Assumptions:
1. Pack will be used for 20+ trips
2. I already own 5 x 115L Seal line bags, plenty of smaller dry bags as well as a 60L blue barrel w/ harness
3. Will be used by fit person (no issue with 115L vs 70L)
4. Want to be PROPERLY equipped for 8 person/4 canoe trip
5. I'm a value shopper (no more shoestring budget) but, if the unanimous consensus is to go with $300+ bags, I might not add the extra bags all at once.
6. 4 night trips right now because lots of small kids between the guys but hope to get back to 10 night trips in the next 5 years or so
7. On a gear volume scale of 1 to 10 (1 = doesn't wear underwear to shed an ounce, 10 = brings own skipping stones from home), I'd say we are a 6.

What has worked for you guys and why would you recommend? Do you value durability over weight/performance?

Also curious to know if you or someone you know has capsized and how the bag held up?

WHY THIS POST IS DIFFERENT than others I've read on the subject of pack selection...

Ultimately, I'm hoping someone who's used a Seal Line for a very long period of time could speak to long-term value and, in the context of a 20 year plan, he or she would lean heavily in the direction 'true dry bag' or 'Duluth-style'?

I highly, highly recommend the search button at the top of the screen. You’ll get this topic discussed at great depth.

For a 4-person, 4-day trip, we use 2 Sealline 115L and a small pack basket that holds the cooking gear (pots, stove, hatchet, first aid) and my husband's extra clothing layers (he is a freezy bug). Our food is included in those Sealline packs. Are you thinking your 5 Sealline packs won't be enough space for your group? Do you also carry a separate food pack/barrel or is food distributed in the regular packs?

Lawnchair107: "I highly, highly recommend the search button at the top of the screen. You’ll get this topic discussed at great depth."

+1 and then some.

If you own five 115L SealLine bags and 60L blue barrel, maybe it's time to tell the other 7 guys they need to step up and supply any additional packs, either by purchasing or renting them.

My main tripping partner and I share a Granite Gear Superior One (90L without the extension) and a Kondos 77 food pack (77L) for 10 days. The food pack has been more than sufficient for 3 guys for a week. A couple of small day packs rounds out our kit. It seems to me that you already have more than enough pack volume for 8 guys for a week.

We've never tipped with the packs in the canoe because we paddle within our limits, portage around rapids, mind the wind and weather, don't overload the canoe, don't stand up in the canoe, stay centered in the canoe, and know how to employ bracing strokes. If we were to capsize, I have confidence in our packing system that our stuff would stay mostly dry.

CCS and granite gear both make great packs that aren't overly heavy. Regarding being a value shopper...my suggestion is to just buy the good stuff, because you'll eventually buy it anyways.

First off, I love your detailed description of what you are looking for - especially the skipping underwear vs skipping stones part.

Though there are a few exceptions, most of us are limited to commenting on a few brands because that’s all we have used. For me, I started canoe tripping with Duluth Packs. When my oldest one wore out a few years ago I got my first CCS pack to replace it. I found it to be cheaper, lighter, more functional, and more comfortable to carry, and I suspect just as or more durable. I quickly retired my other fully functional Duluth Pack for another CCS pack. And if you are near MPLS in the spring for the Midwest Mountaineering event or Canooacpoia, you might be able to snag one for 20% off.

I’m sure there are other good brands like Granite or Kondos to consider. There are also some much lighter packs for those who want to single portage, but that’s sort of a specialty thing in my opinion.

My two cents....

I own several packs that I let my companions use...I do most of the gear outfitting for the groups that I go with. By far the preferred packs are the Granite Gear Quetico or CCS Pioneer, hands down. My buddies ask to use those the next time or they end up buying one of those for themselves. I'm sure the Kondos equivalents are equally as good. Most of my companions find the larger packs like a traditional #4 pack, a CCS Guide, or GG Superior One are simply too big...and unnecessary. They promote bringing more stuff than you need and carrying a heavier load, in my opinion. Also, these larger packs tend to be wider, not taller, which can lead to center of gravity/balance stability issues (i.e. more tipping) and canoe loading/unloading problems, especially nearing the end of a long day. For the most part, I've personally moved away from using the canoe packs I mentioned above and my preferred pack for the last few years is a GG Blaze A.C. 60. It's plenty big for me on a 7 day trip.

