Tasmanian Tiger Backpacks

[madhunt]

I've been search the net for a new backpack and came across the tasmanian tiger range backpacks. Has anyone had any experience with these backpacks? I just want to know how it compares with other packs such as the lowe alpine saracen or any other 100L plus packs
cheers

[RGRBOX]

I thought the quality of them on the low side...

[RGRBOX]

I'm interesting were you got that from...
is there a review

Well Brabo, only since I test, and see so many rucksacks, pouches, belts, holsters sleeping bags etc.. everyday.. I had a very good look at the TT system at Nurenberg not too long ago.. I've also been looking at it since Tatonka came out with it.. The qualitiy of the Hardwear used is on the weak side.. anyway, as for carrying a ruck the size of a Saracen or any other 110 to 125 liter ruck in the jungle is a little on the crazy side.. I've managed to spend too much time in the Jungles of Central America, and have found that on military ops the large rucks are to large to carry thru the dence jungle.. anyway, that was my experience.. as for reading a test on the TT.. I haven't waisted my time.. I've just spoken to many people who have used it... the problem with a lot of tests is that you need something to compair it too, or a list of things you expect in your kit.. and before I was selling kit, I would first find the kit I was looking for, and then show up to the shop with the stuff I wanted to carry in the, lets say backpack.. that was already the second part of the test.. most packs are good.. for what they have been designed for.. and many have great designs where the hardware used to make them from is crap.. that's the problem with the TT.. not a bad design but very bad Hardware...

[madhunt]

Thanks for all the advice people.
What would be an example of a pack with good hardware?

[RGRBOX]

Well, I would have to say that any pack made with good material/Hardware would be a pack like the Lowe Saracen. The problem with such hardware is that the pack weights more... I can remember when the first Lowe Commando packs came out for us when I was LRS back in the early 90's was that they were made of less than good quality hardwear.. we were always having to reinforce the fastex, and sewing.. I remember well the first time I fully loaded the 110L of pack and when i put it on my back the fastex clips for the shoulder straps came open.. we then had to use 550 cord to close these permately.. lossing the ability to take them off quickly.. at the time they were the bast packs we could find.. hell, anything was better then the Large ALICE.. now days, there are some great packs and equiment out there.. the problem is from what I've seen is there are many companies building kit, that doen't truely meet the military requirment for good strong, dependable equipment.. peopel are buying the stuff, mostly because it's cheap on the pocket book.. what I find is that the ceaper stuff many times are cheaply made. There's a company from Italy making equipment that although looks great, doesn't really meet the standard. The Swiss Army is using it.. and although it looks good, and they jump thru the hoops to make what you want, I've gotten stories from guys that within a couple of days of using it, it's already showing signs of poor work.. I've had a look myself at some, and to see the simple construction, and single seams, I'm surpriced anyone would use it at all... anyway, there are some very good sack makers out there, and they are making some great stuff, like I said. You will just have to get out there and investigate. But be careful. A company that make civilian sacks isn't nesessarely the best at making military rucks, and the same on the other side. I would never want a ruck from Eagle, BHI, TAG, etc.. making a large ruck for a one week or longer expedition I make.. I have a colege who went two weeks in the eastern Russian mountains, and his BHI pack was complete crap.. now for day packs assault packs the BHI packs are great.. I've found them better then Eagle because of the cordora used is stronger.. which is perfect from a ground pounding Infantryman.. I suggest for military ops, to look into Kelty, Mistery Mountain, Kifaru, Berghaus, Norrona, Lowe, just to name a few. There packs have been and are used a lot by the different militaries out there.. and they are all very good packs... If I've forgotten any packs plaese fill me in.. I'm always looking for the perfect pack... just one last thing.. I've been looking at the US Army MOLLE 2 large pack lately, and I find it to be a good pack.. they need to get rid of the bottom loading compartment, and fill it with PALS webbing all over, then offer more substanement pouches in different sizes, but with a good suspention system shoulder straps and waist straps, i find it a good ruck.. not to tall over the shoulders, so you can attach your assault pack, and it would do for what's needed...

[RGRBOX]

Thank you for the great info RGRBOX!
makes a lot of things clear for me.

I'be used a Berghaus Vulcan and now a Lowe saracen.
I wish there was a mix of both: Saracen pack with a Cyclops II
backpanel.

