Anyone ever used a Cabela's Boundary Waters Pack?

Cabelas BW Pack

Found one in the bargain cave today in camo pattern. Friend has them in both sizes in blue, but hasn't used them on the water yet.

Talk to Izzy.

I've used a Eureka bag, very similar to what is shown.
I think I paid $80 for the bag.
They do ok, but after awhile the PVC welded joint that serves to attach critical spots can tend to fail.
I actually bought 4 of these units,for friends and my sons. Over the past 8 years (80-90 days in the bush/unit, I've had to repair each one. These aren't trip stopping repairs, but of some significance.
All in all, for the money, they've served me well. However, for my next trip, I plan to pack a CCS Pioneer.
A bit pricy, but I plan to spend a lot of years in the Dub and the Q., so we'll just have to amortize the cost over the long term!
Just my $0.02.

I've had both the large and the small versions of this pack. Sold the two larger ones because the were WAY too big, too difficult to double portage because they hung too low. Still have the smaller one and use it as the kitchen gear pack. For the price it's not a bad pack, and I haven't had any tears or rips in them...yet (I think I've used it for three years) and they really are waterproof. But when compared to the Kondos, Granite Gear and CCS packs I own, this is my least favorite pack. If money is a factor, this is a functional pack. But if you can get a used pack (typically Granite Gear or Kondos) from an outfitter for $10-$20 more, that would be worth every penny. If you can afford to buy a CCS pack, you'll never regret that.

I have a garage full of equipment that has failed me.
1 - the Cabelas boundary pack -the strap broke on the 3rd portage.
2 - Cabelas snake boots, leaked the first time I put them in the water.
3 - the rain gear was for s#&t.

I did return all these items no questions asked...but when you are in the middle of your trip, you really don't care about their return policy.

I do buy a lot of gear from Cabelas, but I will never buy any Cabelas brand gear!

I use the Eurekas also. I love mine and like the fact that they keep everything dry. Supisingly, I find mine very comfortable. Good padded hip belt and shouder straps.

So far, after 5 years, no problems. I use them at least 4 times a year.

I have the same pack and used it twice in BW. So far has worked fine. Although it is difficult to find things for it is rather deep. You should also be careful with handling them as they do seem vulnerable to tear at the stress points. I believe the bottom corners and where the straps sew in would be hard to fix on a trip without a (weld) kit as the patch kit provided probably wouldn't adhere to these specific spots. Pluses are the price and the immediate all around need. Indeed are waterproof (luckily haven't tested one overboard). Happy trippin.

quote thecanoeman: "I have a garage full of equipment that has failed me.
3 - the rain gear was for s#&t.
I do buy a lot of gear from Cabelas, but I will never buy any Cabelas brand gear!"

Which of their rain gear was it? They have a lot of their own brands of raingear and all of it seems to me to be really good, from just having looked at it. I only have the packable nylon one right now but am considering the Rainy River or EXV(?). Your experiences surprise me, given their reputation for outdoor gear (heck, your stuff can't get any more ruggedly tested than the Iditarod!) and from what I've used.

first question is, how much is it discounted for?
I have a couple and like them so far, and most lkely if they fail, cabelas has usually been good on returns
or see what rei may have similar, it may be full price, but with the return policy they offer, even if they fail, they will replace so you will get it guaranteed for life from what they have done for me in the past.

I found the "regular" size pack (3,600 cu in) in a "real tree" kind of camo (color must have been discontinued). It was $41. I told them I was hesitant to get something from "the cave" (usually NON returnable) that was supposed to be waterproof because I couldn't test it there in the store.

They agreed to give me 30 days to return and they wrote on my receipt the same, so I came home with it.

First, why I was even interested in it:

1) my kids have used waterproof SCUBA backpacks made by EVO for some years now (EVO pack). They can fit sleeping bag and most clothing needed for a 4-5 day trip in there, and they've used them backpacking in California, MN state parks, and paddling BWCA. The front zipper pocket was the only quality issue, but then again it was being used by a 3 year old. I LOVE that I can pack their packs and NOT have to use liners to keep everything dry.

