













A stylish, functional, and Cactus-tough roll-top back pack.
The Ruckus is our ideal backpack for urban life – fits your laptop, lunch, bike lock, spare jacket, and still has room for that copy of The Luminaries you haven't finished reading yet.
- Internal mesh zip stash pocket, and external low-profile zip pocket – for the detritus of urban life.
- The external sleeve is perfect for storing spare shoes or jandals.
- Slim profile for stealth and comfort.
- Roll, latch, cinch – adjust the volume to your needs with a roll-top closure that's quick and easy to use, secure and weatherproof.
- Cactus 'Device Drop Redundancy' design. The internal sleeve sits up from the base of the pack, to protect your laptop from meeting the concrete when you set down or drop your pack.
- Bike-light attachment tab.
Made right here in our factory on Lichfield St, Christchurch, NZ.
- Volume: 22 litres
- Weight: 680 grams
- Fits a 15" laptop
- C-Canvas
- Measurements: 54 x 27 x 15cm
- Our pack fabrics have either an internal waterproof coating and an external DWR coating (C-1000) or water resistant impregnated coating (12oz c-canvas). For increased longevity of these coatings we do not recommend machine washing
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also silicone spray or lightly wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
- Drip dry without creases
- If you are still not sure, give us a call or flick us an email















Our “keep it simple - stupid” canvas day pack built for New Zealand’s rugged conditions. Clean, sturdy construction, minimal seams, C-Canvas for durable water resistance (and less noise in the bush) and that traditional, diamond-in-the-rough feel.
The size, simplicity and all-round toughness make this a popular pack for commuters, walkers, trampers and hunters alike. Also, in a nice (and, it has to be admitted, unplanned) turn of events, the Miklat meets sizing requirements for cabin baggage – another string to this pack’s bow. An extremely versatile Cactus classic.
- A generous size main bag, made of C-Canvas for water resistance and that soft but bombproof feel
- Comfortable foam padded harness and curved shoulder straps for all day comfort, and a 38mm webbing waist belt for stability
- 3D lid pocket for map, GPS, hat, gloves or spare ammo
- A double thickness base and rand for durability
- Compression straps on the sides to keep the load stable and snug to your back for bush bashing. You can also use the tabs for these as anchor points to add bungy if you want to secure items to the outside of the pack
- Hydro sleeve for keeping you hydrated all day and a lid that gives a nice tidy path for the drinking hose
- Made in New Zealand
- No Worries 5yr Pack Guarantee
- Cactus-Tough Lifetime Warranty
- Volume: 40 litres
- Weight: 1000 grams
- Fabrics: C-Canvas, C-1000n6, C-210n6, NZ origin foams
- Construction backed by a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship
Dimensions (approx):
Height: 500mm
Width: 270mm
Depth: 150mm
- Our pack fabrics have various waterproofing coatings, treatments and proofings. To make these last as long as possible we do not recommend machine washing
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also lightly oil or wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
- Drip dry without creases
- If you poke your hunting knife through your Miklat by accident, send it back to us and, for a small fee, we’ll make it good.
- If you are still not sure, give us a call or flick us an email
Dimensions (approx):
Height: 500mm
Width: 270mm
Depth: 150mm








The Hector is our proven dedicated tramping/trekking dream pack – featuring genuine "Ultra Canvas", a single main compartment and a comfortable, modular harness system. Honed by our collective decades of experience in the New Zealand backcountry, the Hector has more of what you want (strength, comfort, simplicity) with less of what you don’t (excess weight, Murphy’s Law complexity, dangly straps and feature-bloat).
We’ve designed the Hector with shorter multi-day trips in mind. It’s got a single axe/walking poles attachment point, and good sized zip up front pocket, which is perfect for a damp pack towel or dirty underwear.
The removable lid allows you to keep valuable items close by in a hut, can be used as a pillow and includes a security pocket. We even include straps to convert the lid to a bandolier bag for your map, camera, water bottle and jacket - perfect for the summit assault or that end-of-day sunset photography side trip.
If you think you are going to be out in the hills closer to a week, or need a slightly more technical tramping (as opposed to alpine) pack, sidle over and talk to our Foray.
- True Ultra Canvas fabric – be wary of imitations
- Front pocket with vertical zip for easy access or for stuff you don’t want in the main compartment
- Removable lid – doubles as a pillow, triples as a close-at-hand security store and quadruples as a shoulder bag
- Three dimensionally formed framesheet – keeping the weight tightly fixed to your back
- Seamless front panel ensures good water resistance
- Made in New Zealand
- Cactus-Tough Lifetime Warranty
- No Worries 5yr Pack Guarantee
- Sizes: 2, 3, 4
- Volume: 65 Litres
- Weight: 2920 Grams (without lid 2580 grams)
- Fabrics: C-Canvas, C-1000n6, C-210n6, C-Aircell, NZ origin foams
- Our pack fabrics have an internal waterproof coating and an external DWR coating. For increased longevity of these coatings we do not recommend machine washing
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also lightly oil, silicone spray or wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
- Drip dry without creases
- If a hut rat gets to your scroggin by chewing through your pack, don’t fret, we can fix it up for a small fee
- If you are still not sure, give us a call or flick us an email
Size | 2 | 3 | 4 |
CM | 30-37 | 35-42 | 40-47 |
Inches | 12-14.5 | 14-16.5 | 15.5-18.5 |
Backlength range - measure from the top of the shoulder where you would wear the shoulder strap to the top of your hip bone.











