Macpac Genesis

Good strong travel pack. Harness does not age well

I have had my Genesis since 1992 and used it on and off for travel overseas or camping. When new, it is impressive, comfortable and well made. This is to be expected for a pack of this price.

When purchased, one decisive claim was life time warranty. This has been reneged on and "reasonable lifespan" is now the case.

My harness deteriorated after approx 20 years because the plastics used in the adjustable harness perished. This is a major flaw in the design. So I pursued this but still had to pay for a replacement (Sydney $100 I think). Within 5 years this too failed—exactly the same problem. Now it is held together with cable ties. 

I had a cheap backpack that was tougher. Macpac is not made in NZ anymore (China). 

I would recommended a different back pack. Macpac doesn't have a mortgage on tough packs. Travel packs seem like a good idea—and they are. But if you use clothes bags, these can be easily pulled out and access obtained. With this in mind, question the need for access and the demands you will make on the bag. Maybe a travel case will do. Maybe a "proper" pack will also do. 

That said, they do come up on ebay for about $100-$200 which I think is a better way to go.

GF

Background

See above. Plenty of experience

I've owned my Genesis for seven years. During this time I have used the daypack almost every day. It's faded and a bit grubby, but there's not the slightest sign of stitch or fabric failure. The waterproofing ain't what it used to be, though.

Basically, it's the perfect travel pack. It has just about every feature you can think of--zip-away harness for airports, removable day-pack and bum-bag, big YKK zips that can be padlocked, map compartment, sleeping bag compartment, internal and external compression straps, etc. It's made of a treated canvas that is supposedly waterproof.

The tradeoff for all the features and high-quality construction is that it's a little heavy. Rugged as hell, though.

I'm a bit biased because I'm a Kiwi and this is a Kiwi firm. But I can honestly say I've never found a firm that makes better packs.

Americans and Brits should take note that the Kiwi dollar is worth stuff--all in your currencies (My Genesis was less than US $200 or UK 125). So the Macpac should be especially good value for you guys.

Like many people when first thinking of travelling, I looked for the cheap options, thankfully my mate convinced me to look at the best. My Macpac Genesis has been great; it carries all you need for an extended trip through Europe, and has the added benefit over many boxy Travel Packs that it works really well as a hiking pack. I have used it several times for overnight hikes.

Other good brands in Australia/New Zealand include Mountain Designs, Mont, Tika.

When it comes to these top end packs the best way to decide on which one is right for you is to load them up and try them on. The harnesses all vary slightly so pick the most comfortable for your back and don't worry too much about a differnce of a few dollars in price, these packs will be with you for years!!

Bought in 1992. Absolutely smashed it over five continents and 30 years. Very beat up now, but it's me nothing. Saved my life (dry gear on cold wet nights in New Guinea, Russia, Canada etc).

Really really good

I'ts a tough enough piece of kit, BUT don't believe the literage values you are given. The 95l is right when the daysack is off, but when zipped on the daysack has to be very empty to zip onto the main rucksack. Makes life a pain, as you will no doubt have to don daysack on front instead.

Mark