Hey all,

I am trying to find a solid day pack option for canoe trips that could double as a pack for a 5 or 10 year old. I think the Wanderer or the Rucksack could slide in to that role pretty well. However, I can't really tell the difference. The Rucksack seems slightly larger, the Wanderer has a handy mesh side-pouch. Also, does anyone know the weight of the Wanderer? Their handy chart hasn't been updated to include it yet.

I have the CCS Deluxe Food Pack and am very impressed with the quality, comfort and little details (like the extra loops), so I think I would like to stay with CCS.

Anyone have thoughts on what the real differences are, or if I am missing a different pack that would be better?

Thanks!

I own a Wanderer and love it. I believe the rucksack is similar, but, larger.

I had kind of the same thought as you as far as thinking ahead for the kids.

Either would work great. I chose the Wanderer because it was the "cool new ccs bag".

Each of my daughters (10 and 12) have been using their Rucksack as their bwca pack since they were 5. Great packs!!!! They are pink so I don't use them myself, but my wife has used them as a daypack and they are great for that as well.

I want to get one for myself and also haven't decided what to get between the Wanderer and Rucksack. I like the extra capacity of the Rucksack but like the new features on the Wanderer.

I think I may do what basecampmom from the site did and call Dan and have him do a custom pack. He made her a Rucksack with the side mesh waterbottle pockets and the nicer straps that come on the Wanderer.



bascecampmom's custom pack thread

I have both packs.

the wanderer is a pure daypack. i use for daily gear - rain gear, water bottle, jacket, snacks, tackle box, binocs, map, etc. the mesh pockets on the side are a great add on and very handy.

the rucksack is significantly deeper and larger. although, it is big for a daypack in my opinion, it is more versatile if you are only buying one pack. it could easily be used for a daypack but also works great as a smaller gear pack. its my younger son's gear bag every summer (cloths sleeping pad, bag, hammock, etc).

I have the Bushcrafter which is the Rucksack with 2 zippered side pockets for water bottles or whatever. I keep my fuel and stoves in them. It's a great pack. It holds 2 Bear Vault 500's placed in it horizontally. I put my rain gear in the top flap pocket.

quote ducks: "Each of my daughters (10 and 12) have been using their Rucksack as their bwca pack since they were 5. Great packs!!!! They are pink so I don't use them myself, but my wife has used them as a daypack and they are great for that as well.


I want to get one for myself and also haven't decided what to get between the Wanderer and Rucksack. I like the extra capacity of the Rucksack but like the new features on the Wanderer.


I think I may do what basecampmom from the site did and call Dan and have him do a custom pack. He made her a Rucksack with the side mesh waterbottle pockets and the nicer straps that come on the Wanderer.



bascecampmom's custom pack thread "

That's not a bad idea!

I have some CCS gear and really love it. I am not familiar with either of these packs.

One problem I had with packs for kids is that sometimes the belt won't tighten small enough. If the belt comes off the back of the pack in the corner of the pack, instead of closer to the middle, it can be too big to get tight. The weight is then all on the shoulder. Its no big deal if it's light, but can be a big problem if there is some weight in there.

Again, I don't know if these CCS packs have that problem but I thought I would mention it.

Wander weighs in at 29 oz. It has a webbing hip belt and being only 12" wide seems to be able to tighten up fine even on smaller folks.
Trying to have one pack be optimal for an adult, a 5 year old and a 10 year old is not possible in my opinion. Compromises need to be taken for that range of body size and muscle development. The hard part is always who gets the features/ size that works the best for?

There are youth specific packs- that kids outgrow far too quickly, but they fit the youth better than an adult pack will.
These kids grandparents gifted them all with a CCS Rucksack.

Dan, fine looking group of kids in your pic with their Rucksacks.

I really like the Wanderer I purchased from you this year.