Thoughts? I feel like many people on here dig CCS but I have gathered that both are quality. I normally borrow or get packs from an outfitter but I am now in the market to purchase. Looking for a food pack and equipment pack. Thanks!

I own both. A Kondos Outfitter Special and a CCS Explorer. Each is great The fit is a bit different between the 2. You can't go wrong with either. I do like top flap zippered pocket on the CCS Explorer. Very handy

I have numerous CCS packs. I like the pocket in the top flap and the snorkel type cinch closure inside the top.

I've owned both and both are quality packs. I've simply opted for CCS also because of the snorkel cinch and the top flap pocket. I also like the greater color options which make it easier to distinguish between my pack (red), my son's (blue) and my daughter's (purple).

Both excellent, but what tips CCS my way is the top flap having a zippered compartment. I use it ALL the time. Great that I don't have to dig into my pack for important items I want readily available.


Two CCS Pioneer packs with gear for eight days.

What kind of food do you take? If all fresh food, then you probably want a totally insulated pack, and then I cannot offer advice because I have never taken much fresh food.

Because most of my food is freeze-dried or dehydrated, I bought a non-insulated Kondos 4700 food pack with a waist belt, sternum strap, and load lifters. I make a cardboard liner for it so that it will stand open, allowing me to work out of the pack without constantly wrestling with it every time I want food or equipment. Besides food, most of our hard equipment goes in the pack, including, on occasion, a tripod.

Either one but I'm a CCS person now. I still take other brands if I need to add more packs but like the color options, zippered pocket, etc that others have mentioned. It's easy to say something is in the red pack vs it's in one of those 3 very similar looking packs...not sure which one. And I use the zipper pocket a lot...the rest is all tucked into a contractor trash bag in the big pack and sealed w/ a big rubber band. No way I want to undo/redo all that just to get (insert small handy item here)

All the input is very helpful and the point in regards to color is something I did not give much thought to as far as organization is concerned. I can definitely see the benefit of the zippered pocket on the CCS. Thank you to all who shared insight based on their experience. Cheers and Here is to a good trip in 2021!

Happy Kondos owner here. Enough colors for me.

I have both the CCS Guide and the Kondos Outfitter Special. I like both of them very much. I had Kondos attach another lift strap near the hip belt (Like the CCS has). The Kondos pack fits better in my solo and might be a better fit for my back. They both have "snorkel" closures. The CCS pack has zippered pocket in flap, Kondos is under flap on back of pack. Both are well built by folks you can talk to. Can't really go wrong with either.

When I travel with a larger group (4 people) the CCS and the Kondos always cross first- everyone avoids the Granite Gear Superior One.

Right on. I’m not even considering Granite Gear. I may end up buying one of each knowing they are both good packs. Thank you for everyone’s input

I researched many brands before buying CCS packs. I like the attention to detail Dan puts into his packs. It's the little features that make the difference. And that's on top of the durability that Kondoa and Granite Gear also have. I feel there is little to no difference in durability. For me it comes down to those little features like grab loops and extra pouches. Plus, I like what I've seen of Dan Cooke. Local Minnesotan with a good attitude that cares about the hobby and the people that use his gear. Before those last details it is a toss up on which is better, but with the little features and supporting a good guy like Dan, that's why i buy CCS.

You bring up some very valid points. I use the same approach in my hometown when making choices such as these. I have gathered that Dan Cooke is well respected and that speaks for itself not to mention the quality product he produces. I will be making an order soon.

A1t2o: "I researched many brands before buying CCS packs. I like the attention to detail Dan puts into his packs. It's the little features that make the difference. And that's on top of the durability that Kondoa and Granite Gear also have. I feel there is little to no difference in durability. For me it comes down to those little features like grab loops and extra pouches. Plus, I like what I've seen of Dan Cooke. Local Minnesotan with a good attitude that cares about the hobby and the people that use his gear. Before those last details it is a toss up on which is better, but with the little features and supporting a good guy like Dan, that's why i buy CCS."

+1 - made the decision easy. Noting against the others for sure. CCS lives up to the reputation