2) kids are getting bigger, as is their gear. Looking for a midsize pack option and re-thinking how we distribute stuff on a trip, now that two kids really are ready to help share the load (ages 10 and 11). Still attracted to waterproof concept without needing liners, though I've never used one any bigger than the EVO.

Now, that I've had it home, I notice a couple things... but the rest of the post will have to wait - it's time for some HOCKEY. NCAA championship today and looks like I gotta go to be there for puck drop. Will finish later with observations. Thanks all for the feedback so far!

Yes I use one for the clothes and sleeping gear,they are very waterproof,I had to repair the shoulder straps where you could see the top of the straps were pulling away from the pack,where they are stitched,took it to canvas crafters or any place that can do heavy sewing.I inspect those stress points before each trip,also take care in packing as it can be uncomfortable on the trail to carry if you don't

I have one but because it lacks a hip belt I don't carry it by itself. Instead, I strap in onto an NRS Paragon Pack along with anything else that will fit. The Paragon adds about 3 lbs to the load but it's so comfortable and adaptable that I either don't notice or don't care.

BW , I own three BW bags. I have the camo bags. Two backpacks the largest they make and the biggest duffle bag. I like the backpacks/ duffle combination because each guy can wear a backpack and both carry the duffle bag. I pack these bags to the brim. They are holding up great. My partner will be buying a couple of BW backpacks also for our next trip. Very pleased. I think they call them MAX. About $ 90 each. Great investment. Patch kits are included. Any questions call me at 815/842/3447. I would be happy to talk to you. Dodger.

I have one and have used it multiple times with no issues.

My large one has been on 6 BW trips and numerous state park trips and shows no signs of wear. For the price I paid for it years ago it has served well (bang for the buck). I have now upgraded to a CCS pack that is more comfortable and easier to pack.

I have used these packs for a number of years with no problems. But I do base camp so my hours of portaging packs are probably way less than most of you. But they ARE waterproof and I have no problems with them. Probably just jinxed myself for this year now.

I hear you, thecanoeman. In my quite long life I have found that there is 'a good deal' and there is 'cheap'. I have no experience with this particular pack, but have learned that to get a good deal means much more than getting something cheap. It isn't a good deal if it stands a fair chance of failing when you are away from civilization, where the warranty/return policy is useless. Another thing is that usually when you spend more you get more; like a piece of equipment that is more comfortable, fits better, lasts longer, gives more pleasure in the using. I find that I spend more than some of my friends when I make a purchase, but sure don't have to buy as often, and don't get frustrated from things failing at inopportune times like they tend to do. Like I said, this pack in question may be a good one, but I would not make the purchase based on that fact that it is less expensive than others may be. Find the best one that you can afford, and I'll bet you will not be sorry.

I have a large and a regular sized ones in green. I have had them on 3 BWCA trips and never once had an issue. We single portage ever portage with out any problems. Like previously mentioned, they can become a black hole and you may end up digging for stuff a while in order to find whatever your looking for.

quote BlackMagic: "... usually when you spend more you get more; like a piece of equipment that is more comfortable, fits better, lasts longer, gives more pleasure in the using. I find that I spend more than some of my friends when I make a purchase, but sure don't have to buy as often, and don't get frustrated from things failing at inopportune times like they tend to do...."

This is what my Dad meant when he used to say "Quality always costs less."

we have one of the big backpacks. it has served it's purpose well so far. it get's loaded with tent, clothes, sleeping bags/pads, etc.

I have the larger one and same answer as Ducks. Don't think I would buy it again though, as I think there are better packs out there. Wish it had lifting grips, external pockets and clips, and a hip belt.
In fact I am not sure why I bought it, have just used the HD trash bag linner system before with no problems.

Black Magic, I really liked your comments above and believe them to be spot-on accurate, especially the part about the better quality product usually being more comfortable, fitting better, lasting longer and giving more pleasure when using.

Always buy the best quality you can possibly buy. It'll be worth it in the long run.

I have one and it has worked well. FYI... The newer ones have a hipbelt and a padded back rest. The older ones were just drybags with shoulder straps.

