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YaMarVa	05/29/2024 11:51AM   jsmithxc: "YaMarVa: "I'll continue to wear my ragged Duluth Pack hat into the BWCA, though I don't disagree with the sentiment in this thread. If you live long enough you realize time changes everything, but its still tough to see. " I wonder how many folks wishing for the good old days are paddling a kevlar canoe." Or posting from their cellphone. I used a Grumman until I was in my 30s, I never want to portage one of those again. Kevlar for the win.
Samsquatch	08/29/2025 10:30PM   I like canvas, leather, and wool. I know more modern materials and designs in outdoor gear might be better is some performance measures, but traditional gear has merit. Canvas packs are reported to resist abrasion from canoe country rocks and dry quicker, if I remember correctly. And I don’t think I’m going to break any brass buckles on my packs. I was in the Duluth Pack store this month. Yes, the prices did seem steep and clothing and gift displays seemed to dominate. There was also some really good camping gear tucked away in the corner, just not a big selection. I wonder if they do more sales in packs online than in their stores? I own a Frost River portage pack and it’s very nice. Their retail store is really cool to walk around.
MacCamper	08/29/2025 05:37PM   My 60 plus years old pair of DPs were retired long ago for today’s better options (I much prefer barrels).They rest on the bottom of my “bags””/packs” bin. I see used DPs come up on occasion and wonder why they sell as I can’t imagine using mine ever again, just like the really cool free standing two person tent my parents purchased in the early 1960’s which collects dust on the top shelf of my gear area. Why has Duluth Pack changed their merchandise and jacked up their prices? Supply, demand and capitalism. That said, it bummed me out when Gokeys closed their shutters. Now THERE was an outdoor store.
boonie	05/28/2024 10:43AM   Where's that store located in Duluth?
LukeMacGillie37	05/28/2024 11:04AM   Yes, it’s a disappointment. But Frost River is an akin to a pilgrimage to a holy site!!!
Traveler	05/28/2024 10:19AM   I was up on the north shore last week and stopped in to the Duluth Pack store. Years ago I used to love that store and could easily spend an hour there just looking at packs, paddles, axes and such. This trip I walked in and thought I was in the wrong place. Standing inside the door I could not even see a pack or a paddle or a canoe. Looked like lots of high-priced clothes. Should have been in the Mall of America. The camping section looked like it was about 10' square, I didn't even walk over there. I walked around for 5 minutes, found a six-hundred dollar traditional canvas pack, and walked out. I don't plan to ever come back. Bummer.
Freeleo1	08/29/2025 11:37PM   Portage North (Kondos) still had a store in Ely the last time we went. I think they do most of the work there. They also have SunDog gear for dogs. We have several of their packs and they've lasted well. I never understood Duluth Packs. I know they are iconic, but the weight was so much heavier it didn't make sense.
BlakeDeadly	05/28/2024 10:32AM   I can't speak much to the disappointment because I haven't ever been in that store. However, are you in need of a pack? I grabbed a few packs from Cooke Custom Sewing about 4 years ago - Hybrid Pack (Guide), Bushcrafter Rucksack, and the Deluxe Food Pack. The quality is amazing and the price is really good. The Guide size Hybrid Pack is huge and I've loaded the thing with about 70-80lbs of gear for every trip and beat the hell out of it. Still, it cleans up really nice and shows no signs of wear to the straps. Dan makes great packs so I would suggest that if you do need a pack. Sorry to hear about the store though.
Pinetree	09/05/2025 10:22AM   Love the old original Granite Gear bags.
Minnesotian	05/28/2024 10:41AM   Most outdoor stores have pivoted to a clothing store. They are following the REI model. And the way that REI is being administered lately, they might be going down the route of becoming like Mountain Equipment Company in Canada, a shell of its former self. If you want quality made outdoor gear, start supporting your cottage companies like Cooke Custom Sewing, Durston Gear, Paria Outdoor Products, Sanborn Canoe, just to name a few.
