Apparently barrels are the way to go (crickets on my post about the Quetico with the cooler insert...). I am weighing my options between the CCS 60 L Quad Pocket barrel pack and the Granite Gear Flatbed barrel pack.

Some info: I am tall, at 6'5". I am wondering how the suspension systems will work on someone with a longer torso. Relevant: If I'm on trips with my wife (or anyone else, really), I imagine I will carry the canoe / portage pack, while she will carry the barrel system. So this height restriction might be less relevant.

Now, obviously I am attracted to the CCS option because of the rave reviews on this forum. I like the side pockets and the top lid storage. On the other hand, a few scattered reviews online (most notably by Amy Freeman on gearjunkie.com) have noted that the Granite Gear harness is very comfortable. This would be a big plus for my wife.

Additionally, the Granite Gear harness can be sized down to fit 30 L barrels, which seems handy. HOWEVER, if I was to be on a trip in which I only needed a 30 L barrel (e.g. a solo trip or a short trip with two people), I reckon I could fit that inside of my Granite Gear Superior One, along with the rest of the gear. This would make the versatility of the Granite Gear system less of a factor.

So what does everyone think of the comparison between these two systems, especially with reference to my highlighted points of interest?

Thanks in advance,
-Shimbo

I own the GG vapor or flatbed, same thing i believe. I got it for the reason you mentioned, the ability to carry both 30l and 60l, and I have used it for both. I'm 5'11" and I find the GG to be too short, I make it work, but the chest strap is not usable as it's too close to my throat. It says its a REG size harness, and I believe it only comes in that size. And my biggest complaint of all is when I use it on solos and the discomfort I feel from the harness when I'm carrying both that and a canoe there's just some uncomfortable pressure on my shoulders and I think it's from some of the plastic D rings from the harness and probably again this has to do with sizing, absolutely doable but bothers me a bit. Now if you're a shorter person five nine or less I would say best bang-for-the-buck is the Granite Gear because it can carry both size barrels. If I did it again I would probably look at ccs more seriously, I have CCS packs so I know what they're like and i assume the barrel pack would be no different.

Harmony Harness is not in even a contender? Comfortable when the 30 L barrel is packed with heaviest stuff slightly lower than midway. The most comfortable and balanced load I have carried.
Totally cool if you have already dismissed it but maybe you had not viewed it.

Granite Gear made 2 flatbed packs. Now discontinued Granite Gear Stratus Flatbed Pack and the current Vapor Flatbed. 2 very different cargo packs.
A third was offered in the Tactical Militay version, Tactical Chief flatbed.
Stratus and Chief used full internal frames, the Vapour does not.

Crickets on insulated food packs? Do a search, there are a lot of opinions on the GG and many other brands as well as DIY. No need to use a barrel if ya want something else.

butthead

I had the GG cooler insert and it fit perfectly into my CCS Explorer pack. I returned it to REI because I decided against fresh food. It was well designed and built. I have the CCS Quad Pack in the 30L size. It is as comfortable as my other CCS packs which are phenomenal. The pockets on the outside are extremely handy. The best part about the CCS Quad pack are they are more than just a harness, they can be used just as effectively without a barrel in them as a normal pack (they are just round). If you had the 60 and wanted to only use a 30 liter barrel you would have room for extra gear around it.

I can't speak to any of your questions regarding the GG harnesses. I do own three CCS barrel packs, 2 60 liter and 1 30 liter. For whatever reason, I like them better than just the plain harness. Fit well and like any CCS product, quality is second to none. I've opted for the basic pack because I don't have need for the pockets, and they would only seem like a collection place for stuff I don't really need. If you were interested, I might be willing to part with one of my green 60 liter packs because I'd like to get a different color to easily distinguish between the two barrels in camp (I used one for miscellaneous gear and cookwear and the other for food). You can also easily insulate the barrels with closed cell foam and I've found that makes a huge difference in keeping things cold to cool throughout the trip. I found the schematics on the website here, but ended up free-styling it with foil insulation and duct tape. If you're interested, email me and maybe we can figure something out.

I have a CCS Quad Barrel pack and love it. The external pockets are great for fuel bottles if you use white gas, or Nalgene bottles if not. For my use, I lay the barrel pack down in my Kruger Sea Wind and the pockets, with Nalgene bottles inside, keep the bag from rolling or rocking. I find it plenty comfortable (I'm 5'11") but my daughter 5'8" carries it most of the time. Our raingear typically goes in the top pocket.

If you decide for a harness, I might suggest you check out the Ostrom harness which is still being made. I say that because I can't imagine anybody could build a system that is better than Dan Cooke or Bill Ostrom.

Joe

I noticed that Mind is just added a barrel harness to its website. It looks similar to the GG harness. Kondos claims a shaped back pad to make carrying more comfortable. It being a new product, there is no reported experience with it, yet.