Guru's

I am looking to buy two-three packs and I have narrowed it down to either the CCS Pioneer or the traditional 3 1/2

Users of both please chime in as to which one you would recommend.

Thanks in advance

We own CCS packs, Guides,Pioneers and #2 canoeist packs. hybrids would be first choice.
Instead of #3.5, look at the #2, more capacity than the #3.5.
We use ours as food packs, putting 5 gal buckets with Gamma lids and /or VittleVaults(same company) 8 gal size, in them.
CB

I've used both, I bought/own a Pioneer. I'm what you would call vertically challenged, 5'7". I much prefer the more upright feel of the Pioneer vs the wide packs like the 3 1/2 or 4. The Pioneer fits on your back, feels very comfortable.

I have and use all 3 sizes of hybrid packs. I have the "numbered" packs to loan out to my tripmates. There is a huge difference in comfort.

I have four Pioneer sized Hybrids. Haven't used a traditional Duluth pack since the mid-70s, and don't own one now. Should tell you where my vote falls!

Given those two options, IMO your choice is a no-brainer. Six guys, six Pioneers.

Pioneers all the way. I have 2 and am looking at #3.

Pioneer without question.
I love mine and would never consider parting with it. Worth every nickle.

Pioneer... I have used both.

T

Wow

Thanks for all the great responses guys.

I own any number of CCS packs. Back in my children raising days, when money was in short supply, I purchased the CCS Traditional packs for cost saving purposes. Now that I no longer need to save for my children's education, it's Hybrid packs all the way.

The Hybrid packs are worth the difference in price, in comfort and convenience, but either way, they are all well made products.

I have 2 Pioneer packs - I would get those. Fit very well in the canoe, good harness for portaging comfort, large but not too large. Mine weighs 40-44 pounds when fully loaded.

I have the Pioneer - it holds a lot.

+1

I have three CCS Pioneer Packs and love them.
I round them out with a 60L food barrel pack from CCS.
Those four packs work well for us on small group/family trips.
Great value for the money!

We just came back from a trip with three guys, and had two Pioneer Packs. You can really put a load in them, but more importantly there are two other big advantages: 1. How they ride and fit on your back for portaging, and 2. often an overlooked feature is all of the straps for lifting and carrying.

There are a few times when a load in a pack is perfectly balanced, but not most of the time, and it seems like the canoe is always just out of a place where you can keep your balance to get a perfect lift on your pack and all the extra straps on the CCS really make a nice difference.

Here's an example:

Ordered a Pioneer and a Guide as I plan on comparing them side by side and go from there.

Also ordered a 11x14 in 1.9 as well along with the lean stuff sack.


Looking forward to checking out the new gear.

quote ISRO: "
Looking forward to checking out the new gear.
"

You won't be disappointed, the features and quality are top notch.

quote BigCurrent: "

quote ISRO: "Looking forward to checking out the new gear."

You won't be disappointed, the features and quality are top notch. "

Ditto on that. I love my CCS Pioneer pack.

quote ISRO: "Ordered a Pioneer and a Guide as I plan on comparing them side by side and go from there. "

When comparing the two packs, think of this analogy: Canoe packs are just like garages, closets and warehouses. The larger they are, the more stuff you will put in them. In the case of canoe packs, however, you have to carry the stuff. The Guide is a big warehouse.

I absolutely love my Pioneer pack! I'm 5 foot nothing, and its easy for me to portage.

The two packs arrived today and they look incredibly well built, from my initial observations the two will stay. As the Pioneer looks great as a per person pack and the Guide will fit the bill for two people as in the gear for myself and young daughter as well.


Also set up the new 10x14 1.9 and added the guylines. Love having all the loops and the center pole attachment point.

Quality gear in and out.

Now to pack like a canoeist and not a lightweight backpacker is going to be the problem as I have always sacrificed comfort for weight, now not so much.

I have the basic CCS canoe packs and always found them to be great. Very sturdy, swallow all my gear and very economical.

However, after reading these posts I guess I have to try a Pioneer! Lots of great comments here.

When someone asks a question, we all learn.

quote Jackfish: "

quote ISRO: "Ordered a Pioneer and a Guide as I plan on comparing them side by side and go from there. "

When comparing the two packs, think of this analogy: Canoe packs are just like garages, closets and warehouses. The larger they are, the more stuff you will put in them. In the case of canoe packs, however, you have to carry the stuff. The Guide is a big warehouse."

Exactly why I purchased the Pioneer instead of the Guide, to keep my packing the size that I want to carry : )

I'll pile on, get the Hybrids, I have two guides and a pioneer, I say get the pioneers

quote gsfisher13: "
Exactly why I purchased the Pioneer instead of the Guide, to keep my packing the size that I want to carry : )"

I would agree that I'd never want to carry a guide that's been filled with heavy stuff, but sometimes if you got some work horses that are a little lacking it turns out well to put all the light but bulky items in a guide or two leaving one ultra heavy pioneer. A couple of sleeping bags/pads, even compressed, can fill a guide quickly

quote Ragged: "I'll pile on, get the Hybrids, I have two guides and a pioneer, I say get the pioneers

quote gsfisher13: "
Exactly why I purchased the Pioneer instead of the Guide, to keep my packing the size that I want to carry : )"

I would agree that I'd never want to carry a guide that's been filled with heavy stuff, but ...A couple of sleeping bags/pads, even compressed, can fill a guide quickly"

Kind of like this? LOL

Now I'm convinced that I have to buy a CCS Pioneer pack :)