Recommendations for a load hauling pack.

I have a McHale S Sarc and really like it, I primarily got it for winter but have used it on 3 Season trips stripped down and it worked very well.

Stone Glacier Solo or Sky are worth adding to your list.

I've got an 80L GoLite Quest, it's very comfortable and the weight transfer is excellent. It looks to be cheaper than most of the other options mentioned too.

You're on the right track Andre. Any of those will haul that weight, it just depends on what fits you the best.

Sounds like you'll use the pack almost exclusively for work. When I guided backpacking I used a late 90s Dana Arcflex. The overkill durability of Dana stuff comes into its own in institutional use. I'd look at Mystery Ranch, or at a Cordura, double-bottomed bag. Kifaru makes those, and Paradox would as a custom.

I have an REI traverse Valhala I bought about 16 years ago and still hang onto because it hauls weight very well. I use it for hauling meat after a successful hunt and also hauling mining equipment. I've had 75 pounds of gold concentrates in it before and while not fun to hike with- it gets the equipment in and the gold back home. You might be able to find one used on the swap.

I have a golite quest and I agree that it transfers the weight very well with the "horseshoe" on the waist belt. Also, I love the organization. However, my experience was that it has durability issues when used with weights over 40 pounds and the frame flexes starting in the mid-50's. The durability issue could be a serious issue at higher weights for this guys intended use of carrying group gear, sometimes bailing out kids, and large water loads. After only 2 weeks of use load hauling…… the horseshoe perimeter frame on the belt started tearing through the waist belt fabric (on both sides) and by the end of the month had completely torn through. The Golite employee said that this was an issue that they are seeing and this employee told me that the fabric around the horseshoe really should be reinforced for 40 + pound loads (it's rated to 65 on their website). They said that they'd cover it under warranty, but now I'm not really going to trust it for serious loads. It looks like this on both sides:

I'd look at the other options for a workhorse bag. I'm seriously looking at the paradox…..but there is the money issue and the McHale is just way out of my league.

I would go for the Mchale. Proven, long term durability.

Michael, what model year is your Quest?

I had an old DD Terraplane and now have a Mystery Ranch G-5000. If you are looking to haul loads, his packs are great. I do not use mine anymore since my base weight is so low and my kids are getting bigger, but if I needed to haul 40-60# or even a more, I'd have no problem doing it comfortably with the G-5000. You may want to have a look at it. The trance does not have the same frame it carries 30-50#, where the G5000 carries 50-80, and the trance may be a bit small if you are hauling equipment. One other thing, Mystery ranch will be releasing a new version of the Terraplane info here:

https://www.facebook.com/expeditionsalaska/posts/10152552421025760

Good luck!

Mitchell……My Quest was last year's model (2012 model?), which is the same as this year's model except for different colors. What finally "finished" the damage to my bag was when my buddy had to bail on me 3 days into a week long trip for a surprise job interview (dam I-phone that he was "using for GPS") and I was stuck carrying all the climbing gear, cooking gear, and a 3 man tent on the 11 mile hike out. My load was probably approaching 60 pounds. This is when those bars started really completely busting through the fabric. I think they may be reinforcing this area. Perhaps this was done this year because they seemed to be aware of this issue, but you'd have to contact Golite. They were very nice in offering to reinforce and fix the area for free even though its beyond the 1 year warranty. I only "need" a load hauler once a year for a month in July……otherwise I try to pack light. Like you, I was attracted to the Quest by the price and I love how it really also compresses enough to make a great technical daypack.

However, the Golite Terrono was IMHO, a real load hauler with a much more substantial belt and more stiff frame sheet and a stay that was nearly twice as wide, but it was also over a pound heavier.

Good to know. Mine is the latest model, but I just checked and I can't see or feel any extra reinforcement in the "ram's horn" attachment fabric. I don't think I'll be loading it to 40+ lbs anytime soon, but if I do I'll keep an eye on that region.

Thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming

We a large variety of heavy robust packs available here in Oz, One Planet, Mont, Wilderness Equipment, Mountain Designs and Macpac.

All of them are good at moderate loads but when I have to put another 20 lbs in them they all start to suffer. At times I will be carrying another Kids pack as well LOL

I don't really need any more volume 60-65L (3500-4000ci) is plenty.

So far I'm leaning towards the Paradox 3900 or Stone Glacier Solo, and trying really hard to justify the McHale (not sure if he still sells to OZ though)

We ship to OZ. In fact there is sort of a mini group buy over there right now. I'm not sure where you are located, but I could forward your contact info to them. If you are located in the same area perhaps you could save on shipping.

We could do the doubled Cordura bottom for a small custom charge.

I have a mystery ranch trance and it's my go to pack for anything over 30 lbs.

the pack was designed by arcteryx and made by propper (berry compliance ???). i don't own the pack, but played around with one for a couple of days and the main pack is a beast of a load-hauler. it also has plenty of compressions staps and lash points. best of all, right now they can be found in very good shape with the assualt pack for under $100.

comfort and load hauling capabilities are very dependent on each individuals body type and ability to ignore discomfort. What works for one might not work for another. That said, a McHale will be best because Dan will work with you to make sure you're getting what your after before you own it. If budget is an issue, a Paradox Evolution is hard to beat. Dana or MR are nice but won't handle the load as well, but better than most retail packs. An old school external with a good hipbelt may be worth looking at if money is the primary issue.