The Foray is our take on the classic, single compartment backcountry tramping pack.
Going backcountry often means trips of a week or more, so we’ve sized and designed the Foray to meet the challenge. When tramping in NZ you are bound to meet a good sized mountain (or many), so we’ve covered all bases by including two ice axe or walking pole attachment loops and a crampon patch.
The eminently simple and reliable Foray will still be comfortable and likely the least of your worries at the end of a big mission. As with all our packs we’ve opted for a fixed length harness and a single main compartment for the Foray – this is intentional as they both reduce complexity and weight, while greatly increasing longevity.
In the case of our fixed length harness, thousands of happy converts from our competitors adjustable systems should be all the proof you need. In the main body of the Foray the Ultra 12oz C-Canvas is inherently water resistant without relying on an easily damaged, laminated inner coating. Up through the storm throat we’ve continued this integrity by using a lighter C-210n6 polyester Oxford. We also take advantage of nylon’s higher abrasion resistance by reinforcing pack wear points with C-1000n6.
• Generous 75L internal volume to fit everything bar the kitchen sink
• Fixed length harness to maximise strength for long term use under heavy loads
• Constructed from Ultra 12oz C-Canvas, C-1000D & C-210n6 fabrics for superior long term durability and water resistance
• Big lids are good – ones that double as a pillow or portable secure storage unit are even better
• Single compartments are lighter, increase water resistance and stronger
• Three dimensional shaped framesheet enables a customisable fit to your back, keeping the load close for maximum comfort under load
• Large compression panel improves weight distribution and allows pack size to be reduced when carrying less gear
• Twin ice axe/walking pole and crampon holders
• Includes No Worries 5yr Pack Guarantee
• Covered by Cactus-Tough Lifetime Warranty
- Sizes: 2, 3, 4
- Volume: 75 Litres
- Size 2: 2934g, Size 3: 3074g, Size 4: 3186g
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Fabrics: C-Canvas, C-1000n6, C-210n6, C-Aircell, NZ origin foams
• Our pack fabrics have various waterproofing coatings and treatments. To make these last as long as possible we recommend that you don’t wash your pack in a machine
• Brush dirt from the product while still dry
• Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
• Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also silicone spray or lightly wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
• Drip dry without creases
• If you hole your pack with an ice axe, dry your eyes and bring it back to us and and we'll patch it (for a small fee)
• If you are still not sure, give us a call or flick us an email
Size | 2 | 3 | 4 |
CM | 30-37 | 35-42 | 40-47 |
Inches | 12-14.5 | 14-16.5 | 15.5-18.5 |
Backlength range - measure from the top of the shoulder where you would wear the shoulder strap to the top of your hip bone.














