The Versatile Trapper Nelson Pack

“Easily, the best solution for the hiker, hunter, camper, Scout, or outdoor enthusiast who values their back or their shoulders” -Me

I shared my Trapper Nelson pack’s photos on my favorite Facebook groups before I did anywhere else. The enthusiasts, collectors, and living historians on them would have a heavier appreciation for my efforts than even my Facebook wall where family and friends would have seen them. I’m sure some would have given me a passing like but few of them would have a true appreciation in the accomplishment and overall purpose of the Trapper Nelson Pack. I took the frame and old Yucca Scout bag to my Troop’s meeting to demonstrate to them all of the various Scouting skills that went into the creation of it challenging them to list possible merit badges or requirements that such a project could demonstrate. There the adult leaders were curious and surprised at the comfort of it but it was all in passing courtesy in the end. They gave the Scoutmaster a smile and a bit of friendly jeering, “I bet he’ll be taking that to the next hike!”

Those on my Facebook groups gave me feedback and some shared memories of when they used them as a youth or even relating their family member’s experiences. One of my favorite comments said:

“Without a frame the Yucca pack rode like a malevolent monkey on my back and it was virtually impossible to attach a modern sleeping bag. One trip where we pulled our gear to a site with sleds I was able to assemble something that worked. I lashed back and pack to the sled with the pack straps facing up and was able to carry the rig on my back over areas where it could nor be pulled.” (Warren P.)

Another poster from a different group shared this experience:

“My Dad swore by his Trapper Nelson pack frame that might have dated to before World War II. I always thought that, Dad being Dad, he was going on about nada. Then I did a couple of rain-soaked Puget Sound Scout hikes and campouts with that very torture device you have strapped to your lovely frame, but without the frame. Never has a 13-year-old know-it-all known so much misery, not in the annals of human experience. Then Dad said try it with the Trapper Nelson. To say the difference was night and day would be a failure to exaggerate.” (William P)

My Trapper Nelson was inspired by a video Dave Canterbury made many years ago and was born from necessity. I owned a 1940’s Yucca 574 that I was unable to use due to the straps being too short for my size. This makes complete sense considering the pack was designed for boys not a full grown corn fed man. The Trapper Nelson was the answer to my problem!

Trapper Lloyd F. Nelson was born around 1894 and past away in 1986 after a well lived, albeit frustrating life. Lloyd Nelson was on a personal expedition in Alaska in 1920 where he used an Inuit pack frame made from sticks and seal skin. It took him two years after his adventure to patent his pack frame and in 1922 he was awarded the patent number 1,505,661. He tried to sell his packs to local sporting stores but was dismayed to find that they would only sell on commission. Luckily he was able to partner with Charles Trager who helped streamline his production, unfortunately he was only able to break even and after seven years of trying to make a go of it he sold his business to Charles for $5,000. Salt on the wound occurred when after one week of selling his business a massive order came in from the U.S. Forest Service in response to the forest fires in the west. The 1930’s and the Great Depression oddly provided Trager a boon in the marketing and selling of the Trapper Nelson Pack. Partnerships were made with the U.S. Geological Society, Boy Scouts of America, and many sporting goods stores including the renowned Sears and Roebuck!

My pack diverts from the original design taking inspiration from Duluth pack straps, Civil War knapsack hooks and rings, and custom fitted to my frame and size. This makes for an exceptional experience and if you cannot afford a good original one in your size, I suggest you follow suit and make your own. With a few tools and some easy skills you can do it too!