Thursday, December 27, 2012

Frost River Summit Pack - First Impressions

I received a Frost River Summit Pack and am liking what I see so far.  I thought I'd share a few thoughts and photos on this pack.  Most people opt for the Summit Expedition, but I felt the "no frills" Summit version would fit my needs better, so that's what I have.  I'm not considering this a review as I'll need to put some serious miles in it first to do that.  But hopefully this gives you an idea of what you get with this pack.


Straps are attached with a brass ring and high quality leather


all brass for the metal parts on these packs


the top flap has a zipper compartment on the inside.  It holds a decent amount of stuff for those smaller items you want to keep separate and get to quickly.


main compartment is just a big bag.  I like those, they hold all your stuff and then some.  If you're in to pockets these packs are not for you.  These are simple but get the job done in a way you'll either appreciate or you won't.


I had this pack loaded about 2/3 full for this photo.  In the main compartment I had a USGI Shelter Half, canteen with cover, steel water bottle, hatchet, leather gloves, the green bag has a 14cm Zebra billy pot in it, the foam buttpad that I use as a back pad in the pack, on the pad I have all the contents that were in the zipper compartment, toilet paper, 50ft. paracord, tinder box, flashlight, and ferro rod.  There was still room to spare in the zipper compartment.


There was easily enough room left in the pack for an extra pullover and food, etc.  This pack should make for the perfect day pack for me.  It could be an overnight pack as well if you know how to pack smart but that's probably the most it's limits would be. 


I will do a review later as I get some woods time with it.  First impressions though are very good.  Materials and craftsmanship is everything I'd heard about from Frost River.  So look for this pack in my day trips and hopefully it becomes a trusted companion for the trail. 

Thanks for looking

11 comments:

  1. Looks like a great pack. It is always upsetting when I see a nice looking pack where everything was done right except they use plastic snaps and strapping which tends to break during the winter.

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    1. I know what you mean. That's why I held out for this one. Hopefully it'll be a heirloom one day.

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  2. Right up my alley. :)

    Definitely a keeper if it ends up working out well with use over time!

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  3. Hi


    nice to see that the Summit pack is going to be used, I have both , I have the Summit expedition as as well as the Summit, they are over 12 months old, hard wearing and my summit is used as a EDC , people often comment down here about the pack, I can load mine to about 15kg and its still comfy to carry long distances.

    Duluth packs are great , but cost even more than frost river packs, so for me, better value for money .



    Cheers

    Chris

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  4. Great looking ruck that I am thinking about buying. I am waiting for your review. What do you like or dislike about it? What would you change? Do you think it needs any outside pockets or compression straps? Do you think a waist strap would improve its comfort and carry? How is the comfort after carrying it for several hours? Good to see a blog from a fellow Okie.

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    1. I'm comin gup on a couple years with this pack. I'll probably get to the review early spring. This pack is exactly what I wanted out of a pack. the size is just right. I didn't get the expedition model because I wanted a slender pack that didn't stick out wider then I am. outside pockets would just make it bulkier then I wanted. It doesn't need compression straps. The only thing I would say you need though is a pad for the back area. In the above post you'll see a foam buttpad I use. This help hold it in a shape and makes it more comfortable to carry. Not from a heavy standpoint but from things in your pack poking you in the back or shifting around. So I would recommend something like that for it. It also helps hold it up and open when you're using the pack. Otherwise it just calapses. It carries good. I have no complaints. A modern pack would be a little more comfortable but this one has been fine. No pains or aches from it. It's too small for a waist strap so I don't think it would be necessary. Frost River does make a bigger version of this pack now called the Summit Boulder Junction. If this size looked a little small I would get the Junction over the expedition.

      Thanks for stopping by and it's good to see on Okie found it over here :)

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  5. Thanks for the review and pics. One question though would you think that the addition of a sternum strap be beneficial? Regards from England

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    1. Your welcome! Not for a pack this size I don't think it would be. It's a great day pack size that could be pushed for an overnighter in my opinion. But that's about it.

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  6. Hi. Thanks for your reply. I was just a little concerned that with how the pack sits it might help with weight distribution. Just a thought. However you have been living with the pack for some time so you know how its feels. I really like the simplicity of the pack, and was thinking of the FR IR mini as another potential - but I keep coming back to the Summit. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and see pics for an update, now that your pack has been worn in! Cheers

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