Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Ostrom Outfitters Pack
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WoolShirt |
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Ragged |
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WoolShirt |
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Minnesotian |
Thanks for the update. |
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joewildlife |
-Joe |
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joewildlife |
thebotanyguy: "I chatted with Bill, the semi-retired owner of Ostrom Outdoors. He would need an order of three Solo packs to make a production run worthwhile, and they would be $1200CDN plus tax and shipping for the three of them, or $400CDN plus each. That might be around $325 or so US each, maybe a little more. Can I find a couple others committed to buying one? Joe |
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joewildlife |
SO if you want one, now is the time to pony up. Joe |
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joewildlife |
However, as I had mentioned, I had Chris Randall make me a version of the solo pack per my specs. Rather than zippers, it has a drawstring closure with the fold over/buckle down top like Dan Cooke's Hybrid pack design. A friend and I used it on a trip to Quetico in September and it worked out excellent! He had his half for his gear, and I had my half. It worked out great when setting up and taking down camp, especially when our tents were in different locations. It kept our gear separate. It is a very large pack, definitely large enough for all our soft gear. All our food and kitchen stuff was carried in a 60L barrel. So I am convinced that the system works! I will probably use the pack if I ever go solo in an open canoe, to trim the canoe. I suspect we have the last 3 solo packs ever made. Joe |
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Minnesotian |
This pack has always intrigued me. As a solo canoeist, I do take two packs along for trimming out the canoe. That makes it a challenge while portaging, having a pack on the back, one in the front, and a canoe on top of my head. Doable, but without being able to see the path completely, my feet end up finding those tripable rocks and roots. It would be nice to portage with only one pack on the back. Thus my intrigue on this pack. However, I just can't throw down $400 on a pack without being able to look at it and test it out. So, does anyone have one I could try out on a trip? |
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Minnesotian |
joewildlife: "Minnesotian: " Joe, That would be great! Let me know what you find out. Thanks much! -Craig |
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joewildlife |
He said they only made about 40 or 50 of the Solo pack, it was never a commercial success. He now makes them with waterproof zippers but they do not have the clear map case panel. Joe |
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cowdoc |
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Cedarboy |
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thebotanyguy |
and here is the link to the archived Ostrom webpage: Ostrom Solo Canoe Pack |
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ilivetoadventure |
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unshavenman |
They made excellent and very expensive packs. I believe they stopped producing them in 2016. |
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ilivetoadventure |
Over my years of camping, I've used several varieties/ styles of packs in the BWCA. I was recently at a garage sale and was completely stumped by a pack I came across. Apparently, the owner was a sales rep for years and was selling some of his sample packs. The pack is labeled as an Ostrom Outdoors pack. It comes in 2 pieces that somehow clip together. ( I have yet to figure out how. Haven't played with it much yet.) It is blue and has waterproof zippers. I picked it up for $50 USD. I am having a hard time even finding information on these, let alone a diagram of how to clip it together! Have any of you used one of these? Any information or feedback would be greatly appreciated! |
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nctry |
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andym |
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billconner |
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ilivetoadventure |
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bcelect |
Split pack |
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walllee |
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joewildlife |
Joe |
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joewildlife |
Minnesotian: " Minnesotian, I may be able to help you out. I hope to get an Ostrom pack before my fall trip IF the other two buyers step up and we get em built. BUT I had a guy make me a similar custom pack. I had to order a new set of backpack straps for it and he is installing them for me pretty soon. End result, I will have two of these packs...and can probably lend you one or the other to try out and/or purchase if you like. I expect to keep the Ostrom pack of course, and the custom pack will probably go up for sale. -Joe |
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campnfish |
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joewildlife |
I'll point out a few nice features -pockets on the ends, top, and inside each unit -nice backpack straps, no waist belt because they aren't effective on 2 part packs -sternum strap -nice pads between the pack and your back -lots of grab handles -not too big -three buckles on rear of pack, 2 on the front, and 2 buckles on backpack straps, hold the pack together -famous Ostrom quality I have another pack that Chris Randall of Manitoba made me. He is the manufacturer of the Yukon Fire Box, a cool stick and twig stove. I actually prefer a couple of features of his pack--mainly instead of a zipper closure it has a drawstring closure and a flap over the top like a CCS Hybrid pack. This way, you are more flexible in how much gear you can fit in each half of the pack. The Randall pack can be a lot larger, as a result. Chris is not primarily a portage pack maker, he makes all kinds of bags for snowmobiling and winter camping. He made the bag for me by special request. I'm going to have to keep both these packs. The Randall pack is tried and tested and works great when paddling with a buddy. I suspect the Ostrom pack will be my solo pack of choice. Joe |
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rtallent |
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walllee |
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Wables |
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BobDobbs |
andym: "Sounds like solo pack they made so you could have one pack but split the load in front of and behind you. I’ve once seen one in use and it seemed cool. Because they haven’t been made for a long time they are almost mythic and you could probably get a good bit more than $50 for it. Or enjoy some solo trips. " I would advise against doing a front carry unless you can see your feet at all times. The potential for a mis-step while carrying a lot of weight is just too great. Don't ask me how I know this! |
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campnfish |
BobDobbs: "andym: "Sounds like solo pack they made so you could have one pack but split the load in front of and behind you. I’ve once seen one in use and it seemed cool. Because they haven’t been made for a long time they are almost mythic and you could probably get a good bit more than $50 for it. Or enjoy some solo trips. " I think he meant in front of him in a solo canoe. |
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andym |
I'm sort of tempted to buy one but really can't justify it. Cool that it is a possibility for everyone who has wanted one over the years. |