On the same vein as Momentums perfect bag thread, I too have been looking for a perfect bag. A perfect second bag. One ideal for day trips, or as the miscellaneous bag that is big enough to carry a decent amount of gear but not so big it becomes it's own portage. One that has quick and easy access for certain items, while others are secure until you need them. One that would work for a quick overnight hike canoe trip.
One of the issues is the saw and axe. Lashing them to the outside of the pack has been not quite functional enough for me. The other is my Nalgene bottle, either loos or inside a the main compartment on a pack. I have tried a few. Today I grabbed all my packs and laid them out, then ordered a new one. This brings the total to 13 packs and bags I have.
For a main canoe pack I have my old reliable Ostrom Wabakimi pack. The trick with this pack is to not overload it, the pack will handle it but this old guy carrying it can't. Then it is a mish mash of other packs. I have a Eureka canoe pack that's a standby if we make a big family trip and the North 49 canoe pack with is horrible. It was my first canoe pack and a waste of $50. Then there is my Woods/Duluth knock-off which is nice and functional and have used this many times as the second bag. Even made it primary bag for a few shorter trips. It has the built in leather axe pocket and deep side pockets which I like. It's not terribly comfortable to carry.
Then I have the two barrel. One Ostrom harness and one other one. I have made few trips with the other brand but not since I got the Ostrom. The barrel is my food pack for longer trips or trips where I don't plan a menu and just bring it all and decide what I am going to eat in camp.
Now for the smaller packs. The yellow one is one I picked up two years ago it is a MEC bag and very nice. However it lacks function for what I want it for. It's got the spot to hang your ice pick or hiking poles, neither of which I carry. It is set up for a platypus bladder, which i don't have either. There are lots of neat pockets inside and the bag seems like it would be decent day hiking bag but simply lacks the size I am after.
Then there is the Scandinavian Army surplus bag. I love this bag. Sturdy, durable, waterproof, and it has a generous outside pocket. But it's heavy and again does not have a whole lot of space. This is the bag I usually carry when I go out exploring on the Ski-doo.
After that I have another mistake, and OASIS "climbing" bag. It will fit a sweater nicely but not much more. I did use this one when we lived in Southern Ontario and hiked more, but haven't used it since.
Then there is the old Spalding hiking bag I have had since I was a teen. Not very comfortable, not really well made, does have the space and the pockets but lacks enough design and built in strength to handle a big load. It is also made for a much smaller person. The hip belt goes just above my belly button.
There is the under-seat bag I bought from Langford, which is well made but never seems to hold what I want it too. And I am a kneeler so it never worked for me.
This is where I have the problem, despite owning all these bags I ordered another one yesterday. This one looks promising. It has the size, the pockets, it even has an axe sleeve. This I love. You slide the handle of the axe into the sleeve instead of the head of the axe. Looks well made by a reputable gear maker and a reasonable price.
http://www.shop.cookecustomsewing.com/product.sc?productId=215&categoryId=19
When I get it I'll maybe do a full review on it if anybody is interested.
Also, if anybody is heading into WCPP and they need to borrow some gear, I have lots. I could make a similar post on tents/tarps and cook-sets.
One of the issues is the saw and axe. Lashing them to the outside of the pack has been not quite functional enough for me. The other is my Nalgene bottle, either loos or inside a the main compartment on a pack. I have tried a few. Today I grabbed all my packs and laid them out, then ordered a new one. This brings the total to 13 packs and bags I have.
For a main canoe pack I have my old reliable Ostrom Wabakimi pack. The trick with this pack is to not overload it, the pack will handle it but this old guy carrying it can't. Then it is a mish mash of other packs. I have a Eureka canoe pack that's a standby if we make a big family trip and the North 49 canoe pack with is horrible. It was my first canoe pack and a waste of $50. Then there is my Woods/Duluth knock-off which is nice and functional and have used this many times as the second bag. Even made it primary bag for a few shorter trips. It has the built in leather axe pocket and deep side pockets which I like. It's not terribly comfortable to carry.
Then I have the two barrel. One Ostrom harness and one other one. I have made few trips with the other brand but not since I got the Ostrom. The barrel is my food pack for longer trips or trips where I don't plan a menu and just bring it all and decide what I am going to eat in camp.
Now for the smaller packs. The yellow one is one I picked up two years ago it is a MEC bag and very nice. However it lacks function for what I want it for. It's got the spot to hang your ice pick or hiking poles, neither of which I carry. It is set up for a platypus bladder, which i don't have either. There are lots of neat pockets inside and the bag seems like it would be decent day hiking bag but simply lacks the size I am after.
Then there is the Scandinavian Army surplus bag. I love this bag. Sturdy, durable, waterproof, and it has a generous outside pocket. But it's heavy and again does not have a whole lot of space. This is the bag I usually carry when I go out exploring on the Ski-doo.
After that I have another mistake, and OASIS "climbing" bag. It will fit a sweater nicely but not much more. I did use this one when we lived in Southern Ontario and hiked more, but haven't used it since.
Then there is the old Spalding hiking bag I have had since I was a teen. Not very comfortable, not really well made, does have the space and the pockets but lacks enough design and built in strength to handle a big load. It is also made for a much smaller person. The hip belt goes just above my belly button.
There is the under-seat bag I bought from Langford, which is well made but never seems to hold what I want it too. And I am a kneeler so it never worked for me.
This is where I have the problem, despite owning all these bags I ordered another one yesterday. This one looks promising. It has the size, the pockets, it even has an axe sleeve. This I love. You slide the handle of the axe into the sleeve instead of the head of the axe. Looks well made by a reputable gear maker and a reasonable price.
http://www.shop.cookecustomsewing.com/product.sc?productId=215&categoryId=19
When I get it I'll maybe do a full review on it if anybody is interested.
Also, if anybody is heading into WCPP and they need to borrow some gear, I have lots. I could make a similar post on tents/tarps and cook-sets.