Traveler	05/28/2024 11:30AM   I'm not really in the market for more gear - just enjoy being in an outfitter type of environment. Mostly good memories for me. Duluth Pack, by the way, is in Canal Park area. I too have enjoyed Frost River stuff but I just didn't have time this trip.
LindenTree	05/30/2024 05:05PM   I love Frost River but I will give Duluth Pack one Kudo, they are dog friendly, have dog water bowls inside and the staff hands out dog treats. I go inside just for that when I hike Canal Park with the pups.
LindenTree	09/03/2025 04:08PM   OgimaaBines: "LukeMacGillie37: "Yes, it’s a disappointment. But Frost River is an akin to a pilgrimage to a holy site!!!" Agreed. Those packs are primo and tough as hell. Almost an heirloom quality price point however, but the store is fun as Duluth Pack used to be. " Frost River also has a van that they use to shuttle volunteers for free into the BWCA for things like clearing the Pow Wow hiking trail and other activities.
OgimaaBines	09/03/2025 10:09AM   LukeMacGillie37: "Yes, it’s a disappointment. But Frost River is an akin to a pilgrimage to a holy site!!!" Agreed. Those packs are primo and tough as hell. Almost an heirloom quality price point however, but the store is fun as Duluth Pack used to be.
KawnipiKid	05/30/2024 06:56PM   I think that Amazon and the like have contributed to this issue a lot. REI still has lots of equipment but it's not always in the store. If you want a specific tent or stove or lots of other gear, you order it and it comes to the store or your home. I've not given up on REI but I have long given up on Duluth Pack and most all of Canal Park. I will say that Duluth's Trailfitters in the Fitgers complex has a wide variety of good gear in addition to clothes. In the pandemic, they had MSR fuel canisters when everyone else was out. Last month, I was passing through town and asked about an MSR Dragonfly stove maintenance kit (there were none on the shelves). The clerk went in the back and came out with both the annual and expedition maintenance kits in hand to pick from in stock. I was happy to buy it from a local store instead of online. The more we buy local in the store, the more incentive they have to meet the need.
Ahahn366	05/28/2024 12:42PM   I, too, have been disappointed with Duluth packs. When I first moved up north the first things I purchased were a Minnesota three and two Duluth packs. I've had multiple failures of rivets and it seems like every time I take one of those packs up to the BW anymore I have another one fail. Anyhow I have learned through this forum of the cook custom sewing gear and have purchased a pioneer and a rucksack of which I have abused and had no failures. Oh well I guess they'll just be relegated to car camping duffels
deepdish71	05/28/2024 01:05PM   boonie: "Where's that store located in Duluth?" Canal park area I believe. We walked there from the ship museum. I was excited to see the store as well but as the o.p. Suggested, pretty disappointing.
fun4dad2	05/28/2024 02:00PM   I was there last summer, and I too was disappointed. I was also SHOCKED at the prices. I looked at a couple of packs - a small day pack type, and a canoe pack. Hundreds of dollars for some canvas, leather, buckles, and a name. And the tourists! Wow. Ah well. I can not speak to the quality of their "modern" gear. I don't own any.
DMan5501	05/28/2024 02:11PM   Yep.. Canal Park continues to evolve as quite the Tourist Trap.. I summer on Park Point and Winter in AZ.. and driving to "Get Off The Point" can truly be a adventure .. especially on the weekends as one must dodge J Walkers and Turons on Scooters.. The only time I go to Duluth Pack anymore is to get my permit and watch the videos.. Sadly it used to be a favorite store of mine.. DMan5501
AlexanderSupertramp	05/28/2024 02:21PM   Frost River's store still utilizes nearly all of their retail space with their own gear, and while I think both brands are pretty impractical compared to modern fabrics, I can't see why anyone buys Duluth Pack anymore considering their inflated prices for lower quality goods recently, and the fact that their store is filled almost completely with boutique clothing targeted only at tourists.
keth0601	05/28/2024 02:36PM   It is pretty disappointing, but I think it's also unfortunately a reflection of how the whole Duluth/north shore experience/culture has changed as well. Tons of tourists, out of town folks buying inflated seasonal homes and renting airbnbs/condos, gift/'boutique' shops, overpriced restaurants, clothing stores, campgrounds full of $80k+ campers. Just look at how Grand Marais looks on a summer day now... It's gone the way of many of the mountain towns out west.