A simple shoulder bag for the modern urbanite. Please note - not all colours and sizes available at all times.
We’ve been using lots of our Ultra C-Canvas lately and it’s such a nice fabric we couldn’t resist making a day to-day bag out of it.
Once again the theme with this one is simplicity and durability. Given how varied our customers are we aren’t even going to try and guess what you might want to carry in your Witness, but we’ve designed it to be perfect size for everyday use if you don't like to be burdened with too much excess stuff.
- The main bag has enough space for a book or two, your iPhone (no doubt), and your lunch
- The medium Witness will fit most tablets (painkillers or the digital kind) or a small laptop
- An internal pocket with sections for your wallet, phone, and pens.
- Easily adjustable shoulder strap
- Grippin Buckle flap closure - fast, secure and lasts forever
- Construction backed by a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship
- Sizes: Small or Medium
- Volumes: 7 litres (Small) and 12 litres (Medium),
- Weights: 350 grams and 435 grams,
- Measurements: Small: Base 22 x 12cm, Height 30cm , Top width 35cm Medium: Base 30 x 13cm, Height 35cm, Top Width 42cm,
- Fabrics: Ultra C-Canvas, C-1000n6
- Use mild detergent or pure soap (preferably one that's nice to the earth)
- Our C-Canvas has a water resistant coating which can shift and discolour through the initial break in period
- For best results hand wash until broken in, machine washing is fine after this although it will reduce the lifetime of the product
- Drip dry without creases (it won't take long as the polyester in the fabric doesn't hold much water)
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer)
- If your urban lifestyle gets so exciting that you rip your Witness, send it back to us and we’ll mend it for a small fee
- If you are still not sure, give us a call or flick us an email



These back packs last for generations. How cool will it be when your Portal gets passed down to your children's children to tell them that it's one of only a few ever made right here in Christchurch! An awesome day pack, school pack, uni bag or just an everything everywhere day pack.
Constructed using C-1000n6 and Cactus’ ethical construction techniques, the Portal is perfect for your round-town, to and from school, throw everything at it bag.
- C-1000n6 fabric
- Internal hanging pocket
- Large capacity 3D front pocket
- Volume: 28 Litres (approx. 48cm x 30cm x 18cm, give or take a bit for rounded 'corners')
- Weight: 685 grams
- Fabrics: C-1000n6, C-210n6, C-Aircell, NZ origin foams
- Zips: YKK
- Brush off dirt and wash by hand with mild soap
- Do not machine wash
- Lightly wax or oil zip periodically for maximum life











- 45 + 10L Volume
- Designed as a generous daypack or overnight pack
- 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
- Made in New Zealand
- Cactus-Tough Lifetime Warranty
- No Worries 5yr Pack Guarantee
Volume: 45 + 10L Volume
Weight: 1.6kg
61cm high, 30cm wide
- Our pack fabrics have an internal water proof coating and an external DWR coating. For increased longevity of these coatings we do not recommend machine washing
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also silicone spray or lightly wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
- Drip dry without creases
- OK, so somehow your Huntaway pack got half eaten by a pig or something? Get someone to drop it back to Cactus HQ and for a small fee we’ll make it fully functional again
- If you are still not sure, give us a call or flick us an email
Full review available here.
(warning contains hunting scenes, viewer discretion is advised)












We’ve updated the TUB, it is now longer but narrower. It will accommodate a typical spirit level and handsaw.
The addition of two zipped external pockets provides trouble free retrieval of keys, passport, wallets, phones and the like.
Originally designed for the tradesman but has proven perfect for all sorts of activities; travel, the gym, sales, shopping etc.
This tough bag has comfortable seatbelt webbing for handles and a reinforced bottom so you can chuck it anywhere and put anything in it.
Complies with Air New Zealand cabin size carry on.
• C-canvas & C-1000n6 fabric for strength
• YKK zips
• Strong Cactus 25mm webbing with nylon side release buckles at each end for compression
• 50mm Polyester seatbelt webbing
• Reinforced base for strength and also to create a solid platform so easy access to clothes and whatnot
• Construction backed by a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship
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Weight: 1160 grams (Canvas versions)
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Fabrics: 12oz C - canvas or C-1000n6, NZ origin foams
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Measures: 57cm long x 25cm wide x 36cm high (max)
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45L volume approx.
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Our C-Canvas has a water resistant coating applied to it. To make this last as long as possible we recommend that you don’t wash it in a machine
-
Brush dirt or crusty stuff from the bag once it is dry
-
Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
-
Drip dry without creases
-
If your stanley knife does manage to make an escape bid through the bottom of your bag, drop it in to us and we’ll repair it for a small fee
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If you are still not sure, give us a call or flick us an email













