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Tales from the trail
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.
I have now bought both the Isle Royal Senior and the Northstar Expedition pack. They are both excellent, but why are you cutting the leather straps just too wide for the brass buckles. It makes it a struggle to open and close them.
I had initially intended to use this pack for harsher trips that were relatively short, but I use it for just about everything. It is comfortable, a perfect size for most tasks, and I love the pockets. I enjoy bags with buckle closures like this has for the main compartment, but it is nice not to have to open it for everything. The pockets are big enough for any quick-access supplies, and zipper pulls are large enough to use with gloves without a problem. Something to consider - the back panel is the same waxed canvas as the rest of the bag and may transfer some wax to your top if your back gets warm during your hiking/working. I knew this before I purchased but had not thought too much about it as my last bag, a waxed Filson rucksack, had an unwaxed panel on the back to prevent this. This isn't a big deal as I am in western Montana and use this when it is colder outside, but it would be more of a factor if I lived in a warmer state or wore a lot of synthetic tops. Overall, this is a great bag that I use all the time and would buy again.