SaganagaJoe	05/29/2024 12:31PM   While I agree with much of the sentiment on this thread, I bought a Duluth pack at the DP store with money from my high school graduation and still have it and love it. I also have an aluminum canoe, lol.
pastorjsackett	08/30/2025 07:03AM   If the old places we loved are rapidly changing (go ahead and ask me how the church has changed in my 35 years of ministry) I wonder where the next cool place will be found--the next store you'll be excited to visit, the next town. Some nice comments here about other websites and stores. I will check those out. I too have noticed the change in the DP store. I used to salivate over the those packs. But everything changes. I also used to be an ardent believer in my traditional CCS canoe packs but then a friend loaned me his CCS Hybrid pack and I'm not going back to my old ones. If I can change, is it wrong for stores and towns to do the same? I think what I mourn amidst the changes is the simpler times that went with them and the experiences that are now behind us. BTW I do so LOVE the Frost River store and I have a daypack I use for work every single day. Plus that end of Duluth is less touristy...OMC Smokehouse and the Duluth Pottery Store are bonuses on that end. I'm sure there are other stores there that deserve attention also.
minnmike	08/31/2025 11:37AM   I have both CCS packs and Duluth packs. I love them both. I bought my DPs in the 90s and have used them on many trips. I have never had a failure and am taking them up next week on our trip. The abuse they can take is well worth the weight and discomfort imo. I have also used them so much I know exactly what can fit in them and how to pack them for optimal comfort and weight distribution. All my other gear is UL, but some things are just worth the weight. Also agree about the store. Stopped going there at least 10 years ago. I hope I didn't jinx my pack by posting this. Fingers crossed.
MikeinMpls	09/01/2025 09:39AM   I've been saying for years that I remember when Aerosmith was a rock band and Eddie Bauer was an outdoors store. I completely agree. Though REI still maintains a fairly solid array of camping gear, their focus appears to have shifted to clothing and high end stuff. I was in Duluth pack a couple of years ago when I had to switch my permit pickup location. Like the OP, I was quite surprised as to the change in focus. Having used Duluth packs growing up, I expected to see variations (or maybe more modernized) versions of the packs I used in my youth and young adulthood. Wrong. I was left with the impression that the Duluth pack brand had completely pivoted to a clothing and designer pack company for ironic yuppies. Granted, the store is located in the epicenter of tourism in Duluth, and that is what likely sells to that customer base, but it just wasn't for me anymore. Mike
egknuti	05/29/2024 07:33AM   I've been using Duluth Packs for over 30 years. Over the years I've sent them to Duluth Pack for repairs and I've always been satisfied. Last year I realized my packs needed to be retired so I started looking at new packs- food and gear packs. I was shocked at how expensive DP has become. While still expensive, I decided to buy Frost River packs. I think they are superior to DP in my opinion and I know I won't need to buy another pack for the remainder of my days.
YaMarVa	05/29/2024 09:25AM   I'll continue to wear my ragged Duluth Pack hat into the BWCA, though I don't disagree with the sentiment in this thread. If you live long enough you realize time changes everything, but its still tough to see.
plmn	05/28/2024 10:43AM   I can't imagine they sell much camping gear these days. It may be durable and nostalgic but the market for leather straps and pin buckles is probably pretty limited, especially at their prices. They likely needed to diversify to survive.
Banksiana	05/28/2024 11:18AM   Minnesotian: "If you want quality made outdoor gear, start supporting your cottage companies like Cooke Custom Sewing, Durston Gear, Paria Outdoor Products, Sanborn Canoe, just to name a few. " I'd add Portage North (formerly Kondos) and Zre to that list.