When we go as a group of 4 each person has their own pack and we have 1 food pack (goes in one canoe) and one community gear pack (goes in the other canoe). Total of three packs in each canoe.

doubledown: "Assumptions:
1. Pack will be used for 20+ trips
2. I already own 5 x 115L Seal line bags, plenty of smaller dry bags as well as a 60L blue barrel w/ harness
3. Will be used by fit person (no issue with 115L vs 70L)
4. Want to be PROPERLY equipped for 8 person/4 canoe trip
5. I'm a value shopper (no more shoestring budget) but, if the unanimous consensus is to go with $300+ bags, I might not add the extra bags all at once.
6. 4 night trips right now because lots of small kids between the guys but hope to get back to 10 night trips in the next 5 years or so
7. On a gear volume scale of 1 to 10 (1 = doesn't wear underwear to shed an ounce, 10 = brings own skipping stones from home), I'd say we are a 6.

What has worked for you guys and why would you recommend? Do you value durability over weight/performance?

Also curious to know if you've tipped w/ the bag and how that went?
"

I fall into the category of "little-experience-with-broad-range-of-portage-pack-options". I used to backpack a lot more and I also do backcountry wilderness hunts in the mountains out west. So my experience is with traditional backpacks and meat/gear haulers for hunting. The only portage pack I own has been awesome for canoe tripping. Looks like it is on sale for under $190 which seems like a good deal. You might like the 120-liter capacity as well given the amount of gear you are talking about.

I line it with a thick black garbage back, have never tipped, but have watched it roll off a beaver dam and into the pond for 20 minutes until we could get it out - everything stayed dry and it floated just fine. If packed properly, it lays down and doesn't catch wind. It adapts to fit just about everything and has held up extremely well to some pretty tough use. The straps are adjustable enough so they fit me (6'2" and 220) and my daughters (5'4"ish and petite). Would definitely buy again except the two I have are all I need and seem set to last a long time.

I also agree the search feature will yield LOTS of great discussion and perspective...it's how I found the pack above several years ago. :)

Wait...you're still taking your 5 dry bags and a food barrel? Plus these "packs" you plan to buy? Or the dry bags are getting replaced by these new portage packs?

As mentioned CCS makes great packs, they're expensive but probably the best. I have.....4(?) now and have used old duluth packs and GG and others but these will be mine for good now. Don't be afraid of used packs, there isn't much you can do to hurt the good ones. Outfitters will sell used ones too as well as people here and elsewhere selling their own.

As for asking what happens if one is in the water....we've always put a contractor grade trash bag inside each as a liner. If it ends up in the water it floats and your stuff stays dry unless it's bobbing in a hurricane for an hour then things might get damp if your contractor bag isn't closed well. When closing the pack up for a travel day we usually either twist the top of the plastic bag and hold w/ rubber band or just fold the excess back down the side of the pack and it holds just fine.

Lawnchair107: "I highly, highly recommend the search button at the top of the screen. You’ll get this topic discussed at great depth."

Ok so obviously I did exactly that...c'mon man. I was curious about the value part, specifically the value of something like a Seal Line vs a Duluth pack over a 20 years period. I've used them both and I'm familiar their functionality and I'm familiar w/ Duluth's durability and warranty. I was hoping someone who's used a Seal Line for a long period of time could speak to long-term value and, in the context of a 20 year plan, he or she would lean heavily in one direction.

Ausable: "

Lawnchair107: "I highly, highly recommend the search button at the top of the screen. You’ll get this topic discussed at great depth."

+1 and then some.


If you own five 115L SealLine bags and 60L blue barrel, maybe it's time to tell the other 7 guys they need to step up and supply any additional packs, either by purchasing or renting them.


My main tripping partner and I share a Granite Gear Superior One (90L without the extension) and a Kondos 77 food pack (77L) for 10 days. The food pack has been more than sufficient for 3 guys for a week. A couple of small day packs rounds out our kit. It seems to me that you already have more than enough pack volume for 8 guys for a week.

We've never tipped with the packs in the canoe because we paddle within our limits, portage around rapids, mind the wind and weather, don't overload the canoe, don't stand up in the canoe, stay centered in the canoe, and know how to employ bracing strokes. If we were to capsize, I have confidence in our packing system that our stuff would stay mostly dry."

