Bushcraft Back Pack

T

TraderVic

Joined
Jan 6, 2010
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Anyone looking for a well made ( here in the USA that is ) back pack for hard use in the back country ?

https://www.frostriver.com/shop/isle-royale-bushcraft-pack/

I was in their store several days ago and the packs, etc., are made right there and worth every penny ( my humble opinion ) and if there's something that you want custome to any of their products - they'll modify/reconstruct about whatever is feasible.

Regards, Vic
 
I've read a couple reviews over on Bushcraft USA on the Frost River packs, If I recall, The guys that started Frost River came from The Duluth Pack Company, But I could be wrong.
They are very cool packs though, Right now my Bushcraft pack is a Maxpedition Vulture 2 but I definitely will get a Frost River Eventually.
 
I have the Frost River Bushcraft Jr - it's an unbelievably well-built pack. A little on the heavy side, given that it's leather and oiled canvas, but the durability is off the charts.

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Side view:

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Top view, open:

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Bottom:

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I have a few other things from Frost River as well - it's all excellent and built for the long haul.
 
300 bucks for a 7 lbs pack. No thanks. I'm all for durable but I don't want my pack weighing as much or more than the gear I put in it. They sure are nice looking though.
 
Nope, they're not cheap. But I bet you'll be handing it off to someone else someday when you're too old to walk. Not many cheap, foreign-made packs you can say that about. :D
 
Shotgun said:
300 bucks for a 7 lbs pack. No thanks. I'm all for durable but I don't want my pack weighing as much or more than the gear I put in it. They sure are nice looking though.
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One could get this pack ( or any other pack for that matter ) in a lighter weight canvas if one desired. The standard 18 oz canvas could be substituted with the lighter weight 10.10 oz canvas. Just a thought.
 
I had an Isle Royal and Summit Expedition for awhile but got rid of them for a few reasons, one was weight. Super heavy, the other was lack of proper suspension system, proper shoulder straps, waistbelt and frame sheet or stays. The bags are big pieces of unstructured canvas so you really have to plan how you pack.

Not for me but very cool looking retro gear.
 
As someone already stated, I think that those packs have a nice vintage look but are definitely not up to todays standards for backpacks. If I was looking for a new backpak I would stick to well known mountaineering brands and look for a rugged one if I intend to use it in the forest.

Mikel
 
TraderVic said:
Some time ago I read the following quote ;

"When you buy quality, you only cry once"
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Exactly. I prefer to do my homework, and then hopefully only buy something once - not be looking for another pack in a few years. Can't say I've found this approach more expensive in the long run, in fact, often the opposite.

Mikel_24 said:
As someone already stated, I think that those packs have a nice vintage look but are definitely not up to todays standards for backpacks. If I was looking for a new backpak I would stick to well known mountaineering brands and look for a rugged one if I intend to use it in the forest.

Mikel
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Not any more than a Nessmuk isn't "up to the standards" of an ESEE. Two entirely different beasts, but that doesn't mean that either is any less capable than the other. People did many hardcore things with such basic, rugged gear long before "modern" standards came along. And it isn't just about being "vintage" either - it's about using well-made, heavy duty and time-tested gear, as well as honoring craftsmanship. It's the same approach I take with my knife choices. The OP sounded quite keen on Frost River, hence my post. :)
 
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panzertroop said:
I had an Isle Royal and Summit Expedition for awhile but got rid of them for a few reasons, one was weight. Super heavy, the other was lack of proper suspension system, proper shoulder straps, waistbelt and frame sheet or stays. The bags are big pieces of unstructured canvas so you really have to plan how you pack.

Not for me but very cool looking retro gear.
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I didn't comment on this aspect as I haven't used this particular pack but there has been a lot of research into how to make a pack comfy over the past 100 years that going retro like this just doesn't make much sense to me. If you're into the retro thing or like to period trek that's cool. I personally will choose comfort over ruggedness any day of the week. I made the mistake of ordering a maxpedition online and now I'm stuck with a pack that will last forever that I hate to put on. :D
 
Shotgun said:
I didn't comment on this aspect as I haven't used this particular pack but there has been a lot of research into how to make a pack comfy over the past 100 years that going retro like this just doesn't make much sense to me. If you're into the retro thing or like to period trek that's cool. I personally will choose comfort over ruggedness any day of the week.
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A pack like the Frost River is entirely capable of being comfortable. You simply have to put thought into how you pack it, and what items go directly against your back - a folded up, deflated sleeping pad, or a small piece of foam, works great and has multiple uses. Trust me - I have no need to suffer in order to appear "retro."
 
Interesting comments from all. Certainly a variety of experience and preferences for sure. I only have experience with the vintage canvas packs, so I am not aware of other alternatives "out there". Some folks have commented that the more modern designs are better suited to comfort and purpose. Do these have internal frames or some sort of structural support hat the canvas packs don't have ?
 
TraderVic said:
Interesting comments from all. Certainly a variety of experience and preferences for sure. I only have experience with the vintage canvas packs, so I am not aware of other alternatives "out there". Some folks have commented that the more modern designs are better suited to comfort and purpose. Do these have internal frames or some sort of structural support hat the canvas packs don't have ?
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I picked up two Osprey backpacks last year, one a small one for day hikes, and one large one for long distance backpacking. They are the most comfortable thing I have ever put on, with the padding really keeping anything from biting into you. The packs are SUPER durable, quite light, have compartments for all of my needs, and provide water protection (I went backpacking in the Rockies last summer with 3 ft of snow on the ground, and constant rain, and it kept dry). The technology of outdoor gear has shot up incredibly since I started my outdoor adventures, and I don't think old materials can keep up (it would be like hiking with a canvas tent).

I am not saying this is a bad pack, it could be fantastic if it is what a person is looking for. For me, it's just not my style, and not something I would buy for that money.
 
I think the Camelbak TRIZIP is one of the best day packs you can buy at a reasonable price. With the Mystery Ranch futura harness, it will carry a heavy load comfortably.
 
Interesting comments from all. Certainly a variety of experience and preferences for sure. I only have experience with the vintage canvas packs, so I am not aware of other alternatives "out there". Some folks have commented that the more modern designs are better suited to comfort and purpose. Do these have internal frames or some sort of structural support hat the canvas packs don't have ?
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If find that surprising since frame packs have been around since forever. There has been an evolution of pack designs from simple packboards to modern internal aluminum stays. Heck even Walmart carries a few backpacks that have foam waistbelts and internal aluminum stays for support.

History of frame packs:

http://74fdc.wordpress.com/2012/08/...ks-applying-the-old-ways-to-the-new-journeys/
 
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