‘Frost River’ specialises in outdoor adventure packs: with no unnecessary frills, this stripped-back bag looks as rugged and tough as an American woodsman. The Nessmuk Pack has been designed as a replica of writer George Washington Sears’ old Maine Guide pack, all the way back in the 1880’s. With Frost River believing you can’t improve on perfection, the Nessmuk measures up 16"h x 12"w x 5.5"d, plus pockets and expansion from 1056 c.i. (Actual) to 1900 c.i. (approx.).

Constructed from 500g of waxed canvas, with premium leather detailing and solid brass hardware and a waxed cotton canvas base, it feels very thick and strong and scuffs up easily to give it a unique look with lots of character. Created for storing a day’s load of gear for an outdoor venture, it works well as a second pack on a canoe trip, with one large compartment and three external pockets, three slip-in pockets and one internal hanging zip pocket (Long pocket measures 12" x 5.5" x 2", short pockets measure 6" x 5.5" x 2").

The Nessmuk also has a leather grab-handle on top of the bag, as well as 2.25” pistol belt web shoulder straps. You can keep things organised to a certain extent but, if what you are looking for is in the main body of the bag, be prepared to take a little time digging around for it. The straps are adjusted via a buckle which (when adjusted to a smaller frame) leaves a lot of excess leather; the leather is quite stiff which makes adjusting straps or opening pockets a bit of a chore, but it may soften up over time. The shoulder straps have zero padding, as does the back panel and there isn’t a sternum or hip belt, because comfort doesn’t look cool! This means that if it is a particularly heavy bag it digs into your shoulders, and any pointy items inside the bag can stick into your back.

The Nessmuk Pack looks very cool: the almost unfinished style really appeals to me. I think this would make a great day pack, as long as it isn’t too heavy…or if you aren’t in any great rush to get hold of your gear. RRP $240.00

4 out of 5

Buy now

Pros

Looks great

7 compartments

Cons

No padding in back or straps

No sternum or hip belt

Buckles hard to open