BWCA CCS or GG? Boundary Waters Gear Forum
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Gear Forum
      CCS or GG?     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

R00kie
member (33)member
  
02/17/2021 01:52PM  
Okay, I know this will stir up some opinions, but oh well.

I am hoping to purchase a high quality portage pack this spring. I have been looking online and cannot find an apples to apples comparison of these two packs. I would add Frost River to the comparison, but that will be pack number two for me. I don’t know if anyone here has a You Tube channel, but if you do, such a comparison would be very helpful to many people.

So I ask the question on this forum, what are the pluses and minuses of their two bags? For GG, the Superior One, and for CCS, the Guide portage pack.

Thanks for your opinions.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
02/17/2021 02:17PM  
Very interested in this thread as I have been looking to upgrade to a pack from one of these two companies. To me they seem almost identical and you can't go wrong with either one.

I seem to lean more toward the CCS as all I hear are great things about the company. I also noticed that CCS has three different sizes while GG has two and not really a pack to match the size of the CCS Pioneer which, for me, would be right.
 
ClarkPeters
distinguished member (179)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/17/2021 02:40PM  
I have packs from both makers; one size down from the ones you are looking at. Mine are also between 12 and 20 years old, so they may have made some changes in the Granite Gear packs that I don't know about. They are both well made, so you can't go wrong.

I prefer the CCS packs for a few reasons:
1-The CCS packs have a zippered pocket in the overflap. You can't carry much in there, but it is a handy place to stash rain pants where they're accessible.
2-The CCS packs have grab-loop handles all over the place. Instead of lifting the packs by the shoulder straps and hipbelt, you can grab the pack with well-placed loops of webbing.
3-This doesn't relate to quality but is important for some people: the CCS packs are made in Minnesota. I thought I read that the GG packs are now made in VietNam. I could be wrong.

A plus for the Granite Gear are the d-rings sewn into the shoulder straps. They're nice for clipping small items to. I wish the CCS packs had the same thing.

I hope this helps.

Pete
 
gonorth1
distinguished member (111)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/17/2021 04:29PM  
Both are high quality items, from companies that only make high quality gear. You cannot go wrong with one vs the other. Research a bit more to learn of similar features, and where the products are different. In the end you'll be pleased with either product. With proper care they will last you a lifetime and then some.
 
WHendrix
distinguished member(623)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/17/2021 04:39PM  
Someplace like Midwestern Mountaineering might carry both packs so you could go and check them out for some of the minor features of each.
 
02/17/2021 04:40PM  
Granite Gear packs are made in Vietnam.
CCS packs are made by Dan Cooke in his basement in Lino Lakes, MN.
Cooke Custom Sewing is a sponsor here.
'Nuff said.
 
02/17/2021 04:42PM  


A plus for the Granite Gear are the d-rings sewn into the shoulder straps. They're nice for clipping small items to. I wish the CCS packs had the same thing.


My pioneer packs have loops sewn in for attach points, we use them for water bottles on long portages.

Another plus for CCS is custom orders. I've heard great things about them adding axe sleeves, extra pockets, etc. You might have to wait a little longer or pay a little extra but not many companies will offer customization.

Be careful though. Once you buy a pack you end up wanting a tarp, then a barrel harness, then some stuff sacks to organize your meals, then a thwart bag, then a lean, then a canoe cover, and by that time you'll probably want another pack.
 
mgraber
distinguished member(1486)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/17/2021 04:44PM  
CCS by a mile. More durable material, top pocket, outstanding customer service, locally made, supports this site, top notch craftsmanship. Kondos (made in Ely) are the only ones that compare IMO, they also have the previously mentioned loops as well as a mesh rear pocket. I own or have experience with all 3.
 
02/17/2021 05:14PM  
unshavenman: "Granite Gear packs are made in Vietnam.
CCS packs are made by Dan Cooke in his basement in Lino Lakes, MN.
Cooke Custom Sewing is a sponsor here.
Nuff said.
"


True to a point. GG packs are headquartered in 2 Harbors MN and the military contracts USA built. Stop in they have a good outlet. Both makes are very good. Enough said?

butthead
 
02/17/2021 05:37PM  
unshavenman: "Granite Gear packs are made in Vietnam.
CCS packs are made by Dan Cooke in his basement in Lino Lakes, MN.
Cooke Custom Sewing is a sponsor here.
Nuff said.
"


+1
Love all my CCS gear
 
02/17/2021 05:40PM  
butthead: "
unshavenman: "Granite Gear packs are made in Vietnam.
CCS packs are made by Dan Cooke in his basement in Lino Lakes, MN.
Cooke Custom Sewing is a sponsor here.
Nuff said.
"



True to a point. GG packs are headquartered in 2 Harbors MN and the military contracts USA built. Stop in they have a good outlet. Both makes are very good. Enough said?


butthead"


Also agreed, can't be upset with a company for growing and outsourcing. But I'd still go CCS
 
cyclones30
distinguished member(4163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
02/17/2021 07:07PM  
I have both sitting in my basement right now. I have a youtube channel but....anyway.

