GET OUTFITTED
Tales from the trail
CUSTOMER Reviews
Customer Reviews
I received my pack a few weeks ago and decided to try it out on a few trips while gathering my thoughts.
The first you'll notice with the pack is that the materials used are high quality, feels rugged and durable.
Second thing that I noticed was that the finishing work, attention to detail, and care in construction are severely lacking. The stitching poorly done with sections completely leaving the seam and only getting applied to one piece of fabric instead of both or the seam. The leather straps are neither straight nor clean cut and absolutely NO attention was given to the edges or long term life of the straps. Continuing with the straps the holes for the buckles zig zag all over the place on the strap instead of centered or in line with each other.
Thirdly the Leather shoulder straps suffer from the same lack of care or attention they wave back and forth as they were not cut straight. If you are carrying anything over 2.5 or 3 pounds of weight in the pack these straps will dig and cut into your shoulders horrendously. No exaggeration I have made packs and straps using paracord that are more comfortable and have less cutting into my shoulders. I recommend that the option for wider straps or the deer hide straps be made available.
Fourthly. Time. They claim that the item is "In Stock" and "Ships in 1-2 Business Days." In actuality it took them 5 business days after confirmation for them to ship out the pack. This paired with the poor quality of craftsmanship leads me to believe that this pack was made after I placed the order and rushed out the door in to "meet" their deadline.
Fifthly my Rating. The quality of materials is 5 stars, but craftsmanship is 1 star(although deserves no stars). These even out to 3 stars. The Cost is where I subtract a star. You are paying for a Masterwork quality item that is advertised as a once in a lifetime purchase item unless you desire more than one item. You receive an item that in reality feels like an inverted 5 dollar bag from Walmart. The $5 bag has poor quality materials, but decent craftsmanship. This frost river bag is the exact opposite.
This pack "as is" is a massive disappointment and your 5-6 year old nephew, niece, or cousin could do a better job making a bag from the same materials. I honestly thought about returning the bag in hopes for getting a bag that represents the company and their pride in their works better, but I have the feeling that the craftsmanship will not change. Under the directions of a Master Leatherworker I know I will likely be making alternations to make this pack be what was advertised.
Save your money and go buy an Osprey Backpack or another bag for your laptop. You'll enjoy the money that you save and your back, shoulders, and wallet will thank you.
As it happens I am a professional archaeologist, and after my dig last summer in Mongolia I decided I needed a slightly larger pack before heading off this summer to Belize.
I have three other Frost River packs and several accessories you make the toughest gear out there. The pack holds volumes. It would be nice if it had a divider or two, but I made bags to hold the pointy stuff.
I look forward to using it!
For what it is. It is an excellent pack. Well made. Sturdy. Tested today in heavy heavy rains in Louisiana. Kept my stuff dry. Would suggest getting the shoulder pads with it as the straps are a tad narrow. But overall. Excellent pack
I am unable to review since the pack has not jet arrived. As far as I understand it is still stuck in the customs
I think it has become my fave daily use and also travel back pack. Can’t wait to see how it weathers over time
