Summit Expedition Pack

I wanted a pack that could do it all. It would be at home in the woods, on the plane and at the zoo with the family. So far, this pack has done just that. It worked great for carrying gear on a snowshoeing trip and on several day hiking trips in the Rockies. It has taken plane rides where it carried what I needed for travel and then switched gears to carry what I needed for trips to the Redwoods, waterfall hikes and days on the beach. It is very comfortable. I grew up around the Nebraska Ranch life and this pack reminds me of the craftsmanship put into saddles. Handmade, well thought and meant to last. My Summit Expedition Pack has the upgraded shoulder straps and they are impressive. If you are a gear junkie that wants to talk ounces, this isn't the pack for you. If you want a well thought pack that will be a life long companion, this is the backpack for you. There is a good chance that I will be passing this pack on to a grandkid or my family will throw it in the casket with me. It will be one of the two.

I purchased the Summit Expedition in Heritage Black from Frost River after having inherited the simple Summit Pack. I cherish both bags, but hands down, the folks at Frost River built a beautiful pack for me in the Heritage Black Expedition. As an investment, I upgraded to buckskin shoulder straps and had a sternum strap installed. Both upgrades look sharp, and make the pack extra-comfortable to carry. The features—the carefully stitched and riveted premium full-grain leathers, the antiqued solid brass, the charcoal briquette colored waxed canvas—all make this pack a treasure to behold. Yet, its great design follows function, and even when lightly packed, the Expedition stands up and carries flat against the back. The side pockets can hold my 32 oz insulated growler (and still fasten down to their tightest). The 2-in-1 side pockets between the pack body and the buckled side pockets are extremely useful too. Depending on how much is packed in the main body, these side pockets can securely stow a surprising amount, keeping things like wallets concealed yet easily accessible. Features aside, I can also testify to the burliness of this pack. I’ve used it daily, and on several occasions have been caught in downpours without an umbrella. Even after 20 minutes of waking through the rain, the pack repels water very well! It does begin to penetrate the fabric, but the contents inside the main pack compartment and inside the buckled side-pockets remained dry! I emptied the pack on such occasions, wiped the beaded water off, and the fabric dried quickly. There’s only one design element that doesn’t handle water well; that’s the zipper on the front outer-pocket of the pack. Water will get through it, and begin to pool in the bottom of that pouch. My humble suggestion to Frost River: consider making a lapped zipper on that pouch, so that waxed canvas covers and can protect that one susceptible area from rain water. And a tip to those who are interested in this pack, when full, picking it up by the shoulder straps may seem convenient, but to insure their integrity for years to come (particularly the soft buckskin), my recommendation is to pick the pack up by the solid brass yoke or the grab handle utop the back of the pack. Enough said. To the good people at Frost River, thank you so much for the stellar goods and your undying commitment to quality. I love my pack!

Used it for camping, travel, bicycle commuting, and even hauling groceries. Perfect size for all my needs. Love the simplicity and fits me perfectly.

Bought this ruck almost three years ago when I was looking for a classic European style climbing bag. I used this bag everyday since, usually back and forth to the office. But, I have had seven (7) trips to China and Taiwan and this bag is wonderful. One large compartment that holds extra clothes, down jacket, rain jacket, etc. Other side and top pouches that hold a thermos, water bottles, a camera. This is the best bag I have ever seen, many people are always asking me about it and where I got it. So good to know this is made here in the USA and it shows too. Everything about this ruck is top notch, no corners cut. Great product, my complete recommendation.

Very tough bag I am very hard on things and live in the south where it gets hot bag is still in great shape. This bag is in my truck I use it for gear to and from the gym and have no trouble with it. I have carried some substantial weight in it several times very comfortable. I strongly recomend this bag.