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02/18/2018 01:45PM |
Edit: FWIW I'm leaning towards the Granite Gear Quetico, looks pretty versatile plus it comes in at 1 lb 11 oz per REI.
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02/18/2018 02:15PM |
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02/18/2018 02:24PM |
thlipsis29: "I owned a Quetico and it really was a nice pack. My biggest frustration with it was that it was just too small for all I wanted to pack and the Superior One was way too big. Hence I went to the CCS Pioneer. While I can't say anything bad about the Quetico, I would say that the Pioneer is a higher quality product for the same price. "
That's odd. Pioneer is listed as 4700 cu. in. with 525 cu in top pocket. Quetico is listed as 5000 cu in. total capacity.
Better quality in what way? Thicker materials? That's a moot point to me.
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02/18/2018 02:42PM |
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02/18/2018 03:16PM |
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02/18/2018 03:19PM |
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02/18/2018 03:52PM |
thlipsis29: "The dimensions of the Pioneer are bigger than the Quetico. Ignore the cubic inch measurement (there was a thread about calculating pack volume a few years back and GG and CCS use different methods to determine pack volume ). Simply multiply height x width x depth and you will see that the Pioneer is bigger (4,752 vs 2,978.6). If you're not concerned about the strength of the material, then much of this is a moot point. But I will say that the external flap pocket on the CCS is a nice feature and the quality of the stitching and overall construction is better on the CCS. "
I love that flap pocket. First aid kit and rain gear, maybe a few other items. I do love my CCS Pioneer Pack. Rates up near best gear purchases (but below the CCS Deluxe Food pack with it's stuff sacks!)
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02/18/2018 03:41PM |
Frenchy19: "I am not a fan of Kondos simply due to their using metal buckles. I have a couple of Granite Gear packs and a number of CCS packs, and I can say without hesitation that the only packs I would buy from here forward are CCS packs.
Dan Cooke, the guy behind CCS, stands behind all of his gear, and if you ever have an issue, he will take care of you. That is not to say Granite Gear will not, but with Dan, you know exactly whom you are dealing with and the quality of his work is second to none. "
I agree with everything Frenchy 19 has said!
The CCS Quad Pocket Packs are the best in design and construction for the use with the 30L/60L Blue Barrels in my opinion. I use the Quad Pocket Packs when tripping in my solo and tandem canoes.
A few years years ago I replaced my old Grade VI pack with a Hybrid CCS Guide Pack for solo tripping. The CCS Guide Pack is fantastic with regards to design and construction, but its volume lends itself to over-packing. I've often had the CCS Guide Pack pushing the 100-pound mark. After talking to Dan at Canoecopia, I acquired a tumpline from him. The tumpline helps considerably with a heavily loaded Guide Pack.
Nevertheless, I plan to acquire a Pioneer Pack at Canoecopia this year in-order to lighten up my solo tripping load. I then intend to use the Guide Pack to replace my old #4 Duluth pack. My #4 Duluth has served me well over the years when tripping in my Wenonah Odyssey. That being said, the CCS Guide pack is far more comfortable and I won't be sacrificing much in the way of capacity over the #4 Duluth pack.
Hans Solo
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02/16/2018 01:42PM |
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02/16/2018 02:44PM |
Swampturtle: "Chinook Chenum...
. . . . I expect years ago they made the Chinook well, now perhaps cheaply made, you get what you pay for as most of the reviews point out. "
This is unfortunate and I'm sorry to hear that the successor to the Woods Mason pack is no longer a reasonable quality product. I never thought I would be "that guy" who looked back fondly on former times as the good old days, but I guess in some ways, they were.
