Man I would like that big old snapper in the pod shell side down with the Nimbus...Quetico is the one for me, or the solos. Quality is a bit different from 15-20 years ago, though, IMHO

You will be happy with your choice.

Enjoy

Tim

Well, I appreciate all the comments here & inputs I have received via PM's.  I decided that I wanted to try an internal frame pack because of periodic pinched nerve issues that I have with my back.  That decision quickly narrowed the field down to Granite Gear's "Nimbus Great Northern" and Ostrom's "Wabakimi".  

Both bags are pricey.  I'll agree w/Red Lake Rob & state that the Ostrom Pack is clearly the better made bag of the two.  HOWEVER, I wasn't sure it was really worth the price difference.  The Wabakimi retails in excess of $475 American versus the generally listed price of $319 for the Nimbus (which only this week went on sale for $255 w/free shipping from MooseJaw).  Well, I've made my decision about that value differential & I'll get around to sharing my selection in a second.  First, though, I want to share the key thoughts that kept ringing around my head in advance of my decision:

Mad Mat:  "A bag is a bag".

Ranger (via IM):  "I'd find it tough to pay almost $500 for a pack. One way to think of it is: you could almost buy TWO Nimbus packs for the price of the Ostrom. Are their useful lives going to be that much different? Is their respective utility going to be that different?"

Tooth Fairy: "I have this pack [Nimbus], have had it for 2 years and I love it.  Costly but worth it."

Yes, you've guessed it.  I went with the Nimbus Great Northern, after all.  That special sale on gear through MooseJaw put me over the edge.  The price differential was just too much to ignore, so my new Granite Gear bag is on the way.  Hopefully the internal frame concept will help with my back issue.

I suppose I am somewhat at risk of having buyer's remorse when I amble past the Ostrom display at CanoeCopia next year & eyeball their primo Wabakimi bag with all those doodads & its superior construction.  Red Lake Rob is right; it's TRULY top-of-the-line.  Nevertheless, MM's profound sagely advice - "a bag is a bag" - haunted me back into fiscal responsiblity... and that ain't easy to do when it comes to my free-spending ways with canoe gear.

Next on the agenda: a good pack for my solo canoe.  Of course, this one is easy... CCS's "Explorer Pack" all the way!

Again, thanks for all the advice!

Jimbo  

The internal frame is not for those who don't know how to pack. It helps transfer weight from your back/shoulders to your hip.

I have tried an Ostrom Wabakimi and have to say it is worth every cent. Made by a canoeist for canoeist. He does not have a shop in Taiwan or Shanghai to make these. They are made here in North Western Ontario.

I have this pack, have had it for 2 years and I love it.  Costly but worth it.  Good luck in your search.  It really is personal preference, we really are lucky to have so many choices......Kim 

I need to do some "test-driving" still.  However, I've been digging deeper into materials, construction, etc., & found myself zeroing in on Ostrom & CCS products.  Last night Dan Cooke of CCS was kind  enough to give me 20-30 minutes of his time providing me with a feature-by-feature comparison of the non-internal frame models mentioned.  [I'm just not sure my portage habits and occasional bushwhacks really warrant the internal frame feature.  I got to think about that some more.]  Setting the question of internal frames aside, however, I am about sold that I couldn't go far wrong by picking up CCS's Guide & Explorer packs.

I appreciate all the comments.  Again, the jury is still out until I do some test-driving.  Sooner or later some of my targeted equipment will go on sale & then I might make like an active fish, take the bait, and see if I get hooked.  Meanwhile, I'll just sort of let it dangle out there.  I'm not in my annual feeding frenzy just yet.....

Jimbo   

I have come to really dislike the "floating lid" concept.  I have that setup on 3 of my mid-sized packs (a Mountainsmith, and two Gregory packs).  The damned top is always falling off the back whenever I just want to open the main pack for a second or two.  It is also a nuisance to readjust the lid attachments when you change the load.

Givel me an old fashioned sewn on flap top anyday.

A bag is a bag - a lot of what you would be paying for with that Nimbus is all the buckles and D rings that stick out all over - a nice addition if you will make use of them, but otherwise, just useless added weight and cost.  Looks like a nice comfy hipbelt and shoulder straps - sew on the lid, cut off most of the excess attachment points, and I'd like it.

Jimbo, I think the internal frame idea is for the guy who doesn't know how to pack. How many of those long legged birds does one need anyway? The CCS Pioneer has plenty of room for me. I probably bring too much myself. Good thing it isn't bigger. I'd wouldn't stop till it was full. I know a guide who carries the big Ostrom internal frame pack, he know Ostrom too. Email me and I can cc: you guys together if you like.

Jimbo wrote on Aug 31^st, 2009 at 1:59am:


THEY must be tuned into the
'its not really a question of money" customers

Superior One all the way !!!!