Anybody here use traditional backpacks?

I've got a Frost River daypack and portage bag in waxed canvas. Both have held up very well to wear and tear. For extra protection, I pack stuff in a large plastic bag inside the portage bag in case of a dunking, but the finish has remained very water repellent to rain and splashes.

Jeff
 
There have been many well made, name brand cheap packs listed in the Exchange lately. I'm very happy with my Maxpedition Jumbo and Devildog.
 
GEC said:
Wow! A lot of replies. So I guess it's a love hate relationship for some.
How does the wax canvas stand up to rain and how do you do a better treatment?
Ok so Duluth was recommended, how about the one that LL bean sells? It seems to have all the same stuff that Duluth has.
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Waxed canvas works very well. The larger Duluth packs come with a pack liner (6 mil plastic) and I just use a dry bag in the Wanderer. Not only does that system keep things dry, but if you go in the drink, the pack will act as a flotation device. Of course, that works with modern packs as well, although most don't do it.

LL Bean's gets good reviews. It's durable, but fairly small. The Duluth packs are bombproof. And yes, that makes them heavy for their size.
 
I have a couple of old Norwegian "Bergans" canvas rucksacks that I use for day trips. They're pretty rugged, the one I use the most was probably made back in the fifties. They're well suited for snowshoeing, canoeing, or xc skiing. Back in the seventies I did some multi week wilderness hiking trips using a Bergans pack, and found them very poorly suited to heavy loads combined with long treks. For extended trips I switched to an external frame pack with a waist belt (Kelty) and never looked back.
 
I have a L.L. Bean Continental Rucksack in nylon and I like it a lot.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/st...angId=-1&init=1&freeText=continental+rucksack

But I really would like to get the waxed cotten, although it is probably a little heavier. My only problem is the cost of the canvas.

I like the classic old school look. Thats one of the reasons I use an old brass SVEA 123 stove ( it is a great bomb proof stove) and that pack would be a perfect match to go with it. I think has something to do with my age (55). I tend to like the things I grew up with, takes me back to good times.

The only problem I have with mine which is a few years old is that the 32 oz Nalgene bottles are a tight fit in the side pockets. They fit but just barely. But that is OK with me because I have switch to the Nalgene G.I. style canteen which fit perfect.
 
If you are looking for a traditional pack, you might want to check out Filson also. Great products. However, for a pack you intend to load up and carry for any distance or duration, I have to side with the folks recommending the more modern packs. I've got an Arc Teryx and it fits like a glove. I love the looks of a traditional pack, but there's no comparison for long backpacking trips.
 
Bushman5 said:
If ypou got the $$$, the Duluths are worth it. Classic bombproof styling, silent materials (no nylon/cordura noise_), its a pack ypu will hand down to your chilluns.

if money is tight, check out the Swiss "duluth" stlye pack in rubberized canvas and leather straps. About 40 bucks, and also a lifelong pack.


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I use the old salt and pepper canvas swiss bag with the leather straps. Very durable. Might one day try and attach a padded hip belt.
 
I was drooling over that LL Bean one not long ago...

Its a great looking pack to be sure, but is the cost justified?

Those buckles would drive me nuts...

As much as I enjoy 'classic' styling I think the modern materials in todays backpacks are a good example of technology making our lives easier.

Not always, but sometimes ;)
 
I prefer old style rucksacks as well. I like the outside pockets, but overall my old Kelty is better for backpacking. After a lengthy search I bought both of the L.L. Bean rucksacks. My bug out bag is the nylon one and it can carry a lot of gear. I got the canvas one later and haven't used it for anything yet. I just found out that someone is going to be making Jensen packs again, I always thought those were superior. Now if I could only find a pack that we sold at Laacke & Joys back in 1980. It had a laminated wood exterior frame and brown canvas pack. I don't know who made it, but it fit my back better than any modern pack. I tried using the nylon Alice packs, but they are discouragingly heavy. My winter bug out bag is a large Jansport internal frame.
 
I like the tradtional packs because they don't have that 'military' or 'tactical' look. I think those bags, (in cammie, black, OD, desert tan, etc.) would attract too much attention in urban environments.
 
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