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02/11/2018 05:43PM |
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02/15/2018 09:25PM |
My experience...Bought this exact pack specifically for a BW trip 8 years ago, it was cheap & large. Note the terrible reviews on Amazon, we had the same problems. First trip half way thru 7 days, one shoulder strap ripped. I repaired it twice that trip with heavy duty thread. I used it for a few more trips in the Dacks until the stitching came undone on the other strap & I repaired it again mid-trip. I considered rehoming it, but realized it would be a burden to anyone since it looked like Frankenstein & was bound to fail again. It is a large pack, it hung low no matter how it was adjusted & sat on my dupa, was uncomfortable for me & others no matter the height or body type. It ended up being the pack no one wanted to carry. I bought a GG, which I have used for years & love it, would buy it again. It is well made & comfortable with the vapor harness. I expect years ago they made the Chinook well, now perhaps cheaply made, you get what you pay for as most of the reviews point out.
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02/15/2018 11:47AM |
The few extra ounces in a large portage pack really make little difference.
But, on my solos I use a ZPacks Blast30 for my food/kitchen pack and a GG Crown60 as my gear/clothes pack. I do that because my big water proof bag is pretty uncomfortable.
Your research is well done and you won't be disappointed with any of the packs you are looking at.
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02/15/2018 11:00AM |
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02/14/2018 06:48PM |
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02/13/2018 02:57PM |
My CCS Pioneer Hybrid Portage pack weighed in at 4.4 lbs
My CCS #3 Traditional Portage pack weighed in at 1.9 lbs.
So if weight is your primary concern, go with the most simple design. You don't have the weight of the back pad, the more sophisticated adjustable shoulder straps, zippers, pocket in the top flap, side straps, side pockets, sternum strap, hip belt, etc.
I used my #3 Traditional for over 20 years and it's still in top condition, but my back appreciates the Pioneer Hybrid pack more. So even if it is a little more heavy, I'm sticking with the hybrid.
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02/14/2018 05:41AM |
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02/13/2018 08:25AM |
BnD: "Lots of great info here and we have our preferences but, to answer one question not answered. The GG packs have a heavy weight Cordura bottom and 210 denier in the main part of the pack to save weight.
IMO the pack weight does matter if we’re single portaging. If we’re double portaging I don’t care too much. That said, weigh an unloaded large heavy weight cordura pack. It will weigh 6# + depending on size with a poly liner more like 8#. In case anyone cares that’s 16% of a 50# pack. My empty 60l blue barrel and harness weighs 9.25# so yes the choice of packs and pack weight matters.
FWIW my favorite packs are GG Superior 1. Great harness carries a huge load comfortably. It will handle all the weight we can lift and carry."
I assume the GG 3.5 has 210 all around and the Superior One and Quetico have 420 on the bottom and 210 on the main pack part? the 3.5 just says 210 and the other ones say 420 in the product specs.
HappyHuskies: "
+1 on all of this.
Krole,
The people here are incredibly friendly and willing to help where they can. It's just a great bunch. The honest opinions you get here are based on real world experience, but reflect different tripping styles and what folks are looking to get out of their trips varies a lot. Then again It would be a pretty boring forum if we all agreed.
I think most here know that I do count ounces (but don't drill holes in my tooth brush and generally do not use a hammock). Most probably think I'm part of a "lunatic" fringe, but they generally tolerate me pretty well.
It looks like you're pretty new here, so let me say welcome and please stick around. It's a nice place!
"
Hammocks are usually heavier than the ultralight tents ;)
We have a Zpacks Triplex, pretty sure thats lunatic fringe compared to others here. Although I think we'll take our REI Half Dome 2 Plus instead, not sure yet.
I'm still not sure what kind of trip we'll prefer, but I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss any options for portage packs. It appears that I didn't.
Still not sure which packs we'll get, but the GG look nice.
We already have our reservation and will post in the trip planning forum for more advice later.
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02/13/2018 09:01AM |
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02/13/2018 08:53AM |
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02/13/2018 10:20AM |
We have a Zpacks Triplex, pretty sure thats lunatic fringe compared to others here. Although I think we'll take our REI Half Dome 2 Plus instead, not sure yet."
