I love this pack, I have had it since 2017. One trick I picked up was to find a plastic rectangle office type trash can and slit it into the main compartment. It adds rigidity and helps to waterproof your gear. The trashcan can also be used to get water or collect firewood etc.
That is a great idea...I've been looking for a trash can to fit my Frost River Royal Jr. pack but haven't had any luck as of yet. Thanks for taking the time to comment !
So for anyone thinking of getting one. L.L. Bean made some changes to this pack. Let’s call it the 2019 version, to me they Domesticated the pack. What once was a great cheap Bushcraft pack is well just an ok pack now. -The inside pocket that Wayne likes in this video is gone, a fleece lined pocket is now in the lid with the zipper by the grab handle. -The side pocket is much smaller, a Nalgene round water bottle is a tight fit and if you like to pair that with a GSI cup forget it. The cup is really tight and will only go in as far as the handles. A SVEA 123R just fits but it helps to have a bag on it to have something to grab to get it out. -You still have a pass through behind the side pocket and you still have the strap mounts on the side above the pocket But you no longer get the straps. -The back pad looks to be about the same , but there is now a zipper down the side to a Laptop storage pocket. I’ve folded up a tarp and stuffed it in there and I’ve had a Thermarest Z seat folded in half. -Inside is a bucket pack with a thin water bladder divider. - the outside pocket has two small mesh pockets in it. At first glance the pack looks the same and some people might like the changes but I wish they left the side pockets big.
ethan box The side pockets are very small to the point of being useless. I have a Nalgene canteen and you can only get that bottle to drop in the pocket about 1 inch, it’s a tight fit with a regular Nalgene bottle with nothing in the pack. Good for Smart Water bottles.
For anyone watching this review. I got mine Oct 2022 and my 32oz Nalgene and Hydroflask bottles DO fit absolutely fine on the side pockets with some room to spare. I guess they fixed it. They also have free return shipping. I recommend it and it won’t cost you anything if you don’t like it.
Nice old school look bag with a modern suspension to save your back a bit. i picked up a vintage canvas Woods pack the other day. Really nicely made and like new. No idea what vintage it is. Great looking neck knife, that was a great gift to get. Thank you for the review, Wayne
One of my favorite canoe packs is my 1970's woods No. 1 canvas pack...love them !!. It was generous of Derrick to gift me that neck knife, I really wasn't expecting that !!. Thanks so much for stopping by (0 :
@@highlandtrekker i did some research on Woods packs, and recognized that i had a Woods canoe pack in the garage.. i could not read the name on it but now i can see compared to the the one i saw on the internet.. What do you use to treat the canvas? This one did not smell so good but i am airing it out. Canvas looks dry. Any advice would be helpful
@@shovelhead8 These packs usually came somewhat treated to be water repellent,but it will lose that with age. They do sell a spray can of canvas treatment at Canadian Tire which will help and not add too much weight like the brush applied treatment will. As for the smell a very light scrub with gentle soap and warm water and brush or Sitting by a few campfires could help too
You really cant go wrong with LL Bean, hahaha. there is always something cool to see in that store or flyer. We are on the hunt for a new pack ourselves, so thanks for sharing this detailed review mate. Keep the adventures coming!
Just found your channel - love your content!!!! Great review of this pack - they just came out with a bigger version of this pack. Are you not making any more videos?
Thanks so much !...Yeah it's been awhile since I posted anything and thats simply due to time restraints with work. I am retiring soon so plan to do it on a more consecutive level. I want to focus more on outings which will include winter camping and of course canoe tripping. Thanks for taking the time to comment !!
It's a fantastic pack. Unfortunately for me I bought the newer version with the smaller pockets. I didn't know they had changed the pack. I bought it thinking I was getting the same one you have. I make do with it but it still burns me to this day. I feel like I got screwed.
Just got mine and they fit fine. Must have fixed it due to all the complaints. Maybe you can return it or exchange it for the newest model. I’d have sent mine back if my 32oz Nalgene/Hydroflask didn’t fit.
Nice review. This bag ticks all the boxes for me. Unfortunately, as others have noted...the bag they sell now is much different and it won't work for me. Where'd you get that wool anorak? Looks comfortable.
