Raging River Trading Bushcraft Haversack [Updated w/ Video Review]

[StrikeBack]

A few weeks ago I had the unfortunate displeasure of having my car broken into. The thief stole a couple of knives, a fire kit, and my Helikon Tex Bushcraft Satchel... just before my recent trip to Alberta Canada to visit Banff National Park.

Dan Edwards from Raging River Trading was kind enough to send me one of his Bushcraft Haversack to use on my trip and to evaluate and review for the community if I wanted to. I'm not being paid to review this, nor were there any conditions or requirements. Dan just wanted my honest opinion and critique to see if there were any areas to improve on his design.

A lot of companies say their products are "military grade", I've never been in the military so I can't verify whether this haversack truly is "military grade" but I do know it's built with 1000D nylon Cordura, heavy duty components, made in America, made by Dan Edwards who served in the US Coast Guard where he made his own gear for himself and his squad to use. In my assessment, it's as tough and as durable as anything from Maxpedition, Vanquest, 5.11, etc...

Some people really love haversacks and some don't care for them. I personally love haversacks. When you need quick access to your gear, haversacks are hard to beat. I usually toss in camera equipment and will pull it out as needed. This haversack has molle webbing all over- the front, sides, bottom and even on the shoulder strap- ideal for a cellphone holster or GPS.

The Raging River Bushcraft Haversack was probably inspired by old military shoulder bags like this Polish military "bread bag" or some other similar type bag.

photo credit- http://oblio13.blogspot.com/2012/12/gear-that-works-military-bread-bags.html

DETAILS

-Dimensions: 12" x 12" x 3"

-Materials: The RR haversack is made out of heavy duty 1000d nylon Cordura- water resistant, rot proof, and extremely durable.

-Hatchet Loop: The RR haversack's hatchet loop is in the front, which I prefer over having it in the back and against my hip. I had no problems inserting my Eastwing No. 1 Hatchet, Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel (I used the shovel as reference for size, the flap won't close if you leave the shovel in. I'll figure out a way to mount it), and CRKT Chogan... but my Fiskar's hatchet didn't fit, due to it's over exaggerated swell at the bottom of the handle. I believe most wood handled hatchets will work fine.

-Molle Webbing: The RR haversack has 2 panels of webbing in the front both 3 rows and 3 columns. The sides both have 4 rows and 2 columns. It also has webbing on the bottom to accommodate bedroll straps and even webbing on the shoulder strap for your smart phone or GPS.

-Side Sleeves: I really like the side sleeves on the RR haversack. Perfect for a folding saw and a Mora.

-Shoulder Strap: The shoulder straps are 2" wide, adjustable, and has a detachable buckle to help you take it off after a long hike. There's an included thick shoulder pad. There's a velcro keeper to bundle up extra shoulder strap length, to keep things nice and neat.

-Pockets: The RR haversack has 2 internal zippered pockets, one 12" x 12" and the other 12" x 10". I would put maps, paperwork, and valuables in them.

-Extra Pouches: The RR haversack comes with two included pouches at no extra charge- a 5" x 7" mesh pouch and a tinder pouch.

-Craftsmanship: Excellent stitching. I have a little pet peeve when it comes to stitching. I like it straight without loose ends and Raging River does an excellent job. I'm the guy who pulls out the lighter and burns up all the loose threads. Do you do that too or is it just me?

Conclusion

I would recommend this haversack if you're looking for something bombproof and something really versatile, due to all the molle webbing. It has added extras like the shoulder pad, extra pouches, and lifetime warranty. I also like that fact that the 1000d nylon cordura is stiff and doesn't wrinkle, it'll stand where you place it. Raging River will do custom colorways and options. There's a model with a water bottle holder.

Critiques: I would like a drag handle on the bag so it'll be easier to grab and go, to and from the car. I'd like to see the hatchet loop enlarged enough accommodate the Fiskars x7 hatchet, since it's very common. I personally like the heavy duty fabric, but some might think it's extra weight. I like Raging Rivers Patch, but would also like to see a vecro patch for additional patches.