From those statements I'm guessing you are fairly experienced at backpacking/camping. If so why no just use your backpacks for (I'm assuming here), a first trip?
I know this runs contrary to popular opinion on this forum, but I'm not a big portage pack fan. I've use portage packs of several makes and have gone back to an internal framed backpack.
If you do any backpacking your loads are already smaller and lighter than the majority of canoe trippers.
I've used Coleman Peak One Ramflex framed, REI Ptarmigan Internal, Camp Trails Torrid 2, and now a GG Nimbus Trace Access 60 along with daypacks for extra comfort stuff. I double portage so main pack first crossing coming back for the canoe and daypack. Never had trouble fitting them in tandem or solo canoes.
butthead
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02/13/2018 10:57AM |
butthead: ""Hammocks are usually heavier than the ultralight tents ;)
We have a Zpacks Triplex, pretty sure thats lunatic fringe compared to others here. Although I think we'll take our REI Half Dome 2 Plus instead, not sure yet."
From those statements I'm guessing you are fairly experienced at backpacking/camping. If so why no just use your backpacks for (I'm assuming here), a first trip?
I know this runs contrary to popular opinion on this forum, but I'm not a big portage pack fan. I've use portage packs of several makes and have gone back to an internal framed backpack.
If you do any backpacking your loads are already smaller and lighter than the majority of canoe trippers.
I've used Coleman Peak One Ramflex framed, REI Ptarmigan Internal, Camp Trails Torrid 2, and now a GG Nimbus Trace Access 60 along with daypacks for extra comfort stuff. I double portage so main pack first crossing coming back for the canoe and daypack. Never had trouble fitting them in tandem or solo canoes.
butthead
"
I thought about, but primarily mine has a mesh back that I was kind of worried might get torn if I wasn't too careful getting it in and out of the canoe after a lot of portages.
Link to picture on Zpacks website.
And the GG 3.5 is actually even lighter than this. I still might use my Zpacks backpack though, haven't fully decided.
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02/13/2018 11:06AM |
krole: "Kondos Trailblazer is advertised at almost 45 liters, but with 1000D Cordura probably isn't any lighter than the GG 3.5.
What about a climbing pack? Something like this
This one seems a bit heavy, but there may be other similar options. https://www.rei.com/product/127479/black-diamond-crag-40-pack "
I really don't need any help looking for a reason to acquire more packs LOL!. Still you're right, something like the Trailblazer might work. The size is right. I suspect it is much heavier than I'd like. I wonder if they have any light material on hand that they'd be willing to make one out of? May have to stop in to take a look and see what they have to say.
I really, really have more packs than I can justify though. At last count I had 11, not counting day packs. I have packs from Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, Gossamer Gear, Katabatic, Granite Gear, Gregory, and even an old Wilderness Experience. And these don't include the handful of portage packs that. My wife is pretty understanding, but even she might start to ask about my "need" for another pack. Still, I really could use another portage pack, couldn't I?
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02/13/2018 12:58PM |
I called the company and they could not answer that question.
Chinook Chenum Portage Pack
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02/13/2018 03:42PM |
LindenTree3: "Anyone know what this pack weighs?
I called the company and they could not answer that question.
Chinook Chenum Portage Pack "
Amazon list a shipping weight 3.6 pounds. I had one but did not weight it, seems right. It uses 2 form-able aluminum back stays and full suspension, loadlifters, belt stabilizers, sternum strap, but lighter weight nylon fabric. It is huge at 110 L.
butthead
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02/13/2018 09:24AM |
The Triplex is a great tent. I'm jealous. My two and three person tents are tents I've had for a while and all weigh in between 4 and 6 pounds. I do a lot of solo trips in the BW and use a Zpacks Solo Plus tent and a Zpacks Solo Tarp. Mine are the older "beak" models so you know I've had them for a while. I like them both a lot.
