researching a traditional pack

crossada

crossada

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May 16, 2004
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i'm looking to get a traditional styled pack for the new year and would like to hear opinions on the various brands and designs out there. the only ones that i have found looking around are the duluth packs
http://duluthpack.com/outdoor-gear/camping-hiking-gear/packs/daypacks-backpacks
and the filson rucksack
http://www.filson.com/product/index...2&doVSearch=no&pageBucket=0&parentPage=family

i like the fact the duluth packs can be made in different colors so that is a plus to me. the filson doesn't list the cubic inches on it. i am hoping to stay around 1000 to 1500 cu for my needs.
 
crossada -- You've already found two great companies, below are four more to broaden your options. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of these six. I would consider the available options and your specific needs and desires. For example, do you want it in waxed canvas? Not all of these offer that fabric. Also look at the cost, and take the time to query about the possibility of customizing a few features (and the associated cost). Alder Stream in particular will readily customize within their/her ability, and I suspect the others will also oblige within reason. Frost River just reopened and has a sizeable selection. The Jensen Pack is comfortable and light, with specific thought into its design. I've used a buddy's before (we're built alike), and have one on the way. Myself, I already have a Duluth Pack, an Alder Stream, and a Filson of differing sizes for different length trips. All are incredibly well built. The Filson Ruck's dimensions give it 1275 cu, but that wouldn't likely include the two small front pockets. I use mine as a regular book/netbook bag or short hike bag. A direct query should bring a quick exact response.

Alder Stream
http://alderstream.wcha.org/

Frost River
http://www.frostriver.com/

Rugged River
http://www.ruggedriver.com/

Rivendell Mountainworks -- Home of the Jensen Pack
http://rivendellmountainworks.com/
(larger than your stated needs)
 
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schlotskey has some good resources there. Frost River just restructured. I have spoken to the owner via e-mail. They have some great products.

I too am looking for a traditional pack.

Thanks Schlotskey for the great resources!
 
All are great companies. I've been using the Frost River Nessmuk Pack for the past two weeks, everyday. I love it. The side pockets are great and the overall construction is fantastic, as well as the great traditional look.
 
frostrivers woodsmen pack looks good, and the uber expensive Duluth bushcrafter pack (cool looking btw) followed by the lower priced Wanderer pack look good also.
 
thanks for all the replies. lots of good links to go thru which makes things harder now with all the options;)

i'm not going to rush this but take some time and really figure out what i want.
 
I have a few Duluth Packs, including the Sparky Bag for day hikes and Rambler for canoeing. They are unbelievably rugged, and great looking packs.

The downside is that they are heavier in weight than your average pack, and not overly waterproof either. If one of these packs gets soaked through, it'll weigh a ton. And on the larger Duluth packs, such as the Rambler, the shape is not entirely stable. If you don't fill it completely, it sags all over the place. There are no compression straps to help with the load. And obviously, you generally don't get a great deal of internal organization with a Duluth pack. Odd shaped objects can jab you in the back when using a Duluth pack. They are more meant for canoe portages with giant loads of equipment than long distance hiking. If you need to go a long ways on land with a lot of equipment, you'll need a tumpline.

To tell you the truth, if I feel rustic, I generally prefer to use an ash pack basket with a modern stuff sack as a liner. The shape is always stable, things are very water resistant if the basket itself is treated properly, and back ventilation is excellent. Fabric never touches the ground when you set your pack down, as there is a wooden frame on the bottom of the basket. Nothing jabs you in the back. Long distances can be a bit uncomfortable, but nice shoulder pads can help with that. No pocket buckles to deal with either. I don't know about other pack baskets, but mine float, even when full. My Duluth packs are like concrete goloshes.
 
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I have a Duluth Rambler and agree that it doesn't hold its shape when not full, but I find it to be a useful dayhicker as I carry a full set of raingear which is light but takes up volume. It will not be good with extremely heavy weight. I like it as it is rugged and multipurpose,but am looking at something with a frame that is just a bit bigger. The Kifaru zulu comes to mind and might be the choice but......
 
I've got the Duluth Wanderer, and although it's a bit bigger than the CI you asked for, some of that is int he side Nalgene holders. IMO it's a great day pack, and even better now that they offer it in waxed canvas.

If you want something smaller the Frost River Nessmuk is decent. It was too small for my usage, but Othello seems to like it ;)
 
othello32 said:
All are great companies. I've been using the Frost River Nessmuk Pack for the past two weeks, everyday. I love it. The side pockets are great and the overall construction is fantastic, as well as the great traditional look.
Click to expand...

could you post some pictures when you get a chance?
 
the top three in the running are the filson ruck, the duluth wanderer and the frost river nessmuk. all three look about the right size for my needs.

does the waxed canvas on these packs shed rain very good or will it soak in? my day to day pack at this time is a kifaru scout which i have no complaints about but i just wanted something with a traditional look to it for a change.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
I've got the Duluth Wanderer, and although it's a bit bigger than the CI you asked for, some of that is int he side Nalgene holders. IMO it's a great day pack, and even better now that they offer it in waxed canvas.

If you want something smaller the Frost River Nessmuk is decent. It was too small for my usage, but Othello seems to like it ;)
Click to expand...

:thumbup::D:thumbup::D:thumbup:
 
I've been using a Sparky Bag for the gym and day hikes since 2004, it's been a great pack.

Just a little note on Duluth packs customer service, My dogs used my Sparky bag as a toy and chewed the carry handle off and some of a leather shoulder strap. I gave it to them at a show to get it fixed and was expecting to pay. I did, shipping back to me. The work was done under warranty.:cool::thumbup:
 
Cpl Punishment said:
I've got the Duluth Wanderer, and although it's a bit bigger than the CI you asked for, some of that is int he side Nalgene holders. IMO it's a great day pack, and even better now that they offer it in waxed canvas.

If you want something smaller the Frost River Nessmuk is decent. It was too small for my usage, but Othello seems to like it ;)
Click to expand...

I do, very much so. It works great for everyday. I keep my laptop and books in the main compartment. A journal and EDC kit in the side pockets and a Nalgene in the long pocket. It would work well for a day hike, as well.
 
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