I bought my first Camp Trails Freighter back pack in 1975. I got lucky as it fit perfect and I never looked or tried anything else. It is now 2012 and I own 4 of these packs. Because I haul such heavy meat loads here in Alaska the only issue I have had with these packs is bending or shearing the aluminum pins holding the bag to the frame. 20 years ago I changed that pin system over to stainless steel bolts and never had another problem. I use nylon lock cap nuts on the ends of the stainless bolts to keep them in place.
I have one of my packs with the bag off and just the shelf remains on the frame. I diamond hitch quarters of meat or wood to the frame for heavy work. Another is used intact for 1-3 week packs into the back country for deer,goat,sheep hunts. I have had a 145 pound wet Brown bear hide lashed to these packs and never had a problem.
Most dependable item in my outdoor experience I have ever used.

I bought the Camp Trails Astral Cruiser V truss frame and Moose bag combo in 1973. I''m still using it and in fact just returned from a search and rescue effort in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. The other 3 in my party wore internal frame packs. By the time we finished the 16 mile RT into the snow line, the others liked the way my frame and ugly old orange pack clung to my back and did not shift as much as their internals did. This was especially important due to the "fast in and fast out" trip we were forced to do because of the nasty weather and need to find the victim ASAP. When we stopped to rest, I could sit on a log and the legs of the frame would contact the log taking the load off of me. This is a huge advantage when taking quick breaks where you catch your breath then move on. My rig is "old tech" and the hip belt is not as padded as the new ones. Still, I have nothing to complain about even though I think the extra padding would be "softer". What I have added to the frame is a cross strap to connect the shoulder straps. Modern packs all have these and I find them useful. There is no provision for water carry and my partner has to remove my canteen from the side pocket if I don''t want to remove the pack to get at it. I carry a fanny pack in front with often needed items. The whole pack comes together in a tight and clean package that looks very much like a showroom display. I never have snagging problems in the backcountry. The extensive lash-up compression system works great and allows you to hang wet clothes off the back of your bag as you hike. It may not be pretty but it''s very functional! The lash cording is bomb proof but seal those ends with a match. None of the stitching has ever broken. There is enough room to carry a weeks worth of food and clothing. It is completely coated and waterproof but rain will penetrate the pocket zippers if their flaps are turned up. I clean and dry the pack after each trip and store it inside. This is why it has lasted almost thirty years. The only failure has been the little spring clip that secures the clevis pins on the bottom shoulder strap frame connection. I always carry a few large paper clips and simply stick one in place of the spring. The simple jaw clasp belt "buckle" is discolored but works perfectly. My frame and pack weighs just 3 lbs total. My wife has th

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I have never needed customer service. The fact that the rig is still available after so many years is all the testimonial one needs about the product.

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This has been my only bag. My wife''s Arc''teryx Bora 80 is more comfortable, has bells and whistles and more straps than one knows what to do with, yet I''m always happy to put my external frame ba