I'm primarily using the GG 3.5 for solo trips and it is much bigger than I need, but it has worked out fine. I don't need or want a lot of features, just a basic, light, and reasonably durable pack. It rides low like most portage packs, so it is easy to single portage and has the typical large top flap that I like because I can tuck my PFD under it while portaging. I like it because it does what it needs to and is light. I've never gotten to the end of a portage yet wishing that my pack weighed more :)
Definitely post about your trip! I think you'll enjoy it a lot. I love winter in the BW, but by this time of the year am really starting to look forward to the paddling season. Then again, by the end of the paddling season I am looking forward to winter. It's all good!
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02/13/2018 09:33AM |
Triva; CCS was the first to make the 3 1/2 back in the early 80's.
Lighter weight packs have been a tough sell in the Canoe crowd- There is a far amount of abrasion that can occur from the bottom of resin boats that are not smooth and often have some grit present. Packs get slid along the bottom of the canoe as they are positioned to lift, and as they are layed down for travel. Personal packs fair better than rental for the most part.
CCS used to offer 500 d Cordura packs but they were 1% of the 1000d Cordura, not to likely to stock in a store if they do not move.
What Cordura Trade marked by Invista has changed over the years. It used to mean an air textured nylon where the texture would take the wearing better than a smooth nylon. Now
Cordura is just Invista nylon.
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02/13/2018 09:50AM |
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02/13/2018 10:16AM |
What about a climbing pack? Something like this
This one seems a bit heavy, but there may be other similar options. https://www.rei.com/product/127479/black-diamond-crag-40-pack
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02/12/2018 11:41AM |
I'm not trying to be a troll or put anyone's product down. This is a serious question. I'm not a fan of "because that's how we've always done it" thinking, but I also recognize that somethings stay a certain way for a good reason. I also realize that many on this site have 10 times the experience that I have in canoe country. This is why I ask questions.
-RW
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02/12/2018 01:40PM |
RackWrangler: "Ok, so I'm kinda dumb when it comes to portage packs. I've used an ALICE pack with and without the frame, or a mil-surplus canvas duffle bag (each filled with smaller drybags to separate my gear) for the last 5 years, but I'm open to upgrade. Can someone explain to me why I should spend $$$ on a CCS or GG or ??? canvas pack that will sit in the bottom of my canoe and get wet? Why not get a waterproof bag? Is there something wrong with waterproof bags?
-RW"
The modern portage pack is an evolution of design to accomplish several important tasks. Obviously, one needs to carry a sizable amount of gear, and a comfortable suspension system is preferable to one that is less comfortable. Padded straps, hip belts, and a padded back are all important in improving the comfort of carrying a heavy load. There are a lot of backpacks that can do the same task, so what sets the portage pack apart?
The canoe/portage pack should sit below the gunwales for proper weight distribution. The dimensions and soft shape help with this. Many backpacks will not rest low enough, or be a pain to load and unload at the portages. That brings up another point, sometimes a canoe is portaged while wearing a pack. A tall pack interferes with that function.
Your other question relates to waterproof vs. non-waterproof packs. You will find proponents of both types on this site, and each is correct for their particular style of tripping. My preference is for non-waterproof, and I will explain my rationale. Perhaps, a waterproof pack use will weigh in on their preference.
A waterproof pack is waterproof only as long as the outside membrane is intact. For many users, that can mean 20+ years of use before a leak develops. However, if you travel with a careless knucklehead, you might have a hole on the very first trip. The abrasive granite of the north-country is unforgiving. The shape of most (but not all) of these types of pack is tall and narrow, so it can be inconvenient to find something inside the pack. The quality of the suspension systems is highly variable: some very comfortable and well-constructed, others have been described as instruments of torture or falling apart during a trip.
As you know, a non-waterproof pack depends on a plastic liner for protecting the contents. As the liner is infinitely replaceable, the pack should be waterproof for as long as you own it. Also, the packs are relatively easy to dig into the bottom, and if one uses a clear plastic liner, one can see the contents easily.
