I was in Duluth for business this week and thought I would pop in to the Duluth Pack store. I was really surprised to see that there was not a single portage pack on display in the entire store. Plenty of $80 notebook holders, $200 + book bags, more purses than I could count... not a single portage pack. Sad.

They must have really changed things in a year. Last time I was in they had plenty of packs on display. Maybe they are trending towards online sales.

Could be a seasonal thing? Last time I was there (May) they had a large variety of packs on display.

Wow. Every time I have been in there they are in the front of the store to the right in a big display.

They were there last summer, probably a seasonal thing. I bet if you had asked they would have shown you some.

Last time I was there they were in the "cabin" in the middle of the store right by where you pick up your BWCA permits. It could be a seasonal thing, I know they are getting ready to remodel so that may have something to do with it as well.

Duluth Pak store remodelling

Chances are they're still in "holiday" mode, where they were marketing the gifty-type stuff.

Now, anyone on THIS forum would likely want a portage pack as a gift, but non-BWCAW-ers probably want other stuff.

quote Northland: "Chances are they're still in "holiday" mode, where they were marketing the gifty-type stuff.
Now, anyone on THIS forum would likely want a portage pack as a gift, but non-BWCAW-ers probably want other stuff."

That's what I figure? Last time I was there, there were packs of every shape and size in a couple places. I could run through a fist full of C-notes in that store (LOL)!

They had plenty there on 12/29/2016 when I perused it with my wife. Maybe you didn't look hard enough? There were in that little building with the paddles and axes on the outside. I thought there was a fair amount of camping equipment there. A few miles up the road the Frost River store also has a lot of packs for sale.

I would just go to Frost River a short drive away - and with free parking! I like their products better, and the folks are great.

They used to be on the wall to the right when you walk in like Savage said. The last time I visited however all the canoe packs were in that little cabin like the others said. I would take RoundRivers advice and check out the Frost River store, the price isn't much better than Duluth Pack but the gear is awesome.

It is right in the middle in it's own section. You kind of have to step up on a platform and then they are all there. I have never visited the store without seeing them there.

quote Silverback6: "Last time I was there they were in the "cabin" in the middle of the store right by where you pick up your BWCA permits. It could be a seasonal thing, I know they are getting ready to remodel so that may have something to do with it as well. "

I thought I saw them there two days after Christmas.

I am surprised that anyone buys their packs anymore. Yeah, they are pretty and traditional, but they are overpriced and uncomfortable. On another note, I love some of the designs of their t-shirts, but the quality is garbage. Within a year the seams are tearing out and hole appear along the bottom hem line. Horrid quality.

The "cabin" had maps.... no packs.

And yes, I go to Frost River. Less expensive, and really great people there. Really just a commentary on how surprised I was to see no portage packs.