I like the CCS but they're pretty similar. I take both on trips because I don't have enough CCS packs so the GG come along to pick up the slack.

I agree w/ the zippered top flap....I put all kinds of quick to find stuff in there that otherwise I'd be digging for. Custom colors...you can talk to Dan himself. He'll post on here occasionally if you ask a tough question. I like the Pioneer size myself...if I had the guide I'd be too tempted to fill it and not be able to lift it.
 
02/17/2021 07:47PM  
Can’t go wrong with either. I have both I like my CCS ones better, but they are both great.

T
 
thlipsis29
distinguished member(1260)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/18/2021 07:24AM  
I have owned both. Now I only own CCS. Better construction, design and materials. GG is solid, and I would buy it again if I had no other choice. But what sold me most on CCS is Dan's customer service and personal touch. It is second to none. And I will gladly support a local small business.
 
02/18/2021 08:16AM  
CCS. I have the Pioneer and it is large enough that I would not want the Guide. Maybe if you were trying to pack the clothes, sleeping gear and tents for a group of 6 while others took the tent poles, cooking gear and other heavier items in a smaller pack then the Guide might make sense. I just know that my pack can carry more than I can so I don't see a reason why anyone would want anything larger.
 
02/18/2021 08:53AM  
I have two GG and two CCS. CCS wins hands down in comfort (fit me better), durability, design (lift straps abound) and quality of material and construction. I think CCS and Kondos are top quality design and construction. I have had the GG packs repaired often (at Kondos no less)- the CCS and Kondos rarely if ever.

I have both the Guide and the Superior One. The Superior One harness is so large as to be a bit of a joke- The shoulder straps will not remain in place without me using the sternum strap because the harness is so wide (I'm not a small person at 6' 185# and 46" chest).
 
schweady
distinguished member(8071)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
02/18/2021 12:57PM  
After years of Duluth Packs, we got two CCS Pioneer packs last year. Will probably get a third one, in short torso, for my wife. (For those who have carried both, does that make a big difference?)

Yes, they are over-the-top high quality.
 
02/18/2021 04:27PM  
The first pack I purchased was a GG superior 1. I’ve since purchased a CCS pioneer and a CCS Bushcrafter. The GG pack is a very sturdy and well made pack but the CCS packs just fit me better. They have become my go to packs.
 
campnfish
distinguished member (487)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/18/2021 05:37PM  
I have CCS and used the GG as well, i like others like the top zippered pouch of the CCS, i always have a hat, rain gear, water bottle and usually a small med kit in there. However, when the pack is full getting into that zipper isnt easy without unclipping a strap, one reason i love the old Camp Trails packs is the mesh area on the front of the pack, easy to stuff something into without opening a zipper. They come up from time to time on craigslist or here in the for sale.
Camp trails, not my photo but only one i had available.
 
gymcoachdon
distinguished member(599)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/18/2021 09:40PM  
My brother has the Superior One, I used one on my first solo trip (outfitted by Piragis), and it was about half full. I also used a CCS solo food pack on that trip, loaded with way too much food (thanks Piragis!) I have since purchased the CCS Pioneer.

As someone else stated, I can make my Pioneer heavier than I really want to carry. The GG Superior One is massive. It does seem to be well made, though, and I wouldn't hesitate to take it with me on a trip. I do think the CCS rides better, but how you pack it makes a big difference there as well, and my brother always packed it.

I think it comes down to price. I told my brother to buy the CCS, he saved about $75 by getting the GG over the CCS Guide. My Pioneer is much smaller, and is still about $45 more than the GG. I choose to buy the best I can afford, and cry once. I would absolutely pay the extra again, and have also purchased the Rucksack, a tarp, and thwart bag/map case from Dan. All still look new and perform perfectly 6 years down the road.
 
02/18/2021 10:49PM  
I have a couple of GG packs (Quetico and Superior One) and one CCS pack. In all honesty, I like both companies. The packs are great quality. Mine have all stood the test of time. However, I’m in the minority here in that I prefer GG’s packs. They seem to fit me better and I really like the closure system and comfort. I should also mention that my GG packs are both older models as they are made with a different type of nylon then I’ve seen on the newer GG packs (I think it’s a heavier grade of material). I don’t think you can go wrong with either. They are made for canoe country use and abuse. Look for them used and at garage sales this spring. I got my GG Quetico and a GG Thwart Bag at a garage sale for $30 total. I got my GG Superior One off Craigslist for $40. Those are both steal of a deals, but you might get lucky too. I got my CCS Pioneer off Craigslist as well, but paid $120 for it. Good luck and know that what you buy will last a lifetime’s worth of trips if you go with one of these brands.
 