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02/12/2018 01:43PM |
RackWrangler: " Can someone explain to me why I should spend $$$ on a CCS or GG or ??? canvas pack that will sit in the bottom of my canoe and get wet? Why not get a waterproof bag? Is there something wrong with waterproof bags?-RW"
And expect honest answers!
No reason to upgrade unless you decide you need to. Reasons could be carry capacity, comfort, worn item replacement, boredom, and I'm sure others. Waterproof bags, reasons can fit into the same categories.
Lots of ways to achieve content waterproofing, as well.
Cost concerns? Look at used sources, I get a large percentage of my gear that way.
CCS, Kondos, Granite Gear, Frost River, Duluth Pack, all make excellent stuff, that's not the only reason to buy though.
I use a backpack for more than just canoe portages so I choose to use an internal framed pack. I pack small so my pack is just 3200 cubic inch cap. I use a liner to save weight so no waterproof pack bag desired.
I'm old and lazy so size and weight are important to me as well as multi use.
butthead
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02/12/2018 02:42PM |
butthead: "RackWrangler: " Can someone explain to me why I should spend $$$ on a CCS or GG or ??? canvas pack that will sit in the bottom of my canoe and get wet? Why not get a waterproof bag? Is there something wrong with waterproof bags?-RW"
And expect honest answers!
No reason to upgrade unless you decide you need to. Reasons could be carry capacity, comfort, worn item replacement, boredom, and I'm sure others. Waterproof bags, reasons can fit into the same categories.
Lots of ways to achieve content waterproofing, as well.
Cost concerns? Look at used sources, I get a large percentage of my gear that way.
CCS, Kondos, Granite Gear, Frost River, Duluth Pack, all make excellent stuff, that's not the only reason to buy though.
I use a backpack for more than just canoe portages so I choose to use an internal framed pack. I pack small so my pack is just 3200 cubic inch cap. I use a liner to save weight so no waterproof pack bag desired.
I'm old and lazy so size and weight are important to me as well as multi use.
butthead"
+1 on all of this.
Krole,
The people here are incredibly friendly and willing to help where they can. It's just a great bunch. The honest opinions you get here are based on real world experience, but reflect different tripping styles and what folks are looking to get out of their trips varies a lot. Then again It would be a pretty boring forum if we all agreed.
I think most here know that I do count ounces (but don't drill holes in my tooth brush and generally do not use a hammock). Most probably think I'm part of a "lunatic" fringe, but they generally tolerate me pretty well.
It looks like you're pretty new here, so let me say welcome and please stick around. It's a nice place!
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02/12/2018 03:19PM |
However, as time goes by, I accept the wisdom of an outer pack that isn't waterproof and an inner, replaceable liner. As long as the outer doesn't absorb water, sounds good to me, too.
Our first trip, we borrowed the big seal line dry bags with straps. With no hip belt and basically a large, dark space to find stuff in, we hated them. I know there are some better big dry bags.
The knupac dry bags had a cool feature: side opening. That makes it much easier to find stuff than a top opening bag. It means that the roll is much wider and maybe wouldn't be as watertight for a pack that gets stuck in a class 4 rapid. But this is the BWCA and so seems fine to me.
If I was starting over with what is available now, I would probably get one of the hybrid packs from CCS or something similar from another company and then use a waterproof liner.
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02/12/2018 05:09PM |
I've abraded my portage pack a bit over the years, but I don't think it's ever leaked--the fabric is really tough, and they make whitewater rafts out of it. Just a piece of duct tape will patch them on a trip, and Aquaseal or Seamgrip gives you permanent patching at home.
Regardless of whether the packs are big dry bags or "canoe" packs, you still have to pack them properly--use some logic. They're both just big bags. Another thing to consider is how they fit in your boat--a narrow solo requires different packing than a tandem Prospector.