Got another question: The Lowe Commando.
Are these packs still availble? You don't see them on the web
for example: loweapine.com. You only find the Lowe Saracen/strike/
stingray etc.

I heard they stopped making the newer models a few years ago, and replaced them with the Saracen.. then again, the newer Commandos weighted a ton...

[madhunt]

Thanks for the detailed info RGRBOX! I don't mind spending more money, I just want a big pack i can abuse with a good back support...yeah I'll just keep looking mate.

cheers.

[dusty_dragon]

as far as i'm concerned, i used TT backpacks in duty an in national guard in germany, the "fernspäh" and the later version the "pathfinder".
i can truely say, they never let me down in any way.
TT is the meilitary line of tatonka and they have pretty much experience with backpacks here in europe.
don't get me wrong, i don't want to say that there are no better ruckls on the market than TT, but i have several other TT products and had them all in heavy use (not in central america, jungle, but everywhere in central europe) and there was nothing to complain about on recon missions etc.
a large TT backpack in germany costs about 200€ that is ca. 256$ and for that price you can hardly get a better ruck.
i also use a bergans powerframe and it is also TOP, but it is also much more expensive than the TT is.
if the **** hits the fabn there is no cause why not trusting my TT, as i mentioned, it never let me down in any way and the service of tatonka and TT in dasing/germany is really great.
perhaps that is not so in the US, cause TT is a german based trademark, i don't know how the service is in the US, but in germany you can hardly find a better ruck with more features for the same price.
dusty ;)

[RGRBOX]

You said you served as a national guardsman.. you mean you did one year of military service... what did you do?

[madhunt]

That was very helpful information dusty
cheer
just one more question, can you use the main pack itself without the side pockets?

[dusty_dragon]

@RGRBOX:
no thats not right, i don't know where you are from, but in germany you have not 1 year duty in the national guard, you have duty over several years.
despite that i said i used it in active duty and later on in the duty in the national guard.
commonly you have your active duty first and then several years of duty in the national guard (if you subscribe for that, it is not a must).
so i walked several times (!) with my TT "fernspäh", later "pathfinder" called on recon missions.
@MADKUNT:
no prob, hope i helped you.
yes, you can detach the side pockets and use the main pack without them and you can fix the 2 side pockets together and use it as a 15 liters daypack. it is so with the DEFENDER (if sidepockets are ordered to the main pack), with the PATHFINDER, RANGEPACK, RANGEPACK G82, PATHFINDER light.

[RGRBOX]

@RGRBOX:
no thats not right, i don't know where you are from, but in germany you have not 1 year duty in the national guard, you have duty over several years.
despite that i said i used it in active duty and later on in the duty in the national guard.
commonly you have your active duty first and then several years of duty in the national guard (if you subscribe for that, it is not a must).
so i walked several times (!) with my TT "fernspäh", later "pathfinder" called on recon missions.
@MADKUNT:
no prob, hope i helped you.
yes, you can detach the side pockets and use the main pack without them and you can fix the 2 side pockets together and use it as a 15 liters daypack. it is so with the DEFENDER (if sidepockets are ordered to the main pack), with the PATHFINDER, RANGEPACK, RANGEPACK G82, PATHFINDER light.

I had never heard it called National Guard by a German.. I know about joining the pros, and doing National Service for a year.. anyway, was just a question... what did you do in the Army???

[dusty_dragon]

its called "reserve" in german, something like army reerve perhaps, if you translate it.
i thought you would better understand if i call it national guard, but it is very different to the US national guard.
sorry but can't tell you more 'bout my job there, i subscribed for not telling something 'bout that, so i'm not allowed and not willing in a public forum. besides that those times are long since gone right now.

i have nearly 20 years of experience under my belt with the different backpacks in civil and military use, as a kid i walked tours with my parents in the alps, then later on in the services.
i use bergans powerframe and TT pathfinder right now.
both great rucks.

where did you gether your intel about the TT rucks, just in nürnberg at the IWA fair?
did you carry a TT, lets say pathfinder, for some weeks?
don't get me wrong i don't want to doubt your experience, 'bout the TT is commonly known as very reliable und tough here in europe.
most of my comrades prefer the TT backpacks and berghaus and bergans rucks over all other rucks available in the western world, US included.
where are you from?
do you have the chance to have a closer look to TT products?