Yes I heard they changed the demensions on the newer models. The Anorak is from A Canadian co. called Triple X...unfortunately they are no longer in business. Thanks for taking the time to comment !
I really like the tan color and I as well would of probably passed if only the black was available. Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment!. All the best in the New Year to you as well ( :
Yes the Anorak jacket was made in Canada by A Canadian knife maker who started getting into other bushcraft related items. Unfortunately he is no longer in business but his Anorak and his knives were awesome. Thanks for taking the time to comment !
According to there site, it´s a 33L pack, although I don´t know if that is meant for there newer version or what. Thank you Sir for the review, Iam looking for a classic pack like this for bushcrafting in the woods. I agree that this pack is not meant for more carry. A 40L pack has way more padding on the straps, which is a sign that this pack is for a carry load of +/- 30L. I would go less to be comfortable on my shoulders. In other words, it´s not a technical backpack as would be a hikers pack. Nice little knife! Good care and be safe...
Its funny how they say its a 33 liter bag, but I dont see it, it measures in at 18x12.5x6.5 which equals to 1462.5 cubic inches which is 23.96 liters and thats for the main compartment, even if you add in the side and front pockets that doesnt even add up to 33liters either, so not sure how they calculate the dimensions, because when I calculate it, which is width x height x depth equals cubic inches then you divide that by 61 that gives you the liters. So companies are flat out lying for sales or they must be using some other formula.
@@JohnnyUrbanWoodsmen Yeah I agree, can´t be to trustworthy with some companies specs. I recently bought two new packs, LoweAlpine Aeon 27 L, and a Osprey HikeLite 18 L, and both are clearly what they spec without even doing math.
I got this pack a few years ago. I use other packs more but got this for certain specific purposes. Very glad to see it’s holding up well for you. I would liked to have seen how you added the longer straps to the bottom. I’ve been considering that mod too. Great review, though!
Kijika Life You had some spares laying around or did you purchase some? If purchased, I’d be interested to know where. This sounds like the best solution for that mod.
Great video and beautiful neck knife. My wife actually bought me a Continental Ruck but mine instead of the fastex buckles on the outside middle pocket it has a zipper but the 2 side pouches have fastex buckles I'm wondering if that is just a difference in design depending on the year it was made maybe?
Nice review of the pack. What canteen are you using that fits in the side pocket?. I picked one of these up this summer and they made some changes, I will add them to this later.
Everyone interested in this pack should know that it is MUCH smaller as of the 2019 model. The side pockets are not big enough for a Nalgene. It's overall shorter, narrower, and shallower than before. Customer service is rude and unhelpful. There is however a separate laptop sleeve and electronics pouch, because outdoors. Oh, and the stick it to you again by keeping the price at $89.
Just a heads up to everyone, they redesigned this pack in 2019 and all the past TH-cam reviews are no longer accurate. It's missing the axe loop, the pockets are way smaller, the interior pocket is gone, and all materials have been thinned out!
Great review Wayne. I have been considering this pack since you first showed it. I was just wondering. Where do you put your camera tripod? Thanks for sharing
Thanks Mark, I usually put my tripod across the top of the pack and close the lid on top of it or if i don't bring the wool blanket i can strap it to the underneath of the pack
This is a great pack. I have a couple of them. I use one for my carry-on bag and I use the other as my day-hike backpack. Love this pack, and especially the khaki color. The newly released 2020 Continental Rucksacks are smaller and have much smaller side pockets and are quite a disappointment. BEWARE if you buy as they are NOT the same pack that you reviewed.
Hey bud you have an awesome channel here allot of great content I found you cause of the Coffee Challenge. I'm a new guy to TH-cam I also did the Challenge Cheers!!
Can you confirm what year this pack is from (roughly)? I bought mine in 2020 and it's significantly different and not in a good way. The pockets on the side and back are smaller, have extra stitching which restricts their opening and the color of the material is noticeably lighter (much more beige and less brown/red). Also it seems like the loops at the bottom of the bag are smaller too. I'd like to know because I'm going to contact LL Bean and raise this issue with them.
My bag was purchased in 2018, I Changed the bottom straps to accept longer ones...the original straps were much shorter. This bag has held up well, it's too bad they made changes !