MikeinMpls	05/28/2024 02:53PM   We stopped there on the 17th to pick up our permit and to visit a buddy at the Grandmas Marathon headquarters. I walked around a bit prior to watching the video and getting the permit. I commented to my wife about the weight and heft of Duluth packs compared to the products available now. Less comfortable and heavier and a lot of money. I used Duluth packs in my teens and through my mid-30s. I had several. They were broken in with solid leather straps and put up with a lot of abuse. However, Duluth packs now appear to be more about nostalgia than functionality, especially considering packs made by CCS, Battle Lake, and the like. Duluth Pack has expanded into briefcases and clothing and like someone else said, is a shell of itself. Kind of reminded me of L.L. Bean: what used to be a camping store. Their location in Canal Park is perfect for tourists who are likely to buy a Duluth pack briefcase. Mike
jsmithxc	05/29/2024 09:38AM   YaMarVa: "I'll continue to wear my ragged Duluth Pack hat into the BWCA, though I don't disagree with the sentiment in this thread. If you live long enough you realize time changes everything, but its still tough to see. " I wonder how many folks wishing for the good old days are paddling a kevlar canoe.
AlexanderSupertramp	05/28/2024 04:50PM   keth0601: "It is pretty disappointing, but I think it's also unfortunately a reflection of how the whole Duluth/north shore experience/culture has changed as well. Tons of tourists, out of town folks buying inflated seasonal homes and renting airbnbs/condos, gift/'boutique' shops, overpriced restaurants, clothing stores, campgrounds full of $80k+ campers. Just look at how Grand Marais looks on a summer day now... It's gone the way of many of the mountain towns out west. " Can confirm, was up there over this last weekend for Le Grand Du Nord and have been going up there for better part of a decade for various cycling events. Grand Marais is now an official dumpster fire town. In 10 more years the entire North Shore will be like this. Say goodbye to traditional lodging and outfitting, say goodbye to the down to earth owned/operated campgrounds and resorts. I used to light up coming down that hill into town, now I just cringe and I dont want to be there.
tumblehome	05/28/2024 06:59PM   Traveler: " This trip I walked in and thought I was in the wrong place. Standing inside the door I could not even see a pack or a paddle or a canoe. Looked like lots of high-priced clothes. Bummer." The Duluth Pack Store was sold at least 15 years ago. It is not the store that it was, just the name, as you can attest. The current owner has no business interest in what the store used to be which catered to the wilderness outdoor enthusiast. It won’t say anything good or bad about the store but I completely understand your feelings. Good times back then. Tom
chessie	05/29/2024 06:01AM   We quit going to Duluth Pack store for all the reasons mentioned and more. Frost River, if I had the cash, would be where I'd shop. Mostly, I just make a quick sachet through Frost River if we're in town, and drool. We have an heirloom DP pack that belonged to my brother-in-law who has passed away. I have a Monarch pack that was gifted to me. I cherish it, but the darn thing weighs seven pounds empty. The heirloom pack was pre-waist belt so when we acquired it, I found someone local (to me) who sews canvas, and they added a sleeve for a waste belt for us. Turned out, they used to work at DP. Boy did I learn a lot! I don't wish to wade into politics, but I do love a good David and Goliath story, and back in 2020, the small Native owned company that makes traditional Ojibwe designs, "Heart Berry," pulled their merchandise out of DP after DP hosted Ivanka Trump. Many thought this move would sink Heart Berry, as DP clearly was a prime outlet for Heart Berry products. It did not.
plmn	05/29/2024 06:54AM   I don't understand why any consumer business feels the need to wade into politics. No matter who you support, you will tick off roughly half of your potential customers. And if you think that's OK because "your side" is more virtuous than the "other side", you're simply a fool whose expertise on political issues doesn't go any deeper than a 280 character Tweet or 60 second video short. That said, Duluth Pack's main issue is obviously their antiquated product lineup.