The group make up changes and the question was about the gear, not the equitability of the financing. I have and will continue to take new paddlers so tipping is a reality to think about. I've been paddling over 25 years and a skilled paddler plans for a capsize, despite the rarity. Congrats on not tipping though...please don't throw your shoulder out patting yourself on the back.

doubledown: "

Lawnchair107: "I highly, highly recommend the search button at the top of the screen. You’ll get this topic discussed at great depth."

Ok so obviously I did exactly that...c'mon man. I was curious about the value part, specifically the value of something like a Seal Line vs a Duluth pack over a 20 years period. I've used them both and I'm familiar their functionality and I'm familiar w/ Duluth's durability and warranty. I was hoping someone who's used a Seal Line for a long period of time could speak to long-term value and, in the context of a 20 year plan, he or she would lean heavily in one direction. "

Sounds good. I would recommend putting your response to me into your question so others down the road can search and find similar answers.

Speckled: "CCS and granite gear both make great packs that aren't overly heavy. Regarding being a value shopper...my suggestion is to just buy the good stuff, because you'll eventually buy it anyways."

Good answer and was thinking of moving away from the true dry bag style for the last couple of bags...just seem a lot tough and a better solution for the gear that isn't mission-critical to stay dry. Thanks for the input!

YetiJedi: "

doubledown: "Assumptions:
1. Pack will be used for 20+ trips
2. I already own 5 x 115L Seal line bags, plenty of smaller dry bags as well as a 60L blue barrel w/ harness
3. Will be used by fit person (no issue with 115L vs 70L)
4. Want to be PROPERLY equipped for 8 person/4 canoe trip
5. I'm a value shopper (no more shoestring budget) but, if the unanimous consensus is to go with $300+ bags, I might not add the extra bags all at once.
6. 4 night trips right now because lots of small kids between the guys but hope to get back to 10 night trips in the next 5 years or so
7. On a gear volume scale of 1 to 10 (1 = doesn't wear underwear to shed an ounce, 10 = brings own skipping stones from home), I'd say we are a 6.


What has worked for you guys and why would you recommend? Do you value durability over weight/performance?


Also curious to know if you've tipped w/ the bag and how that went?
"

I fall into the category of "little-experience-with-broad-range-of-portage-pack-options". I used to backpack a lot more and I also do backcountry wilderness hunts in the mountains out west. So my experience is with traditional backpacks and meat/gear haulers for hunting. The only portage pack I own has been awesome for canoe tripping. Looks like it is on sale for under $190 which seems like a good deal. You might like the 120-liter capacity as well given the amount of gear you are talking about.


I line it with a thick black garbage back, have never tipped, but have watched it roll off a beaver dam and into the pond for 20 minutes until we could get it out - everything stayed dry and it floated just fine. If packed properly, it lays down and doesn't catch wind. It adapts to fit just about everything and has held up extremely well to some pretty tough use. The straps are adjustable enough so they fit me (6'2" and 220) and my daughters (5'4"ish and petite). Would definitely buy again except the two I have are all I need and seem set to last a long time.


I also agree the search feature will yield LOTS of great discussion and perspective...it's how I found the pack above several years ago. :)"

Appreciate the link add. Yeah, that's a nice bag. We linked Duluth packs w/ liners for years so I'm comfortable with how effective and simple that solution is. Thanks

Lawnchair107: "

doubledown: "

Lawnchair107: "I highly, highly recommend the search button at the top of the screen. You’ll get this topic discussed at great depth."

Ok so obviously I did exactly that...c'mon man. I was curious about the value part, specifically the value of something like a Seal Line vs a Duluth pack over a 20 years period. I've used them both and I'm familiar their functionality and I'm familiar w/ Duluth's durability and warranty. I was hoping someone who's used a Seal Line for a long period of time could speak to long-term value and, in the context of a 20 year plan, he or she would lean heavily in one direction. "

Sounds good. I would recommend putting your response to me into your question so others down the road can search and find similar answers."

Solid point.

doubledown: "

Ausable: "

Lawnchair107: "I highly, highly recommend the search button at the top of the screen. You’ll get this topic discussed at great depth."

+1 and then some.



