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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: New Pack Duluth vs Frost River
 
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pastorjsackett
02/04/2013 05:59PM
 
I have to say that Duluth Packs are awesome and Frost River stuff is just cool. Looks great and I'm sure they work great too. However, with twins in private colleges, I bought two CCS packs (4 and 3.5) and got them for less than one of the others costs. And they work good. Funny how people become very attached to their own packs and opinions! They all work great. Good luck!
 
karlwithak
02/04/2013 12:48PM
 
quote PortageKeeper: "I think that they are equal in many ways and it's hard to beat either one.
One issue that has been brought up in the past is that a Duluth pack will dry much faster than a waxed canvas pack. "



Crap!! Thanks PK, didn't think of that possible scenario. Ever since I found this site I've learned something new every day. What a great source of experience to tap into.
 
karlwithak
01/31/2013 09:15AM
 
Greetings to all, I am looking to purchase either the Duluth Monarch or the Frost River Lewis and Clark, I have had a Duluth pack for the last 27 years, and it's still going strong, I've never seen, knowingly the Frost River Packs but they seem to be a little heavier duty made...and about a hundred bucks less for the same size pack. Not interested in nylon, just not my thing. Any thoughts or experience shared would be appreciated. Safe Journeys, Karl.
 
pastorjsackett
01/31/2013 10:01AM
 
I covet both and cannot afford either! Thos Frost River packs look awesome and they are when you see them up close! I will be interested to see what others say here.
 
Beaverjack
02/04/2013 06:46PM
 
quote karlwithak: "quote PortageKeeper: "I think that they are equal in many ways and it's hard to beat either one.
One issue that has been brought up in the past is that a Duluth pack will dry much faster than a waxed canvas pack. "

Crap!! Thanks PK, didn't think of that possible scenario. Ever since I found this site I've learned something new every day. What a great source of experience to tap into."


Yeah, but soaking through will take longer with a good waxed canvas pack.
 
PortageKeeper
02/04/2013 10:02AM
 
I think that they are equal in many ways and it's hard to beat either one.
One issue that has been brought up in the past is that a Duluth pack will dry much faster than a waxed canvas pack.
 
OldieMoldy
02/04/2013 10:05AM
 
Very interesting thread; never knew about Frost River. Noticed on their web site a tin of canvas dressing. Over the years I've seen the order of Rodent chew just about anything; I wonder just what their opinion is of canvas dressing. Several years ago now, my dog got a sore that she wouldn't leave alone. Purchased a bottle of "Sour Apple" liquid; applied it to the wound and she didn't bother it anymore.
Never content to leave well enough alone, I tried a little. Holy Smokes!! That stuff is awful sour! I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried to mix it with the normal dressing or even tried it alone on a pack?
Love the looks of these packs but if I put the money out and then found a chewed hole in it it'd just break my old atherosclerostic heart.
Best Wishes, Rob
 
karlwithak
02/04/2013 12:40PM
 
Thanks Rob! I've never had a hole chewed in mine but one of my buddies has had it happen twice, one time sent it back to Duluth and they patched it and the 2nd time he took it too a local cobbler who sewed a cool little leather patch on it...just added to the character of the pack really. Ya/I just can't get that same thing outa the new stuff. Safe Journeys, Karl
 
florida
02/04/2013 06:28AM
 
I received a Frost River Isle Royal pack this winter. I researched Frost River, Duluth, and Alder Stream Canvas before buying. Frost River seemed to me to be the best value of the three. I do own a few GG Quetico packs which I like for their carrying capacity and carrying harness setup. There is something I just love about the old school look, feel, and the smell of waxed canvas and leather. I can't wait to be able to use it on our trip this year...
 
karlwithak
01/31/2013 01:09PM
 
Got it thanks.
 
Mustangt125
01/31/2013 01:26PM
 
They have so many to pick from on their site I dont even know where to start.
 
karlwithak
01/31/2013 11:39AM
 
Thanks Pastor! Maybe I should have posted this in the Gear Forum section! This was my first post! Well the last one I bought was 27 years ago :), before that I went out there with a GI duffle bag, ya know the big one with the shoulder straps?!!!It's easy to buy one if you don't worry about savings or fixing to much around the house!!
 
tmoneyfsu
01/31/2013 12:47PM
 
I have the Frost River Isle Royal and Love it. I feel that the customer service associated with Frost River is second to none. And II think that it is a superior product to Duluth pack. It has double canvas bottoms and sewn and riveted straps. Its by far my most prized BW possession.
 
karlwithak
02/12/2013 09:35PM
 
quote rdykwatt: "If you choose to go with the Frost River Lewis and Clark pack there's a great deal for one on Sarasota Fl craigslist."