That said, I reach for my CCS packs first. The Cabela's pack is only brought out in larger groups.

@mc2mens, Izzy chimed in thanks.
@Eureka users, thanks! Never saw those before, look cool. Which models do you use? @hapstap check them out, they have some of the features you were looking for.
@thlipsis29, kitchen gear? that's my heaviest stuff. if it holds that without stress, that's great. I agree on the large ones, harness looks somewhat inadequate, though a friend of mine used one like that last year on a winter backpack trip and said no issues.
@canoller, current models have comfy padded back harness systems. That said, I wouldn't pack anything sharp or hard in there anyway.
@Koda, cool! along the lines of the bear barrel harness. Takes the stress issue right out of the picture.
@dodger, thanks! There's a green duffle (huge!) in the cave as of Saturday PM in Owatonna.

Did some comparisons with the models I have home. Here are some pics and observations.







A = Seattle Sports pack, 98 liters, REI recent sale, $30
o HATE the circular round design for packing and backpacking
o No waist belt
o came without clips for the load balancer straps
o seems watertight, when peeking inside to look for light spots
o spindly shoulder straps don't seem like they match possible load weight
o not even sure it's worth the $30 for a spare pack, possibly a desperate college student pack with TLC on every trip
o this was disappointing from Seattle Sports, my waterproof day pack is made by them and light years better quality (also 3x price)






B = no-name pack, buddy got at Canoecopia, $5 to him, FREE to me
o LOVE the price, can't beat free if it works
o rectangular design works better than circular
o long narrow design is hard to pack and get things out
o couple ?? areas when checking for watertightness with light
o shoulder straps are OK
o no waist belt
o based on price and with TLC, I do use as spare overflow pack on occasion, never fill it fully

C = Cabela's MAX BW pack (discontinued? bargain cave), $41
o rounded rectangular design is OK
o padded back harness is comfy with all the adjustments you are used to in a pack
o unpadded waist belt helps ease vertical stress on you and pack
o welded seams appear to be decent quality, obvious points to watch
o harness seems to support 3600 cu in load (obviously softer and lighter gear preferred)
o love the haul loop; seems rock solid; then again, there is only one
o padded harness may soak up rainwater and release when portaging - same with non-waterproof packs with this harness design
o seems completely waterproof with light test
o camo pattern and cream colored interior means you CAN see inside, no "black hole" syndrome of similar packs
o like the size pack, holds plenty of gear without being overwhelming
o cannot find this pack new ($90 on the tag) at Cabela's or elsewhere
o I think this pack will earn its $41 bargain cave price over time

D = Cabela's BW II Regular pack, $80
o same size and rounded rectangular design as item C above
o same harness as item C above
o interior is dark, "black hole" compared to camo model
o initial thoughts were that black bottom portion was reinforced to stand up to rocks better... however, that means an additional seam and in the item I brought home (new) there was already one defect in that seam
o based on that defect in design, I'd likely NOT spend $80 for the pack. Will keep watching friend who owns one and see how it does over time.

Looked up the Eureka packs 75liter and 115 liter. Anyone know of a US vendor? Can't seem to find them online other than in Canada.

BWPaddler,

My kitchen pack is probably around 25 lbs. I do carry a 13 lb cast iron skillet in the pack, but everything else is aluminum. And like I said, I've only used it on 3 trips, so I wouldn't say that I've had the best extended test. But so far so good.

Fingers crossed for you tlipsis, I'm keeping the camo MAX pack. Seattle Sports and BW II headed back. Maybe I'll find something else in the cave this visit - I only had 5 minutes last weekend. You never know what you might need until you find it in the bargain cave!

I had 2 of the older models. One is holding up...the kids yanked the shoulder strap off the other. They are too big and long. I also have one of the newer models. The straps are better, the addition of the handle on top is good, but the waist belt isnt the greatest. They are not too bad if you dont overload them. I have moved on to Kondos packs with waterproof liners....much better. I loan the Cabelas pack out or use it as a spare.

I've taken mine to the Bdub 5 time last year. The straps are still holding. Nice and water tight I always pack it with my bulky gear that I want to keep dry. Keep it light and I think you'll get your moneys worth out of it.

