Are you searching for a way to keep your gear dry on a multi-day canoe trip? The Level Six Algonquin 95 is one of the best options on the market to protect gear from the elements. With unique features and high-quality construction, the Algonquin canoe pack is a worthy choice for any adventurer!
Disclaimer: I’m a Level Six ambassador, and I have access to product discounts in exchange for gear promotion. However, Level Six doesn’t exercise any control over my website and social media content. Thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Level Six for this ongoing collaboration!
I love paddling. And I’ve been canoe tripping for more than two decades. After using the Level Six Algonquin 95 canoe pack, I can confidently say that this is a great option for multi-day canoe trips. Two summers ago, I used this pack on my 6-day Yukon River canoe trip and my 5-day Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit trip in British Columbia. I was very impressed with this pack’s durability, ease of use, and overall design. Keep reading to see what I mean.
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About Level Six
Have your heard much about this rad company called Level Six? In case you haven’t, they’re an awesome paddlesports company based in Ottawa, Ontario. They make high-quality and environmentally sustainable gear — and did I mention they’re Canadian? Over the past several years, I’ve had the chance to try out some of Level Six’s thoughtfully-designed products and am consistently impressed with what I find (like their water shoes and SUPs — but that’s for another time!). I’m a fan of supporting Canada-based companies who care about sustainability, and who try to keep improving on their craft. So naturally, Level Six is one company I love to work with!
Shop now: Level Six Algonquin 95 Canoe Pack (Buy Online)
Level Six Algonquin 95 Canoe Pack — Features and Specifications
I have to be honest — I was skeptical about the Algonquin 95 at first. I was looking for a waterproof dry pack for longer paddle trips, and was used to single-compartments like Sealline and MEC dry packs. The Level Six Algonquin 95 is a little different — a durable pack holding two waterproof roll-top dry bags (approx. 45 litres each). I wasn’t sure how I felt about this style in the beginning, but found myself liking two separate dry bags more and more. This style was great for keeping my gear organized, by storing food and kitchen supplies in one bag and my tent and sleep system in the other.
Here are some more features of the Level Six Algonquin 95:
- Ballistic nylon straps — these straps feel high-quality and can take a significant amount of strain. But they can be difficult to adjust.
- Pre-curved shoulder and waist harness — the waist and shoulder harness has a fair amount of padding for comfort.
- Spindrift collar with compression strap — the compression straps are very useful to cinch the sides of the pack.
- Hip belt and sternum strap — these straps help the pack feel comfortable and secure when you’re portaging.
Read next: Your Complete Guide to Canoeing the Yukon River
Level Six Algonquin 95 — Canoe Tripping in Canada
So, what do I think about paddling with the Algonquin 95? First off, 95 litres was more than enough for my week-long canoe trips. And as a solo paddler, I could easily fit all of my camping gear, clothing, and food together in this pack. It was very fairly easy to carry for lengthy portages as well. Overall, I can understand why this canoe pack was awarded “Best in Class” by PaddleTV.
Both the roll-top dry packs and the external carry pack are extremely durable. My pack is still in great shape after being dropped (fully-loaded) on gravel beaches and dragged across rugged surfaces. Further, this pack’s durable straps make it easy to clip and cinch for a compact feel. With solid materials and never-cut-corners construction, I didn’t worry once about straps or buckles breaking in the middle of a trip.
But how waterproof is this setup really? To be honest, compared to other dry bags I’ve used, these Level Six roll-top bags stood up to the rest. I never had wet gear at the end of the day, even after paddling through those Yukon thunder storms. That being said, I didn’t fully submerge the pack — but I fully expect the roll-top would keep the water out.
What Would I Change — Level Six Algonquin 95
Is there anything I would change about the Level Six Algonquin 95? Honestly, not really! Overall, the pack serves its purpose quite well. If I had to pick something, a minor issue is the rigid adjustable straps that can be difficult to tighten or loosen. I would also love to see Level Six design an option between 95-litres and 55-litres. I could fit my gear in a 75-litre pack.
Read next: Your Complete Guide to the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit
Have you used the Level Six Algonquin 95 Canoe Pack? What did you think about this piece of gear? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