Those side pockets are WAY smaller in real life. I bought one specificly to put my canteen in it and the best i can fit in there is a 16oz water bottle. The straps on the bottom are too short. I cant even get my wool blanket under there
yeah I had the same problem with mine, I believe that the bag design has been changed recently and is a lot less practical now. Really disappointed when I look at this version compared to the 2020 one I bought
It is a woolen anorak that was made here in Nova Scotia....due to health reasons the owner closed shop and they are no longer produced. Thanks for taking the time to comment !
I don't mind this bag but like I said mine seems to have different dimensions to the newer models. As for it being heavy, it's ultra light compared to my Isle Royal Jr. lol. thanks for taking the time to comment !
added later... l.l. bean now has a new and improved version of this bag called the weekender. seems to be enlarged to 45 liters from the 32 of the original. But they say it's over 5 lbs which is heavy. Reluctantly I ordered the new bag, but seems to be some significant shipping delays.
I love this pack, I have had it since 2017. One trick I picked up was to find a plastic rectangle office type trash can and slit it into the main compartment. It adds rigidity and helps to waterproof your gear. The trashcan can also be used to get water or collect firewood etc.
That is a great idea...I've been looking for a trash can to fit my Frost River Royal Jr. pack but haven't had any luck as of yet. Thanks for taking the time to comment !
Thats a great idea. Dont tell backpack companies.
So for anyone thinking of getting one. L.L. Bean made some changes to this pack. Let’s call it the 2019 version, to me they Domesticated the pack. What once was a great cheap Bushcraft pack is well just an ok pack now.
-The inside pocket that Wayne likes in this video is gone, a fleece lined pocket is now in the lid with the zipper by the grab handle.
-The side pocket is much smaller, a Nalgene round water bottle is a tight fit and if you like to pair that with a GSI cup forget it. The cup is really tight and will only go in as far as the handles. A SVEA 123R just fits but it helps to have a bag on it to have something to grab to get it out.
-You still have a pass through behind the side pocket and you still have the strap mounts on the side above the pocket But you no longer get the straps.
-The back pad looks to be about the same , but there is now a zipper down the side to a Laptop storage pocket. I’ve folded up a tarp and stuffed it in there and I’ve had a Thermarest Z seat folded in half.
-Inside is a bucket pack with a thin water bladder divider.
- the outside pocket has two small mesh pockets in it.
At first glance the pack looks the same and some people might like the changes but I wish they left the side pockets big.
Thanks for the update...i guess i got lucky !!
I was looking forward to using the side pockets for a canteen or Nalgene and cup or for my stove and pot sets.
@@alf3553 I guess !!! That really sucks, it was a huge selling point for me
Have you tried packing a kidney shaped canteen and cup? Maybe it'll conform to the smaller pocket better.
ethan box
The side pockets are very small to the point of being useless. I have a Nalgene canteen and you can only get that bottle to drop in the pocket about 1 inch, it’s a tight fit with a regular Nalgene bottle with nothing in the pack. Good for Smart Water bottles.
For anyone watching this review. I got mine Oct 2022 and my 32oz Nalgene and Hydroflask bottles DO fit absolutely fine on the side pockets with some room to spare. I guess they fixed it. They also have free return shipping. I recommend it and it won’t cost you anything if you don’t like it.
I'm glad to hear that...so many people texted me saying that they could not fit a Nalgene stainless steel bottle with a 750ml cup in the side pockets
Nice old school look bag with a modern suspension to save your back a bit. i picked up a vintage canvas Woods pack the other day. Really nicely made and like new. No idea what vintage it is. Great looking neck knife, that was a great gift to get. Thank you for the review, Wayne
One of my favorite canoe packs is my 1970's woods No. 1 canvas pack...love them !!. It was generous of Derrick to gift me that neck knife, I really wasn't expecting that !!. Thanks so much for stopping by (0 :
@@highlandtrekker i did some research on Woods packs, and recognized that i had a Woods canoe pack in the garage.. i could not read the name on it but now i can see compared to the the one i saw on the internet.. What do you use to treat the canvas? This one did not smell so good but i am airing it out. Canvas looks dry. Any advice would be helpful
@@shovelhead8 These packs usually came somewhat treated to be water repellent,but it will lose that with age. They do sell a spray can of canvas treatment at Canadian Tire which will help and not add too much weight like the brush applied treatment will. As for the smell a very light scrub with gentle soap and warm water and brush or
Sitting by a few campfires could help too
@@highlandtrekker I washed it but still stinky so trying some Febreze. i will look for that spray at Canadian Tire. Thank you for the help, Wayne
You really cant go wrong with LL Bean, hahaha. there is always something cool to see in that store or flyer. We are on the hunt for a new pack ourselves, so thanks for sharing this detailed review mate. Keep the adventures coming!
