What do you Fiddlebackers store your kit in while out in the woods?

[Englishrob]

Am interested to know what you guys use pack wise whilst out in the woods putting your Fiddlebacks to good use? Just at the minute I have moved from regular rucksacks, I used and then sold a Berghaus Centurio, which I guess equates to Karrimor Sabre and similar. You know the type olive military kit. I then struck upon an old Swiss Salt & Pepper pack. This is heavy duty canvas type with leather straps, and leather base. Really well made, and cannot believe, the pack I have was made in 1956!!!! Is quite heavy, but has a great feeling of quality. I have been checking things out on the net, as you do when the dishes are done, the wife is happy painting furniture for our small antique concession (is another story), and the boy is catching some zzzz's, and was checking out Frost River packs. Now I like the look of these packs, great construction (built to last from USA), and was wondering if anyone had experience of these packs. I know they are waxed canvas, but didn't know if this was like the old waxed cotton Barbour type material which waxed everything up it came into contact with. I didn't really want a great big waxy stain down my back. Let me know your thoughts and experiences guys whilst out in those backwoods, moving kit and using those all so important Fiddlebacks!

 

[cmroberts1]

I use a U.S. Military Molle II Assault backpack. It is good for day hikes....maybe 2 if you stretch it. They are inexpensive and are well made. Very comfortable!

Nothing fancy, just a good solid pack.

Martin

 

[NoFair]

When not carrying a rifle I use this on longer hikes: http://catalog.bergans.us/backpacks/internal-frame/Alpinist-Large-130L-Green-Dark-Green--132473-p0000392479

When carrying a rifle I carry either a Eberlestock Gunslinger or Skycrane.
http://www.eberlestock.com/Gunslinger%20M%20Series.htm
Rifle:


Small one for birds, the large one for everything larger and further away..

Small and rifle less usually means something like this:
http://store.berghaus.com/p/equipment/mens-freeflow-35-plus-8-rucksack/434549
Mine is an older version.

I've loathed old fashion packs after using one the first few months in the infantry before we got high end packs for longer outings.. They do look nice, but after a few miles with a decent load all the short comings become pretty glaring..

 

[Englishrob]

When not carrying a rifle I use this on longer hikes: http://catalog.bergans.us/backpacks/internal-frame/Alpinist-Large-130L-Green-Dark-Green--132473-p0000392479

When carrying a rifle I carry either a Eberlestock Gunslinger or Skycrane.
http://www.eberlestock.com/Gunslinger%20M%20Series.htm
Rifle:


Small one for birds, the large one for everything larger and further away..

Small and rifle less usually means something like this:
http://store.berghaus.com/p/equipment/mens-freeflow-35-plus-8-rucksack/434549
Mine is an older version.

I've loathed old fashion packs after using one the first few months in the infantry before we got high end packs for longer outings.. They do look nice, but after a few miles with a decent load all the short comings become pretty glaring..

Thanks for the information. I have also found the kifaru website as well. Look very well made too.

 

[dcycleman]

I use a kelty redwing for day trips and a deuter act lite 65+10 for longer trips

 

[Skystorm]

I use a Camelbak Trizip mostly, the mystery ranch harness rocks. I have a few Frost River packs, while I love them to death they are not the most ergonomic. Their daypacks are much better to use than the large ones. Another great thing about FR is they will happily build one fine tuned to you, straps, waist belt, pouches no problem. They don't leave wax everywhere.

 

[Englishrob]

I use a Camelbak Trizip mostly, the mystery ranch harness rocks. I have a few Frost River packs, while I love them to death they are not the most ergonomic. Their daypacks are much better to use than the large ones. Another great thing about FR is they will happily build one fine tuned to you, straps, waist belt, pouches no problem. They don't leave wax everywhere.