jsmithxc	05/29/2024 06:51AM   I use my packs heavily and have not replaced them in decades, I do buy outdoor clothing on a much more regular basis. Things change, lots of competition is tough. REI started in a backroom climbing shop because there was not much climbing gear available in the US. Midwest Mountaineering did the same for Minnesota. Both had to change from their roots. The North Shore is packed in the summer and most of those folks have never dipped a paddle in a lake. The really great thing is when you get just a few miles away from the shore, the crowds vanish and, even without an overnight permit, there are so many wild a remote places to visit. Bottom line, we must continue to support and protect the BWCA and its environs. That's where the heart and soul of what we love is found. I don't buy much at the Duluth Pack store, but I often pick up my permits there. I find their staff knowledgeable and love the wilderness, and understand why I love wild places. You may not like where outdoor retail has gone, but it is the marketplace reality everywhere.
Savage Voyageur	05/29/2024 09:19AM   I have been going to the store there for years and have seen a definite change in the merchandise, just like REI has. Walked in a few years ago and it was all clothing and packs that were 3-4 times the cost I paid for them. I agree it is sad to see. Edit…I just looked at the price of the kitchen camp pack. $675.00. I bought mine for $195.00 when they first introduced it.
plmn	05/29/2024 09:46AM   jsmithxc: "I wonder how many folks wishing for the good old days are paddling a kevlar canoe." If aluminum and fiberglass canoes cost more than Kevlar, they would hardly sell any. That's pretty much what Duluth Pack is doing. I do have a Duluth Pack wallet. That's something that gets used every day and is better quality than anything available in a department store. I'd probably buy a cap or shirt if I visited the store. But I doubt I'd buy any of their gear.
scottiebaldwin	05/29/2024 06:42PM   This seems like an appropriate place to mention that I started a ‘Cooke Custom Sewing’ message board but it is extremely lonely. I think I’m the only one who’s posted and only one time. Please feel free to stop by and discuss any of Dan’s great products on there. I need a little advice as I own a Hybrid Pioneer pack but I’m thinking of getting the smaller Hybrid Explorer for solo trips. Anyone that has any experience with the Explorer, please drop by the post and let me know if it’s a good size for a solo. Cooke Custom Sewing message board
timatkn	05/29/2024 06:18PM   Savage Voyageur: "I have been going to the store there for years and have seen a definite change in the merchandise, just like REI has. Walked in a few years ago and it was all clothing and packs that were 3-4 times the cost I paid for them. I agree it is sad to see. Edit…I just looked at the price of the kitchen camp pack. $675.00. I bought mine for $195.00 when they first introduced it. " Sometime after the ownership change (old owners are Frost River) they essentially double and tripled their prices. I really wanted a shotgun case. It was $185 and I just couldn't afford it. Saved, asked for duluth pack store gift cards, finally one day it was time to buy...that same shotgun case was $450 I believe. The good part is I bought a Gransfors Bruks small axe from them on sale (love that thing) and then found a Boyt shotgun case on SIerra doe $20. Both still going good!! Not sure how they are in business, but it's been 10 years and they seem to be fine so hey more power to'em but I am out. T
billconner	05/29/2024 06:56PM   I feel your pain. We used to frequent LL Beans Freeport store in 70s and early 80s. Was a great place, especially at 2:00 am. Loved the basement bargains - returns and closeouts. Now it might as well be called Mall of America.
Zulu	05/30/2024 08:51AM   I noticed the emphasis is on clothing versus gear too. Sled Dog themed leotards and tops have replaced harnesses and sleighs.
whiskeyharvester	05/30/2024 11:04AM   First world problems. Over the past few years I bought several items from their factory seconds area and am satisfied. To each their own.