If you own five 115L SealLine bags and 60L blue barrel, maybe it's time to tell the other 7 guys they need to step up and supply any additional packs, either by purchasing or renting them.



My main tripping partner and I share a Granite Gear Superior One (90L without the extension) and a Kondos 77 food pack (77L) for 10 days. The food pack has been more than sufficient for 3 guys for a week. A couple of small day packs rounds out our kit. It seems to me that you already have more than enough pack volume for 8 guys for a week.


We've never tipped with the packs in the canoe because we paddle within our limits, portage around rapids, mind the wind and weather, don't overload the canoe, don't stand up in the canoe, stay centered in the canoe, and know how to employ bracing strokes. If we were to capsize, I have confidence in our packing system that our stuff would stay mostly dry."

The group make up changes and the question was about the gear, not the equitability of the financing. I have and will continue to take new paddlers so tipping is a reality to think about. I've been paddling over 25 years and a skilled paddler plans for a capsize, despite the rarity. Congrats on not tipping though...please don't throw your shoulder out patting yourself on the back. "

Until I read this exchange I thought your tipping comment was about tipping over with a pack on a portage/land (hahaha)...which does happen and can cause an injury and slow everyone down, and much more likely in my opinion.

Personally, I've never been on a trip where we tipped a canoe in 20+ years but I've seen it happen to others. My observations is it usually occurs because they aren't paying attention around current around falls, take unnecessary risks, and/or they are simply inexperienced. I guess we have been lucky (I hope I haven't jinxed myself now). If the canoe dumps, the standard canoe packs/bags are easily recovered, they float long plenty enough to get to them, with or without a plastic liner. I've dropped a bag in the water loading or unloading the boat many a time and typically nothing gets really gets wet (clothes and sleeping bag in dry sacks inside the pack, obviously). The bigger risk if the canoe tips is losing rods/tackle box and other gear that isn't in a pack, for one reason or another.

In terms of lasting: One of our Sealline packs was purchased as a blemish. It is 30 years old so it isn't as thick a material as our newer one. But even so, it is still going on trips with us. It has a couple slight abrasion points so if I pack a down sleeping bag in it, I put the bag in a drybag stuff sack.

plander: "

doubledown: "

Ausable: "

Lawnchair107: "I highly, highly recommend the search button at the top of the screen. You’ll get this topic discussed at great depth."

+1 and then some.



If you own five 115L SealLine bags and 60L blue barrel, maybe it's time to tell the other 7 guys they need to step up and supply any additional packs, either by purchasing or renting them.



My main tripping partner and I share a Granite Gear Superior One (90L without the extension) and a Kondos 77 food pack (77L) for 10 days. The food pack has been more than sufficient for 3 guys for a week. A couple of small day packs rounds out our kit. It seems to me that you already have more than enough pack volume for 8 guys for a week.



We've never tipped with the packs in the canoe because we paddle within our limits, portage around rapids, mind the wind and weather, don't overload the canoe, don't stand up in the canoe, stay centered in the canoe, and know how to employ bracing strokes. If we were to capsize, I have confidence in our packing system that our stuff would stay mostly dry."

The group make up changes and the question was about the gear, not the equitability of the financing. I have and will continue to take new paddlers so tipping is a reality to think about. I've been paddling over 25 years and a skilled paddler plans for a capsize, despite the rarity. Congrats on not tipping though...please don't throw your shoulder out patting yourself on the back. "

Until I read this exchange I thought your tipping comment was about tipping over with a pack on a portage/land (hahaha)...which does happen and can cause an injury and slow everyone down, and much more likely in my opinion.


Personally, I've never been on a trip where we tipped a canoe in 20+ years but I've seen it happen to others. My observations is it usually occurs because they aren't paying attention around current around falls, take unnecessary risks, and/or they are simply inexperienced. I guess we have been lucky (I hope I haven't jinxed myself now). If the canoe dumps, the standard canoe packs/bags are easily recovered, they float long plenty enough to get to them, with or without a plastic liner. I've dropped a bag in the water loading or unloading the boat many a time and typically nothing gets really gets wet (clothes and sleeping bag in dry sacks inside the pack, obviously). The bigger risk if the canoe tips is losing rods/tackle box and other gear that isn't in a pack, for one reason or another. "

I've never seen your initial interpretation play out but I can see that easily happening and am wondering how it's never happened on one of my outings.

