My good old Heike Pack!

I picked up this pack for about 15-bucks over 25 years ago as a used Austrian Army surplus item at an unclaimed-freight store and I've loved it! We named it the Heike pack for hiking and because someone had written "Heike" on it between the shoulder straps (I assume this was the name of the Austrian soldier who used it). This pack is nothing fancy--just a cotton bag with web straps--but it has worked so well as a pack to portage with the canoe, a daypack or just a general "crap" pack for all the loose items. It measures 16" tall by 15" wide by 5" deep. It has a front pocket 12" wide by 8" tall by 2" deep and each side has a 5" wide by 10" tall by 2" deep pocket. These side pockets are great for storing the 4" wide ISOPRO fuel cans or taller items like fillet knives. The top flap (with an inside pocket) buckles over the drawstring-closed main compartment (which also has an inside pocket--usually gets a soft item to act as back padding). This thing is so versatile!!

It has been on dozens of trips with me but now the old girl is just getting worn out and needs to be retired. I've already performed a number of repairs on it but it's still missing a button or two, has a tear here and there and is exhibiting weakness at a few stress points. Before the last trip, a needed repair was luckily discovered the night before we left and an emergency fix was performed to keep it functional for the trip.

In looking for a replacement, nothing I have found really trips my trigger. I know I'll never get an EXACT match but I'd like to come close: something similar in size that is cheap, durable, functional and versatile.

I've already read some previous posts and info on this site but I also know that you all have a wealth of experience, ideas and opinions so I'm all ears. Please give me your thoughts!

Sure looks close to the army surplus pack that I picked up about 5 years ago from Barre Army Navy. They are no longer in business, but I found another site for you.

The "Heavyweight Cotton Canvas Hiker's Rucksack Backpack" looks like yours to a degree.


Army Surplus World Canvas Bags

You're going to get lots of suggestions. Also, this topic is among the most-discussed on the board so you'll find a lot of information by using the search function.

With that said, "generally speaking", most canoe packs cost around the same price. It boils down to quality, comfort while wearing, durability and features. What pack will be the best value for the dollars you spend?

Look for a pack with padded shoulder straps and hip belt, along with a padded back. Look for multiple grab loops and quality stitching. One feature I really love on my canoe packs is a zippered compartment in the top flap. I use it all the time for storing rain gear, first aid kit, maybe a multitool or other small items that I want to be readily available. Keeps me from having to open the pack and dig through everything looking for the item.

Also look for packs that are sewn by a local company that knows canoeing and only manufacturers quality gear. You'll know that your gear will last a lifetime, and if something should happen where you need a repair, they will stand behind the product. You will spend a fair amount more than $15 for a new pack, but you'll definitely get 25 years of life out of it.

It really is all about the features.

The following suggested packs are not cheap ($120 to $250), but they are rugged and made for canoeing. All of them have side pockets and either a front pocket or a pocket on the top flap. They are in the same size category as your old canvas pack.

1. Cooke Custom Sewing: Bushcrafter pack.
2. Kondos Outdoors: Day Pack or Guide Pack.
3. Frost River: Cliff's Signature Pack.

I have not used any of those packs, but my tripping partner has used a Kondos Day Pack for many years and seems to be happy with it.

I just picked up a Grey Ghost Gear Gypsy pack. Waxes cotton, lots of storage options. Give it a look.

I wanted to comment on the name on your pack. My son married a really nice girl from Germany. Her mother's name is Heike. It's pronounced hike-a. My first assumption when I see a name on piece of gear is that it is some persons last name. So I'd guess this pack belonged to a girl in the Austrian, German or swiss region.

I use a CCS rucksack when I carry the canoe. It also doubles perfectly as an airline carry-on.

It has the top closure you describe and a built-in pad along the back, but if you need the exterior compartments, this one won’t work for you. It is taller than yours, but it does swallow up stuff sacks quite well, though.