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02/12/2018 05:59PM |
IMO the pack weight does matter if we’re single portaging. If we’re double portaging I don’t care too much. That said, weigh an unloaded large heavy weight cordura pack. It will weigh 6# + depending on size with a poly liner more like 8#. In case anyone cares that’s 16% of a 50# pack. My empty 60l blue barrel and harness weighs 9.25# so yes the choice of packs and pack weight matters.
FWIW my favorite packs are GG Superior 1. Great harness carries a huge load comfortably. It will handle all the weight we can lift and carry.
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02/12/2018 12:51PM |
That said, it is not as robustly built as the CCS pack. I upgraded to a Pioneer about 10 years ago. This is a pack that will I will pass on to my heirs.
Bottom line is buy what fits your budget. If you can go top of the line right now, you will not regret a CCS or GG or Kondos pack. If you can only afford the Chinook, it will be perfectly fine and will last until you want to upgrade.
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02/12/2018 01:04PM |
RackWrangler: "Ok, so I'm kinda dumb when it comes to portage packs. I've used an ALICE pack with and without the frame, or a mil-surplus canvas duffle bag (each filled with smaller drybags to separate my gear) for the last 5 years, but I'm open to upgrade. Can someone explain to me why I should spend $$$ on a CCS or GG or ??? canvas pack that will sit in the bottom of my canoe and get wet? Why not get a waterproof bag? Is there something wrong with waterproof bags?
I'm not trying to be a troll or put anyone's product down. This is a serious question. I'm not a fan of "because that's how we've always done it" thinking, but I also recognize that somethings stay a certain way for a good reason. I also realize that many on this site have 10 times the experience that I have in canoe country. This is why I ask questions.
-RW"
The problem with water proof bags is that they are only water proof as long as they don't get punctured or torn, which by Murphy's law will happen sooner rather than later when canoe tripping.
A CCS or GG packs have comfort features that a traditional canvas portage pack does not have. They have padded shoulder straps, a back pad and a hip belt all of which make them much more comfy to wear. That being said, the distances that a canoe tripper has to carry a pack are relatively short so comfort isn't always a big concern. Some folks use duffel bags, some folks use 5 gallon buckets, etc.
A portage pack in general will be shaped to fit into a canoe better than a typical backpack, will have grab handles to make removal from the canoe easier and will hold a larger volume of gear than a back pack. Because you are carrying the pack over relatively short portages and not wearing it all day, most canoe trippers will carry more gear than they would if they were backpacking.
In my younger days, when money was a problem, I often had to consider price as my biggest concern. I started with a cheap canvas portage pack, then I moved up to CCS Traditional portage packs in two sizes and now that I have no kids in the house, graduated to CCS hybrid packs.
Most canoe trippers do not worry too much about a pound here or a pound there, but as we age, comfort and weight do become more important.
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02/12/2018 08:52AM |
I took a look at the ultralight backpacks but nothing stood out that would work well for our needs. I actually have a Zpacks Arc Haul Zip currently, but that would be too awkward both in a canoe and while portaging.
I thought about making my own, but I don't think I'll be able to make one good enough by the time we want to use it, plus the Granite Gear 3.5 is 18 oz which is pretty light.
As of now Granite Gear is at the top of our list, but haven't completely ruled out CCS or Kondos. I guess it'll depend on if we take the ultralight approach to canoe portaging or not.
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02/12/2018 09:12AM |
awbrown: "I own 3 different sizes of CCS portage packs and swear by them. I wouldn't buy anything else. I'm more interested in the toughness,comfort and features and less interested in the minimal weight savings."
+1.... I own several Duluth Packs and Frost River Packs, but have only used my CCS Packs the last few years. Very well made functional Packs.
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02/12/2018 09:40AM |
~The multiple grab handles.
~The quality stitching.
~Padded foam back is awesome.
~The padded waist belt and shoulder straps.
~The quality material.