Yeah, inexperienced paddlers coupled with 50 lb canoes has produced a couple of flips over the years on my crews. Fortunately, none of them were a big deal as everyone wears their pfd and we don't let gear get loose. Honestly, the fact that everyone was prepared for a flip made the whole thing more of a (good/funny) memory builder than anything for those folks.
I know a lot of folks go with the exact same group or partner every year. I try to get new folks up there but that brings with it inherent risks. There are a lot of versions of learning the hard way, but I've never seen one so pronounced as my buddy who completely over-muscled (and missed) a hook set in the middle of Perent Lake and flipped the boat. The guy is a very accomplished muskie fisherman and knows how to handle a canoe so not a rookie by any means...he just hadn't done both at the same time for a while.
Runner up story is when two buddies pulled their canoe up to a boulder so one guy could jump off and take a piss. The other guy was just hanging out in the back of the canoe waiting when (as the story goes) a mutantly big spider came down from a tree right in front of him. He's deathly afraid of spiders and freaked out and flipped the boat. Luckily, they were in a foot of water, but it's just one of those scenarios you can't make up.
I've never flipped a canoe on accident myself but, despite how conservatively I paddle, I know there are things that mother nature can throw that easily flip a canoe.

And for the record, good friends never let good friends live down flipping a canoe...ever.

Two 30’s on a frame pack…you could also just stack/lash dry bags on it if you don’t like barrels.

iCallitMaize: " "

Very cool idea. Never seen that before but it seems easy enough and looks pretty bombproof.

I have 3 places I've bought packs:
CCS (mentioned previously, so will not discuss)
Boundary Waters Journal packs (including the food packs)
Both local companies.
One of my friends has a Granite Gear pack, but it's too big, we always end up leaving it behind - to fill it up is to make it either too heavy or unwieldy. Probably not a Granite Gear issue, but more of a "pack too big" issue.

Last year I ended up buying one of these packs:
https://recreationalbarrelworks.com/product/expedition-canoe-pack/
I really liked it, mostly due to the many lifting loops etc that make placement and removal of packs in the canoe easy - very solidly built too - and priced quite competitively.

We always double portage and my general scheme is this:
# people * 2 = # of total trips to carry gear across postage
Subtract # of canoes and that's how many "big" packs.
Using that process, I've never needed to utilize the huge packs, just the more medium-sized portage packs. I usually have a range of capable adults down to early teen-agers and find that packs in the 5000-6000 range work. If it's a weaker, younger kid: smaller pack with clothing. Burly adult gets the food pack on Day 1 or the utility pack with the big tent in the bottom.

Oh, and the dry-bag vs duluth pack. I just use contractor bags inside all my big packs. Then tend to last a year or 2 - and if they get punctured, I don't feel too bad tossing it.

Hopefully someone chimes in on the long term durability of Sealine. I only have opinions… I just don’t think anything will stay waterproof for a really long time. It gets damaged, wears out… it just happens, then you just have a pack. Might as well get the best, most comfortable pack you can and just use a liner. I wish I had real experience to share.

I have personal experience through owning and renting with CCS, GG, and Kondos. All of their hybrid packs with suspension straps are great. My all-time favorite is the GG Nimbus canoe pack, but that is no longer made—-that’s my wife’s pack. :)

Currently CCS just seems to “fit” better than the others, but as I said, they are all good. I can attest that these packs will last!

T

Two year old post, I know.
I got an older Sealine Boundary Pack 70L last year and it seems like a perfect size for what I do. Two people, 4-5 nights, not to many piratages. It's extremely heavy-duty. Also, this is basically Zodiak boat material so patching any abrasions or holes is very do-able and pretty easy. Likewise, attaching D-rings and big lifting handles to suit your needs is also easy. Any fastending of D-ring patches and stuff like that. One word: Aquaseal FD+, toothpaste tube plus the little bottle of catalyst. The bond is BOMBRPOOF and waterproof and will take a great deal of strain. Stay the heck aways from the KT-66 glue recommendations. It's not good.

I have had Sealine BajaBags for 30 years and still going strong. Durability is excellent and I don't have to deal with garbage bags every time it's opened or closed.