Thank you !, Yes it is a great store. Good luck with your pack hunt, now days there is so much to choose from !!
@@highlandtrekker that has its pros and cons for sure. just glad there is a ton of creators out there like yourself helping make our decision easier.
I really love mine. Extremely comfortable backpack. I think it's one of the best packs for the money
I agree ! great pack
Just found your channel - love your content!!!! Great review of this pack - they just came out with a bigger version of this pack. Are you not making any more videos?
Thanks so much !...Yeah it's been awhile since I posted anything and thats simply due to time restraints with work. I am retiring soon so plan to do it on a more consecutive level. I want to focus more on outings which will include winter camping and of course canoe tripping. Thanks for taking the time to comment !!
Thanks for this informative review. I have one of these and I think it is under used. I’m going to take it on some hikes more often
You're very welcome ! glad it was of some help !
It's a fantastic pack. Unfortunately for me I bought the newer version with the smaller pockets. I didn't know they had changed the pack. I bought it thinking I was getting the same one you have. I make do with it but it still burns me to this day. I feel like I got screwed.
Just got mine and they fit fine. Must have fixed it due to all the complaints. Maybe you can return it or exchange it for the newest model. I’d have sent mine back if my 32oz Nalgene/Hydroflask didn’t fit.
thorough review. thanks!
Nice review. This bag ticks all the boxes for me. Unfortunately, as others have noted...the bag they sell now is much different and it won't work for me. Where'd you get that wool anorak? Looks comfortable.
Yes I heard they changed the demensions on the newer models. The Anorak is from A Canadian co. called Triple X...unfortunately they are no longer in business. Thanks for taking the time to comment !
Nice review, nice video, nice knife. Thanks for doing this.
Your very welcome !! Thanks for taking the time to comment
Neat pack only had it in black when I wanted one have a happy and safe new year
I really like the tan color and I as well would of probably passed if only the black was available. Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment!. All the best in the New Year to you as well ( :
Cool review thanks,I learned I can carry all my over night gear.
For sure, it will definately hold enough gear for an overnighter and then some !
What about the wool shirt/cover with the knife pocket? That thing is awesome!
Yes the Anorak jacket was made in Canada by A Canadian knife maker who started getting into other bushcraft related items. Unfortunately he is no longer in business but his Anorak and his knives were awesome. Thanks for taking the time to comment !
Nice review Wayne. I agree, it's a great pack, I'm extremely happy with mine. Great review bud!
I really wanted the Isle Royale but just couldn't afford it....It was a good second choice...Thanks for stopping by buddy !!
Great review. I just picked one up for $25.00 used. I'm looking forward to putting it to use. Side question: Who made your anorak?
My Anorak was made by Derrick Tapping of XXX knives. Unfortunately he is no longer in business ... Great used find on the ruck sack !!!
According to there site, it´s a 33L pack, although I don´t know if that is meant for there newer version or what. Thank you Sir for the review, Iam looking for a classic pack like this for bushcrafting in the woods. I agree that this pack is not meant for more carry. A 40L pack has way more padding on the straps, which is a sign that this pack is for a carry load of +/- 30L. I would go less to be comfortable on my shoulders. In other words, it´s not a technical backpack as would be a hikers pack. Nice little knife! Good care and be safe...
Its funny how they say its a 33 liter bag, but I dont see it, it measures in at 18x12.5x6.5 which equals to 1462.5 cubic inches which is 23.96 liters and thats for the main compartment, even if you add in the side and front pockets that doesnt even add up to 33liters either, so not sure how they calculate the dimensions, because when I calculate it, which is width x height x depth equals cubic inches then you divide that by 61 that gives you the liters. So companies are flat out lying for sales or they must be using some other formula.
