Portage North 2024 Outfitter Catalog

An Outfitting Perspective

We believe the work we do is a direct reflection of who we are. Therefore, we strive to be the best at what we do through Service, Respect, and Authenticity

PORTAGE NORTH, formerly Kondos Outdoors, was born in 1980 out of a need from outfitters to have gear that could withstand the rigors of being on trail all season long. As our company has grown in the forty years since, our mantra as dependable gear for the outfitters is still what we strive for. Outfitted gear needs to be tough, dependable, and functional. That’s why we use durable materials and time-tested designs so that those who use our gear know that they can rely on it year in and year out. We know as gear designers and manufacturers that it’s not just our reputation on the line. For outfitters and camps using our gear, tough equipment that stands up to the challenges of wilderness trips is part of their customers having a positive experience. Every item we make is designed, sewn, and thoroughly inspected at our headquarters in Ely, Minnesota. Thousands of our packs have gone right out the door from here into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness where they have been a part of many miles of canoe trips and the memories made by the people who’ve experienced them. As our local outfitters have used our gear, we apply their feedback and the lessons learned so our products can continue to be a reliable part of wilderness adventures for many years to come.

From our families to yours, Michael

and Corissa Larson

Great products begin with KNOWLEDGEABLE PEOPLE and THOUGHTFUL DESIGNS.

Our staff brings decades of personal experiences and hundreds of personal wilderness trips to our company. With that insight and perspective, we aren’t just making gear based on theories. We are creating the equipment that we would want to use and that we can trust on a wilderness trip. EVERY PIECE OF GEAR IS STILL MADE RIGHT HERE IN ELY, MINNESOTA, as it always has been, and that’s important to us. Each item goes through a rigorous process so that, by the time it heads out our door, it’s ready for whatever adventures you can throw at it.

#madeinely

1: Choosing the Right Fabric

Tough gear is made from durable fabrics which is why all of our packs are made from 1000 denier Cordura® nylon and our accessories are made from 400 denier nylon. Some companies will cut this corner and make their packs from 400 or even 210 denier nylon, but we believe that the first step towards a pack which could last for decades is a durable fabric made to endure wear and tear throughout the use of the product.

2: Fabric is Marked and Cut

All of our products are cut in small batches on our computerized cutting table so that each and every item is replicated precisely from our measurements and designs. It is then marked with temporary markings to give the sewing department an accurate placement of seams, straps, sleeves, and labels so each product is made exactly as it was intended.

3: Webbing and Hardware

While the table is cutting the fabric, our automated webbing cutter is working on straps. The cutting machine cuts each piece of webbing with a heated blade down to the smallest tolerance of error. From there, buckles and any YKK zippers that are needed are collected with the straps and fabric to head up to the sewing team.

portagenorth.com | 218-365-4189

4: Product Assembly

Our sewing team then takes the precisely cut and marked fabric and turns it into a product. We use state-of-the-art Juki sewing machines to craft quality stitch lines for a better finished product.

5: Finishing Touches Made

Once a product is finished being assembled, it’s on to the finishing touches. All packs have taped seams to prevent future fraying. Any included waist belts are installed. Straps are threaded through ladderlocks for shoulder straps and adjustment straps. The freshly sewn products are made into their completed form.

6: Quality Control

After the sewing team finishes their work, it’s on to the quality control table where each item is closely inspected. Every detail of the product is gone over to ensure that the best possible product is heading out the door to customers.

7: Off to Adventure

From our sewing room to your canoe, once a product passes quality control, it’s sent out to the customer. All of our production is done at our headquarters in Ely, MN, and many of our products find their way out into the BWCA, just out our back door, through camps and outfitters just like yours.

Our connection with our gear doesn’t stop the moment it leaves our sewing room. We stand behind our products which means that every seam is under warranty. We also understand that equipment sometimes breaks due to uncontrollable reasons. Because our products are designed here and made here, we can also repair them here. If one of our products breaks, even decades later, we can repair it with a per-hour charge so that it can continue to serve the purpose it was designed for.

The work continues towards making a better portage pack today than we have before. The term we like to use to describe our process is “ingenuitive.” We are not just making changes for the sake of something being new. We also are not content to stay with the same design forever. Just because we still see decades-old packs being used doesn’t mean they were perfect. With that mindset, we love hearing from you, our customers, because there is always room to improve!

