LL Bean trapper's basket

[Chris338378]

Does any one have one of L.L. Bean's wooden trapper's baskets?  How has it held up for you, what size do you have, would you buy it again, and if you were going to buy a new one what size would you get?  I'm looking at the biggest one since it's always better to have more room and not need it rather than getting one that's too small.

[tomturkey]

I would check some trapper supply places for a pack basket. You will find a better selection and probably stronger baskets. I have a huge one that I bought for beaver trapping because I could fit a 50+ pounder in it with room to spare.

Here is one with a great reputation and extremely fast shipping. They have a big selection of sizes of baskets. www.fntpost.com

[Chris338378]

What did you put on it to preserve it?

[tomturkey]

I have never put any thing on the many pack baskets I have totally destroyed over the years. Trapping is really hard on baskets so they do not last long.

If I was going to put some thing on one I think that I would get some boiled linseed oil. It is a great protectant and just soaks in to preserve the wood. Polyurethane and other types of varnishes would make a pretty coating on the surface but would crack with the flexing of the basket allowing water to get underneath the varnish.

The big one I bought still looks real nice as my body gave out and I had to quit trapping along with a lot of my favorite pass times.

[Chris338378]

Thank you for the advice, I greatly appreciate it.

[Alex Delarge]

I'm gonna ask Santa for one of these this Xmas... Hardwater model. 
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Floringpackbasket.com%2F&ei=BesMVKTPEY3lsATziIIo&usg=AFQjCNH7RBClWOZtBTARD9R4Dal7y6hjCg&bvm=bv.74649129,d.aWw

[Chris338378]

I got the jumbo version of this basket and the liner for Christmas and couldn't be happier.  It has the classic look I like, is very well made (no cracked wood like I saw on other brands), has plenty of room inside, and the liner bag is significantly taller than the basket so it covers taller stuff well.  Other than that, I'm going to give it a coat or two of linseed oil. 

[Idahogator]

That could very well be much better than Thomson's Water Seal.

That was about 25 years ago and is still functional.

Many happy years ahead for you Chris.   

[tomturkey]

I got the jumbo version of this basket and the liner for Christmas and couldn't be happier.  It has the classic look I like, is very well made (no cracked wood like I saw on other brands), has plenty of room inside, and the liner bag is significantly taller than the basket so it covers taller stuff well.  Other than that, I'm going to give it a coat or two of linseed oil.

Are you talking about the Loring pack basket in the link?

If so isn't it made out of some synthetic material like a plastic?

I do not think that any type of coating would soak into the material to do you any good. Linseed oil needs to soak in to protect the wood of a normal basket to protect it.

The reason the original Olympic stains etc were so good was they had a high percentage of linseed oil in them.

[Chris338378]

Thanks Idahogator, I'm sure it'll last a long time since I take care of my gear and do preventative maintenance every year.

The basket I got is the L.L. Bean Allagash (trapper's) wooden basket in the jumbo size.

[tomturkey]

Chris

Sorry for my old mind misunderstanding your post. I thought that you were talking abut the one in the link above your post.

[Chris338378]

It's ok Pal, it happens to the best of us.  I got the first coat of linseed oil on it, inside and out, and boy did it suck it up.  I'm going to put on a second and maybe a third coat on it but am going to see how it is after the second coat because the bottle says if you put too much of it on it will become sticky and tacky. 

[tracksnorth]

I have a fiber tough pack basket I use on the trap line and I love it. I rigged new shoulder straps as well and it has an extra compartment which is handy also. Only problem I've ever had with it is the hinge for the smaller outer compartment broke but I just replaced it with leather.

[Chris338378]

I put on two coats of Linseed oil on the basket (inside and out) and I think it looks great, a nice golden color.  All and all I'm very happy with my choice and how it turned out.  Thanks everyone for your input. 

[Sprocket]

Post up pics and keep updates on durability and useage - that's the best way to determine the return of your efforts.  Personally I think treating the wood with something once a year will help with it lasting longer.  Hit it again in the spring with your choice and keep with it.

She has a basket that sees no use, I may have to change that...

[Chris338378]

I'll work on posting pictures but am not sure what I'm doing since I never did it before.  I'll definitely be giving it a coat of linseed oil and do the same with my tip-ups, it's a lot cheaper to take care of something than replace it.