[RGRBOX]

its called "reserve" in german, something like army reerve perhaps, if you translate it.
i thought you would better understand if i call it national guard, but it is very different to the US national guard.
sorry but can't tell you more 'bout my job there, i subscribed for not telling something 'bout that, so i'm not allowed and not willing in a public forum. besides that those times are long since gone right now.

i have nearly 20 years of experience under my belt with the different backpacks in civil and military use, as a kid i walked tours with my parents in the alps, then later on in the services.
i use bergans powerframe and TT pathfinder right now.
both great rucks.

where did you gether your intel about the TT rucks, just in nürnberg at the IWA fair?
did you carry a TT, lets say pathfinder, for some weeks?
don't get me wrong i don't want to doubt your experience, 'bout the TT is commonly known as very reliable und tough here in europe.
most of my comrades prefer the TT backpacks and berghaus and bergans rucks over all other rucks available in the western world, US included.
where are you from?
do you have the chance to have a closer look to TT products?

I'm a former soldier who happens to have lived in Germany for about 3 years, and married one.. as for where I am now, I'm in Geneva, Switzerland... I've had some very good looks at the TT, and only first saw it about 4 years ago at IWA.. I've had closer looks since, and have spoken to a lot of people about them.. I've even used Tatonka rucks, and material myslef for some time now. I've found that there are some better rucks out there, and because of my job, I get to dabble with many of them...

www.e-pointbreak.com

[dusty_dragon]

seems that our opinions vary 'bout the TT packs, but hope that's no prob between us.
nice to talk to a mountainman from switzerland here in a US based forum.
4 years ago you saw the "fernspäh-ruck" at the IWA i supose.
also i think that it is also a great ruck, the newier modells, the "pathfinder", are much better than the old modells.
the new x-lite vario system is really very good.

[RGRBOX]

seems that our opinions vary 'bout the TT packs, but hope that's no prob between us.
nice to talk to a mountainman from switzerland here in a US based forum.
4 years ago you saw the "fernspäh-ruck" at the IWA i supose.
also i think that it is also a great ruck, the newier modells, the "pathfinder", are much better than the old modells.
the new x-lite vario system is really very good.
I'm an American.. spent 10 years in the US Army.. I was stationed in Wurzburg for 3 years ...

[andreen]

My experience of TT backpacks is that the smaller packs are better.
If you are looking for a pack in 70-125 L, look on other brands.
But if you are looking for a 1-3day missionpack between 30-50 L TT-packs are very interesting. I have these.

TT MISSION BAG (for 24-72h missions)
55 x 28 x 20 cm
1900g
37 L
http://www.tasmaniantiger.tatonka.com/grossbild.aspx?gb=1&anr=7710

And I have the
TT GG BAG (for hunting and hiking)
56 x 29 x 17cm
33 L
950g
http://www.militaryshop.se/bilder/produkter/TT_bravo7709.jpg

I am very satisfied.
http://www.tasmaniantiger.tatonka.com/Home.aspx

[dusty_dragon]

didn't you say something 'bout geneva/switzerland?

[RGRBOX]

didn't you say something 'bout geneva/switzerland?

It's were I live....

[RGRBOX]

I think the Berghaus is a very good pack... I'm not that keen on the large pouckets on the outside of any ruck. I prefer smaller more managable pouches.. no larger then a rolled up G-Tex jacket for example.. most of what I want on the outside of a ruck is a jacket, gaitors, poncho etc... the claymore pouch is also a nice size.. anyway, everyone has to go with what works best for them. I think I'll look into getting a TT, and really test one for myself, on a hard level..

[dusty_dragon]

think this would be the best choice.
it is a little bit like witth the boots.
some prefer raichle, meindl, lowa, haix etc.
and so it is with the packs, some want a berghaus, bergans, lowe, TT etc.
let everybody make his own choices, the quality is okay with everyone of them.

[Marsuitor]

RGRBOX,
Did you get around to testing the Norrøna Recon Pack yet? I've used it myself quite a bit and i'm very satisfied. Prices are stiff as hell, but atleast in Norway it's possible to pick them up cheap as chips if you know where to look.
Just wondering if you could share some thoughts if you have any?