I do like the look of FR isle royale junior. Not a huge pack as I agree the really bigger packs might not be as ergonomic as more modern packs. Was a little concerned that I would get a greasy streak on the back of my Swazi, but seems like that wouldn't be the case. Are they ok in heavy rain? Thanks

 

[xxwjtxx]

Interesting thread; I use either and osprey Atmos 50L for 2-4 day excursions or an Osprey Manta 25L for day hikes / ultralight overnighters. IMO for hiking or backpacking Osprey makes the lightest most comfortable packs.

I don't carry long arms when I go out as I am not a hunter; however a taken down M4 will fit in either of the aforementioned packs easily . I tend to not mix my tactical and BC proclivities, but if you want a custom tactical ruck or long gun pack, I would recommend The Tactical Tailor. Nicest stuff I've ever laid hands on bar none.

 

[schmittie]

I've got an older Camelbak HAWG that I've used often for small hikes. It's just the right size for a short day trip.

I recently picked up a Camelbak Rim Runner that I really like too. It's much better in town. I don't like carrying the 'tactical' looking packs in the city.

 

[Joe Duder]

About 8 years ago, I purchased a cheap Hi-Tec back pack from Big-5. I couldn't have payed more than $35 for it. It has nice padded straps, a ton of pockets, and a water bladder. The water blader was the first to give out, but everything else has held up great and still looks new. I do some pretty narly hiking through some crazy bush when hunting for native trout.
Even pushing through thick manzanita and other thick bushes, brush and over growth, this thing just keeps going. I want a new pack, but I'll have to wait till my Hi-tec gets torn, ripped, or disabled some how. At the rate it's going, I don't think I'll be buying a new one anytime in the near future.

My two favorite trout tools: Panther Martins and CPM-154 stainless.

 

[Ed G]

For long hikes / packing in to spend more than one night, I discovered the ALPS OutdoorZ Commander a couple seasons ago … it's made for hunters who need to pack game "out", so it has heavy-duty external frame (which I prefer), and you can remove the "cargo shelf" on the bottom to make it a more 'generic' pack. Highly adjustable, ripstop nylon, heavy zippers - seems pretty durable, lots of pouches and compartments and capacity is 5250 cu.in! (which seems like overkill until you realize you can fit your cold-weather bag inside and out of the weather) … Price also drove this purchase, as IIRC it was pretty reasonable. I work with the Scouts regularly, and many of the other leaders have been impressed with this bag …

For day hikes / 'urban EDC' I carry either the Maxpedition Falcon II or the Maxpedition Monsoon sling pack … both are water bladder capable, bullet proof and Molle/expansion friendly, as most Maxpeds are.

 

[Tribial]

Thanks for the information. I have also found the kifaru website as well. Look very well made too.

Kifaru is top notch. I have a bikini frame high camp that I use to carry my treestand and hunting stuff in, haven't been able to try and use it for packing out a deer, but that is not the bags fault . I keep an e n e in my car with bare essentials as well. They are great to work with and make a great product. I also have had good luck with Osprey for less tacticool stuff.

 

[Englishrob]

Kifaru is top notch. I have a bikini frame high camp that I use to carry my treestand and hunting stuff in, haven't been able to try and use it for packing out a deer, but that is not the bags fault . I keep an e n e in my car with bare essentials as well. They are great to work with and make a great product. I also have had good luck with Osprey for less tacticool stuff.

The Kifaru spike camp looks an awesome bit of kit. Is a serious amount of the green stuff mind! I guess it's the same old adage you pay for quality.

 

[ttowntrader]

Hey Rob,
I carry the Frost River Isle Royale Mini Bushcraft pack https://www.frostriver.com/shop/isle-royale-bushcraft-pack/
and it is awesome. I like the old school look and the mini (don't let the name fool you, it carries more than my maxpedition) is perfect for a day hike or a 2/3 day trip. There are some great videos on youtube about the Isle Royale. That's where I did my research and I wasn't disappointed. It'll be something you can pass down to your son someday...stuffed full of fiddlebacks of course!

