Vintage 1973 Camp Trails Product Catalog 8.5" x 11" For Sale

The vintage 1973 Camp Trails product catalog measures 8.5" x 11" and is an original piece from the United States. This collectible advertising item provides a glimpse into the products and services offered by Camp Trails in 1973, showcasing various camping and outdoor gear. Perfect for collectors of vintage advertising pieces or enthusiasts of camping and outdoor activities, this product catalog offers a nostalgic look into the past and the amenities available for outdoor enthusiasts during that time.
Camp Trailswas aninfluential American outdoor gear maker known for iconic external-frame backpacks and camping equipment.Timeline & History

• 1943: Founded byJack C. Abert, who built lightweight, comfortable carrying systems out of frustration with existing gear.
• 1950s–1970s: Expanded from specialized packs into a broader catalog of backpacking and camping essentials (including classic frames like theCruiserandMcKinley), becoming a staple brand during the golden era of American backpacking.
• 1980: Acquired and consolidated when Johnson Wax Associates mergedCamp Trails Company(Phoenix, AZ) with Eureka Tent and Silva, formingJohnson Camping, Inc.(headquartered in Binghamton, NY).
• Later Decades: Owned under corporate umbrellas likeJohnson Outdoors(sharing parent lineage with Eureka!).
• Present Status: No longer in business; products are retired, though vintage external-frame packs (like the Camp Trails Cruiser/McKinley lines) remain cult-favorite collector and user items among retro backpacking communities.

Signature Gear & Legacy

• External Frames: Famous for simple, rugged aluminum-tubed external-frame packs with reliable suspension systems (competitor/peer to vintage Kelty and J.C. Penney/Sunbacker designs).
• Cultural Footprint: Referenced widely in vintage gear compendiums (such as the 1977Explorers Ltd. Source Book).