[RGRBOX]

RGRBOX,
Did you get around to testing the Norrøna Recon Pack yet? I've used it myself quite a bit and i'm very satisfied. Prices are stiff as hell, but atleast in Norway it's possible to pick them up cheap as chips if you know where to look.
Just wondering if you could share some thoughts if you have any?

Yes I have.. it's a great ruck.. I would prefer it with the MOLLE/PALS system like the Lowe sac.. but beggers can't be chosers.. you can carry a lot of sh it in it with out a problem... I had 40 kgs in it, and wasn't using the side pockets... you can add another 10 kgs with my assault ruck attached.

[381406]

I don't know why those berghaus looking bag are so cheap.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=249178

[dusty_dragon]

cause they are faked.
there is no berghaus looking ruck in the german military in flecktarn-camo.
just our normal ruck, the "kampfrucksack" is flecktarn-camo.
the issued berghaus rucks for the commandos are OD.

[381406]

Thanks for feedback.
Do you think it is also good for civilian using if producted follow the real berghaus?
I am finding a backpack with flecktarn camo.

[yabbyman]

Hi Guys,
just registered after cruising around looking at packs and found this brand, 'Tasmanian Tiger'. Being Australian certainly piqued my interest and established that they arent made here. Not too worry, looks like an OK piece of kit and the price seems OK as well.
So I am interested in user feedback on the brand, the models and where best to buy in europe (in view of freighting to OZ)
Another important consideration is comfort and weight displacement. I need a new pack that is very capable of carrying most of the weight on the hips. From my experience, when considering additional material that one has to carry, ie; belt kit/plce, load bearing vests and the like, mostly it seems that the shoulders carry the burden.
I am also probably limited to a +/- 65L model and as said biased towards hip distribution.
(I had some spinal surgery a ways back that limits my ability to carry heavy, uncomfortable loads. and my back is not getting any better. to the contrary but I still need a new pack).
Also are the TT's limited to only one 'length'? I cant afford to race out and buy some new you beaut fantasmogorical pack as they are all SO expensive (not too mention the freight costs to australia!).
Any constructive thoughts from you guys greatly appreciated as I am in a bit of a backwater here and need your thoughts
cheers
andy

[Jarhead]

Welcome on board.
At first, we have already a TT thread, so check this out:
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=84921&highlight=backpacks

And just an other tip. Familiarize yourself with the form rules.
Dont try to sell anything. Its forbitten.

[yabbyman]

Hey Jarhead,
thanks for that and I will check the thread
A

[James]

FFS, this is the third thread like this in the past week.

USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION

:cantbeli:

[yabbyman]

Hi Guys
A few questions not covered on the thread search............
just registered after cruising around looking at packs and found this brand, 'Tasmanian Tiger'. Being Australian certainly piqued my interest and established that they arent made here. Not too worry, looks like an OK piece of kit and the price seems OK as well.
So I am interested in user feedback on the brand, the models and where best to buy in europe (in view of freighting to OZ)
Another important consideration is comfort and weight displacement. I need a new pack that is very capable of carrying most of the weight on the hips. From my experience, when considering additional material that one has to carry, ie; belt kit/plce, load bearing vests and the like, mostly it seems that the shoulders carry the burden.
I am also probably limited to a +/- 65L model and as said biased towards hip distribution.
(I had some spinal surgery a ways back that limits my ability to carry heavy, uncomfortable loads. and my back is not getting any better. to the contrary but I still need a new pack).
Also are the TT's limited to only one 'length'? I cant afford to race out and buy some new you beaut fantasmogorical pack as they are all SO expensive (not too mention the freight costs to australia!).
Any constructive thoughts from you guys greatly appreciated as I am in a bit of a backwater here and need your thoughts
cheers
andy

[Ipkiss]

I agree with RGRBOX about his preference for Kelty.. I have the falcon which can take up to about 50ltr or so. Excellent in confort and tons of options.. too bad it lacks detachable side pouches however. For bigger loads I prefer the Karrimor Sabre 60-100. Never version of this ruck has side zippers to attach same daypacks as berghaus. I find the Karrimor shoulder straps and hip belt much more fit to the job than the lowe sting.
When wearing body armour that might change though..

just my 2pfennig..;-)