Although, as the name suggests, initially designed specifically for ski patrollers, the Patrol Pack is also the most versatile large day pack we make.
It seemed unfair to limit this pack to purely professional ski field users considering that happily, through some sublime alignment of the comfort/capacity/common-sense parameters, the Patrol has found an appreciative audience amongst – well – just about anyone wanting a good all around pack.
Hunters, photographers, climbers, skiers day-tripping off piste and lightweight trampers all seem to find the Patrol pack fits the bill. A contender for the most versatile pack we make?
- Cushy padded C-Lam harness and waist belt for all day comfort
- Front shovel pocket, for fast access to your shovel when you really need it. In summer it’s a great place for your jacket and scroggin
- Ice axe loops (of course)
- Side pockets for shovel handles, water bottles and internal pockets for a hydration bladder or avalanche probes
- Ski tail straps on the lower sides, with a side release buckle on the upper compression strap for easy ski carrying
- Compatible with our DB Boardstraps (sold separately) for carrying your snowboard
- Boxy base shape to fit the unusual loads that ski patrollers often carry
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Volume: 45 litres
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Weight: 1390 grams
- Our pack fabrics have an internal water proof coating and an external DWR coating. For increased longevity of these coatings we do not recommend machine washing
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one
- that's nice to the earth
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also silicone spray or lightly wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
- Drip dry without creases
- OK, so somehow your Patrol pack fell off the rocks at the top of the field and made it most of the way to the bottom? Get someone to drop it back to Cactus HQ and for a small fee we’ll make it fully functional again
- If you are still not sure, give us a call or flick us an email



Our historically contemporary briefcase for business people on the move.
Run your day-to-day, and embrace alternative transport options with this classic Cactus heritage retro-issue briefcase.
This was one of the original products that launched the Cactus brand into the world back in 1992.
- Sturdy double-handles for dashing between floors, plus a shoulder strap for skateboarding home
- Premium C-Canvas panels
- C-1000 reinforced base
- Internal dividers and sleeves for a binders, folders and digital devices
- Internal stiffener
- Large external zipped pocket
- External mesh pocket
Size: 420mm x 270mm x 130mm
Weight: 745g
Fabric: Premium C-Canvas
Country / Region of manufacture: New Zealand




Our enduring, streamlined solution for mountain bike trips and running around the hills, or everyday urban existence. The Zero is a unit you hardly know you're wearing - until you need it, that is, when like the proverbial black hole it will consume just about anything you can throw at it (can fit a 6 pack of beer and still have room for a vege burger and chips).
The Zero is our choice for riding the Heaphy or Old Ghost Road, sit low for riding uphill and crank it down for the bumps. It'll take the cheese rolls and dates and it won't torque your lumber like a bum bag.
• Mesh phone/wallet/keys pocket for the daily essentials
• Hydro sleeve bladder holder to keep you going up the last big hill of the day
• C-Aircell padded back and straps for comfort, and a 25mm waist belt to keep things stable
• External shock cord for load compression and/or that extra item of clothing
• Weight: 500grams
• Volume: 11L
• Dimensions: 46cm high, 25cm wide, 9cm thick
- Our pack fabrics have either an internal waterproof coating and an external DWR coating (C-1000) or water resistant impregnated coating (12oz c-canvas). For increased longevity of these coatings we do not recommend machine washing
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also silicone spray or lightly wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
- Drip dry without creases
- Lost it on the downhill and your Zero bore the brunt of it? Spin past Cactus HQ and we’ll fix it up for a small fee
- If you are still not sure, give us a call or flick us an email



The Henry backpack is our fast and light adventure pack for a big day, or even weekend, out. Top loading to handle different size loads easily, we’ve kept things as minimal as possible, using lightweight fabrics where feasible, to enable you to forget about the pack and get on with the task at hand.
The reasonably large main bag will mean adventure racers and speed freaks will push the limits of what is viable with such a lightweight bag, yet the C-Aircell harness and shoulder straps keep the comfort levels high enough for a ultra lightweight multi day MTB trip. A shock cord compression system allows easy stowage of a jacket on the outside, and our oversized lid means lots of storage and maintains protection for the main bag closure if the bag is full or if you’ve got stuff under the lid. Run, hike, bike, ski, you name it - the Henry backpack is your number 1 lightweight option.
- Easy access side pockets with one handed closures so you can get to food or water bottles on the go
- A mesh pocket on the back panel
- Internal hydro sleeve with convenient routing for the tube to keep you hydrated
- Bladder tube retainer on the shoulder straps to keep the tube handy. The tube runs on the outside of the shoulder strap, not internally where it could end up rubbing you the wrong way
- External shock cord for excess clothing, and for load compression to keep things stable on your back
- Volume: 29 Litres
- Weight: 750 Grams
- Measurements: 470 x 200 x 250mm
- Fabrics: C-210n6, C-60n66, Aircell, NZ origin foams
- Our pack fabrics have an internal water proof coating and an external DWR coating. For increased longevity of these coatings we do not recommend machine washing
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also lightly oil or wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
- Drip dry without creases
Sternum straps - most of our packs come with them, but if you lose yours or - gasp - want to put one on another pack, well here you go... elasticated for comfort. Should easily retrofit to most packs 19mm webbing and buckles.
Colour : Black
Weight: 25 grams
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a Hi-Vis Yellow Day Pack Cover made from quality 400 denier Oxford nylon to exacting Cactus quality standards to be sure it has your back for miles and miles and miles.
- Hi-Vis yellow fabric with reflective stripe so there's no blimmen excuse for hitting you on your bike
- Handy loop to which you might attach a bike light right in the middle of your back
- Waterproof to keep your faithful old daypack dry even if it is really past its best before date
- Shock cord around the outside to help fit various sizes of pack and variable packloads
- Will fit larger Cactus daypacks such as the Patrol, Sedition, Vacuole, and Henry. Let's just say daypacks 30-45l
- Weight: 175gm
- Maximum Measurements: 31.5cm wide x 58cm tall x 21cm deep
- Fabrics: 400denier Oxford nylon
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
- Drip dry without creases








