This pack does present a possible problem if you aren't careful. Its size and capacity make it very easy to carry more gear than you need. It still looks good with no weak seams or thin material even I've been using this for a couple of years.. Tree Cabling

None so far.

Destination: Meadowbrook Creek, John Muir Wilderness, Sierra National Forest
Elevations: Start 8050, End 8150, Max 8900
Distance: 10.5 Mi one way
Dates: Sat 7/22/00 - Wed 7/26/00
Pack Wt: 62 Lbs
Notes: Removed frame extender bar and did not pack above spreader bar except for Thermarest mattress

Maiden voyage for a new Camp Trails Wilderness TL Large with following results:

Cons

1. 7" long alum pin for RH shoulder strap bent (alum too malleable)
2. Only lash patch at top of tunnel side pocket separated at top (didn't even use it!)
3. Backpad okay but hotter and more sweaty than mesh
4. Somewhat noisy (daughter's Camp Trails Youth Pack squeaks like a big dog)
5. Constantly adjusted suspension for comfort (thought about buying Omega, but it has same frame and suspension as Wilderness, good thing I didn't)
6. Small zippered mesh pocket at bottom of kitchen sink hinges down and hits ground
7. Zippers too small and hard to close under slight stress

Pros

1. Kitchen sink (except for #6 above)
2. #10 zippers for sleeping bag compartment

Suggestions

1. Stronger 7" pins for shoulder straps
2. Sew #6 above differently
3. #10 zippers all around
4. LH side pocket should have crushable top inside pocket (more versatile)

Comments

Top loading compartment is narrower (13" vs. 15") and shallower than an older Alpenlite (Ventura, CA, excellent pack, company out of business) I have reducing loading options. Was not able to load Walrus Rapeede tent diagonally without it sticking out the top. With some additional engineering this could be a good pack. I wonder if the person who did engineer it even backpacks. Overall I am unhappy with my new purchase.

Customer Service

I will not return pack for warranty repairs. It will be cheaper for me to fix it myself and have some 7" steel pins made.

Similar Products Used:

Alpenlite XL and North Face External Frames, both discontinued.

I have used my camptrails pack on a tough section of the AT in the Smokies and have no complaints. It is easy to carry and holds tons of toys. The "kitchen sink" pocket was so well liked by my hiking partners that one went out and bought a new Wilderness pack to carry this year. This is an all around great pack for beginner or seasoned hiker and the price is very reasonable.

Customer Service

Have not needed anything fixed or replaced

Similar Products Used:

None but spoke with lots of people and researched before buying. I like this pack better than the similar size and type from Kelty or Jansport.

My Camptrails Wilderness backpack (external frame) has carried my load in the Smokies, the Rockies, the Porkies, and across Isle Royale a couple of times. Other than a loose lash tab when I first bought the pack, I have had absolutely no problems with it.

This pack does present a possible problem if you aren't careful. Its size and capacity make it very easy to carry more gear than you need!

Even after years of use, my pack still looks good with no weak seams or thin material.

I have made on addition to the pack: a small waist pouch attached to the hip belt. Trail mix and camera film are carried in the pouch.

Customer Service

When I first bought this pack, it had one lash tab that was not completely sewn on. I sent the pack in and in a short time it was returned in showroom condition. Because of my experience with Camp Trails, I have also purchased an internal frame pack. It has not seen trail use yet and may not - I am satisfied with my Wilderness external pack.

Similar Products Used:

Camptrails Catskill internal frame backpack