Wookey Couloir

Obsessed with finding top shelf, made-in-USA gear, I happened upon Wookey's name on Backpacker mag's website. Googled it, found a bunch of dealers, then called them all only to find out Wookey doesn't make packs anymore. I found this Couloir by calling a ski shop in Vermont. Size M. Shop threw in an extra size L harness for $25.

Weight is about 3 lbs.

Construction is heavy-duty and impeccable. Hipbelt has its own HDPE framesheet. Design is sharp and attractive.

I've been happy with this pack's customability. Lengthen or shorten the torso-fit straps. Move or remove the hip belt. Good compression. Good load-lifters. Dual daisy chains, four light-duty loops sewn to bottom of pack. Skiers would love Couloir. Two tool tubes and a shovel pocket to fit any blade. I'm not a skier so for me this sometimes seems like overkill and excess weight, but who knows, maybe I'll move to Jackson Hole and take up telemark skiing.

I've used this pack for 2 years now as a daypack and a travel pack. Some day I'm going commando and want to try a 2-night UL trek with it. Tents and sleeping bags are for sallies.

My only complaint is a minor quibble with fit. I'm a "big guy" (5'11", 220 lbs.) so I have a little difficulty with sizing packs for my broad shoulders and barrel chest. This is my only complaint, and it's not just with this pack. Pack shops should account for chest size, not just torso size, when fitting and recommending packs. The size L harness I got accommodates me well, so I have made Couly fit me, but it took lots of finagling and extra $$.

Watch Ebay or Craigslist for Wookey stuff.

Wookey Packs is no more, but the designers have launched Wookey Design Studios. www.wookey.net