Description: The Knupac II is a waterproof frame pack, designed to support a canoe overhead, allowing better vision while carrying, and more importantly, distribute the weight of the canoe over the shoulders and waist. The Knupac I comes with a different waterproof bag, and the Frame-only version can also be purchased. It includes an extender bar for the top, to convert it to a normal frame pack, and a removable shelf at the base, for use as a pack frame. The model I tested did not have the shelf attached, since it had the waterproof bag.

The construction of the unit seemed to be reasonably high in quality and in features. Contoured shoulder straps and chest strap, multiple adjustments to fit a variety of body sizes, heavily padded waist belt and a pile of D-rings for attaching gear. The waterproof bag itself had an excellent roll closure, a cool little de-airing valve, compression straps, and a slippery inner surface which helped in getting stuff in and out of it. Clevis pins hold the bag to the frame.

The Test

A bunch of guys set out for a 4 day paddle trip in the Adirondacks. Though the main purpose of the trip was to enjoy the great outdoors in October, Wayne and I had gotten ahold of a couple of Knupacs to test out. In addition to these packs, the group had along a couple of boat carts, a Sealline Propack, basically a PVC knapsack, and a plain old backpack frame. Our route took us through Floodwood Pond, down a stream to Little Square Pond, and on through a series of other ponds in a counterclockwise loop, until we reached an area requiring three carries through some unconnected ponds back to Floodwood Pond.

After a roadside campstead, I busied myself with packing my Knupac II bag. What appeared at first to be woefully small took on larger proportions as I stuffed. Like most canoeists, though, I insist on bringing a few extras, like my Campmore extra heavy duty fire grill, my Dutch oven and a 2 gallon water bucket. In they went , in went my sleeping bag, pad, jungle hammock, tarp, clothes bag, food bag, first aid kit, on and on until the pack was near bursting. I had that thing packed like a sausage, I didn't really need the compression straps. I probably would have cried if I had to carry that monstrous weight up Mt. Washington for a backpacking trip. Once I had it packed, I found it was top heavy and there was no good way to pick it up. A nylon grab loop between the tops of the shoulder straps was the only real handle. As the first part of the trip was paddling, I manhandled the pack into the canoe and set out.

We set up base camp near Little Square Pond. Day two took us on our loop trip. I repacked the bag, lightly this time, with food, raingear, first aid, etc. This is when I discovered a problem with the pack: The straps are held onto the frame by long clevis pins, with spacers on them so the straps can be adjusted up and down several inches. This is an important adjustment, because the canoe thwart hits the back of your head if the pack rides too low. In man-handling the pack, the grommets had torn loose from the straps, causing the frame to slide to it's lowest position. This put the yoke of my boat squarely at the back of my head, and I had to stoop forward uncomfortably. Fortunately, I was able to do a quick field fix by lashing the nylon grab handle tightly to a lower crossbar on the pack. Since the handle was sewn between the two straps, it effectively lowered the adjustment, and the pack rode acceptably high once again. A discussion with the manufacturer indicated they were aware of this problem, and were in the process of resolving it. It was noted that Wayne had his pack adjusted to the highest setting as well to avoid the much feared "thwart-head" syndrome.

Getting the boat up was awkward at first, but would probably become easier with practice. One must remember to lean paddles against a tree, because bending down with a 75 pound canoe and a 60 or so pound pack can be quite a chore. Following directions, I flipped the boat, and walked my hands up the gunwales from the stern, keeping the bow resting on the ground. Once at the middle, I had to get the cradles of the pack to line up with the yoke. As I could only see one at a time, and that over my shoulder, it was a little tricky. Once up, the boat see-sawed nicely, and the pack came with a little chunk of strap to connect the bowline the sternline, and this line is held in one hand to adjust the angle of the boat. Immediately, the weight of the boat pressed on my shoulders, the hip belt nearly "depantsed" me, and I felt as though my feet would sink into the ground. But to think that I was carrying over a hundred pounds, I felt incredibly mobile. I grabbed my paddles and began the trudge.

I have used a variety of techniques on the portage trail. When the trail is smooth, my Canadian Boat Walker is a wonderful thing. You can fill it up with gear and go for a wilderness wheelbarrow trip. Gated fire roads and groomed foot trails are ideal. Add boulders, roots, downed trees and mud holes, though, and you need 2 people to manhandle the cart. Canoe-packs of various designs are available, like the Duluth Pack, the Propack, and my favorite the Skitikuk pack made in Mike Krepner's solar powered shop. None of these support the canoe, and you will soon be looking at padded yoke options.

After using the pack system, I like the idea. I didn't like the waterproof bag though. For one thing, as a solo paddler, I doubt I could ever really pare down my dunnage to one trip. It would make sense to carry the canoe and a light load in one trip, then bring the pack frame back to collect the remaining gear. To remove the bag and add the shelf, six pins and clips need to be removed, along with two straps. The two straps need to be pinned back on, as well as two more pins and straps for the shelf.

The other problem I have with one big bag is what to do with, say, wet clothes. Sometimes things are damp or wet, but I just don't want to leave them in the pouring rain. With a single bag, I would have to put them in next to my down bag, or leave them out to the elements. Also, Murphy's law says that whatever it is you are looking for, it will be at the bottom of the pack. I hate to think about performing Murphy's Unpacking Ritual in the pouring rain. This, of course, is all a matter of personal preference.

So, for my style of camping (that is, solo paddling and being self-sufficient), I would recommend the Knupac Frame-Only, as a versatile unit which can carry both the boat and gear, in as many trips as it takes. My No. 2 Skitikuk bag is my luggage of choice, and combined with the Knupac frame, makes a bomb-proof system for any carry trail.

[More Free Advice]