On another note I'm going to see Dan Cook @ CCS next week to see if he can put a hip belt on it. I got mine out of The Cave and the upgrade should make a good pack better. With a hip belt taking the load instead of the straps it should last a long time.

Hope this helps JB.

Thanks cowdoc and jb, I look at it as an in between pack with kids in tween years. Just outfitted them all with their first adult-size sleeping bags, etc. so middle of the road pack with no liner needed seems a deal at 41 bucks. We won't overload them because my 11 year old only weighs 75 pounds herself. I love not having to use liners, though my two main packs need them and yes, I know it works flawlessly (if less than elegantly).

jb, there is a waist belt on my models, but it's just webbing, not padded at all. You're right that letting hips take some of the load will reduce stress on the upper ends of the shoulder straps. I tried it on 11 year old tonight and worked pretty well. It will likely see 2-3 short-ish trips this year, so we'll see how that goes. No luck finding other ones like that on the web. I think that camo design is long gone.

I have 4 of them and they work fine. Both the BW, and TheBW2. They all have wide, padded shoulder and waist straps. For a while the BW2's went to narrow, unpadded shoulder straps and no waist strap. Look close at used or e-bay bags. We've only had one with a small tear at the top, A sharp edge did it while repacking. We only try to put soft, bulky items in them, The rest goes in the Tough packs.

quote thecanoeman: "....but I will never buy any Cabelas brand gear!"

I hear you. At least they print, emboss, or embroider their name all over their products as a fair warning.

quote BWPaddler: "@mc2mens, Izzy chimed in thanks.
@Eureka users, thanks! Never saw those before, look cool. Which models do you use?

I'm not sure what model I purchased, any paperwork is long gone.
However,I do know that it's the largest boundary pack that Eureka made at the time.
It's decked out with all the options- double haul loops, multiple daisychains and secondary d rings for attaching gear. Padded hip belt with sternum straps.
A nice feature is that it comes with tumpline straps.

Again, if you take care packing and you don't beat it up during handling (not necessary anyway), this pack will serve you well.
I'll keep mine as a guest pack, but it's time for a change.

I have Sealine, Cabelas and Eureka packs. The Eureka has the best system for comfort, but is built lighter in the stiching than the others.but the handles on pack make it easy to get in and out of canoe. If you have people just "jerking" on straps that is a big problem. Only time I have had a strap broke or stiching ripped. Since I have these packs it will be awhile before buy new ones. I have to work at not packing them full, just one more thing. They can be really heavy.

I have a smaller ostrom pack for day gear and using when portaging the canoe. I like having pack that is waterproof and doesn't gain weight if wet. I know for certain that they float for at least 45 minutes. I have no fear that CCS packs and others would float well with a plastic liner. As I get younger, comfort will become more of an issues and will require looking at different packs. I don't leave home without a chair now.

Have used the BW Cabela's packs for some time now. I've treated them with respect and they've held up well. I'd like something better and am looking to improve but with $ as it is I'll use it again this year. Yep, it's big and can be a black hole but I have a system where I compression sack all that's compressible and then bag them in color coded bags and seem to be able to keep track of things pretty well. I do wish they had a handy side grip handle because it's too tempting to yank them out of the canoe by the shoulder strap and put undue stress on the stitching as well as my back.

Thanks all. I think I'll end up with combination waterproof and non- packs. Will try this Cabela's one and see - think it's a decent deal at $41, so we'll see how that works this year and re-assess.

We have a BW pack that we have only used once. It is definitely very waterproof. After a few more trips we can comment on how it holds up. Hopefully well. I do agree with the other board members that say you get what you pay for but at times.....you know the wants vs. needs question pops up.

I own the big one in camo. Usually use it for food, hang it up at night and nothing gets wet. I have had about 60 pounds hanging overnight with no rips.

wow, good to know nels!

We brought this pack in and loved it. I have a canvas bag and use smaller sea-line water proof bags. I thought this was the best solution until we dumped in shallow water. The bag canvas picked up water weight from the dump and the full day of rain. I plan on picking up another as they shed water so well.