02/19/2021 06:12AM  
Both are high quality. At one time in the 80s I would have said GG But there's a lot to be said about CCS. Being made local in Minnesota, you can actually have a conversation with the man who has a hand in making your pack. For me it shows in the packs and edges out GG. Dan is a very knowelable person not just about packs but, paddling as well.
 
user0317
distinguished member (380)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/19/2021 08:08AM  
Here is another option. Great packs:
Ostrom
 
jfinn
distinguished member (256)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/19/2021 08:28AM  


2-The CCS packs have grab-loop handles all over the place. Instead of lifting the packs by the shoulder straps and hipbelt, you can grab the pack with well-placed loops of webbing.
Pete"

I'll try to stress how great these handles are with a little set up. I have a few CC packs including a guide(rarely used-just way way way too big). I solo or typically trip with one of my daughters and always wet foot. Helping a little girl out of a canoe I would often be in deeper than usual water. Grabbing her rucksack from CCS and handing it too her and then grabbing and shouldering my pack while holding onto a canoe, I have often been very happy to have those easy grab handles. Could I use the shoulder strap, sure but then I am at the mercy of the weight distribution and balance with the pack in the center of the canoe and if you have grabbed a full pack that is two feet away from your torso at waist height by the shoulder straps you know what I mean. With the grab handles you can pull the pack to the side if needed and easy pick it up safely.

And as others say, you will want his whole lineup, without regret because it is all quality.

John
 
EddyTurn
distinguished member (259)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/19/2021 08:51AM  
I have no experience with CCS, but own few different GG packs and never been anything but happy with every one of them. My two GG Superior packs have seen combined well over 200 days of heavy use (average load is 60+ lbs per pack) and never required any other maintenance, but cleaning. In my opinion it's quite impressive. Half of this time they were single-carried, with a not-so-ultralight canoe on top of them. And yes, each of them have 3 grab loops - 2 by the sides and one in the back.
 
02/19/2021 10:23AM  
user0317: "Here is another option. Great packs:
Ostrom "

Holy crap, Ostrom Outdoors is back in the business of making packs again? Back in the day Ostrom Packs were gold standard. I bought a used Wabakimi pack and while it's heavier than my CCS Pioneer pack it is absolutely bomb proof and way overbuilt (thus the price). I was sad to see him move onto other endeavors. If he's doing packs again and they are still made in Canada I assume the quality will be the same....
 
DanCooke
distinguished member(1271)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
02/19/2021 10:47AM  
CCS packs have have four grab loops - one on each side and one above the shoulder strap attachment and one below the hip belt sleeve. I believe CCS is the only pack maker to have the fourth grab loop.

Just an FYI... check availability of what you are looking for. Many items used in camping have been backordered from overseas since September of last year. I have heard shipping and dock issues have impacted many, many things. From what I hear, canoe companies are taking orders for the fall of 2021.
 
02/19/2021 11:13AM  
Dan is the best. His packs have that personal touch feel to them. It makes a big difference and you can tell that he actually cares about making a quality product instead of his profit margin. The extra handles, zippered top flap, the way the side straps can be used to hold gear combined with the pocket on the bottom that even includes a riveted drain hole. The attention to detail is amazing. A company that only cared about profit would eliminate many of these "extras" to decrease labor and material costs. You can tell that Dan Cooke loves his job and that is the type of business that I want to support.
 
IowaFishinGuy
senior member (81)senior membersenior member
  
02/27/2021 12:28PM  
I have the GG Quetico, purchased last year, and am very happy with it after 2 trips. Not a lot of usage to review, but it’s good. The only reason I chose it over a CCS pack was that I have an REI credit card, and used my dividend and rewards points on top of their 20% off sale to buy it, otherwise I would have gotten a CCS. Maybe Dan should look at getting into the credit card business, and I’d use all my rewards points on new CCS gear. With that being said, I will be purchasing a CCS Rucksack this year to be my day pack
 
BAWaters
distinguished member (123)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/01/2021 06:40PM  
Got a deal on my GG Superior and Quetico packs last year, and love how comfortable they are. I've read and heard nothing but good things about CCS packs though.
 
Oldtown13
distinguished member (153)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/07/2021 09:18PM  
I've never had GG. I have one pack (Pioneer), tarp, and a few other accessories from CCS. They are top quality backed by excellent customer service direct from the man that makes them in MN. That means a lot to me. Support a "local" business and sponsor. You will not be disappointed.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
Gear Sponsor:
Fishell Paddles