@@JohnnyUrbanWoodsmen Yeah I agree, can´t be to trustworthy with some companies specs. I recently bought two new packs, LoweAlpine Aeon 27 L, and a Osprey HikeLite 18 L, and both are clearly what they spec without even doing math.
I got this pack a few years ago. I use other packs more but got this for certain specific purposes. Very glad to see it’s holding up well for you. I would liked to have seen how you added the longer straps to the bottom. I’ve been considering that mod too. Great review, though!
You're very welcome !!...All i did for the bottom straps was use 2 more quick release buckles
Kijika Life Ah, good call. I’ve seen others cut/sew new straps. So you had no trouble finding the same size buckles?
@@bereantrb It took a while but i did find some !!
Kijika Life You had some spares laying around or did you purchase some? If purchased, I’d be interested to know where. This sounds like the best solution for that mod.
@@bereantrb Actually i had one lying around that fit so i brought it to an Army Surplus to size it up and purchased them there
Always liked this design of pack ! classic pack look
Same here, I've always liked the design of the Italian Alpini rucksack and this one is kind of like that but bigger
Thnxs for uploading and sharing this
👍🏻🇺🇸
You're very welcome and thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment !
You are very welcome !
Great video and beautiful neck knife. My wife actually bought me a Continental Ruck but mine instead of the fastex buckles on the outside middle pocket it has a zipper but the 2 side pouches have fastex buckles I'm wondering if that is just a difference in design depending on the year it was made maybe?
Thanks...Not sure when they changed to Zippers, but I know the side pockets are smaller on the new models, hope this was some help
Nice review thanks for the info. Also cool hoodie! Mind if I ask where you got it?
Thanks !!...I got the wool anorak from a co. called Triple X
Nice review of the pack. What canteen are you using that fits in the side pocket?. I picked one of these up this summer and they made some changes, I will add them to this later.
Ya let me know what changes were made !. I think the canteen is the Nalgene Oasis...Plastic one. Thanks for stopping by !
Nalgene canteen goes in side pocket about 1 to 1 1/2 inches and that’s it.
@@alf3553 Wow what a terrible change they made !! mine holds the canteen and the nesting canteen cup !!
All nice gear, I picked up the anorak too and while watching this I said "yours is nicer than mine", just checked mine, it`s the same AHEM.
Hahaha!! thank goodness, Thanks for stopping by and commenting ( 0 :
@@highlandtrekker You know what I love about it , its how it doesn`t bind, it moves with me , like another skin.. but warmer.
Great looking pack Wayne !! I'd like to get LL Beans " Maine Game Warden Pack " myself....happy new year bro !!;;;:,, Spook
That's a nice pack too !! all the bet in the New Year Spook !!
@@highlandtrekker 👊
It sure its a nice rucksack ! Your neck knive is a beauty to. Stay safe and I see you in the next one :)
Hey Martin thanks, I really enjoy both
Great review,it is a sharp looking rucksack ,I thought it was more expensive to be honest great investment
Don't quote me but i think i paid 140.00 CND, There was a sale on at the time...Thanks for stopping by ( :
They been making these fine products for a hundred years if they work in Minnesota they will work anywhere
You got that right !, Love everything about it from it's quality build to it's traditional look !
Hello, do you know what the L.L Bean company calls the color of your continental model backpack? , Thank you so much.
I believe it's tan
Hi! I was wondering how you added the straps on the bottom?
I just passed some webbing through the bottom tabs. hope this helps !
Nice review, I subscribed
Thanks so much for the sub !! and glad you enjoyed the vid !
Everyone interested in this pack should know that it is MUCH smaller as of the 2019 model.
The side pockets are not big enough for a Nalgene. It's overall shorter, narrower, and shallower than before. Customer service is rude and unhelpful. There is however a separate laptop sleeve and electronics pouch, because outdoors.
Oh, and the stick it to you again by keeping the price at $89.
I can't understand why they did that !
Nice video. What's that wool jacket you have on?
