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Tales from the trail
The Isle Royal pack gets all the attention, but I think The Northstar Expedition is a better option for a lot of applications. First, it’s smaller than the Isle Royal Jr, so it works better as a daypack. And I think that if you don’t put anything in the side pockets and you cinch it down you can just get away with using it as an airline “personal item”. But it also has plenty of expandable room. I took it on an overnight backpacking trip, and it can handle 1-3 days, easily if you use accessory straps to attach something bulky to the bottom (my Haven hammock). I really also like how you can lash things under the leather straps both under and over the lid. Finally, I think the three pockets are superior to what you get with the Jr. The side pockets are a much more useable size than on the I.R. Jr. (larger and bigger openings and the zipper is much easier to use than the leather strap and buckle), the slip pockets behind them are a match for the axe sleeve on the Jr (I can fit an axe and saw in one and a fly rod tube in the other. Trekking poles can also fit in there.) And the center pocket is a great size and doesn’t exist on the Jr. My only real complaint is that I wish I had gotten the cotton padded waistbelt instead of the pistol one. And the shoulder straps are wider on the Jr and include a sternum strap.
I recommend the pack. It is well built with attachment points being reinforced. This pack should last a lifetime.
So much bigger than I expected inside the pack! I figure I'll be using this for many years to come - couldn't have asked for a better bushcraft bag. I love the green color for it too - I wish the handles could be brown to keep with the forest/earth color scheme, but I won't be one to complain with this quality!
The backpack does seem like a genuine attempt to create a sturdy backpack in the USA, something highly appreciated.
Still, I found a few things odd. Why is the padding on the shoulder straps so narrow? Why doesn't it extend to the edges of the strap to provide better comfort? I found the side lashing squares a bit unnecessary, given that there is already webbing with a hook there that can be used to secure axes, saws, trekking poles, etc. I understand that sturdiness is the No 1 goal, but other details could also be improved. For example, the different leather pieces on this backpack come in three colors. Although I understand the mechanics of mass production, I don't think it would hurt too much if matching colors of lashing squares and other parts were kept in inventory, so that more uniform backpacks could be produced. The vertical zip of the external pocket feels a bit awkward, and a horizontal one might be much more useful. I feel that in some respects the design won over practicality for the user.
Even so, this is still a good backpack and I am a satisfied and returning customer.
Beautiful pack i will use for the rest of my life. I wish the straps were wider, my only complaint. Love this pack.