~The feature I like best? The 500+ inch top flap pocket. We use this ALL THE TIME. Rain gear, first aid kit, multitool, headlamps... if we didn't have the top flap pocket, we'd have to dig into our pack each time.
Compare pricing... the Pioneer and Guide are nearly, if not exactly, the same price as the GG Quetico and Superior 1.
Throw in the fact that CCS products are made in Minnesota and all the other great products they make - tarps, lean-tos, thwart bags, etc.... and they're a winner.
I have to admit, I don't understand your concern about weight. A few ounces one way or the other... who cares?
Sorry to sound like I work for the company. I don't. But as you'll see in the pics below, I'm a happy owner of two CCS Pioneer packs.
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02/12/2018 09:58AM |
Jackfish: "I have to admit, I don't understand your concern about weight. A few ounces one way or the other... who cares?
"
For the 3.5 pack, its not a few ounces its a pound. If I took this attitude with everything in my backpack, it would weigh 40 lbs, not 15 lbs (at least for backpacking not counting food or water).
I find it odd how so many people here will spend $3000 on a kevlar canoe, but won't take weight into consideration for anything else.
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02/12/2018 10:13AM |
krole: "For the 3.5 pack, its not a few ounces its a pound. "
All the features I referenced above are on the Pioneer hybrid pack. The CCS 3.5 pack doesn't have a top flap pocket nor some of the other features mentioned.
And unless you're one who drills holes in your toothbrush handle, cooks over a beer can alcohol stove and sleeps in a hammock in order to lighten your load, the little weight difference is insignificant in the big picture of a canoe trip.
YMMV.
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02/12/2018 11:30AM |
krole: "I also found a brand Chinook, but looks like questionable quality."
The Chinook is a renamed Woods Mason portage pack. Been around for decades and a good inexpensive pack. Large capacity and a very adjustable suspension more like a dedicated full featured backpack. Used mine for years without problems. Sold it after reducing my pack loads.
Swallowed up a 60L barrel.
butthead
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02/11/2018 07:06PM |
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02/11/2018 09:12PM |
Frenchy19: "I am not a fan of Kondos simply due to their using metal buckles. I have a couple of Granite Gear packs and a number of CCS packs, and I can say without hesitation that the only packs I would buy from here forward are CCS packs.
Dan Cooke, the guy behind CCS, stands behind all of his gear, and if you ever have an issue, he will take care of you. That is not to say Granite Gear will not, but with Dan, you know exactly whom you are dealing with and the quality of his work is second to none. "
I have several Kondos packs and none of them have metal buckles. They all have the black plastic buckles.
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02/11/2018 09:27PM |
OldFingers57: "Frenchy19: "I am not a fan of Kondos simply due to their using metal buckles. I have a couple of Granite Gear packs and a number of CCS packs, and I can say without hesitation that the only packs I would buy from here forward are CCS packs.
Dan Cooke, the guy behind CCS, stands behind all of his gear, and if you ever have an issue, he will take care of you. That is not to say Granite Gear will not, but with Dan, you know exactly whom you are dealing with and the quality of his work is second to none. "
I have several Kondos packs and none of them have metal buckles. They all have the black plastic buckles. "
Mine either
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02/12/2018 07:45AM |
Although you are not particularly interested in waterproof packs per se, there are other ones besides SealLine packs - Sea-to-Summit makes a series and Exped makes a couple of waterproof packs in the Torrent (?) series. Westwater (?) also makes some, I believe.
Other lightweight options would probably be the ultralight backpacks, although not specifically designed as portage packs for canoeing.
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02/12/2018 10:24AM |
krole: "Jackfish: "I have to admit, I don't understand your concern about weight. A few ounces one way or the other... who cares?"
For the 3.5 pack, its not a few ounces its a pound. If I took this attitude with everything in my backpack, it would weigh 40 lbs, not 15 lbs (at least for backpacking not counting food or water).
I find it odd how so many people here will spend $3000 on a kevlar canoe, but won't take weight into consideration for anything else."