 

[mete]

Looks like an excellent bag ! That nylon is polyurethane coated for water repellency.
"bread bag " , Haversack ? The Viking word for oats is Havre, so the bags were originally ' oat cake bags ' . Different groups had different words but all were to carry basic food for a journey. "Johnny cake " was originally journey cake for corn cakes.

 

[StrikeBack]

Looks like an excellent bag ! That nylon is polyurethane coated for water repellency.
"bread bag " , Haversack ? The Viking word for oats is Havre, so the bags were originally ' oat cake bags ' . Different groups had different words but all were to carry basic food for a journey. "Johnny cake " was originally journey cake for corn cakes.

Excellent information mete thank you very much!

 

[The Zieg]

A few weeks ago I had the unfortunate displeasure of having my car broken into. The thief stole a couple of knives, a fire kit, and my Helikon Tex Bushcraft Satchel... just before my recent trip to Alberta Canada to visit Banff National Park.

Dan Edwards from Raging River Trading was kind enough to send me one of his Bushcraft Haversack to use on my trip and to evaluate and review for the community if I wanted to. I'm not being paid to review this, nor were there any conditions or requirements. Dan just wanted my honest opinion and critique to see if there were any areas to improve on his design.

A lot of companies say their products are "military grade", I've never been in the military so I can't verify whether this haversack truly is "military grade" but I do know it's built with 1000D nylon Cordura, heavy duty components, made in America, made by Dan Edwards who served in the US Coast Guard where he made his own gear for himself and his squad to use. In my assessment, it's as tough and as durable as anything from Maxpedition, Vanquest, 5.11, etc...

Some people really love haversacks and some don't care for them. I personally love haversacks. When you need quick access to your gear, haversacks are hard to beat. I usually toss in camera equipment and will pull it out as needed. This haversack has molle webbing all over- the front, sides, bottom and even on the shoulder strap- ideal for a cellphone holster or GPS.

The Raging River Bushcraft Haversack was probably inspired by old military shoulder bags like this Polish military "bread bag" or some other similar type bag.

photo credit- http://oblio13.blogspot.com/2012/12/gear-that-works-military-bread-bags.html

DETAILS

-Dimensions: 12" x 12" x 3"

-Materials: The RR haversack is made out of heavy duty 1000d nylon Cordura- water resistant, rot proof, and extremely durable.

-Hatchet Loop: The RR haversack's hatchet loop is in the front, which I prefer over having it in the back and against my hip. I had no problems inserting my Eastwing No. 1 Hatchet, Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel (I used the shovel as reference for size, the flap won't close if you leave the shovel in. I'll figure out a way to mount it), and CRKT Chogan... but my Fiskar's hatchet didn't fit, due to it's over exaggerated swell at the bottom of the handle. I believe most wood handled hatchets will work fine.

-Molle Webbing: The RR haversack has 2 panels of webbing in the front both 3 rows and 3 columns. The sides both have 4 rows and 2 columns. It also has webbing on the bottom to accommodate bedroll straps and even webbing on the shoulder strap for your smart phone or GPS.

-Side Sleeves: I really like the side sleeves on the RR haversack. Perfect for a folding saw and a Mora.

-Shoulder Strap: The shoulder straps are 2" wide, adjustable, and has a detachable buckle to help you take it off after a long hike. There's an included thick shoulder pad. There's a velcro keeper to bundle up extra shoulder strap length, to keep things nice and neat.

-Pockets: The RR haversack has 2 internal zippered pockets, one 12" x 12" and the other 12" x 10". I would put maps, paperwork, and valuables in them.

-Extra Pouches: The RR haversack comes with two included pouches at no extra charge- a 5" x 7" mesh pouch and a tinder pouch.

-Craftsmanship: Excellent stitching. I have a little pet peeve when it comes to stitching. I like it straight without loose ends and Raging River does an excellent job. I'm the guy who pulls out the lighter and burns up all the loose threads. Do you do that too or is it just me?

Conclusion

I would recommend this haversack if you're looking for something bombproof and something really versatile, due to all the molle webbing. It has added extras like the shoulder pad, extra pouches, and lifetime warranty. I also like that fact that the 1000d nylon cordura is stiff and doesn't wrinkle, it'll stand where you place it. Raging River will do custom colorways and options. There's a model with a water bottle holder.

