I can't believe this. I was given an adirondack pack basket today. The person was throwing it out. I've wanted one for years. Finally I get one and I'm 66 years old. My camping gear is complete

My grandpa wove pack baskets for me, my siblings and all my cousins. He would also fix wicker chairs and such. He used to weave at the zwanzigstein Mennonite fair in Lewis county NY

As a long time resident of Central New York and of Watertown, New York I also appreciated the Adirondack pack basket, Nessmuk and 'the lore' of that special region. Thanks for this video.

That is one fine basket -- well thought-out/designed/crafted. What a treasure for you and to whomever you pass it down.

its the symbol of the expert northern woodsman..at least to me it has been..i carried a pack basket as part of my living history persona..they are very tough rugged and long lasting packs..thanks for posting..safe journeys

That is a beautiful pack basket.. I picked up a vintage one in upper New York State 30+ years ago. Never used it to carry anything , only for decoration. Web straps and someone had painted an Ace of Spades on it at one time. Thank you for showing us your pack basket. Brian

Wow, what craftsmanship, an art in each and every one. Thanks for sharing..

top notch craftmanship. nice piece.

Hi Brian. I just received for Christmas a pack basket. I'm not a guide but I wanted something nostalgic and genuine while one could still obtain them. When I put it on I was so impressed at how comfortable it was! I am from Bangor Maine but I had it made by Eldon Hanning of Limestone Maine. He is a native American that belongs to Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance. The bell isn't as pronounced as yours but it does have a "swell" to it and the top opening resembles a capital letter D. It is brown ash and has a back spinal contour. Someday these will all be maple etc or unobtainable. I expect to pass it down. Most folks in Maine use them for ice fishing gear but I hope to pass it down some day.

great vid. thx for sharing. nothing better to me than history & the skills these craftsman have. thx again

Can't go wrong with a Bill Mackowski pack. He is amazing and his work is incredible too!

Beautiful looking pack.

Very cool!

Hi Brian: I've seen them in use but always had a feeling of heritage when I see them in use. Thanks Brian 77

That is sooooo cool! I too have always thought that a basket pack like that would look good on me and even just here in my "man cave"

now that's a piece of art not just a pack nice purchase stay safe brother

That's an awesome pack basket, I always thought they were cool!

Bill has some crazy skills that is functional art.

Nice-looking basket my first basket I still have I got it when I was 16 years old

Nice Presentation Bro

That guy really puts the time in on those baskets you can see the high quality of the basket I still use a basket when trapping have had since 1980 mine is not made as good as that one

has been one of those things on my list to get. were they not used in the 18th century?

Nice pack. Thanks for the video

Looks Good Brian...i choose some of my own gear for that nostalgic feel as well...besides, much of the older gear is just built more durable...atb...woods

BTW really good to see you again. sure looking forward to some more shadows in the forest. Hint hint! LOL

nice pack basket

I think I have my answer before asking question(s). The basket is a warp-and-woof weave design (of reed or wicker work). The same basket could be used for a fish/crayfish/octopus trap, or a living fish container (with the small openings in the weavings for water flow and aeration). Original question was wondering if the basket was Indian-style woven so that it would be water tight, and then hot rocking a meal, hot rock sterilizing water, making acorn flour, having a boiling water night time tent warmer, ... the possibility for a no-smell bear hang container, an (upside down air capture) personal emergency flotation device, or with some cordage be used (with tubing) as a (neutrally bouyant) weighted underwater air canister (upside down hot air balloon design) for snorkeling and diving without scuba for underwater scavenging and foraging, ... I suppose some of these items could be done with a garbage bag inside or outside of the container.

Super cool. Do you think a pack basket would benefit from a waist belt? Perhaps similar to the way Waldhandwerk uses a Yukon pack resting on a roll on the back of his belt.

i like it

The pack basket is far older than the 1800s. When the first White man arrived in America the Indians were using pack baskets which look like the ones we use today except they had a tumpline instead of shoulder straps. The Indians also had a version woven with reed instead of ash.

Great info! Please share link where I can get it. Thanks

How do you water proof it? waxedCanvas/nylon cover?

How do you maintain the Pack basket ?

Check out the Trapper's Post May/ June 2017 Issue, Interview with Bilkl Mackowski Very interesting Take Care: Barry

Here I thought my 1950s Canadian Army packboard was cool, complete with tumpline, I think this might just trump it. Ive seen cheaper versions of this but hadnt even thought that these excisted.

I just finished my first one today. Turned out pretty good i think. Extra heavy duty model for trapping and chaga hauling. Not as pretty as your

A bit over priced by far. I know they are hand made, but $400 is a bit way out of range. Nice crafting but still it's way too expensive. Just gotta say for $400 it should come with a fine hair around it. LOL