STONE GLACIER EXPEDITION & MULTIDAY PACK COMPARISON
Part of the reason why Stone Glacier has become such a renowned brand in the hunting space is the quality of the packs. This is also part of the reason why NZ Asia wanted to make them available within New Zealand, as giving the ability to try them on and see them in store for yourself is key to deciding to purchase one for yourself.
We get that sometimes choosing quality—makes a purchase a bit of an investment, so we have dived deep into why these packs are just so good and outlined a comparison between them below.
Stone Glacier packs are celebrated for their unique blend of lightweight design and robust functionality, specifically tailored for the demands of backcountry hunters. Crafted with diligence and precision in the USA, these packs utilise industry-leading materials like Cordura® and Xpac® to ensure durability and performance under the most challenging conditions. Innovations such as Bivy Mode and the Load Shelf system demonstrate a commitment to versatile functionality, offering hunters both stealth in their pursuit and efficiency in hauling back meat for the freezer. The integrated Load-Shelf in the frame design is a standout feature, allowing users to expand the bag off the frame, optimising the packing of gear or meat and ensuring stable, comfortable carrying of heavy loads.
Moreover, Stone Glacier's commitment to adaptability is evident in its interchangeable bags and frames. This feature allows hunters to switch bags on the same frame for different hunts, providing a flexible and cost-effective solution for various hunting scenarios. Each pack, from the compact Solo 3600 to the expansive Terminus 8700, is designed to exceed expectations in the field, whether on a day hunt or a week-long expedition.
The materials chosen for these packs, such as 500 denier Cordura fabric and X-Pac textiles, underscore a focus on building a durable load-carrying pack without resorting to ultralight materials. This approach results in packs that balance strength, flexibility, and noise reduction, essential qualities for kiwi hunters. The packs' load ratings, tested rigorously with heavy loads, underscore their reliability and structural integrity, even under extreme conditions, which as we know, can be commonplace on NZ missions.
In terms of hydration, all Stone Glacier packs are designed to support hydration systems, featuring internal tri-slides to accommodate a Hydro Sleeve and a hydration port for convenient hose routing. This focus on hydration underscores the brand's commitment to the practical needs of hunters in the field.
Proudly made in the USA, Stone Glacier's commitment to quality extends to its use of American-made materials and components wherever possible. Their Bozeman, Montana headquarters is not just a manufacturing hub but also a centre of innovation and quality control, ensuring that each product meets the highest standards before reaching the customer. We are really lucky to have direct access to this collection right here in New Zealand, so let’s jump on in below on the difference between and how to choose which one is right for you.
Multi-Day Packs
Multi-day packs are crafted for trips that span a few days. They are designed to offer a balance of storage capacity, comfort, and mobility.
Solo 3600 pack:
Capacity: 3,600 cubic inches / 59 litres
Features: Ultralight and streamlined, this pack features a main bag and front pouch, optimized for solo backcountry hunts. It also includes a load shelf for efficient large load carrying.
Construction: Made with durable Cordura 500 and Xpac fabric, designed for resilience and longevity in varied conditions.
Best Uses: Ideal for short, solo backcountry trips where minimalism and lightness are key.
For more detailed information on the Solo 3600 pack, please visit the Stone Glacier website.
Col 4800 pack:
Capacity: 4,800 cubic inches / 78.7 litres
Features: Offers a balance between added space and a lightweight build, making it versatile for various hunting scenarios.
Construction: Combines durability with a design suitable for extended use in diverse conditions.
Best Uses: Well-suited for hunters who need additional space for gear on extended multi-day hunts.
For more detailed information on the Col 4800 pack, please visit the Stone Glacier website.
Sky 5900 pack:
Capacity: 5,900 cubic inches / 96.7 litres
Features: Designed for longer trips, it includes a hydration sleeve, adjustable shoulder straps, and multiple pockets for organization.
Construction: Constructed with durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for various terrains and conditions.
Best Uses: Ideal for hunters on extended multi-day hunts requiring additional gear and provisions.
For more detailed information on the Sky 5900 pack, please visit the Stone Glacier website.
Expedition Packs
Expedition packs are designed for extended trips, offering higher capacity and enhanced features for demanding journeys. While also being built to pack down efficiently and comfortably, when leaving camp for day hunts.
Sky Guide 7900 pack:
Capacity: 7,900 cubic inches / 129.4 litres
Features: The pack includes advanced features for load distribution and organization, catering to extensive gear needs.
Construction: Built with durable materials and designed for robustness, ensuring longevity and resilience in harsh conditions.
Best Uses: Ideal for long, gear-intensive expeditions where carrying large amounts of equipment and provisions is necessary.
For more detailed information on the Sky Guide 7900 pack, please visit the Stone Glacier website.
Sky Talus 6900 pack:
Capacity: 6,900 cubic inches / 113 litres
Features: Designed with extensive space, it caters to various expedition needs and includes advanced features for load organization and distribution.
Construction: Built with durable materials, ensuring resilience and longevity, even in harsh conditions.
Best Uses: Suited for diverse, extended expeditions where carrying a considerable amount of equipment and provisions is essential.
For more detailed information on the Sky Talus 6900 pack, please visit the Stone Glacier website.
Sky Archer 6400 pack:
Capacity: 6,400 cubic inches / 104.9 litres
Features: Tailored for archery hunters, it offers specialized storage solutions for archery equipment and a design that caters to the unique needs of bow hunting.
Construction: Robust and durable, made to withstand the rigours of extended archery expeditions.
Best Uses: Specifically designed for archery hunting trips, where carrying specialized equipment and gear is crucial.
For more detailed information on the Sky Archer 6400 pack, please visit the Stone Glacier website.
Terminus 7000 pack:
Capacity: 7,000 cubic inches / 114.7 litres
Features: Offers a substantial space for gear, ideal for extended expeditions with advanced load management and organization.
Construction: Crafted for durability and resilience, designed to withstand challenging environments.
Best Uses: Perfect for long, demanding trips where carrying heavy and varied equipment is essential.
Terminus 8700 pack:
Capacity: 8,700 cubic inches / 142.5 litres
Features: The largest pack in the series, equipped with features for maximal load distribution and organization.
Construction: Robust and enduring, made for the most rigorous expeditions.
Best Uses: Suitable for the longest and most gear-intensive expeditions, demanding significant carrying capacity.
For more detailed information on the Terminus 7000 and Terminus 8700 packs, please visit the Stone Glacier website.
Choosing the Right Pack
When selecting between Stone Glacier's multi-day and expedition packs, consider:
Trip Duration and Load: Determine the length of your trip and the amount of gear required. Choose a pack that offers sufficient space without being overly cumbersome.
Comfort and Fit: Comfort is crucial, especially for long treks. Look for packs with adjustable straps and ergonomic designs.
Activity Type: Consider the nature of your activities. Are you moving through challenging terrains, or do you need quick access to gear? Your activities will dictate the type of pack you need.
Material and Durability: Ensure the pack is made of materials that can withstand your adventure's demands, whether it’s harsh weather or rugged terrain.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a multi-day pack like the Solo 3300 for its agility and lightness or an expedition pack like the Sky Guide 7900 for its vast capacity and durability, Stone Glacier offers options catering to a wide range of outdoor adventures. Each pack is a blend of meticulous design, practical functionality, and unparalleled durability.
To find the perfect pack for your next adventure, we encourage you to visit a local stockist. Seeing these packs in person will give you a better feel for their fit, features, and build quality. Plus, expert staff can help you make an informed decision based on your specific outdoor needs.
