CUSTOM-FIT CANOE PACKS & BARREL HARNESSES - THE SECRET TO COMFORT AND SAFETY ON THE TRAIL.

You'll actually want to portage more!

55 lbs Never Felt So Light!

“Portaging was literally painful for me because of my size. The custom-fit Winisk was a dream to carry, even with 55lbs!” C.N.

Portaging is part of the adventure...and the less you hate it, the farther you’ll go.

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Transform your portage from suffer-fest to sublime.

Well...sublime may be a bit of an overstatement.

But when was the last time you gave a thumbs up at the end of the portage.

Imagine just being able to focus on the trail...or the birds...or your kids for that matter. 

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  • Custom-Fit Promise

    Awesome fit for all genders, body, shape, and size.

    If it doesn't fit, we'll make it right.

  • Free Shipping in Canada

    Free domestic shipping on orders over $125. 65% off shipping to the U.S on orders over $125.

  • Forever Warranty

    Buy once... and have it for a lifetime!

  • Youth on Canoe Trips

    This year your purchase helps us donate packs to Project Canoe and Trails Youth Initiative. Nonprofits that get youth out on trips.

35 Years of Helping Paddlers Discover the Joys of Portaging

We’ve been tripping with our families since we were kids.

And got so fed up with uncomfortable canoe packs and nasty barrel harnesses that Bill just had to design a solution.

He first looked to backpack designs for inspiration. The result was:

  • the first-ever internal frame portage pack. (So impressive with heavy loads.)
  • the first barrel harness with a contoured foam back pad and Upper Adjustment. (Game changer!)
  • and the first to offer custom-fit … because carrying 50+ lbs in a one-size-fits-all pack is unnecessarily painful.
“It was a blast being the lead designer for the Canadian Armed Forces Rucksack and Small Pack System. We used scientific research and field testing to fully understand how pack design impacts load carriage, load control and weight transfer. It dramatically changed my approach to design. Custom-sizing does matter.” Bill Ostrom

you know you want this pack - what's stopping you?

All Your Questions Answered.

Is the custom-fit worth the investment?

A pack or harness that is custom-fit to your body means you will be more surefooted and comfortable on the portage. You can be confident in getting out summer after summer, perhaps on more challenging trips. (Quetico or the BWCA anyone?)

Here's something else to think about. Portages will get harder as you get older. (Trust us!) Your pack will feel heavier and the smallest twist of an ankle or knee on the portage could wreck your entire season.

“We loaded the pack up to about 55-60lbs and my husband helped me get it on my back and tighten everything up. It was a dream!!! No more pain on my neck and shoulders from ill-fitting straps, and a waist belt that actually came to
my waist and tightened up, and stayed in place. The portaging was SO MUCH EASIER for me!”
C.N.

Think about your next 30 summers. How does that return on investment sound?

Are your packs waterproof?

Our packs are not waterproof, but we highly recommend waterproofing any gear inside your pack that absorbs moisture (clothing, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, repair kit, personal kit, etc.).

Options are individual dry bags, a canoe pack liner, or stuff sacks lined with two layers of good-quality garbage bags (individually sealed).

What if I make an error on my size

Reach out! We send you instructions on how to check the fit.

Our custom-fit promise means that we’ll work with you to make sure you have the right sizing.

Our shoulder straps and hip belt are interchangeable and easy to switch out. (We even have video instructions!)

We cover all shipping costs.

What is your return policy?

Any unused product can be returned for refund or exchange
within 30 days of when you receive it.

You are responsible for return shipping costs.

Contact us to initiate a return.

View our full returns policy.

What's the warranty?

Our Forever Warranty means that our products are warrantied to any owner for the lifetime of the product against defects in materials or workmanship under normal use.

If your Ostrom Outdoors product fails due to a material or manufacturing defect, we will repair or replace it at our option.

Read more.

Canada Shipping

 Free shipping on orders over $125 to the provinces and 65% off to the territories. You can select your ground courier at checkout.

View our shipping policy.

U.S Shipping

65% off shipping on orders over $125. You can choose your ground courier at checkout.

Read our shipping policy.

Shipping outside of N.America

Contact us to ask for a shipping quote. Keep in mind that your order may be subject to import duties, taxes and/or brokerage fees. These costs will be your responsibility, and we suggest you check with local import authorities before completing your purchase.

Why are your packs heavier than others?

Custom-Fit

The interchangeable shoulder straps and hip belt, and the adjustable torso that allow these packs to fit your exact body shape, all require extra buckles, fabric, webbing and reinforcement.

You’ll notice that the advantages of custom-fit outweigh the cons of a little extra weight.

Imagine feeling more comfortable, surefooted and confident on the portages. And wanting to go even further into the backcountry.

Durability

Yeah, we took a hard look at ways to reduce weight…but it meant compromising on durability.

Just imagine shaving a couple of ounces only to have your pack bust apart.

Check out the extra fabric and webbing to reinforce the suspension system and high-stress areas.

Making sure you have a pack you can rely on in the backcountry is the backbone of our Forever Warranty.

Have a question we didn't answer?

Send Bill a quick message. We're happy to help.

Load your canoe pack so it feels lighter.

Four proven tips on how to pack your canoe pack or barrel so it feels lighter on your next canoe camping trip.

Check Out Our Blog

More stable on the portage.