straighthairedcurly	05/30/2024 12:36AM   Minnesotian: " Most outdoor stores have pivoted to a clothing store. They are following the REI model. And the way that REI is being administered lately, they might be going down the route of becoming like Mountain Equipment Company in Canada, a shell of its former self. If you want quality made outdoor gear, start supporting your cottage companies like Cooke Custom Sewing, Durston Gear, Paria Outdoor Products, Sanborn Canoe, just to name a few. " Adding Garage Grown Gear Enlightened Equipment
HowardSprague	05/30/2024 09:58AM   That is disappointing. I haven't been in the store since Grandma's in 2006, I think. It was still nice, as is my #3 waxed canvas DP. Since then I did get a briefcase bag type thing, and they did repair it for me once, quite nicely. Too bad it seems to have since gone the way of Eddie Bauer, back when Spiegel Catalog purchased it and went after volume over all else.
rdgbwca	05/30/2024 10:09AM   I went into this store recently for some window shopping. I noticed their kitchen pack was over $600. This is out of my price range. I ended up buying a souvenir pint glass. I have two #3 Monarch packs that I bought used a few years ago. I dropped one off after a trip a couple years ago. It was still damp from being in the bottom of a canoe in the morning. They took it in, repaired it and mailed it to my home address.
plmn	05/30/2024 09:56AM   Wow. I said earlier I'd probably buy a hat or shirt there. But I guess not.
Traveler	05/30/2024 12:49PM   Well, Whisky, you are right about that and it is good to keep things in perspective. The world changes and some of the changes are sad and some of them are lovely. I am so pleased that I can visit via facetime with my daughter and her family in England but if I could turn back the clock 50 years for the whole north shore I would. Maybe not if I lived there! I suppose I am just part of the problem. Oh well.
NotLight	05/30/2024 10:38PM   LindenTree: "I love Frost River but I will give Duluth Pack one Kudo, they are dog friendly, have dog water bowls inside and the staff hands out dog treats. I go inside just for that when I hike Canal Park with the pups." Plus you can cut through the Duluth Pack store as a shortcut to get to Northern Waters Smokehouse. Bet that's half the foot traffic off season.
timatkn	05/31/2024 01:23AM   whiskeyharvester: "First world problems. Over the past few years I bought several items from their factory seconds area and am satisfied. To each their own. " Every single thing on this site is “First World Problems”…doesn’t change the fact The Duluth Pack store has raised their prices by 200-300%… That’s their right…it’s also ours to actually notice and make a comment. They can do whatever they want…just don’t come crying to us if they don’t make it in the end. The reason will be obvious. T
LindenTree	05/31/2024 08:02AM   NotLight: "LindenTree: "I love Frost River but I will give Duluth Pack one Kudo, they are dog friendly, have dog water bowls inside and the staff hands out dog treats. I go inside just for that when I hike Canal Park with the pups." Plus you can cut through the Duluth Pack store as a shortcut to get to Northern Waters Smokehouse. Bet that's half the foot traffic off season. " I use that short cut often, however Northern Waters Smokehouse has moved to the other side of the building where the old Amazing Grace Cafe was located.
whiskeyharvester	05/31/2024 09:07AM   timatkn: "whiskeyharvester: "First world problems. Over the past few years I bought several items from their factory seconds area and am satisfied. To each their own. " Every single thing on this site is “First World Problems”…doesn’t change the fact The Duluth Pack store has raised their prices by 200-300%… That’s their right…it’s also ours to actually notice and make a comment. They can do whatever they want…just don’t come crying to us if they don’t make it in the end. The reason will be obvious. T" I promise I won't cry. ;)
plmn	05/31/2024 06:34AM   timatkn: "whiskeyharvester: "First world problems. Over the past few years I bought several items from their factory seconds area and am satisfied. To each their own. " Every single thing on this site is “First World Problems”…doesn’t change the fact The Duluth Pack store has raised their prices by 200-300%… That’s their right…it’s also ours to actually notice and make a comment. They can do whatever they want…just don’t come crying to us if they don’t make it in the end. The reason will be obvious. T" To be fair, at least they still make their gear themselves, unlike another nearby brand that outsourced everything to China. American manufacturing is tough right now and there are no easy answers.
