The Pack Report

The Duluth Pack Outlander Pack vs. The Bushcrafter Pack: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to outdoor adventures, having the right pack can make all the difference. Duluth Pack, a company with over 140 years of experience in crafting high-quality outdoor gear, offers a wide range of packs tailored to various needs. Two of their standout offerings are the newly available Outlander Pack and the top-selling and classic Bushcrafter Pack. While both are exceptional in their own right, they serve different purposes and cater to distinct outdoor experiences. This blog post will delve into the details of these two packs, highlighting their unique features, intended uses, and the key differences between them.

Intended Use

Outlander Pack: The Outlander Pack is a versatile, all-around pack that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities. It’s perfect for day hikes, camping, or even for weekend trips. The pack’s sleek design and organizational features make it ideal for trailblazing, working in tight woods, hikes on overgrown trails, longer hikes and backpacking. Whether you’re exploring a new trail or heading to the office, the Outlander Pack has you covered.

Bushcrafter Pack: The Bushcrafter Pack is specifically designed for bushcrafting and wilderness survival. It’s the perfect companion for those who spend extended periods of time in the wilderness, relying on their skills and tools to thrive. The pack’s rugged construction and specialized features, such as the axe sleeve and multiple external pockets, make it ideal for carrying all the gear you need for bushcrafting. If you’re an avid outdoorsman who enjoys activities like foraging, canoeing, camping, fire-starting, and shelter-building, the Bushcrafter Pack is the perfect choice for you.

Functionality and Features

Outlander Pack: The Outlander Pack is all about versatility. It’s designed to be your go-to pack for a variety of outdoor activities, from day hikes to foraging the bush and backwoods. The pack features a spacious main compartment with a top-loading design, making it easy to access your gear. Inside, you’ll find multiple organizational pockets, making it suitable for outdoor adventures of all kinds. The Outlander Pack also includes two external side pockets, perfect for water bottles (also great for fuel bottles) or small items you need to access quickly. The adjustable cotton webbed shoulder straps and grab handle ensure comfort and ease of carrying, whether you’re hiking through the woods or navigating city streets. What differs the Outlander Pack from the Bushcrafter Pack, is the slimmer size being great for tighter brush and places with no trailed or untamed and overgrown trails. Its smaller, lighter sizes make it ideal for backpacking and longer hikes.

Bushcrafter Pack: The Bushcrafter Pack is designed with the serious outdoorsman in mind. It features a large main compartment with a top-loading design, allowing for easy access to your gear. Unlike the Outlander, the Bushcrafter Pack is equipped with larger external pockets, including two large side slots for tools and two front pocket swith a leather strap closures. These pockets are ideal for storing tools, fire-starting materials, and other essentials you need to keep within easy reach. The pack also includes a leather axe sleeve on the front, allowing you to securely carry an axe or hatchet, which is a crucial tool for bushcrafting. The adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt provide additional support and comfort, especially when carrying heavy loads over long distances.

Material and Durability

For both the Outlander Pack and the Bushcrafter Pack, both are handcrafted with the reliable and rugged 15-ounce canvas. In addition, both are guaranteed for life on all craftsmanship and hardware. This includes all hardware on the packs and sewing seams. You buy these packs once, you have them for life. 

Capacity and Weight

Outlander Pack: The Outlander Pack offers a generous amount of storage space without being overly bulky. It has a capacity of approximately 41 liters, making it suitable for day trips and short outings. The pack’s lightweight design, combined with its comfortable shoulder straps, ensures that it won’t weigh you down, even when fully loaded. The Outlander is a great choice for those who need a pack that can carry essential gear while remaining easy to carry.

Bushcrafter Pack: The Bushcrafter Pack is designed to carry more gear, with a capacity of around a whopping 57 liters. This extra space is ideal for those who need to carry tools, equipment, and supplies for extended periods in the wilderness. The pack’s heavier construction means it weighs a bit more than the Outlander, but this is balanced by its enhanced durability and functionality. The Bushcrafter’s capacity and weight make it the go-to choice for serious outdoorsmen who need to be prepared for anything.

Comfort and Fit

Outlander Pack: Comfort is a key feature of the Outlander Pack. The adjustable shoulder straps and grab handle make it easy to carry, whether you’re hiking or commuting. The pack’s lighterweight design ensures that it won’t strain your back or shoulders, even when fully loaded. Lastly, the Outlander Pack’s new waist strap and slimmer design, which make it a frame hugging shape, give the ultimate comfort for the wearer. The Outlander’s comfortable fit and ergonomic design make it a great choice for those who need a versatile pack that can be worn for extended periods without discomfort.

Bushcrafter Pack: The Bushcrafter Pack is designed for comfort during rugged outdoor activities. The adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt provide extra support, helping to distribute the weight evenly across your body. This is especially important when carrying heavy loads or navigating rough terrain. The Bushcrafter’s fit is tailored for those who spend extended periods in the wilderness, ensuring that the pack remains comfortable and secure even during the most demanding activities.

Design and Aesthetics

Outlander Pack: The Outlander Pack is designed for versatility and practicality, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of outdoor activities. It combines the classic ruggedness of Duluth Pack with modern functionality. The pack features a compact and organized design that appeals to those who prefer a more narrower look. It’s made from durable 15-ounce canvas, which is resistant to wear and tear, ensuring it can handle the demands of the wilderness. The leather accents and brass hardware add a touch of sophistication to the overall design, making it a pack that is both functional and stylish. The Outlander Pack was influenced by the bells and whistles of the Bushcrafter Pack, but constructed in a more compact silhouette and added water bottle pockets.

Bushcrafter Pack: The Bushcrafter Pack, on the other hand, is designed with a more traditional aesthetic in mind, catering specifically to those who engage in bushcrafting and wilderness survival activities. This pack embodies the spirit of the outdoorsman, with a rugged and rustic design that is both practical and durable. The Bushcrafter Pack is made from 15-ounce canvas, but is larger in size, making it slightly heavier and more robust than the Outlander. It also features cotton webbed shoulder straps, providing extra durability and comfort for carrying heavy loads. The pack’s design is rooted in functionality, with multiple external pockets and attachment points for tools, saws, axes, and additional gear.

When choosing between the Duluth Pack Outlander Pack and the Bushcrafter Pack, it ultimately comes down to your intended use and personal preference. The Outlander Pack is a versatile, lightweight option that is perfect for day hikes and weekend trips. Its sleek design and practical features make it a great all-around pack for a variety of activities. 

On the other hand, the Bushcrafter Pack is specifically designed for bushcrafting and wilderness survival. Its rugged construction, specialized features, and extra capacity make it the ideal choice for serious outdoorsmen who need a pack that can handle the toughest conditions. 

Both packs are crafted for serious outdoorsmen and women and can handle the toughest of conditions. Each style is handcrafted with the same attention to detail and quality that Duluth Pack is known for, ensuring that whichever pack you choose, you’ll be investing in a durable and reliable piece of gear that will last for years to come.

Happy adventuring, friends!

Happy Adventures - Duluth Pack