Camp Trails Wilderness (Internal)

Bought it in '98 as a cheap pack to experiment with backpacking. It is now 2007 and I still use it today. I have used it on 2-24 day trips, from the depths of the Grand Canyon to the peaks of the Rockies, and even for a little swim in the Great Lakes. I constantly throw the pack, sit on it, and stuff it into overpacked car trunks and have experienced no tears, rips, or zipper problems.

Although I stand by this product, there are several things wrong with it. It is small*, heavy, has a very old support system (which isn't very adjustable, uses some velcro straps that sometimes pop off), cannot use a bladder, and doesn't have a lot of space for external strap-ons. For the price that I paid in 98 you can find better packs, but if you are thinking about buying one I have had nothing but positive experiences with this one.

*after the sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, rain gear, pack cover, stove, fuel tank, cookware, water bottles, water purifier/filter, hygiene products, maps, compass, emergency equipment, hiking poles and food, there isn't a whole lot of space left for clothes, books, cameras, binoculars, diaries, or whatever else you would want to bring along with you.

I bought this pack for a weekend trip. It was short notice and I didn't have a ton of money to spend. I figured that something might break and I could take it back. I have been on 10+ weekend hikes with this pack - I LOVE it.

The main compartment is large enough that I can put my tent, sleeping bag, and polartech jacket + more inside, then I put all my clothes and cooking gear in the lower compartment. The fold out "kitchen" is great for organizing flashlights, kitchen staff, anything small (there are six or so little pockets). The outside pockets are large enough to fit my camp stove, and propane in one side, first aid kit and rope in the other.

The topmost compartment is large, good for snacks/maps/compass/etc... Outer waterbottle holders are very easy to get at while you are walking. It's GREAT to be able to have EVERYTHING that i take, INSIDE the pack (except sleeping pad) so nothing gets snagged on trees, and if it drizzles nothing gets wet. (only color is green though, I think.)

I just retired this pack after many years of use. It was my second pack and I love it. The external pocked are a plus.

I had this pack for a long time and it was a wonderful pack. Five external pockets make getting to your gear a lot faster. As my gear got smaller and lighter I needed a smaller pack. The mesh pockets in the center makes organizing easy.

I'll miss this pack! I got it used so I really don't know the cubic inches. I took two week-long trips with it and still had room left. I was never truly able to fill it up. For a starter pack it is great.

This pack is perfect for on trail weekend to week-long trips with loads less than 50 lbs. After about 50 lbs though, the two snaps that hold the waist belt on to the pack come undone. This causes the shoulder harness to bear too much weight. The shoulder harness has an adjustable height, but eventually you run out of adjustment. The snaps are the worst part of the pack.

The pack cloth itself is excellent in my opinion. I have strapped plastic crampon boots, ice axes, ropes and such on with no problems with the cloth. As for the kitchen sink pocket, it depends on how organized you like to be. After 50 lbs. or so the frame becomes horrendous. The 2 aluminum rails won't stay in place, and the pack itself has no back plate. The pack rounds out in the back and rolls side to side. It can even be a little dangerous on steep traverses. However, in spite of these shortcomings, the pack does a great job when used within certain boundaries.

Don't buy this pack!!!!!!!!!! I have not backpacked much but after my first time to take it out I found out it was probably the worst pack ever made. A seam in the kitchen sink pocket ripped and started a large hole. Other seams on the outside of the pack started to tear too.The mesh in the kitchen sink pocket started to come off too. It can't get very wet because it easly absorbs water and realy stinks after. This was one day!!!!!!!!!I took it back as soon as I could and bought the kelty white rim. So far it has been great. No torn seams and I think I could take my own house in it. All I can say is don't fall for the organizing gimmick because all that kitchen sink pocket is for is to waste space and wieght. Just stay away from this pack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know why others dislike this pack. I have found it to be excellent. I can fit everything inside including sleeping pads. Nothing has to be strapped on the outside. no more cruising down the trail sounding like a pot and pan salesman! The Camp Trails universal rain cover fits like a glove and stays in place during the most intense winds and rain (Florida tropical storms). If you first seal all seams the cargo inside stays dry. The straps are all well sown and will take a lot of stress. Any pack will have stress problems if one abuses it!! Plenty of room in this puppy and I love the removable fanny pack. Harness is easy to adjust and pads are thick. The pack stays adjusted were you want it without adjustment straps slipping loose.

"I bought an external frame Wilderness in '93 and used it for warm weather 2-3 day hikes in Montana and on the Gulf Coast. It handled 70+ lb. loads easily.

I bought the internal frame in '98 for a winter hike on the AT in the Smokies. Broke a zipper tab on that 4 day trip (my fault, overstuffed the lower compartment, tried to put too large a sleeping bag in there). All in all a great pack for the money.

Once adjusted properly they both carry anything you can put in or attach to them. The kitchen sink organizer is great for stashing any small item, not just cooking stuff. Get one!"

I've had this pack for over 12 years. It is a good pack to start out with as long as you don't load it up too heavy. For as old as it is, the padding on the hipbelt and shoulder harnesses are still ok. Definitely not the best pack in the world, but, for casual backpackers or neophytes, it is okay.

Now that I'm doing more backpacking on a regular basis, I'm looking to upgrade to an Osprey Aether. But, this pack has seen me through a lot over the years and even though it was a Sears special (I think?), it's held up okay.

This bag has held up pretty well for me. I have taken it to the Smokey Mountains, Big Bend National Park, the Rockies, and the Grand Canyon. I have had no problems with it. I believe mine is a '98 model. It has carried everything and anything that I could think of. The seams have not budged, and neither have the straps. Overall, I think for the money I paid, it has done all that I could ask from it.

This backpack has been a great pack for me b/c I have been able to purchase other gear that has a greater meaning to me such as a four-season tent. I have experienced problems with it ripping at the compression straps and around other outside seams. I do agree that people should try to save a little more and get a little better pack!

I think that this is a good pack. I am just begining and it has fit my needs just fine. I have no complaints about this pack. It is huge and sturdy. The suspension is great. The pack wobbles just a bite, but I guess all packs do. I definitly think if you are a beginner you should buy this pack.

I don't understand the problems that people have with this pack. It has held up to moderately heavy loads with no rips, tears, or anything else unwanted. The organizer pocket is great and shows no wear. I have a friend who routinely puts 60+ pounds in his with nothing but praise for the pack. For the price, give it a try.

All I can say is don't waste your money. I made the mistake and paid the price!! I just can't believe they would sell that piece of shyt to anyone! It should be pulled from the shelves and thrown away!!!!!

P.S. Don't even think of buying this pack or you will be sorry!!!

Since buying the pack I wish I'd saved a little more money and bought something a little more technical. For the money though it has served me very well. If you only backcountry camp on weekends and the like, it's perfect. Any longer, and you may want to reconcider.

Great pack for the money. Have had mine for two years with no problems. More than enough room to carry everything I want without strapping anything on the outside.

Had this pack for many years.

Super comfortable which is why I purchased it.