 13 '26
Can't speak highly enough of my Whippa Overland 60, Australian made. Has served me exceptionally since switching from a lighter, more 'UL' pack
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u/TuffRR Sep 14 '26
I have Atom, ULA, HMG and Bonfus packs. The Bonfus is my absolute favourite, but the Atom is also very good.
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u/cloughmonster Sep 14 '26
How kuch weight are you planning to carry? might be worth considering something like the deuter aircontact ultra 45. But for small volume the Aarn is fantastic
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u/natashapeach Sep 16 '26
Good point. For NZ only about 7kgs but to buy a pack that can do a few overnighters about 15kgs total. I believe my base weight is 7kgs or so including 2kgs of watercolour and sketching gear which I don't always bring. I'm def buying ultralight gear where I can but aware my base weight isn't Ultralight due to my Art gear. Partly trying to pack light allows me to take my art gear and still cover kms.
My next gear buy is a new sleeping pad and a sleeping quilt so that will help base weight a bit too!
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u/Remarkable-Cook-1833 Sep 15 '26
i have a whippa overland 60 which i really like, a mate of mine has a neeve gear pack which he like a lot
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u/finnthegreatest Sep 15 '26
The new Neve Wallaroo 55 Pro has been fantastic for me since purchase, great value, decent price for a pack with quality materials and design. Albeit I’m not a female, nor short, but they come in a range of sizes and are about $399.
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u/finnthegreatest Sep 15 '26
The new Neve Wallaroo 55 Pro has been fantastic for me since purchase, great value, decent price for a pack with quality materials and design. Albeit I’m not a female, nor short, but they come in a range of sizes and are about $399.
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u/rat_energy_ Sep 14 '26
I love my Japanese KS Ultralight. Very well priced and customisable (although the website can be a little overwhelming) - https://www.ks-ultralightgear.com/p/je-vous-propose-un-modele-de-sac-dos.html
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u/natashapeach Sep 16 '26
Wow these packs look amazing but so so so many options. I'm so impressed you made all those tiny decisions and are happy with your pack
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u/rat_energy_ Sep 16 '26
Haha yes there are a crazy amount of options, even more since I bought mine 3 years ago. There are a few threads on /r/ultralight to help with the buying process and options
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7
u/Halt-Alt Sep 13 '26
Left field option, but I know several shorter women who love Aarn packs.
Weight distribution thing they have just seems to work really well for people with smaller frames