- made in ely since 1980 - 4

Our Outfitter Series is designed with the outfitter in mind. They’re made for people who put difficult mileage on a pack that still want the features to tailor their gear to their group and experience. Every pack in the Outfitter Series includes the following features for an elevated portaging experience.

» Contoured Padded Back and Shoulder Straps

» Adjustable Gusset Straps

» Multi-Adjustable Waste Belt for Maximum Torso

Matching

» Extension Sleeve with Cinch Strap

» Adjustable Sternum Strap

» Load Lifters

» Adjustable Buckle Straps

» Heavy Mesh Front Pocket

OUTFITTER RUGGED COMFORT. ENDURING QUALITY.

OUTFITTER 90

The Outfitter 90 is a wide-bodied pack with a large volume making it an ideal equipment pack for long canoe trips or large groups. The features of our outfitter series make it comfortable to carry even when stuffed full of large amounts of gear.

OUTFITTER 120

The Outfitter 120 is a huge pack made for carrying large loads comfortably. It is the largest pack produced by Portage North made for those groups with plenty of gear. It has the physique of a traditional portage pack, just like the 90, with a short, wide build for fitting nicely inside a canoe hull.

OUTFITTER 85

The Outfitter 85 is a very unique portage pack with a narrow body and a deep gusset; it’s tailor-made for the long portage as its slim build aligns with a person’s torso. The built-in d-rings and box shape make this pack function well as a high-end food pack.

The Voyageur Series includes simple packs with minimal features which follow the classic “#2, #3, #4” naming convention. They are a great, simple starter pack when you want reliable function without many frills. They have a sewn-in sleeve for an optional, add-on waist belt and an interior pocket for added organization.

» Contoured Padded Shoulder Straps

» Adjustable Cinch Straps

» Adjustable Sternum Strap

» Load Lifters

» Interior Pocket

» Gusset Flap with Buckles for Enclosing the Contents

» Optional Add-On Waist Belt

VOYAGEUR

CLASSIC DESIGN. GENUINE DURABILITY.

VOYAGEUR 2

The Voyageur 2, as an envelope-style pack, relies on its width and height to make up the volume. As the smallest of the series, the Voyageur 2 is fit for two people’s personal gear if they pack efficiently. It also functions as a simple pack option for longer solo outings.

VOYAGEUR 3.5

The Voyageur 3.5, as an envelope style pack, relies on its width and height to make up the volume. The Voyageur 3.5 is a perfect personal pack with room for two or three people’s items. It is a large enough pack to serve in plenty of different functions just like a traditional #3.

VOYAGEUR 4

The Voyageur 3.5, as a box-style pack, has a dramatically increased volume due to a gusset on either side of the pack. It is a large volumed pack perfectly suited to carrying tents and equipment which quickly takes up space in a smaller pack.

Our Food Packs employ a box-style design perfectly suited for use with a full load of food. The sturdy, reinforced d-rings make it well prepared to hang as a bear bag, while the wide gussets make it fit well with a rigid pack liner, a popular method for filling a food pack for canoeing.

» Contoured Padded Back and Shoulder Straps

» Secure Top Flap

» Reinforced Hanging

D-Rings

» Adjustable Sternum Strap

» Load Lifters

» Optional Add-On

Waist Belt

FOOD PACKS

ABUNDANT SPACE. PURPOSEFUL FORM.

FOOD PACK 68

The Food Pack 68 is the slightly shorter version of the Food Pack 77. It’s a great size for a large group on a short trip or a mid-sized group for a longer venture. Hang your food pack from its reinforced d-rings utilizing our hanging-v and bear stop kit to keep it away from hungry creatures looking to break into your gear.

FOOD PACK 77

The Food Pack 77 is the slightly taller version of the Food Pack 68. Like all of our food packs, it features wide gussets which make up a fairly large volume for an otherwise narrow pack. Keep your food pack organized with our accessories featured later on.

EQUIPMENT PACK 77

The Equipment Pack 77 has the utility of a day pack and the volume of a portage pack. Its body is identical to the Food Pack 77 but with a 5-liter pocket on either gusset. The large central compartment can be filled with equipment while the sides give room for water bottles, first-aid kits, or fishing tackle.