Just wanted to say, I made contact with Jim, the guest paddler, he was a true gentleman, sent me a Frost River Lewis and Clark Pack, threw in a brand new pack for carrying in a 60L barrel and three Fisher Maps, (two of which happen to connect to the ones I already have) and didn't even want any money up front, just check out the goods and if I liked him send him a check. Well the box came today and everything was excellent. What a class act. Thanks again for everyone's input on this.
Truly an honor and a pleasure to have found you all. Karl.
 
rdykwatt
02/05/2013 03:29AM
 
If you choose to go with the Frost River Lewis and Clark pack there's a great deal for one on Sarasota Fl craigslist.
 
paddlemonster44
02/05/2013 02:35PM
 
I was and still am a huge fan of Duluth Packs but after discovering Frost River I became an immediate fan of their packs. I bought a waxed canvas Duluth pack a couple years back and more recently purchased a Frost river shoulder back. I personally would go with Frost River and have recommended them to friends. I believe all their stuff comes in waxed canvas which for me was a huge plus while you have to pay extra at Duluth Pack for the waxed canvas. They do put a dent in the ole wallet but if taken care of properly, can be passed down for generations!
 
pastorjsackett
01/31/2013 11:48AM
 
I have twins in college, so I only read the websites and drool.
 
karlwithak
01/31/2013 12:21PM
 
LOL!!! Got 4 kids myself, got them to "Drink the cool-aid" on the outdoors thing, sooooo it's really all for them...eventually!!! Wife doesn't particularly buy that but after 17 years, she's occasional willing to play along! Good Luck to you and yours.
 
BeaV
01/31/2013 01:40PM
 
Welcome Karl,


I have the Monarch 3 pack. Maybe 4 years old and used for a total of about 40 days in the BWCA and am very pleased with it. No signs of any issues with it. I'll give it 2 thumbs up. I never looked at or used the Frost River so I can't help with comparison.


BeaV
 
karlwithak
01/31/2013 02:10PM
 
Thanks BeaV, No doubt! My own Duluth pack is holding up as good as I could ever want, just seems like the Frost River is heavier duty, maybe, and a hundred bucks less. I guess either way I probly won't be able to wear either of them out.
 
Brent
01/31/2013 08:06PM
 
You've got a lot more options out there to check out rather than just Duluth and Frost River.


I'm sure they are both good packs, but for me nothing beats the design of a CCS pack.


The hip belt is amazing on long portages and I wouldn't trade my CCS pack for any canvas bag.


Just my opinion on packs and to each their own.

 
kanoes
01/31/2013 08:16PM
 
quote Brent: "You've got a lot more options out there to check out rather than just Duluth and Frost River.

I'm sure they are both good packs, but for me nothing beats the design of a CCS pack.

The hip belt is amazing on long portages and I wouldn't trade my CCS pack for any canvas bag.

Just my opinion on packs and to each their own. "

the original post said "not interested in nylon".
 
jeroldharter
01/31/2013 08:54PM
 
I like Frost River. I have two portage packs, a briefcase, a satchel for my iPad, and a small duffel for the gym. Quality is excellent. No complaints and have never had a problem with any of the bags.
 
karlwithak
01/31/2013 09:33PM
 
Thanks Brent I've heard alot of very good things about CCS packs and gear, I'm just one of those guys that doesn't let progress get in the way of tradition! :) Thanks for the input though. Safe Journey Karl
 
karlwithak
01/31/2013 09:38PM
 
Thanks Jerold, that's a pretty good endorsement!
 
karlwithak
01/31/2013 09:52PM
 
Thank You all for taking the time to offer input on this, wish I had found this site years ago.
 
kanoes
01/31/2013 09:55PM
 
quote karlwithak: "Thank You all for taking the time to offer input on this, wish I had found this site years ago. "
we are glad youre here now. welcome!