Anyone know anything about these packs? Good/Bad? When they were made?

Can't find much if any info about them online.

Thanks

CampTrails was a very good line of backpacks and packs in general staring as specifically aluminum tube frame packs for scouts in the 40's, later sold to Johnson's Outdoors and eventually disappearing from the market before or during the 1990's.I've had experience with a few, and still own a Torrid@ backpack. Never liking portage packs myself only owned 1 an old Woods Mason, so no first hand knowledge of the Canoe Pack.
Are you looking to purchase?
Or have a possible deal lined up?
Either way I would not be worried about quality or materials.

butthead

I own 2. They have been on at least 25 one week trips and no issues at all.
~JOE~

Yeah have a line on the one in the photos. The asking price seems a little high, but the photos look good, and seller says it's in like new condition. Haven't seen it in person yet...

I have several. I really like them. They are pretty bombproof. I use them for personal packs and camping gear. I prefer the larger tripper pack for food, as the food goes in a Rubbermaid box, which goes into the pack. You’ll want to use a pack liner to keep everything inside dry.

As I recall, I paid about $75-100 new. Sellers are sometimes willing to dicker.

I've had mine for probably 20 years. Never failed. Never a problem. Good size. Good quality. It is my main, go to pack. I originally bought cheap. A closeout I believe. Solid pack. No regrets.

I had 3 and I believe that they are still being used.
They came in 2 sizes, The small being the Canoepak (I had 1) and the larger went by Outfitter and Tripper names at different times (1 had one of each).
The larger size was comparable to CCS Pioneer or Guide and the Canoepak was much smaller.
These packs are at least 25 plus years old and I wouldn't pay much for them, maybe $30.00 to $40.00.
Depending on how they were used and the way they were stored the stitching could go out in a minute.

Here's a link to a discussion on the CampTrails packs from July 2014

Camp Trails Canoe Packs

I bought 2 of the large size packs this spring, almost new condition, i paid 120 for both, used them in quetico this year up falls chain, they worked well, i like the mesh pocket in front.

I've had one of those packs since the late '80s when I picked it up during the annual Eureka Factory Outlet sale that used to go the first Thursday through Sunday in March. We'd drive down to Binghamton, NY and get in line at the store around 6 AM. There would already be a line and I think the doors opened at 7. It was a fun, party-like atmosphere and everyone had a great time.

As for the pack, I've been using it ever since and it's held up well. If you didn't know if was a "second" quality when I bought it, you still wouldn't realize it now. My wife and I have taken the pack on many trips and it's flown on a few jets over the years. It's holding up well and will be something I can hand off to my grandkids; hoping that the hand off is later rather than sooner (LOL).

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

I have had two of these since 1996. The largest model and the next size down. there are good solid packs that are well-made. I also love the mesh pocket in front. I enjoy the removable waist belt also. 1 did eventually need some reinforcements on a few seams but nothing has failed in the field. I have flown with them containing full camping gear multiple times on trips to Alaska or California or Texas.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy them new or used, but just make sure they've been decently taken care of if they are used. Check the seams.