Our specialized Food Packs cater to different methods of packing food. Our Coolerpaks are perfect for keeping frozen food fresh well into a wilderness trip. With foam insulation, a zippered top protected by a top flap, and sturdy hanging rings, they are ready for any adventure. Our Current Barrel Sling is the perfect pack for carrying bulky food barrels on a trip. Its adjustable side and top straps and slideadjustable panels allow it to be fitted to a wide variety of barrel sizes and styles.

» Contoured Padded Back and Shoulder Straps

» Padded Waist Belt

» Adjustable Sternum Strap

» Load Lifters

FOOD PACKS

ADEPT CONSTRUCTION. FOOD SECURITY.

COOLERPAK 90

The newly redesigned Coolerpak 90 is the pinnacle of our food pack offerings. Its foam-insulated side walls are capable of keeping food below 40 degrees for over 90 hours in testing while its large volume leaves room for plenty of food. It’s equipped with a zippered top and hanging d-rings.

COOLERPAK 74

The Coolerpak 74 is a slightly smaller version of the Coolerpak 90. Like the 90, its insulated side walls contribute to maximum cold retention while its sturdy carry handles, padded back and shoulder straps, and included waist belt adds maximum comfort while carrying a heavy load of food.

CURRENT BARREL SLING

Our Barrel Sling design underwent a major overhaul in 2023. It’s now made from 1000 denier Cordura® like our portage packs. Its design allows it to be adjusted to a variety of food barrels from a 60-liter blue barrel down to a true bear vault. It has a contoured padded back and shoulder straps for maximum comfort.

- made in ely since 1980 -

- made in ely since 1980 -

Get the most out of your portage pack using our Pack Accessories. From liners, waist belts, and bear bag add-ons, our accessories expand the function of your pack. Pack liners help keep interior contents dry while simultaneously protecting it from greasy or sooty contents. Our packs are made to be used in systems. Packs which are waterproof are challenging to get dry if water ever gets inside. Our packs are made water resistant with a heavy, coated 1000 denier Cordura®. This is lined with a pack liner which adds water resistance and can be easily cleaned and dried.

PACK ACCS. PACK IMPROVED. SYSTEMATIC VALUE.

PACK LINER

If you are tired of disposable plastic liners getting torn midtrip, letting in that water you’ve been fighting to keep out, try our reusable pack liner made from 400 denier nylon. It adds a layer of water resistance to the system that’s long-lasting, easily cleanable, and reusable. It’s equipped with a cinch top for closing off the contents.

POLY PACK LINER

The industry standard, semi-reusable poly pack liner is a great tool for keeping gear clean and dry. It’s made from a heavy plastic for durability and hopefully multiple trips of use.

RIGID PACK LINER

The rigid pack liner is popular as a food pack liner where it can protect soft foods from getting crushed on the trail. It is a step-up from utilizing a cardboard box as this corrugated plastic is water and crush resistant for numerous trips of use.

HANGING V

The Hanging V is designed to make hanging a food pack easy. Two snaps allow for quick attachment to any of our packs equipped with d-rings (Food Packs, Coolerpaks, and the Outfitter 85.) A rope can then be run through the center ring to hoist the pack or utilize our Bear Stop kit and make hanging a bear bag a breeze.

BEAR STOP

On a wilderness trip with finite food, there’s no room to share it with the “locals.” Store your supplies with confidence with the Bear Stop. The kit comes with two 50-foot sections of rope, a 3:1 pulley system, one screw-lock carabiner, and instructions for best use. Make the chore of hanging food less tedious so you can spend more time enjoying yourself while you’re out there.

- made in ely since 1980

- made in ely since 1980 -

The Day Pack series includes the smallest adventure packs we offer, ranging in capacity from a small day outing to lightweight solo trips. They are built with the same rugged, dependable toughness as all of our portage packs with 1000 denier Cordura® and identical construction techniques. The Day Packs come with an assortment of pockets giving this series maximum utility.

Included w/ all Day Packs

» Contoured Padded

Shoulder Straps

» Adjustable Sternum Strap

» Cinch Top

» Side and Front Pockets

Included w/ the Trailblazer

» Lid Pocket

» Padded Back

» Waist Belt (optional add-on for Guide Packs)

DAY PACKS COMPACT STATURE. UNDENIABLE UTILITY.

GUIDE PACK 32

The Guide Pack 32 is our mid-sized day pack with room for an assortment of day-hike gear or equipment for a minimalist solo trip. Like all of our day packs, its pockets add a wide range of utility to the Guide Pack 32.

