Duluth Pack Scoutmaster Laptop Backpack

A classic, hand made in Duluth MN, should last a lifetime. If you’ve ever canoe-camped in the boundary waters, then you’ll know Duluth Pack. This scoutmaster is the normal backpack-sized version of the classic canoe pack. I got the waxed canvas version which is naturally weatherproof and really nice. The straps look fiddly but they’re designed so well that you can open and close the bag really easily. The trick if you want to get in and out fast is to only clip each strap under the first roller and don’t thread it again under the second bar. It still stays absolutely secure, and reliably releases with one quick tug. The inside has one small pocket and a laptop sleeve, but otherwise this bag is like a big minimalist bucket. That’s fine for me, I can slide in padded camera inserts or whatever and there are no pockets or doodads to get in the way. Compared to an average school bag, this is a bit larger. And it holds a LOT for a school ish backpack. The laptop sleeve is gigantic. Beware that it is not padded on the bottom, so you should roll up a rag and stuff it down there before inserting a laptop, to protect the bottom edge from banging on stuff when you set down the pack. Its a bit heavy but not bad, and it’s comfortable for a mile or two but is definitely not made for long term comfort: look elsewhere if you’re hiking with a heavy load. There’s no waist support, no springy suspension, no padding, frame or structure, and not even a sternum strap. It’s just a simple bag and that’s it.