 

[FeralGentleman]

Light loads/short hikes I use the HPG Tarahumara

Anything else I've got a Kifaru bikini frame w/ a Timberline 1 bag

 

[Englishrob]

Hey Rob,
I carry the Frost River Isle Royale Mini Bushcraft pack https://www.frostriver.com/shop/isle-royale-bushcraft-pack/
and it is awesome. I like the old school look and the mini (don't let the name fool you, it carries more than my maxpedition) is perfect for a day hike or a 2/3 day trip. There are some great videos on youtube about the Isle Royale. That's where I did my research and I wasn't disappointed. It'll be something you can pass down to your son someday...stuffed full of fiddlebacks of course!

Hi. Thanks for the info here. I have been checking information all weekend to be honest. I was thinking about the Geologist pack, but I do like the look of the Isle Royale Mini. Straps look superb. One thing that I think has been mentioned above, when you get hot do you find transferance of any of the oil in the pack to jacket or shirt that you are wearing? Thanks

 

[catalystman80]

Hey Rob, not the most helpful reply I realize, but I'd try asking the Frost River folks directly via e-mail, phone, etc. as they seem to have been around for awhile, and seem to have a good reputation per what I've read in other forums (e.g. bushcraftusa). I'm sure they'll reply with honesty and be upfront about any limitation.

As for me, when I was in the market for different packs (day pack, backpacking pack, bushcraft use pack) during the past couple of years, I came to a conclusion that it's nearly impossible (though I haven't given up hope yet) to find a pack with the combination of modern suspension with old world looks and simplicity. I love the freedom that an old style pack provides in terms of how one can pack the main compartment, and the protruded outer pockets for frequently used items. Whereas the modern backpacks (whether they may be tactical or geared towards backpackers), though I love how comfortable and light current suspensions are, don't have the look of the old, nor do they offer comparable methods of storage (everything is either zippered sleeves inside, or sleeves on the outside with no flaps (and also the tactical packs have additional storage units with molle type attachment methods, which I just don't like the look of).

Currently, I use:
1. Granite Gear Blaze AC 60 for backpacking. Of all the semi ultralight backpacks, I found this one to have the best suspension (adjustable, nice fat and cushy waist belt, and simple and intuitive compression straps).
2. Gregory Miwok 18 for daypack. Superlight, and molds to your body very well. I love that the waist belt has a zippered pocket on each side. In this bag, I typically carry a 32oz SS bottle with cup, Sawyer Squeeze filter, original space blanket, Maxpedition EDC pocket with some basic surival tools, a hatchet, first aid kit, headlamp, bug spray, compass, and a rain jacket (and sometimes a collapsible trekking poles as sometimes I have knee issues). And I can carry a GPS and my cell phone one each of the aforementioned waist belt pockets.
3. Granite Tactical Gear (tactical line from Granite Gear) Special Mission Assault Pack - Again comes with an awesome suspension and relatively light for a tactical pack with almost 40L capacity. I can fit everything from my day pack AND a roll of twin sized wool blanket, and then some. Only downside with this bag is it lacks compression straps and it's almost becoming a deal breaker for me. Have talked to Granite Gear folks and they can integrate a compression strap for me custom at a moderate cost (~60 USD).

I may go for that or continue searching for a better bushcraft pack (for my use and personal liking), but since most of my bushcraft outings are single day variety, my day pack does the trick very well (and I know I can last several days with it if I ever got into that situation). And it looks like any other modern day pack, so it doesn't bring any unwanted attention from those who find bushcraft type of people weird.

 

[Englishrob]

Hey Rob, not the most helpful reply I realize, but I'd try asking the Frost River folks directly via e-mail, phone, etc. as they seem to have been around for awhile, and seem to have a good reputation per what I've read in other forums (e.g. bushcraftusa). I'm sure they'll reply with honesty and be upfront about any limitation.

