Submitted by: Pierre
04-26-2005
     I have used Duluth Packs all my life. I use them on an almost daily basis. They are simple, serviceable, reliable and dependable. They are not waterproof. For many years we used heavy mil plastic bags, inside the Duluth Pack, but last year I started using lightweight Granite Gear dry bags, inside the Duluth Pack, for my clothes and sleeping bag and found it to be a better system.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: CMax
04-26-2001
     I currently use the Hudson Bay model Duluth Pack. I have an OOOld #3 as well. True they are not ergonomic. They do however give peace of mind. They wont break, period. The volume of this particular pack is very large and is an issue if you try to carry heavy gear. I pack my blankets, bag, thermarest, and tent in seperate plastic bags (trash compactor bags). and they all go inside of the plastic bag that comes with the pack. Long heavy gear then go in...saw, hatchet, tent poles, pack rod. Total weight about 45 lbs. There are probably better bags out there . I don't care...I'll still be using this one in twenty years.
Rating: 8 of 10

Submitted by: ---
04-02-2000
     I have one #3 Duluth pack that has been in use for about 20 yrs. I use it for my cook kit and things like saws, extra rope etc. that I'm not too worried about getting wet. The cook kit rides in a waterproof river bag and everything else just sits by itself. If not overloaded the pack is easily carried. However for my own personal pack I use the rubber river bags as they are easier to keep waterproof if closed properly. I also had a large Duluth type bag made of Cordura with a fancy harness and waist belt in addition to a foam back support. I threw it out after a couple of seasons as it was a hassle to close and wasn't compleatly waterproof or comfortable to portage.
Rating: 7 of 10

Submitted by: AL
01-28-2000
     Duluth packs may have been the thing in their day but I believe their day is long over. I own 2 duluth packs. They carry terrible, even when packed proberly). On long (over 1km) portages the tump line is the only thing that makes them bearable. As far as I am concerned they are nothing more then a sack with straps. If you are a traditionalist and can't get by the nostalga enjoy being uncomfortable but as for me the new packs far out perform the old. I replaced my Duluth packs with Ostrom outdoors packs and there is no comparison. For those of you who think I am full of hot air I run a tripping school in Nothwest Ontario and spend up to 70-80 days out on trips. Buy from a new reputable pack manufacturer you will never regrett all the sore muscles you save.
Rating: 3 of 10

Submitted by: Ian
05-10-1999
     Duluth packs, carry them, drag them, or kick them; through mud, water, gravel, sand, dirt, or over rock. and hey, we're still using the same packs!! need we say more.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: ---
04-11-1999
     If you do canoe camping/tripping there is one product I feel is practically a must-Black Feather barrelpack .They come in two sizes with optional shoulder straps.They are absolutely waterproof,crushproof bearproof and can serve as a cooler,garbage can, float ballast or a seat!!! need I say more!They are sold in Canada and in Wyoming river raiders calalog.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: leonard
02-11-1999
     I have three original Duluth Packs, one #4 and two #3. They're great. Everything about them is well-made and heavy duty. I expect these packs will still be going strong twenty years from now. The only drawback is they're not waterproof. On the other hand it's a lot easier to carry a load in them than in my waterproof Seal Bags. Among other things the Duluth Packs have tump lines which certainly make packing easier.

These packs have been around since roughly when Christ was a kid and I fully expect they will be here for the next hundred years as well.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: Michael Bond
12-30-1998
     We use the large, outfitter model (#4 I think). Best use is for outfitters. Nothing is more durable. Plastic bag liners work well (use leather shoe string or thong to tie). Note* Was not impressed with the travel luggage, nice looks but the clips were weak and the design, although attractive, was not practicle.
Rating: 9 of 10

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