Recreational Barrel Works 2-Part Canoe Pack

[Glenn MacGrady]

". . . the Coureur 2-Part Canoe Pack (104L) has two rectangular shaped sections (52L each) that connect together by quick release buckles for portaging and then separate again just as fast. This pack is a great solution for solo paddlers who want to split their load to balance the canoe. This pack includes modular shoulder straps that can also be quickly attached when it’s time to portage."

COUREUR 2-Part Canoe / Portage Pack for canoe tripping

COUREUR 2-Part Canoe / Portage Pack for canoe tripping

recreationalbarrelworks.com

You can also buy just one pack as a single.

 

[TrailBlaser]

My daughter got me one for Christmas (I'm amazed she found it on her own). I haven't used it yet, but packed for my first solo trip (in my Sawyer Autumn Mist). It has great capacity; I easily fit all my shoulder season gear and clothing in it, including hot tent gear/stove. Inside each section is one large pocket. I have RBW liners that I use with other packs; they can be used, but as you probably know, they are for top loading packs so the fit isn't clean. I think RBW should design some liners to fit specifically for this pack.

The pack is pretty straight forward; I easily figured out how to separate the two parts and put them back together. In my Sawyer, if the pack is fully loaded, there is no way to keep the two sections together and have them fit in the bow or stern of the boat. I could put both sections behind the seat (one crosswise and the other parallel to the centerline or I could put one section in the front and one in back (both parallel to the centerline). Next month, after I uncover the canoe, I will try the two different configurations to see how it works best with the barrel and other gear. I don't have a tandem boat, but I'm quite certain the pack could be put amidships with both sections together.

The shoulder straps and back padding on the pack are just as Andy describes it - substantial and very comfortable.

I already had a tump line from RBW, so I am able to use that with the pack. There are lots of daisy chains for securing things to the outside of it. Unfortunately, there was nothing in design to allow for their large external pouch to be attached to it. I did jerry-rig connecting it on the side and on top with lashing straps, but the pouch doesn't clip-on as cleanly as it does on the barrel. I'll be experimenting with securing other items, such as my thwart bag, PFD etc to pack with the daisy chains.

There are pleny of grab handles on the pack, which make it easy to take in and out of the canoe. Personally, I probably wouldn't use this pack on a trip with long carries. I have a Granite Gear Portage Pack system with a clip-on thwart bag and mesh bag that works much better for those trips. I anticipate using this pack when on trips with no carries or short ones. If I have the two sections separated, it would be easy enough to just pick each section up by the handles and carry it up to the campsite or once arriving at the carry, I could take the two sections out, spend a minute or two putting them together and then doing the carry. Of course, if using a cart, I could probably keep the two sections in the canoe when doing the carry.

Overall, I'm impressed with the pack and look forward to using it on some of my trips; the first test will probably be on a trip to the Bog River/Lows Lake in the Adirondacks this spring. The design and the quality of the workmanship is what one would expect from RBW. I think with the addition of a clip-on system for the external pouch and liners designed for the pack, it would be an outstanding system for both solo and tandem tripping.

 

[lowangle al]

I like the idea of splitting your gear in two packs. Not only for adjusting trim, but I'd rather lift two thirty pound packs out of the boat then one 60 lb one. It's also good to be able to lift one pack at a time when getting them on your back, but it doesn't look like this system will allow that.

 

[tketcham]

I like the idea of splitting your gear in two packs. Not only for adjusting trim, but I'd rather lift two thirty pound packs out of the boat then one 60 lb one. It's also good to be able to lift one pack at a time when getting them on your back, but it doesn't look like this system will allow that.

The two-pack system offered by Recreational Barrel Works is a good idea with some well thought out features and carries about the same volume as my big Granite Gear pack. I might have looked into the RBW system when I re-did my portaging setup but I'm reluctant to lift a heavy single pack anymore. I can do it but it's tough on my back so I've gone to two separate bags. I carry the pack with the heavier gear in it first and then carry the lighter pack with my canoe. I suppose RBW might sell two of the top-sections so you could still split the carries.

 

[TrailBlaser]

I like the idea of splitting your gear in two packs. Not only for adjusting trim, but I'd rather lift two thirty pound packs out of the boat then one 60 lb one. It's also good to be able to lift one pack at a time when getting them on your back, but it doesn't look like this system will allow that.

Agreed, they are much easier to lift when they're separated. The two packs can be separated and then be (securely) attached with the buckles/straps.

 

[TrailBlaser]

The two-pack system offered by Recreational Barrel Works is a good idea with some well thought out features and carries about the same volume as my big Granite Gear pack. I might have looked into the RBW system when I re-did my portaging setup but I'm reluctant to lift a heavy single pack anymore. I can do it but it's tough on my back so I've gone to two separate bags. I carry the pack with the heavier gear in it first and then carry the lighter pack with my canoe. I suppose RBW might sell two of the top-sections so you could still split the carries.

I've been splitting my gear into two packs (one larger and one smaller) until I got this. Although it is designed as a two-pack system, it is easy enough to separate the two sections to go into the canoe and then taken out and re-attached for a carry. If I am just paddling to a campsite, I'll probably just carry each one to camp separately, rather than taking time to re-attach them. With the carry handles provided, it won't be a problem.

 

[Tryin']

I got to see it in person at Canoecopia today. These are not small duffels. The two together are easily bigger than my CCS Guide or Battle Lake Grand.

I like being the idea of being able to separate gear. Bedding and clothes in one, tents and tarps in the other. Plus load splitting in a solo canoe. Ultimately, probably not going to purchase, but I like the concept.

 

[tketcham]

...and then taken out and re-attached for a carry.

I don't like carrying a single heavy pack anymore so I'm not sure these would have worked for me unless the "modular shoulder straps" can be attached to either section. But then they probably wouldn't have carried very well and defeats the purpose.

 

[TrailBlaser]

I don't like carrying a single heavy pack anymore so I'm not sure these would have worked for me unless the "modular shoulder straps" can be attached to either section. But then they probably wouldn't have carried very well and defeats the purpose.

Right, the shoulder straps are only on one of the sections.

 

[Pseudonym]

My largest Duluth can be a bit like a black hole, and finding the contents at the bottom often requires removing the contents on top. That can be a nuisance, so the notion of two segregated units is appealing to create easier, shallow access. That said, I’d be curious if the nuisance of assembling the 2-part pack outweighs the nuisance of the black hole’s depth.

My other RBW gear is excellent and thoughtfully designed, so I’d be inclined to imagine this new offering has its merits and I’d love to see one in person.

As evidence to RBW’s thoughtful design, my RBW pack liner, that gets used inside my Duluth, is giant and bright yellow, which helps offset the darkness of the aforementioned black hole and makes identifying its contents much easier.