Heard about these, did some research and pulled the trigger. I have used it on two trips so far and am very happy with it. Solid construction and materials, good design, like the zipper pockets. Cinches down tight. Very comfortable to carry too with nice padded straps, waist belt and chest strap. One of the outfitters has a video in which they go over the pack so you can see it a little better.

Sometimes I just like to have something a little different from the masses. In this case I think it worked out great.

Battle Lake Grand Portage pack

Made in MN!!

I couldn’t really be more pleased with my Frost River packs. I own three & used them for 4-5 months last year. Used them again for eight weeks so far this year. They are no worse for wear, even the kitchen pack which was exposed to weather most of the time (in shade most of the time at camp). They can be ‘rewaterproofed’ as they are waxed canvas though mine don’t need it yet. I line mine with Piragis large roll top liners though I’ve only gotten water in the kitchen pack twice in all that time, once in a side-pocket because zipper was exposed/cover flap wasn’t aligned & a couple of weeks ago a trivial amount of water got into the main section following a driving rain storm which topped several dead trees about the campsite. I love them.

Got one of the CCS packs this year (not the guide though still big). It seems to be quality construction & is well designed though I think at the end of the day I prefer the simple Frost River packs even though the CCS pack is superbly built.

Army issue duffle bags still go with me every trip. I’ve yet to find a better food pack that I don’t feel bad hanging from its straps. They are also fairly waterproof, though I line them with large trash bags to be sure.

timatkn: "Hopefully someone chimes in on the long term durability of Sealine. I only have opinions… I just don’t think anything will stay waterproof for a really long time. It gets damaged, wears out… it just happens, then you just have a pack. Might as well get the best, most comfortable pack you can and just use a liner. I wish I had real experience to share.

I have a SealLine Boundary 115 that is about 25 years old. It hasn't seen much portaging or other abuse but it has been used at least a couple times each year and is still in fine shape. Nothing has ever gotten wet in bad weather. I have never dunked it but I can't imagine it would fare worse than a twist-tied garbage bag liner. Bought a new one this past year and the harness improvements are nice. Also bought a Granite Gear Traditional #4 when it happened to be on sale. It works fine but the black color makes it very dark inside and I wish it had a pocket or two and some lashing points. It is easier to get things in and out since it isn't nearly as tall as the Boundary bags. I don't like futzing around with liners, though.

A few days ago I started getting ads for the RBW Expedition Pack and I have to say it looks more well thought out than many and at $119 seems like an incredible value.

CCS stuff looks great but I just wouldn't use it enough to justify the cost.

A few days ago I started getting ads for the RBW Expedition Pack and I have to say it looks more well thought out than many and at $119 seems like an incredible value.

CCS stuff looks great but I just wouldn't use it enough to justify the cost. "

RBW makes great, well thought out gear.

We have a mix of CCS and Kondos as well as a Seal Line 120 pro. I would not use a Seal Line other than the 120 Pro, it is by far the best of their packs for comfort as it has all the straps and padding of the others. All packs have been great and are very well built, overall I would say I like the Kondos packs the best, especially the Trailblazer with its 4 external pockets (large front pocket, two side pockets each hold 2 full size Nalgenes, and a huge top pocket in the top flap) and all the good stuff. Have punctured the Seal Line a couple of times, they need a bit of extra care. CCS Is very well built and all have a top pocket in the top flap. We put only stuff that we do not want wet in the dry bag and everything else in the standard packs as they are much tougher and easier to use.

I have used and owned more than my fair share. I do stick to American made packs only. For me supporting US businesses is important and the quality is without question better. Eliminates Granite fear for me and their fabric and design is not as good as CCS or Kondos. Started with Duluth pack they were good and certainly durable. Since they were bought out the prices have doubled but same pack. But they take forever to dry and lack some features. We have used and continue to use Sealline pro pack. But we are down to one and all the rest are CCS now. Dans packs are second to none and have handles where you need them and a clearly designed by a person that can understands what you need. We go daily light. For a group of four, CCS solo food pack, CCS Pioneer, and CCS rucksack for day gear. All camping gear (hammocks quilts tarps in a sealline propack. Seal line makes great packs but I think you need to stay light because they do not carry as well as a CCS but any stretch. But great for lightweight gear we still really like it.

I am interested in checking out Battlelake but I like to lay eyes on them first. And really I don’t need another pack but…