As for me, when I was in the market for different packs (day pack, backpacking pack, bushcraft use pack) during the past couple of years, I came to a conclusion that it's nearly impossible (though I haven't given up hope yet) to find a pack with the combination of modern suspension with old world looks and simplicity. I love the freedom that an old style pack provides in terms of how one can pack the main compartment, and the protruded outer pockets for frequently used items. Whereas the modern backpacks (whether they may be tactical or geared towards backpackers), though I love how comfortable and light current suspensions are, don't have the look of the old, nor do they offer comparable methods of storage (everything is either zippered sleeves inside, or sleeves on the outside with no flaps (and also the tactical packs have additional storage units with molle type attachment methods, which I just don't like the look of).

Currently, I use:
1. Granite Gear Blaze AC 60 for backpacking. Of all the semi ultralight backpacks, I found this one to have the best suspension (adjustable, nice fat and cushy waist belt, and simple and intuitive compression straps).
2. Gregory Miwok 18 for daypack. Superlight, and molds to your body very well. I love that the waist belt has a zippered pocket on each side. In this bag, I typically carry a 32oz SS bottle with cup, Sawyer Squeeze filter, original space blanket, Maxpedition EDC pocket with some basic surival tools, a hatchet, first aid kit, headlamp, bug spray, compass, and a rain jacket (and sometimes a collapsible trekking poles as sometimes I have knee issues). And I can carry a GPS and my cell phone one each of the aforementioned waist belt pockets.
3. Granite Tactical Gear (tactical line from Granite Gear) Special Mission Assault Pack - Again comes with an awesome suspension and relatively light for a tactical pack with almost 40L capacity. I can fit everything from my day pack AND a roll of twin sized wool blanket, and then some. Only downside with this bag is it lacks compression straps and it's almost becoming a deal breaker for me. Have talked to Granite Gear folks and they can integrate a compression strap for me custom at a moderate cost (~60 USD).

I may go for that or continue searching for a better bushcraft pack (for my use and personal liking), but since most of my bushcraft outings are single day variety, my day pack does the trick very well (and I know I can last several days with it if I ever got into that situation). And it looks like any other modern day pack, so it doesn't bring any unwanted attention from those who find bushcraft type of people weird.

Hi. Thanks for the info man. I think you and I have very similar ideas and thoughts re: pack. I think really what I am looking for is old school looks/simplicity and modern back systems for comfort. I agree I think that the grail is just not out there. It really is a compromise and trying differing packs out to see what works and what ultimately you can live with.

 

[catalystman80]

Hi. Thanks for the info man. I think you and I have very similar ideas and thoughts re: pack. I think really what I am looking for is old school looks/simplicity and modern back systems for comfort. I agree I think that the grail is just not out there. It really is a compromise and trying differing packs out to see what works and what ultimately you can live with.

Yup, nothing of the sort quite like that out there yet. If only Frost River could add a weight efficient (and preferabley adjustable per one's torso length) suspension to the Isle Royale line, I'd buy the Jr. in a heart beat as I've been eyeing them for awhile too. I think in general, they're priced very well, say...compared to Duluth packs. I even prefer the looks of the Isle Royale to Duluth (e.g. just don't understand why they (Duluth) decided to use nylon straps for compression when everything else is of traditional material...of course here I am asking for an inclusion of modern suspension to an oiled canvas pack, but to my defense, I think this can be done with minimal deviation from the overall look).

In the end, I must choose comfort over looks and certain storage methods that the classic designs offer, hence I continue to look. As another stab at such a compromise, I'm planning to try out the Sweet Pea Pack by Mystery Range. I think the 3zip access design may provide accessibility and storage functionality that mitigates some of the downsides of having a modern pack. And again, it is nice to have a less conspicuous pack as I inevitably run into the more "normal" crowd in my outings.

 

[ttowntrader]

Hey Rob,
So far so good re: the back of the back soaking oil/wax into my shirt, no problem at all with that. Also, in all the You Tube vid's I never heard anyone bring it up either. You may want to email them and ask them directly though. My guess is that isn't an issue or no one would want to buy them. The canvas doesn't have an oily or waxy feel to it either. If I could change one thing it would be to have them customize one with a waist strap, that would make them a little more ergonomic.