tumblehome	05/31/2024 09:45AM   Oh yes, Trailoutfitters in the Fitgers complex. Excellent store for all things outdoors and a huge selection. Tom
timatkn	05/31/2024 11:50AM   plmn: "timatkn: "whiskeyharvester: "First world problems. Over the past few years I bought several items from their factory seconds area and am satisfied. To each their own. " Every single thing on this site is “First World Problems”…doesn’t change the fact The Duluth Pack store has raised their prices by 200-300%… That’s their right…it’s also ours to actually notice and make a comment. They can do whatever they want…just don’t come crying to us if they don’t make it in the end. The reason will be obvious. T" To be fair, at least they still make their gear themselves, unlike another nearby brand that outsourced everything to China. American manufacturing is tough right now and there are no easy answers. " Yes, that is a good point.
CedarShake	08/29/2025 12:51PM   Duluth Pack has recently sold, sometime in 2025. It sounds like the new owners are putting in a good effort and things are changing for the better. It will be interesting to see where things go from here. But not the same owners or folks in charge that were 5 or 6 years ago for Ivanka's visit as I see many still bringing up.
ockycamper	08/29/2025 01:14PM   I have never got the point of a Duluth Pack. There are far more functional packs out there, many that are waterproof. Canvas, leather and buckles don't seem to be the best choice in a BWCA environment.
SoDak	08/29/2025 02:04PM   My 20 year old Duluth pack is my gear pack for every trip 1-2 canoe trips every year plus many camping trips in between. the leather and metal hardware have outlasted many other packs with plastic clips and buckles.
Argo	08/30/2025 07:59AM   Minnesotian: " Most outdoor stores have pivoted to a clothing store. They are following the REI model. And the way that REI is being administered lately, they might be going down the route of becoming like Mountain Equipment Company in Canada, a shell of its former self. If you want quality made outdoor gear, start supporting your cottage companies like Cooke Custom Sewing, Durston Gear, Paria Outdoor Products, Sanborn Canoe, just to name a few. " How exactly is MEC a shell if its former self? From a retail shopper's perspective, there are no observable changes. All or most stores still exist and are well stocked and staffed.
woodsandwater	08/30/2025 08:31AM   Yes, the store at Canal Park has a lot of fancy clothes. I love and still use my eight canvas Duluth Packs. I'm old school because I am old at 68. Just got back from a 50+ mile loop from Moose Lake a couple weeks ago. At times challenging but a great trip. It's frustrating to be losing strength as I get older. Any of you old bulls of the herd know what I'm talking about? Anyway, I appreciate that Duluth Pack has a lifetime guarantee on their gear. I sent in one of my #4s a few years back with some holes and it came back good as new. One of my food packs got tore up this last week so have to send it in for a makeover. And, yes, Cooke Custom Sewing makes some excellent packs as well. If I was younger and just starting to accumulate gear I'd probably be buying that. Keep paddling and portaging as long as you can.
pastorjsackett	08/30/2025 10:21AM   woodsandwater I hear you!
Speckled	09/03/2025 02:47PM   Ya - it's a shell of it's former self. Located in Canal Park...it caters to the tourist crowd. Possibly a good a business decision, but for those of us who enjoyed it more as an outdoor store, it's not what we hope to find walking in there. I buy most gear from Trailfitters in the Fitgers complex, which gives me a reason to swing by the brewhouse and pick up a growler of fitgers beer. I also buy Frost River. They have the same look and feel as the old Duluth Pack store. Better product in my opinion too.
deerfoot	08/30/2025 01:27PM   Second me in agreeing with woodsandwater. I will soon be 78 and am sticking with my collection of strictly DP packs, the oldest of which date to the early 1970’s. Only ever had one pack repaired satisfactorily by DP. If I were younger, I would go with Ostrom gear which I have used on Canadian trips. I would also go with lighter boats if I were younger, but can still handle my 50+ pound Wenonah’s (flex core Escape and T-formex Wilderness). I never was overly concerned with the weight of my gear and won’t be in my tripping timeframe.