GUIDE PACK 25

The Guide Pack 25 is the smallest of our day pack series with enough space to comfortably bring along the essentials for a day trip. The pockets add volume to the pack and provide convenient space for quickaccess items like water bottles, maps, or car keys.

Height | Width | Volume | Colors

19.5” 16” 25 L

TRAILBLAZER 56

The Trailblazer 56 is the bridge between our Day Pack series and our fully-fledged portage packs. With enough volume to service as an overnight pack, a wide range of pockets for added function, and a plethora of features, this a comfortable, efficient pack for any adventure.

Height | Width | Volume | Colors

26” 22.5” 56 L

- made in ely since 1980 -

These three Canoe Accessories all add function and storage inside the hull of a canoe. Each has an intended location where they can provide a quick place to stash loose items or to keep easy-to-access gear that a person may want throughout the day such as maps, sunscreen, or a snack. They are all made with rugged 400 denier nylon and durable #5 YKK zippers.

» Zippered and QuickAccess Pockets

» Adjustable Buckled Straps

CANOE GEAR

SPECIFIC INTENT. MAXIMUM PRACTICALITY.

SEAT PACK

The seat pack is designed to add a convenient storage space for quick-access items and a useful place to stash things which would otherwise be rolling around the hull. There is one zippered pocket for secured storage and a quick-access sleeve below. The buckles allow for easy attachment to any bench seat.

THWART BAG

The Thwart Bag adds convenient storage for the stern paddler. It keeps loose items secure and easy to access with two zippered pockets while the top buckles make it easy to clip onto any thwart and adjust for tightness.

BOW BAG

The Bow Bag is tailor-made to fit into the narrow space in the bow of a canoe. With tapered sides to match a tapering hull and top buckles to strap to a carry handle, the bow bag provides added function and storage for the bow paddler.

These three Canoe Accessories make a canoe trip more comfortable and the gear more functional. The map case helps keep vital tools like a map and compass protected and close at hand. The anchor bag makes it easier to hold a watercraft in place. The seat cushion adds comfort to a watercraft for a long travel day. All are made from rugged nylon with thoughtful features which make them practical and easy to use.

MAP CASE

Our map case is made from durable 400 denier nylon with a heavy vinyl front. The top flap is held secure by hook-and-loop while the two adjustable buckle straps keep the case firmly connected to a thwart or the top of a pack.

ANCHOR BAG

The Anchor Bag, made from heavy nylon mesh, provides a tool for quickly utilizing rocks as an anchor to secure a watercraft in place. The reinforced handles provide a reliable connection between the person and the bag. The nylon mesh allows the bag to dry efficiently when done anchoring. Height | Width 15” 16”

SEAT CUSHION

Our Seat Cushion is made of durable foam inside a 400-denier nylon sleeve. Two adjustable straps allow it to easily fit onto any standard canoe bench seat to provide a comfortable addition to any canoe trip. Access to the inside padding makes this product easy to clean and dry after a trip.

Height | Width | Depth | Colors 15” 12” 1”

- made in ely since 1980 - 20

- made in ely since 1980 -

Our Camp Organization products help keep gear well-sorted within the pack. Having items separated and organized makes trips go more smoothly with more time enjoying the benefits of a wilderness trip and less time trying to find that piece of gear that “you know you brought along.” Other items, like the Lure Locker, help protect gear so you don’t get to a campsite with broken equipment after a hard day on the trail.

LURE LOCKER

The Lure Locker is a durable piece of 1000 Denier Cordura® that folds in half around hooks and rod tips, protecting them from snares while portaging. It also helps keep sharp hooks away from clothing and skin. The lure locker seals shut securely and snuggly protect the contents.

COMPRESSION SACK

Organize the inside of a pack with ease using one of our five different sizes of compression sacks. Each compression sack has four adjustable cinch straps to efficiently compress the contents. Two of the four straps utilize a buckle for a quick release and opening of the top. They are color-coded to size.

STUFF SACK

A convenient bag when stuff needs a place! Use stuff sacks to organize the inside of your pack and to contain clutter. They are color-coded to size.

DITTY BAG

The Ditty Bag is the perfect drawstring bag for whatever small items need a place. It’s made from durable 400 denier items can be kept organized and protected.

