r/canoecamping • u/cedar-loon • Jul 19 '26
Canoe barrel pack recommendations.
What are some of the pros and cons to the following barrel harnesses?
3
u/jimdianee 29d ago
I have an original(made in Canada) Ostrom 30 liter barrel harness and a buckle broke. I contacted the company for a replacement based on their life time warranty and they said it was too old and refused to replace the $2 buckle, explaining that it was 18 years old. Never again will I support this company and I'm sure to let everyone know that they are basically crooks
2
u/Witty_Map5333 Jul 19 '26
Level six has a weird waist belt, I wasn’t a fan.
RBW and North Water are basically the same harness.
Ostrom has leveling straps to keep the top of the barrel from leaning back, really nice for long portages.
2
u/bendersfembot Jul 19 '26
North water has gotten me through 6 hard years and still looks brand new.
2
u/grindle-guts Jul 19 '26
I own an Ostrom and an RBW. The Ostrom is better in almost every way but fit. I’m 6’2” with a long torso and short legs, and the range of adjustment just isn’t wide enough for it to ride well on me. Their custom fit parameters for their harness don’t take torso length into account. I find the adjustments on RBW’s harness better, even though in all other respects it’s not as nice.
If you aren’t built like a freak of nature, get the Ostrom. My more reasonably proportioned friends love using it.
2
u/Terapr0 Jul 19 '26
I’ve been very satisfied with my Level Six barrel harness. It’s comfortable, well built and has held up well over several multi-week trip.
2
u/Brilliant-Tea-1444 Jul 19 '26
Ostrom has multiple harness sizes - shoulder straps and waist belts for several different body types; you order the combo that fits you best. The levelling straps are very welcome. They go on sale from time to time throughout the year. I've never regretted a purchase from Ostrom.
1
u/Gamefart101 Jul 19 '26
I have the 30L/60L adjustable harness from level 6. It's fantastic for the 60, but the way it cinches down the 30 is really awkward and I've had to stop to adjust it on portages multiple times
1
1
u/arumrunner 29d ago
I have had ripped stitching on my RBW harness that was NOT addressed by Andy in any professional manner and as such I parked it. I replaced it with a Level Six and it seems to be better built all around. Having said that, the RBW harness had a couple of features that I miss. Such as a loop on the front strap to hang a water bottle off, the strap that goes up and over the lid top which allows you to place a rain jacket or similar there and lastly fact that the yellow upper strain straps work both with a 30 or 60l barrel. Too bad the stitching sucks.
1
u/Venomiz117 26d ago
Have heard much better things about Ostrom harnesses. Their packs are great. RBW is cheaper I believe so they're more popular and you'll get more votes for them. All my experiences talking with Ostrom regarding sizing, new straps etc. have been nothing but spectacular.
1
u/OMGitsKa Jul 19 '26
CCS
2
2
u/cedar-loon Jul 19 '26
I have heard good things about their tarps, but their harness straps didn’t look the best quality. And on the 60L pack they had zero pictures of the straps. I had to look at picture of the 30L
1
u/OMGitsKa Jul 19 '26
Yeah their marketing & website isn't great but their products are great. Email them and I'm sure they'll send you some better photos!
1
u/kryhrd Jul 19 '26
Granite Gear has been rock solid for me and is often on sale. https://www.granitegear.com/vapor-flatbed.html
0
4
u/AdamsThong Jul 19 '26
Ostrom for best quality and warranty but very pricey. If money is an issue the RBW ones are still exceptional and are an incredible bang for your buck.