If I tell the absolute truth, surely I will be accused of being a fake review. I am 60, born in a canoe on Rio Del Pesones. This is by far the best barrel harness I have ever seen up close. Only exception being fleeting glimpses and blurry photos of the type of harness used by Bigfoot, Sasquatch, and Ol’Boggy Creek monster, these are the best available most likely. Certainly I am aware there is a Sasquatch original barrel harness at Area 51 in Nevada. When that harness technology is reverse engineered and then made public, you won’t be alive, or if you are alive you won’t be able to afford it. Ostrom is the best barrel harness on the planet earth currently available to ordinary human beings. Believe it or not, the weight of this question will be on your back, not mine. I have an Ostrom barrel harness, I am a believer.

Bold claims… Like many I thought that the outlandish claims made by ostrom wouldn’t hold up. And can you really blame me? So often companies make similar claims with zero intention on backing them up. NOT HERE!!

Blindfolded you would be hard pressed to guess you’re wearing a barrel, even with that information you would probably guess 10 pounds light.

I’ve had 33 kg in a 60l barrel without issue.

Build quality is top notch, little details (such as big finger loops on the key adjustments) elevate this harness even further

The top straps are very handy (an 1170 peli case is a match made in heaven) and provide a little extra ring security in case of a swift water swim

Neutral observations (not deal breakers but to be considered)

Mission critical plastic components. again, not a downside and lends to the custom fit nature. But I definitely picked up a few more replacements for my collection before embarking on a long trip.

IMO spare parts should be standard practice anyway. (slip them into the bottom of the padding pocket if you don’t use a parts bag)

Holds water longer than other harnesses, naturally going to happen with the decadent padding then other harnesses.

It can be a bit of a wake-up on the first portage of a frosty morning

And easy 5/5

Winisk Canoe Pack (Frameless)

I tried the new RAD tumpline this past summer on my 60L barrel and canoe pack. I loved the new design as it is much more comfortable to wear higher on the head and distributes weight more evenly. The material is very comfortable as well. The tumpline is always an immediate 'add to cart' item when I buy any canoe pack or barrel harness.

I am impressed with the construction of these packs.Looking forward to balanced loads and easier portaging.
Eagerly awaiting to use them this upcoming summer.

Absolutely love my new pack I was told by others to just buy an Ostrom and your search will be over!! Wow were they right!

Marvelous. I’m now adding all my heavy items to the barrel because the harness carries it so well. It is well made and looks like a piece of equipment I’ll pass on to my son when the time comes. Definitely worth every penny.
Only suggested improvements are to add one additional handle to the bottom so all four point have a handle for lifting in whichever configuration. Fit, comfort, function and durable are perfect.

Quetico Canoe Pack (Frameless)

I needed a larger pack to accommodate gear for my son and me on a recent trip. I'd known that Ostrom packs were the creme de la creme of canoe packs and reached out to Bill and Susan a few days before my trip to see if I could get a pack delivered in time. Bill generously offered alternatives to get the pack to me in time for the journey. Long story short, the pack arrived with time to spare, and we were ready to go.
This pack is huge, comfortable and a joy to use. It holds more gear than I could ever imagine taking on a solo trip but packs up snugly for whatever size of gear I need to take. It's nice to know that I have the room if required for more ambitious trips, but I also have a stable, balanced pack for my solo trips.
Two trips in with the Winisk, and I won't go back to my previous pack. The Winisk is incredibly comfortable, packs well and gives me confidence that my gear is secure and safe, even through the toughest of journeys.
Thanks, Bill and Anne. You have made my camping experience better than I could have expected.

My favorite tumpline by far! Super comfortable and does a great job minimizing any discomfort. Only recommendation; order or request some additional buckles to be able to attach it to any pack

3 days into a 10 wabakimi trip I tore my labrum in hip. This forced my wife to do a lot of carrying to get me to a lake for pickup. She was a champ and was super grateful for our new ostrom pack!

Used the harness for a trip into Quetico recently. Very comfortable and fully adjustable. The old harness is going into the garbage, there is no comparison. Thank you!

Your “Duluth” pack looked great out of the box— and then in proved itself in Quetico on a 14-day trip. We use plastic tubs to pack our food. Two of these stacked perfectly atop each other with room on the side for ax, shovel, saw, and room on top for odds and ends like a sat phone and sandals. The pack held all of that (about 50 pounds), and then cinches down great. Easy to get in and out of the canoe; sits nicely in the board; distributes the weight very well on the carry. Others on the trip wished they had one of your packs — and I’m guessing in 2025 they will.

J'ai un bras handicapé du a une opération.je ne peux plus porter de sac a dos.mon support frontale me permet de continuer à faire des activités de plein air et de porter mon sac d'une manière différente.

Simply amazing. You have e to get the liner, it’s so worth it.