I bought this because I needed a new piece of carry-on luggage. I upgraded to the padded straps, and I'm that I will be glad when I use this in canoe country. I only travel with a carry, and how much does one need to travel? I have been to five continents this way. Almost one hundred percent of the time my piece of luggage will get pulled out by the TSA for extra scrutiny. The top has easy access to anyone to look into it. The side pockets were perfect for putting electronic gadgets that I needed to get to right away or put my sandals there. It holds plenty of clothing. I will also use this pack when I head into the BWCA. A really great pack that is well made. I'm expecting it to hold its value too. One day I won't be able to travel anymore, nor head to canoe country and then I will sell it, for a lot of money too! A great Minnesota product, which is made in Duluth, USA!

I purchased the 12” version with upgraded straps for canoe day trips. The quality is outstanding, the design is well thought out and useful. Interior zip storage is a great feature. Very happy with it.

I now have this backpack for a week. I used it for carying my laptop to work, to visit and shoot pictures of Québec city and for an adventure in the forests. This bag is the best backpack I ever had. Its robustness and adaptability in size make him an allrounder.

I just received this pack a few days ago and it's build quality has surpassed my expectations. The leather straps are legit bridle leather and are extremely hefty. The lashing tabs are also made of thick leather and are very robust. The snaps stud / eyelets are backed with leather to prevent pull through. The main compartment of the pack was also more sophisticated than I expected. There is foam back pad sewn between layers of canvas to provide some support and protection from getting poked in the back. Immediately behind this pad is a sleeve that can be used for a laptop, tablet, or notebooks, etc. On the inside of the bag but opposite the side pockets are small pockets that could be used for holding cards, a small notebook, or other small items you don't want floating around the interior of the pack. On the inside front (opposite the Frost River patch on the exterior) is a floating zipper pocket that is about 9x9 inches. I opted for the buckskin leather shoulder straps which are soft, supple, and make the pack very comfortable to wear. There are also brass drainage grommets on the on the main compartment just under the side pockets and installed under the side pockets as well. I had my state patch (Florida) stitched on and it looks amazing, definitely adds some additional cool character to the pack! The canvas that this pack is made from is also awesome. It's thick and looks like it'll last a lifetime or more - it reminds me of something that I'd have found in my Grandfather's basement from years gone by but still ready for more. The only other product that I can compare is a carry on sized shoulder bag from Duluth Pack. Duluth's product is inferior in canvas (both lighter weight and the waxing is more of an afterthought) and the leather closures were thin and flimsy. Frost River's pack construction is far more impressive and it cost me a good deal less than the carry on bag I purchased from Duluth. Thanks so much, I'm looking forward to the adventures that I have no doubt that I will have with this bag!

What a great pack, glad I got the 15" wide version! Plenty of room for my gear

Right when I took the pack out of the box I liked it more than I expected. The images make it look slightly bulkier, but it has a fairly low profile. Love being able to fill extra high and tight or tuck a sweater under the straps for quick access. I don’t own a Nalgene bottle, but we tested a 40 oz hydro flask in the side pockets and it fit perfectly. Probably won’t need another daypack or school bag ever again.

Well get the 2 negatives out of the way first. 1. I thought it was going to be a lighter brown color than it was. I chose the field tan 397 and when you select that option it changes the picture to a light brown photo. Please heed this warning. Field tan is an almost green color and the light brown picture won't be what you get. 2. One of my roll top straps had a punched hole that didn't go all of the way through the leather. Now that that's out of the way. WOW, what an amazing pack. The canvas is thick and well waxed. The side pockets are "as advertised" and the buckels and snaps are extremely robust. I know this is a product that will be able to handle whatever I throw at it. I was also skeptical of the cotton straps, but so far they are extremely comfortable. I look forward to using it for many years to come.

I purchased my bag in the store on my way to a BWCA trip 3 years ago. At the time, I remember thinking "what the heck am I thinkin' spending this much for a daypack." After almost daily use for over 3 years now I can say this was money well spent. Perfect for the laptop, lunch and some books. . . and just as perfect as my carry-on fully loaded for a 3-day trip or a weekend canoe trip. The 2 in 1 side pockets are excellent for my folding saw and fixed blade knife on canoe trips. The rolltop allows the bag to flex it's size up and down nicely. I cross the straps and when I do that have a great hand-hold to pick it up from the passenger seat. Did I mention that it's practically bomb proof and water resistant enough that the inside has never gotten too wet while hiking in the rain. One of the best purchases I've ever made.