I haven't yet reached the apex in my aquisition of premium gear. I've been using stuff that would seem like not much more a pillow case and grocery sack to most of you guys. I'd really love to get some high end packs but have been getting by with an inferior but adequate assortment of packs since I started doing this about 12 years ago. But then again I've never done more than 2 week long trips in a year. I have an old vinyl roll top pack with shoulder straps that my wife found at a garage sale for $5. That has lasted more than 4-5 years now. I started with one similar to this, that I paid nearly $50 for but it only lasted about 5 years, before the straps pulled loose. We have used the large O.D. green canvas military surplus duffels with shoulder straps and heavy duty garbage bags for liners. We also usually carry day packs or larger hiking style packs for tackle, food, and other miscellaneous items. When my wife comes along, she prefers to bring her exterior frame pack, which is more difficult of load in the canoe, but we manage. We work hard to pack light without scarificing ALL the comforts. We've managed to cross portages with not too much difficulty as long as we keep the number of packs/person low. We've never really had and issues keeping clothing, food and sleeping bags dry. Maybe next year, or the year after that I'll get a new pack, if I don't need a new stove or tent or other gear that takes priority. 8-)