Can someone tell me if these packs have a padded back ? I can't find any mention of it on their website. Thanks

What models are you looking at? Are the ones you are talking about the Trail, Day and Guide packs? If so then Yes they do have some padding in the back. Basically a sheet of Closed cell foam sewn into the pack. I have the Guide and the Day packs and they do or at least the ones I have do however these are older models.

I have all 4 (equipment pack) and I don't recall any padding. They are tough though!

quote OldFingers57: "What models are you looking at? Are the ones you are talking about the Trail, Day and Guide packs? If so then Yes they do have some padding in the back. Basically a sheet of Closed cell foam sewn into the pack. I have the Guide and the Day packs and they do or at least the ones I have do however these are older models. "

yes, the 3 pocket Day Pack is the specific one I'm curious about. the one that retails for $107 on their website.

My day pack has padding however it is an older model. So I'm not sure if the current models have it or you can add it on there as an extra.

quote OldFingers57: "My day pack has padding however it is an older model. So I'm not sure if the current models have it or you can add it on there as an extra. "

Thanks, I ordered one last night. I guess I'll wait and see. You'd think it would be a feature worth mentioning on the website, so I'm going to assume it is not padded.

You like your Kondos day pack? I use my CCS ruck for a lot of stuff, but it's a bit large for some activities, and having pockets on the outside would be nice in some circumstances as well.

quote Grouseguy1: "

quote OldFingers57: "My day pack has padding however it is an older model. So I'm not sure if the current models have it or you can add it on there as an extra. "

Thanks, I ordered one last night. I guess I'll wait and see. You'd think it would be a feature worth mentioning on the website, so I'm going to assume it is not padded.


You like your Kondos day pack? I use my CCS ruck for a lot of stuff, but it's a bit large for some activities, and having pockets on the outside would be nice in some circumstances as well. "

Yes the side pockets fit two Nalgene bottles or two of the smaller Smart water bottles in each. The front pocket I can get a lot into. Usually camera, small sunscreen and insect repellent, lip balm, PLB, etc.

quote Grouseguy1: "

quote OldFingers57: "My day pack has padding however it is an older model. So I'm not sure if the current models have it or you can add it on there as an extra. "

Thanks, I ordered one last night. I guess I'll wait and see. You'd think it would be a feature worth mentioning on the website, so I'm going to assume it is not padded.
"

Please let us know when you get it. Thanks

I got my guide pack through the Boundary Waters Journal about 10 years ago. It's a perfect pack for taking with the canoe over portages. I believe there's some thin padding sewn in the back too. The three pockets are really nice for water and things you may need right away like bug juice, sunscreen etc. It's held up real well over the years.

The Trail pack now comes standard with back padding. All the others do not have padding. Kondos is in the process of changing their website currently so the price will be slightly higher than listed for the trail pack. Just called them up to verify.

I find the CCS Bushcrafter to be superior. Two side pockets for bottles, top flap for items needed quickly (i.e rain gear,) tie buckle and loop for ax or other items, 3/8 inch foam padding for the back. PERFECT! Ya gets what ya pays for, eh?

quote AndySG: "I find the CCS Bushcrafter to be superior. Two side pockets for bottles, top flap for items needed quickly (i.e rain gear,) tie buckle and loop for ax or other items, 3/8 inch foam padding for the back. PERFECT! Ya gets what ya pays for, eh?"

Already had one of those. I'm not much of a fan to be honest. The side pockets on the bushcrafter negate the usefulness of the side bottom pouches. Also, I wanted something smaller, and the Kondos day pack appears to be smaller based on the meaurements. I'd much rather put my axe in the side pouch of CCS ruck vs. the axe sleave on the bushcrafter.

I have 4 CCS packs already. The CCS bushcrafter is actually not any more expensive than the Kondos day pack when you add the sternum strap and waist belt, So it's not really "getting what you pay for", it's just getting what you want IMO. Not everyone wants a rigid padded back or a waist belt on their day/deer stand pack either.

You can always cut a small piece of CCF Foam and insert it in the pack to pad the back of it. Plus you can then use the piece of CCF Foam as a sit pad at camp.

The day pack showed up today. The size is perfect, just what I was hoping for. There is indeed no foam padding at all, and unfortunately there is also no sternum strap or load lifters (I ordered and paid for the pack to have these features), but based on the size of the pack those features are probably not needed anyways.

They offered to return it and add the sternum strap on their dime, but I thanked them for the offer and decided to keep it (with refund for the features it did not come with). I can always get it added later if I decide to.

It does feel a little small, but it is a "day pack", and I have other options if I need larger. I'm happy with it thus far. Will be put to use next week.

One thing to take note of: My CCS ruck sack has a double bottom. This kondos pack does not. That being said, they're not really comparable products considering the pocket/size discrepancies. They both have their places and are high quality products.

I have used my Kondos day pack in Colorado on elk hunts......just the right size.
Just before the ownership change, Kondos was making blaze orange camo day packs in a "silent cloth" material......I don't see those on web site anymore. Was going to snag one for me and my son. Hope they return. All of my Kondos packs that have CCF backs have it inserted in a pocket so it's removable.

Grouseguy1,
If you want a sternum strap, Campmor has one you can put on any pack. It is not shown on line but is in the paper catalog they send out occasionally.