Critiques: I would like a drag handle on the bag so it'll be easier to grab and go, to and from the car. I'd like to see the hatchet loop enlarged enough accommodate the Fiskars x7 hatchet, since it's very common. I personally like the heavy duty fabric, but some might think it's extra weight. I like Raging Rivers Patch, but would also like to see a vecro patch for additional patches.

I really like haversacks (aka satchels, sling bags, shoulder bags, and surely more names out there) and this one looks like a great travel companion on my trip this fall to Italy, my fishing trips here in Colorado, and for slinging on when mounting the BMW R75/6. I'll be looking at Raging River's site tonight.

Thanks for this terrific review and my condolences on the theft. I've been through something similar and I know how much a gut punch it is.

Zieg

 

[StrikeBack]

I really like haversacks (aka satchels, sling bags, shoulder bags, and surely more names out there) and this one looks like a great travel companion on my trip this fall to Italy, my fishing trips here in Colorado, and for slinging on when mounting the BMW R75/6. I'll be looking at Raging River's site tonight.

Thanks for this terrific review and my condolences on the theft. I've been through something similar and I know how much a gut punch it is.

Zieg

Hi Zieg, thank you for your response. I was so mad and luckily I was able to find a replacement window, the thief smashed my driver side window, at a junk yard so that was an easy fix. I see a few homeless people ride their bikes around my neighborhood and if I ever see one of them with my gear.... *sigh*

I really think the 1000d nylon cordura would be great around the water and on your motorcycle. Most haversacks use 500d cordura. Have you posted up any of your trip reports? I’d love to see it!

 

[batosai117]

This isn't good....one more thing that I want! I just scoped out the website and there's this version and the one with a water bottle holder. Oh lord, help me I want one. Awesome review and glad you posted it.

 

[StrikeBack]

This isn't good....one more thing that I want! I just scoped out the website and there's this version and the one with a water bottle holder. Oh lord, help me I want one. Awesome review and glad you posted it.

lol, thanks for reading batosai117 ! I appreciate the feedback

 

[popedandy]

So much for my "I don't need another bag" thinking. I ordered one. Thanks for posting the review.

 

[ilten]

Thanks for the review. Good looking bag - I'm just glad that I still have my Helikon Tex Bushcraft Satchel.......

 

[batosai117]

Damn, I researched both bags and ended up picking up the Helikon Tex Bushcraft Satchel in Black. The price was better for me and I really liked the zipper opening. I can use it on duty as a go bag and then take it for day trips on my days off (which is why I chose black).

I look forward to putting it to use.

 

[StrikeBack]

So much for my "I don't need another bag" thinking. I ordered one. Thanks for posting the review.

haha, I'm the same way brother! I'm trying to convince my girlfriend I need a nessmuk knife and I've been teaching her about Nessmuk and the knife lol. When you get it, please let me know if your thoughts on the bag align with my assessment. The bag is bombproof, I know it'll serve you well.

Thanks for the review. Good looking bag - I'm just glad that I still have my Helikon Tex Bushcraft Satchel.......

Thank you for reading! It was kinda long lol. I really like the Helikon one too. Keep it safe!

Damn, I researched both bags and ended up picking up the Helikon Tex Bushcraft Satchel in Black. The price was better for me and I really liked the zipper opening. I can use it on duty as a go bag and then take it for day trips on my days off (which is why I chose black).

I look forward to putting it to use.

That's a good pick! I loved using the Helikon bag before it got stolen. Nice and light weight, I like the internal bottle holders too. The zipper is a key difference in the two styles. I really thought i'd miss the zipper, but lately I've been using the two side flaps and the velcro. It's been working out pretty well so far. I'm sure if I'm climbing over rocks, I'll wish I had the zipper or just close the main flap.

 

[LostViking]

Looks to be a decent versatile piece of kit.

I agree a drag handle would make sense.

Looks like he borrowed his logo from the original Roger's Rangers.

 

[StrikeBack]

Looks to be a decent versatile piece of kit.

I agree a drag handle would make sense.

Looks like he borrowed his logo from the original Roger's Rangers.

Thanks for the feedback LostViking . My fav features are the side sleeves for quick access to my Bahco saw and Mora 2000, and also the 1000d cordura.