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Eureka!
Storm Sheild Canoe Packs
The SS115 and
Cilaos Canoe Packs
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Outdoor Adventure Canada
The
SS115 Litre Canoe Pack
Being a gear
tester for OAC is about the best job in the world, but as with
any job we all have our favorites. My passion has always been
canoeing, so I jumped at the opportunity to test Eureka's 115
litre canoe pack. For you folks that have never been multi-day
canoe tripping you will find that packing is quite different than
on an extended backpacking trip. A canoeist needs a pack that
is shorter and wider than a traditional backpack so that the canoe
and gear can be carried simultaneously.
Canoe packs
are capable of easily carrying substantial loads on long trips.
Eureka's 115 litre pack is perfect for tripping. The pack is a
very simple design consisting of a capacious waterproof bag. All
the seams are welded and held up perfectly even with the heaviest
of loads. The padded shoulder straps and hip belt will make your
portages more bearable. The removable tump lines will help balance
the load. Eureka has added handles on the front of the pack to
facilitate easy loading and trimming of the canoe.
Canoeists
who are paddling in the rain and those who enjoy whitewater will
appreciate getting to camp with dry gear. Our test pack has spent
many hours sitting in the rain and mud without a hint of moisture
creeping inside the pack. In fact the only moisture that got inside
was when I was standing in the pouring rain digging for a piece
of gear I mistakenly put at the bottom of the pack; my tarp.
I was pleased
with every aspect of this pack. It's a real load hauler that keeps
your gear dry. Eureka was thoughtful enough to include a repair
kit although I didn't need to use it. I lugged this pack on some
portages that were far too long and left me wondering if I was
backpacking rather than canoeing but the pack took all the abuse
without complaint.
After a few years of use we had some issues with the strap coming
away from the pack. Eureka has excellent customer service and
once the problem was realized the pack was redesigned. Customer
service replaced the pack with the new and improved model.
The Cilaos
The Eureka
Cilaos is a more technical version of the standard waterproof
pack. We actually tested the SS115 and the Cilaos on the same
trip. We found they complimented each other quite well, the bulky
items were placed in the SS115 and the smaller items went in the
Cilaos.
The
pack consists of a main compartment with top and bottom zippered
pockets wrapped around an adjustable harness with aluminum stays;
the combined volume is about 66 litres. Eureka came up with an
ingenious design by incorporating clear windows into the center
section of the pack making those illusive little items easier
to see. All the zippers are sealed and a roll top closure makes
the pack watertight.
I was impressed
with the performance of the Cilaos. It weighs in at 5 pounds 7
ounces which won't break your back. I was a little worried about
the waterproof material but everything was dry even though it
was put through its rigors and then some.
We gave
it all we could and there was no sign of any wear. I'm going to
give this pack an OAC two thumbs up!!
For more information, please go to: www.eurekatentscanada.com.
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