The Vacuole was the first backpack ever made by Cactus. The fact that some of the originals are still around is testimony to its pedigree. The classic design lends itself towards versatility and this had ensured its enduring popularity. Over the years (31 and counting) we’ve updated it with new materials and ideas to maintain its relevance. If you are only going to own one pack, the vacuole is a strong contender. Designed for heavier day loads the harness sports our c-aircell fabric, and a 38mm webbing waist belt.
- C-aircell harness and a 38mm webbing hip belt all contribute comfort and stability be it lugging books to university or ski touring
- Internal hydro sleeve to keep you on the go
- Compression straps stabilise the load, take the stress off the zip, and allow awkward items
(camera tripod, perhaps?) to be carried externally - Ice axe loop and shock cord for crampons keep the winter options open, and can be used
for other things – axe loop for your flashing bike light, shock cord for – well – anything… - ‘Road kill’ front pocket for those wee items – keys, wallet, phone etc
- Includes No Worries 5yr Guarantee
- Covered by Cactus-Tough Lifetime Warranty
- Volume: 37 Litres
- Weight: 825 Grams
- Measurements: 500 x 280 x 190mm
- Fabrics : C-1000n6, C-Aircell
- For increased longevity we do not recommend machine washing
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also lightly oil or wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
- Drip dry without creases


The Vacuole was the first backpack ever made by Cactus. The fact that some of the originals are still around is testimony to its pedigree. The classic design lends itself towards versatility and this had ensured its enduring popularity. Over the years (25 and counting) we’ve updated it with new materials and ideas to maintain its relevance. If you are only going to own one pack, the vacuole is a strong contender. Designed for heavier day loads the harness sports our c-aircell fabric, and a 38mm webbing waist belt.
- C-aircell harness and a 38mm webbing hip belt all contribute comfort and stability be it lugging books to university or ski touring
- Internal hydro sleeve to keep you on the go
- Compression straps stabilise the load, take the stress off the zip, and allow awkward items
(camera tripod, perhaps?) to be carried externally - Ice axe loop and shock cord for crampons keep the winter options open, and can be used
for other things – axe loop for your flashing bike light, shock cord for – well – anything… - ‘Road kill’ front pocket for those wee items – keys, wallet, phone etc
- Includes No Worries 5yr Guarantee
- Covered by Cactus-Tough Lifetime Warranty
- Volume: 37 Litres
- Weight: 825 Grams
- Measurements: 500 x 280 x 190mm
- Fabrics : C-1000n6, C-Aircell
- For increased longevity we do not recommend machine washing
- Brush dirt from the product while still dry
- Hand wash in cold or warm water using mild detergent or pure soap - preferably one that's nice to the earth
- Close zips while washing (they'll last longer), you can also lightly oil or wax zips periodically to increase their lifespan
- Drip dry without creases



Our DB Boardstraps are our proprietary double purchase board straps. Initially they were seen on our old Sedition packs and after retro-fitting many pairs to Deepwinters we've decided to make them modular on many of our alpine packs: Patrol Pack, Miklat, Vacuole, Foray (any model), Hector (with nothing in front pocket) and pretty much any other pack with 2 compression straps.
Ask us if you're not sure if they'll fit to your pack.
- C-Reo board holders lock down securely on your board and withstand your nice sharp edges better than anything else we can imagine
- If you wrap them around twice they carry skis really well too
- Colour: Black
- Weight (pair): 150 grams