[leadin]For long trips into the backcountry, some folks opt to use 60-liter barrels to haul food and equipment. Dave and Amy Freeman are spending a full year in the Boundary Waters, and they have started using this system to haul large loads of food and electronics.[/leadin]
Dave and I are newbies to using blue barrels on canoe trips. We figured our full-year expedition in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was a great time to try them out.
We have been using Granite Gear packs for years, so we hoped that the brand’s barrel harness system — the Vapor Flatbed — would be as good as its Superior One or Quetico packs. After two full months of use, our experience with the Vapor Flatbeds (carrying 60-liter barrels) is positive.
Granite Gear Vapor Flatbed Review
‘Blue Barrel’ Pack System Tested
Durability
Granite Gear Vapor Flatbed
- Weight: 2 lbs. 4 oz.
- Material: 210D Nylon Cordura
- Torso Sizes: Regular
- Suspension: Vapor
- Interchangeable Belt
- Same harness as Granite Gear backpacks
- Unique panel system allow you to carry odd shaped loads
- Padded hip belt with hip stabilizer straps personalizes fit, and wide shoulder straps secure the load with a slider sternum strap and load lifter straps
- Padded bottom absorbs some impact and prevents scratches to your canoe
- Works with a 30 liter barrel or a 60 liter barrel; barrel not included
- More Info/Buy Now