Ostrom Outdoors Returns With New Canoe Packs And A Barrel Harness
Bill Ostrom, owner of Ostrom Outdoors announced 8 years ago that he was closing shop much to the dismay of canoeists everywhere. It was a nice surprise to hear that Bill has just re-opened the business as an online store and will be selling newer versions of his trusted custom fit packs. We chatted with Bill about his return and the new line of gear.
Bill describes the closure of the store in Thunder Bay as “The hardest decision we have ever made” but he was very touched by the outpouring of support from the canoeing community. Funnily enough, eight years later and Bill is again getting a huge uptick in e-mails with well-wishes welcoming him back.
Even though he had shut down the manufacturing, he never really got out of the business. He worked with students from Queen’s University on the Go Kin pack (which was a pack that could generate 10-14 watts of power solely from the motion of walking, to charge your devices). It almost made it to market, but Bill says the timing was never quite right. Over the past five years Bill has been designing for other people, which is something he really loves. Bill does prototyping of bags including all of the designing and sewing to help bring the initial product to manufacturing.
Bill has been working on the new packs for a while now, always thinking of ways he could tweak the original design which he finds is very rewarding. He even made a few adjustments to his own packs over the past few years just to see if the modifications work and if he could perfect it. With the new packs Bill says that he was picky with searching for the right manufacturer and that it took a while to find the right one.
Voyageur Barrel Harness
The Voyageur Barrel Harness is based off the original popular design with the addition of the load lifter straps. Bills mentioned that most of the harnesses and canoe packs on the market are a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mentality and he wanted to offer something better. The hip-belt and shoulder straps are a little wider too, to help manage the weight. Features include…
Contoured layers of reticulated and closed-cell foam eliminate the pressure of the barrel’s curve on your spine.
NEW! Our Load Shifter now allows our harness to fit taller paddlers.
Harness cinches to the top and bottom of the barrel using webbing and ladderloc buckles.
Extra-long lid straps for lashing extra gear for the portage.
NEW! The optional “Pack Board Converter” allows you to carry awkward loads. (chainsaw, water containers etc)
3 padded handles on the front, and back for easy lifting.
1000 Denier Cordura nylon fabric.
Optional tumpline available.
Volume: Easily fits 30L and 60L barrels
Weight: 1.63kg / 3lb 6oz (harness only)
Wabakimi Internal Frame Canoe Pack & Winisk Canoe Pack (Frameless)
Both the Wabakimi Internal Frame Canoe Pack and the Winisk Canoe Pack (Frameless) have a new system where you can adjust the torso depending on your size (S/M/L) all via adjusting a few buckles. This is great for packs that you might be loaning to friends of family members so that they can carry it more comfortably. Features include…
12 attachment points for extra gear. (6 webbing loops, 6 D-rings)
Attached floating lid (adjustable) has a zippered pocket (#10 YKK zipper). The zipper is covered by a flap for protection.
Snow cuff top with a draw-string closure and 3 compression straps secure the pack’s contents.
3 side compression straps, with quick release buckles on the top two.
4 padded handles on sides, front, and back for easy lifting.
Bottom side sleeve pocket for tent poles etc.
Tough 1000 Denier Cordura fabric with double bottom, front and sides.
Compression straps on the sides and under the lid compress your gear for better load control.
Optional tumpline available.
Wabakimi
Dimensions: 18.75” x 11” x 28.5” / 46.9cm x 27.5cm x 71.3cm
Volume: 96-117L (fully extended) / 5878-7116in3 (fully extended)
Weight: 3.18kg / 7lbs
Winisk
Dimensions: 18.75” x 11” x 28.5” / 46.9cm x 27.5cm x 71.3cm
Volume: 96-117L (fully extended) / 5878-7116in (fully extended)
Weight: 2.61kg / 5lbs 12oz
Bill is excited to be back and believes that the ultimate goal of the new packs is to increase comfort and safety when carrying heavy loads. There are custom fit choices available through the online store and if you pre-order now you can save 15%. The packs will be available at the end of May.
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