- made in ely since 1980 -

- made in ely since 1980 -

Our Camp Kitchen products help you stay organized on a long trip. They are also designed to keep greasy or sooty items away from the rest of your gear. Having the right equipment to stay organized is one of the keys to success on a wilderness canoe trip. With a large equipment pack, items like pots and pans, utensils, or fillet knives can easily get lost amongst larger items. And in the food pack, being able to quickly find the food you’re looking for can save loads of frustration when preparing a meal following up a tough travel day or poor weather. And keep frozen food cooler longer with our Insulated Cooler Sleeve and get the best performance out of your food pack.

KITCHEN STAY ORGANIZED. COOK

BETTER.

UTENSIL ROLL

This Utensil Roll is a handy tool for organizing and protecting utensils whether keeping them contained in the pack or as a gathering place in a campsite. When it’s ready to be packed away, simply fold it over, roll it up, buckle it shut, and put it in the pack with confidence that all your utensils will be inside when the next meal rolls around.

COOK KIT BAG

The Cook Kit Bag has a round bottom and a cinched top to securely contain a cook kit. This keeps grime from getting into the rest of your gear and maintains the organization of the pots and pans. It’s available in three different sizes to better fit the kit and the group’s needs.

GRIDDLE SLEEVE

Made from 1000 denier Cordura® nylon, this durable sleeve is the perfect tool for keeping greasy griddles from tarnishing the rest of an equipment pack. The top flap tucks in for a secure fit around a standard rectangular griddle.

INSULATED COOLER SLEEVE

How does a fresh meal on the first night of a wilderness trip sound? The Insulated Cooler Sleeve is designed to keep a meal fresh past the 24 hour mark so that a frozen meal tucked into the food pack can stay cool until it’s needed.

ZIPPERED FOOD BAG

No one likes wasting time sorting through a food pack. This is especially important when a closed top of the pack means food is kept cool. That doesn’t have to be a problem with zippered food bags. Simply color-coordinate meals to easily distinguish breakfasts from dinners or lunches from snacks.

After a long wilderness travel day, it’s a luxury to relax in a campsite out of the elements. Our Squall 3 is purpose built to keep you dry on any backcountry trip with a durable ripstop construction. It’s designed to be set up in dozens of configurations depending on your needs and situational demands. Whatever the season, whatever the weather, control your situation with a well constructed Squall 3 tarp.

TARPS INNATE PURPOSE. ELEMENTAL

CONTROL.

SQUALL 3 - 10x10

The Squall 3 is a ripstop nylon tarp for covering the campsite from the elements. It has a sewn-in ridgeline for pulling the tarp taunt as well as anchored guy-out loops along the perimeter to allow for a wide variety of set-ups. Optionally, add-on a pole loop and reinforcement for equipping the tarp to be set up with a center pole.

SQUALL 3 - 10x12

Just like our 10x10 tarp, the 10x12 protects your campsite from the elements while providing an additional 20 square feet of coverage over the 10x10.

CENTER POLE REINFORCEMENT

This valuable addition, compatible with any of our tarps, makes your Squall 3 ready for any situation. With a reinforced center and pole loops, your tarp can be easily set up with a center pole in situations where other methods are unavailable.

TARP BAG

A standard inclusion with all Squall 3s, our zippered tarp bag is a secure solution for storing any lightweight tarp. Made from the same durable ripstop as our tarps, it helps keep a packed tarp contained between campsites.

TENT BAG

We’ve all been there. Our favorite tent went out on trail with a cheaply made bag that subsequently rips. Or maybe the tent bag was too small to practically fit the tent. Whatever the reason, our tent bags are here to help. The small tent bag, suitable for a 2/3 man tent, the medium tent bag for 3/4, and the large for 5/6 man tents are a durable alternative to cheaply made tent bags.

TENT POLE BAG

Protect your tent poles from dings and scratches with a tent pole bag. With an adjustable cinch to close the top, this is the perfect bag to keep tent poles organized and separate where elastic connectors cannot catch on other gear.

TENT STAKE BAG

Keep your tent stakes organized with a tent stake bag. The cinch top helps keep the top closed and the stakes secured inside.

Pack Comparisons

Are you looking to personalize our gear?

We understand that the gear you outfit is part of the image you set for your organization which is why we offer options for tailoring our gear to your needs. Call and chat with us about adding patches/ embroidered logos or about custom color options for larger product runs.

“It is the portages that separate us from civilization. The more portages you can put between yourself and civilization, the greater the wilderness experience.”

- Bill Mason