Watch the video or follow the steps below to select your torso, shoulder strap, and hip belt sizes. (S, M, L, XL)
You will need a cloth measuring tape. Or some cord and a ruler.
If you’re between sizes - simply select the larger size.





Watch the video or follow the steps below to select your torso, shoulder strap, and hip belt sizes. (S, M, L, XL)
If you’re between sizes - simply select the larger size.
It’s amazing what a sheet of high-density, lightweight thermoplastic and 2 aluminum stays can do for comfort and stability on the portage.
Just like in a hiking backpack, this rigid back panel is highly effective at transferring weight to your hips and legs (the strongest part of your body) and off your shoulders and back.
Sewn-in framesheet is essential for pulling the top of the pack close to your centre of gravity. So it doesn’t pull you backwards.
Beware! An internal frame only works if you can adjust the torso to your back length. Adjust ours to S, M, or L for the ultimate in fit and weight transfer.
You can bend the stays to the shape of your back for the ultimate custom fit. (We can show you how.)
• National Molding Duraflex buckles you can rely on.
• #10YKK zipper with un-coated sliders for better wear and tear.
• 1000 denier nylon fabric with a double layer on the bottom, front, and sides.
• High-density EVA foam does not compress over time.
• All seams are sewn 3-4 times. The most reliable in the industry.
• High-stress areas are reinforced with a bar-tack. (compression straps, handles)
• Absolutely no raw edges to fray, even at the zipper.
•Back panel has a second layer (400 denier nylon) for extra reinforcement for the suspension system. (Unique to Ostrom packs.)
Our packs are not waterproof. And 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).
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.
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?
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.
Free shipping on orders over $100.
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.
We use Canada Post/United States Postal Service for U.S.
destinations. Estimated shipping speed is around 7 days. BUT we suggest you
allow 2-3 weeks.
Shipping charges will be calculated and displayed at
checkout, and should include the current tariffs, duties and taxes.
However, there is no guarantee, and your order may be
subject to additional tariffs, brokerage charges, import duties and taxes
(including VAT), which are incurred once a shipment reaches your destination.
OSTROM OUTDOORS is not responsible for these charges, if
applied, and are your responsibility as the customer.
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.
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.
Send Bill a quick message. We're happy to help.
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:
“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