Frost River Summit Expedition Pack with Padded Buckskin Shoulder Straps

This pack was exactly what I was looking for. So tired of synthetics - sure they have their place - but for my purposes this Frost River daypack fits the bill. Practical and built to last - a throwback to packs of my youth. Lots of positive comments from others after they see it. Glad that COE carries this type of gear.

The pack is well built. The straps are comfortable. Before I ordered I was wishing it had a waist belt and the straps looked a little thin but it's actually quite comfortable for me, even loaded, though once a walk stretches into hours I might feel differently, I don't know. It adjusts well to different, random, jumbled loads. It has no frame or foam stiffener, so just collapses with nothing in it,and is a bit harder to load or find things for this reason. I bought a small, very thin laptop shoulder bag to stuff in there, after removing the handles and shoulder strap, that is stiff and also has a pocket for files, one for a tablet (or local area maps, emergency blanket, etc), one for cables, and an organizer pocket for stationary that also works well for a few EDC tools, spare batteries etc. That gives the bag shape and let's me slide my laptop and files in and out of a stuffed bag easily, otherwise it wouldn't work well for that. The other pockets are all great. I have a titatium Vargo BOT in one (1L pot/bottle) and a thermos in the other. Toiletries and FAK go in the rear pocket. Snacks and wet wipes in the lid pocket. The lid (but not the bottom, darn it) has leather tabs to attach straps to that work perfectly for holding a jacket or sweater or bedroll. This set up works well for me and I feel very organized. I dress pretty bushcrafty every day (all natural materials, including a jacket made from a wool blanket and hemp pants) so it fits my look perfectly. Had been wanting one for years and am very happy to have one now!

12 minutes after picking up the pack from the Post Office I had it stuffed and walked a local lake trail with it... Love at first hike