I bought a couple of these to use with our Scouts as we start canoe tripping with them. My personal packs are Ostrom (circa 2005) and I love them. This pack is simpler than mine, but still a great Ostrom design and very sturdy. I will have no hesitation in buying more packs when needed. I'll be buying some barrel harnesses next.

Best gear on the market. Great service from this company.

I was skeptical at first about the price of this harness, since there is a competitor who offers a very attractive package deal, but you really do get what you pay for! You don't realize that you're carrying a hard, round barrel thanks to the super thick, well-designed back pad, plus the top straps pull the load forward, making it much easier to carry the weight. I would much rather carry the barrel than a pack or the canoe. Well done Ostrom!

There are 3 stand-outs for me with this harness. 1. The substantial padding on the straps, back, and hip belt. 2. The contoured frame that hugs the barrel, heping keep it firmly in place. 3. The placement of the weight-adjusting straps at/near the top of the barrel, allowing me to pull the weight closer to my body. This harnedd is a game changer for me.

The most comfortable canoe pack I've ever used. The straps and hip belt were szed and positioned to fit my body shape and size. The internal frame was molded to the contours of my back. The top opening is large for ease of packing and unpacking. Multiple external attachment points for carrying additional items. It feels like I'm carrying 25% less weight.

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