A to B with CACTUS

The only rucksack you’ll ever own 


ABOVE BELOW x CACTUS OUTDOOR 
HUNTAWAY 55L

If you know Cactus Outdoor from New Zealand then you know how great their backpacks are. If you don’t then you’re in for a real treat. They are some of the toughest and well made packs out there.

We designed the RuckRaft to work with any Rucksack; so the logical next step was to make or find the perfect pack for cross country swimming. 

Here it is. Our custom-made version of their no-nonsense workhorse, the ‘Huntaway 55L’. With a blue lid and embroidered ABOVE BELOW logo patch just for us. Designed with simplicity, functionality and durability in mind this is the perfect generous daypack or overnight pack with a load of features that make it ideal for adventures over land and water.

 
 
 
 

No compromise on comfort and quality

When we started cross country swimming we experimented with waterproof rucksacks, but quickly realised that a backpack without proper back and lumbar support, adjustment and structure was no good for a big day out.

There’s a reason backpacks are celebrated, cherished, revered – they are a vital bit of kit that you compromise on at your peril (or the peril of your shoulders and back). And they need to take the lifting, dropping, dumping and lugging for years to come. With great back and lumbar support, straps, adjustments and structure, the Huntaway is both comfort and quality, built to last. No compromise.

Built to last and last and last

We bought our first Cactus pack when our parents moved to Christchurch, New Zealand 15 years ago and we visited the factory. That pack still looks new today. Our contact at Cactus said that you don’t so much own a Cactus as pass it down the family, and we couldn’t agree more.

 
 

Reassuringly Expensive

We know this rucksack is not cheap – in fact it’s expensive. But it’s also beautifully simple, tough and built to last and last and last. Spread the price over the years of use and it’s great value. And there’s always Klarna which we have added to our shop (where you can split the payment into instalments).

One reviewer put it nicely:

“Price often follows quality, and if this pack were cheap, I’d be raising my eyebrows at it. The fact that this pack is made in New Zealand, by real people, not machines, is enough reason for me to be paying good money for good quality.”

FULL SPECIFICATION

  • 45 + 10L Volume

  • Weight: 1.6kg

  • Dimensions: 61cm high, 30cm wide

  • Fabrics: Ultra C-Canvas with a C-1000D cordura base

  • Colour: Olive with blue lid

  • Single top-loading compartment for simplicity, weatherproofing and weight reduction

  • C-Lam harness with hip belt for added comfort and stability when carrying heavy loads

  • Made out of 12oz Ultra C-Canvas (waterproof, rot-resistant and extremely durable) with a C-1000D cordura base and rand for added abrasion resistance

  • 3D hood for essentials like gloves, beanie, snacks, map, med kit, GPS etc

  • Extendable hood enables improved articulation for hood pivot when pack is stuffed full, also enabling an extra 10L volume for gear storage

  • Internal bladder pocket

  • Ice-axe loop

  • Compatible for MOLLE style hip bag

  • YKK zips throughout

  • Proudly made in New Zealand

  • Warranty: 5yr Pack Guarantee as well as the Cactus tough Lifetime Warranty

KitJames Mead