It's made by a company called Triple X here in Canada....Due to health reason the owner had to take a leave. It was a Great affordable choice !!
@@highlandtrekker Thanks for responding. Do you have any other suggestions for something similar?
@@shizzydeep6867 The only Co. I am aware of that make wool anoraks is 'Mountain Boreal" ....more expensive but the highest of quality !
@@shizzydeep6867 No sorry I don't
Just a heads up to everyone, they redesigned this pack in 2019 and all the past TH-cam reviews are no longer accurate. It's missing the axe loop, the pockets are way smaller, the interior pocket is gone, and all materials have been thinned out!
Oh man. Good timing. I was about to pull the trigger on this. Thanks
Great review Wayne. I have been considering this pack since you first showed it. I was just wondering. Where do you put your camera tripod? Thanks for sharing
Thanks Mark, I usually put my tripod across the top of the pack and close the lid on top of it or if i don't bring the wool blanket i can strap it to the underneath of the pack
This is a great pack. I have a couple of them. I use one for my carry-on bag and I use the other as my day-hike backpack. Love this pack, and especially the khaki color. The newly released 2020 Continental Rucksacks are smaller and have much smaller side pockets and are quite a disappointment. BEWARE if you buy as they are NOT the same pack that you reviewed.
It is a great pack !
Hey bud you have an awesome channel here allot of great content I found you cause of the Coffee Challenge. I'm a new guy to TH-cam I also did the Challenge Cheers!!
Hey thanks...been away for awhile but will be returning soon !!
@@highlandtrekker sounds good brotha stay strong&healthy safe&happy!!(=✌💚
@@Canadian_Craftsman Same to you brother !!
check out the two tone one green/copper ish colors...
Can you confirm what year this pack is from (roughly)? I bought mine in 2020 and it's significantly different and not in a good way. The pockets on the side and back are smaller, have extra stitching which restricts their opening and the color of the material is noticeably lighter (much more beige and less brown/red). Also it seems like the loops at the bottom of the bag are smaller too. I'd like to know because I'm going to contact LL Bean and raise this issue with them.
My bag was purchased in 2018, I Changed the bottom straps to accept longer ones...the original straps were much shorter. This bag has held up well, it's too bad they made changes !
my nalgene def doesn't fit in the side compartments, may have the newer model
Yeah mine fits the Nalgene and the nesting cup just fine...I must of got mine just before they changed the specs !
@@highlandtrekker Yeah, the materials are cheaper looking too. The new one has really bad reviews, not the legendary backpack it used to be.
Is it water resistant?
Those side pockets are WAY smaller in real life. I bought one specificly to put my canteen in it and the best i can fit in there is a 16oz water bottle. The straps on the bottom are too short. I cant even get my wool blanket under there
yeah I had the same problem with mine, I believe that the bag design has been changed recently and is a lot less practical now. Really disappointed when I look at this version compared to the 2020 one I bought
What is that overcoat your wearing
It is a woolen anorak that was made here in Nova Scotia....due to health reasons the owner closed shop and they are no longer produced. Thanks for taking the time to comment !
@@highlandtrekker ah man!
what's the name of that leather belt bag you're wearing ?
There is no name...bought it at a thrift store !
I was actually disappointed when I received mine, my Nalgene bottles do not fit in the side pockets.
Yep, they changed it and destroyed a classic.
33L
looks like a vietnam alice pack
Drink every time he slaps/taps the bag
Hahaha !!! Good one !! Thanks
Forget this pack get a made in Maine Adler stream pack.
Just as good.
Which pack? They have a ton of options.
Man hang on to that bag. The new ones are garbage
I dont recommend this bag at all. Way too heavy for size and the outside pockets suck.
I don't mind this bag but like I said mine seems to have different dimensions to the newer models. As for it being heavy, it's ultra light compared to my Isle Royal Jr. lol. thanks for taking the time to comment !
added later... l.l. bean now has a new and improved version of this bag called the weekender. seems to be enlarged to 45 liters from the 32 of the original. But they say it's over 5 lbs which is heavy. Reluctantly I ordered the new bag, but seems to be some significant shipping delays.
I got my weekender in last week, so far I'm digging it. But I've only taken it out once