Backpacking and portaging aren't the same. You can alway make another trip across if you have more stuff than you can carry. Nobody is going to mind another 10 lbs when you're only walking a couple hundred yards.
The canoe is most likely the single heaviest item on the portage. It's also the most awkward to carry. Everything else can be split up into smaller groups to make lighter or smaller packs.
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02/12/2018 10:42AM |
I have Duluth packs that are forty years old and see no reason I’ll ever have to replace them. For some reason I now have six Duluth packs, I’m not sure how that happened.
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02/11/2018 02:57PM |
Traditional canvas\leather - Duluth Pack, Frost River. heavy and expensive, not for us.
1000D Cordura - CCS and Kondos. Ok, getting better but could be lighter imo.
Waterproof - Sealline. Would prefer non waterproof and to use something like trash compactor bags. Weight seems similar to 1000D Cordura packs. There are some other generic branded ones out there, but would like to avoid these I think. We have Sealline dry bags for non portage trips anyways.
210D Cordura - Granite Gear. Now we're talking, however this is the only brand I'm seeing that offers something like this. Any others?
I also found a brand Chinook, but looks like questionable quality.
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02/11/2018 03:41PM |
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02/11/2018 04:47PM |
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02/11/2018 05:02PM |
awbrown: "I own 3 different sizes of CCS portage packs and swear by them. I wouldn't buy anything else. I'm more interested in the toughness,comfort and features and less interested in the minimal weight savings."
So is the Granite Gear prone to rips,tears, general failures? Is it not comfortable?
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02/11/2018 04:38PM |
I have been using this pack for all of my solo trips for the last 5 or 6 seasons and have been reasonably happy with it. It carries as well as any portage pack I have used and weighs much less. The shoulder straps are well padded and nice and wide. They fit me well. The hip belt is also comfortable, I just find I don't need it for the load I carry on most trips. After many trips it does not show any signs of wear other than a little dirt. I expect to use it this season as well. Pack weight matters to me. As I've gotten older, I find I enjoy trips more if I carry less. Not saying anyone else should agree, just saying this is what works for me.
I do own two other portage packs. A Frost River Kitchen Pack and a Duluth Pack #3, but have not used either since buying the Granite Gear pack. The two canvas packs are really well built, attractive (I think), and very heavy. The main reason I don't use them currently is that I just don't need the large capacity of either pack anymore. Still, I can't bring myself to part with them. Took a lot of good trips with both of them. I should kick them to the curb, but they don't take up that much room in my gear closet and they still make me smile when I look at them.
I've never owned a CCS pack, but have looked at them, Really well constructed, elegant packs. I can see why they have a loyal following.
I've also never owned a Kondos pack but do own one of their sled bags and some of their harnesses and they make good, durable products. Dan and Vicki were/are some of the most gracious and helpful people you could ever deal with and the conversations I've had with the new owners lead me to believe they are really good people as well. I have bought from them in the past and would not hesitate to do so again.
Lots of different tripping styles on the site from lots of folks with tremendous experience, so I'm sure you'll get a lot of good opinions. I'll be following along to see if anyone knows of a traditional style portage pack that is well constructed and weighs less than the Granite Gear. If they do I may be tempted to give it a try.
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02/11/2018 05:08PM |
krole: "awbrown: "I own 3 different sizes of CCS portage packs and swear by them. I wouldn't buy anything else. I'm more interested in the toughness,comfort and features and less interested in the minimal weight savings."
So is the Granite Gear prone to rips,tears, general failures? Is it not comfortable?"
I have a Granite Gear Quetico. I have taken it on two trips with no issues. It's comfortable as well unless you overload it.
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02/11/2018 05:23PM |
Dan Cooke, the guy behind CCS, stands behind all of his gear, and if you ever have an issue, he will take care of you. That is not to say Granite Gear will not, but with Dan, you know exactly whom you are dealing with and the quality of his work is second to none.