I was gifted a blue barrel for the BWCA but without a harness. I’d like to get a harness. Which one would you recommend?

I currently have a North 49 barrel pack. I don't highly recommend this brand. Have used on several trips but the stitching is coming apart at the waist and shoulder straps which has required some Macgyvering with paracord to keep it together. I assume this is the reason it is significantly cheaper than some of the leading brands out there.

The CCS barrel packs are pretty great!

The CCS harnesses are fantastic. You can use it without a barrel if you want as well. It also has several exterior pockets for emergency kits, fuel, water bottles, etc. I have never owned a CCS product that wasn't amazing.

I use a North Water harness on a 60 L barrel. It works fine. That said, I haven’t used other brands and can’t say if they are better, worse or about the same.

OMGitsKa: "The CCS barrel packs are pretty great! "

I’ve hear nothing but the best about CCS. I want to try them for this barrel harness and their tarps. I just wish they were a bit cheaper.

I've admired the Granite Gear Vapor Flatbed Barrel Harness although I've never used one. The construction of the harness looks similar to that on the Granite Gear Superior One portage pack that I've used for many years. I see that the barrel harness is on sale for $126 on the Granite Gear website.

Ugh... the dreaded blue barrel. Our group is ready to gift ours as well. It came on one trip and the instigator didn't want to carry it. And no one else wanted to lift it. Too easy to make the barrel too heavy.

We love our barrel and the CCS harness. Good luck!

bobbernumber3: "Ugh... the dreaded blue barrel. Our group is ready to gift ours as well. It came on one trip and the instigator didn't want to carry it. And no one else wanted to lift it. Too easy to make the barrel too heavy."

What are you going with in the future?

Lawnchair107: "

bobbernumber3: "Ugh... the dreaded blue barrel. Our group is ready to gift ours as well. It came on one trip and the instigator didn't want to carry it. And no one else wanted to lift it. Too easy to make the barrel too heavy."

What are you going with in the future?"

Well, we have settled in with 5 gallon buckets. They are clunky to portage, especially for shorter guys. But they are not too heavy and work for chairs, water hauling, and food storage.

CCS Barrel Pack here as well. I didn’t get the one with side pockets, it costs less and is easier in & out of the canoe (and bushes).

I have a Granite Gear barrel harness, however if I ever upgrade, I'll go with the CCS barrel pack.

Can’t beat my CCS 60 L with pockets. Great quality and priced right if you trip as much as I do.

+1 for CCS, as mentioned the additional storage comes in handy for this chronic over packer.