View Full Version : Small backpack for casual day use
Hey guys,
I'm looking for a small pack. I have a blackhawk R.A.P.T.O.R 100oz X-1 pack and I love that pack, I've but that thing through the ringer conus and oconus and it has never failed me, but its a bit big for day out and about things here at home and hanging out with the family.
If I can find something like that but a bit smaller it would be perfect.
Thanks.
R.
Small bag for daily carry in a civvie environment? Jansport, LL Bean, REI, etc.
"Tactical" bag manufacturers certainly have a higher standard of quality to my mind, but you'll look at least a little outdoorsy if not conspicuous walking around town with one. If you dont care about that, Maxpeditions pretty reliably rugged and they make a variety of compact packs for daily carry.
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Backpacks-c12.htm
http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Sitka-Gearslinger-2p926.htm
Kelty Shrike.
Kelty Redtail is also a good one, in addition to the Shrike. You can usually find last season's model for cheap online.
I picked up an Arc'teryx Mantis at REI, which has replaced my Eagle A-III for daily use. If I don't need the room and the PALS, I use The Bird.
The Shrike is a really good suggestion, too, especially for the price, and you can practically swing a dead cat over your head at REI and have it hit something really worthwhile.
A couple years ago I bought a Northface Recon for use as an actual bookbag while I was in college. If I remember it was $60-80. It has been a good bag and dosen't scream "tacticool". Lots of pockets on the inside for small stuff, water bottle holders on both sides, and a decent amount of room. I have used it for school, day hikes, and travel and have not been disappointed.
I have two that I use frequently, an Eagle Industries 3-day pack (in black, no PALS which scream "military"), and a LL Bean pack, bright-freakin'-yellow, both of which are several years old.
North Face, LL Bean, Jansport, Gregory, et al., take your pick. REI.com has a great selection, and REI's outlet has some awesome deals.
SeriousStudent
05-25-11, 18:45
May I be so bold as to suggest a Blue Force Gear DAP pack?
I'm really interested in the organizer capability of this little gem.
http://www.blueforcegear.com/products/Jedburgh-Pack%E2%84%A2.html
The site is down for a rework right now, but Grey Ghost had some lightweight removable operator packs for $60. I have one of the larger packs and it is good to go. http://www.greyghostoutlet.com/
There is a review of the pack here: http://lightfighter.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2756008371/m/20320049663
I have a Kelty Peregrine 29 and it is great and does not scream "TACTICLOOL". (Link Below) It is not too big yet is comfortable to wear and has held up very nicely. You can find them on the internet for about $50-$60. So price wise it is not bad.
http://www.kelty.com/p-265-peregrine-29.aspx?category=backpacks
I carried a Camelbak Hawg around Disney for a week. Small & comfortable.
I have one of these coming. http://www.argear.com/salomon-xa-10+3-pro-backpack.html Not really tactical, but it was a pound lighter than the comparable Camelbak I was looking at.
5.11 COVRT 18 looks like it might be a good option. I don't have one, but have had my hands on a couple, and they feel pretty solid.
Kelty Sling Bag. Small looks civy, carries a gun.
mkmckinley
05-26-11, 12:45
I use a North Face Borealis quite a bit. It's fairly rugged, weighs nothing, an keeps at least some water out when it rains.
This is what I was looking for approximately a month ago and ended up going with the Gregory Packs Wasatch 12 (http://www.gregorypacks.com/products/mens/technical/262/wasatch-12). It has an extremely comfortable suspension system which keeps the pack snug to your back. So far I've only taken it on a couple of day hikes (3-6 hours) but I am impressed.
http://www.kelty.com/p-264-map-3500.aspx
The Kelty 3500 MAP - it will have you looking like you might be 'that guy' without looking like 'That Guy'. Go with Coyote or Ocean Grey.
Or, look into some of the small light scrambling/bouldering packs. All of the usual makers have several flavors of these. Go to an REI/HTO/EMS and check a few out.
I carried a Camelbak Hawg around Disney for a week. Small & comfortable.
Funny, I just spent a recent weekend there with my HAWG strapped to my back. Just enough capacity to keep myself equipped but small enough that you rarely feel it back there. Mine easily holds a jacket folded up inside and more, in addition to the 3L of water.
Check out the GoRuck Radio ruck
www.GoRuck.com
Hey guys,
I'm looking for a small pack. I have a blackhawk R.A.P.T.O.R 100oz X-1 pack and I love that pack, I've but that thing through the ringer conus and oconus and it has never failed me, but its a bit big for day out and about things here at home and hanging out with the family.
If I can find something like that but a bit smaller it would be perfect.
Thanks.
R.
If you are military, a government employee, or a LEO...
www.usstandardissue.com
Oakley makes some nice packs. They are also priced well.
kaltesherz
05-26-11, 22:37
I use one of these in black for school / traveling and it's help up extremely well.
https://secure.usstandardissue.com/Product_Detail.cfm?id=130
This is what I was looking for approximately a month ago and ended up going with the Gregory Packs Wasatch 12 (http://www.gregorypacks.com/products/mens/technical/262/wasatch-12).
Damn, I miss my old Gregory Day-and-a-Half pack. Got it in the late 80s, when Gregory was still Gregory, and of course some jackhole stole the thing after I'd had it for 12+ years...thing was just starting to get that well-used patina to it.....
Damn, I miss my old Gregory Day-and-a-Half pack. Got it in the late 80s, when Gregory was still Gregory, and of course some jackhole stole the thing after I'd had it for 12+ years...thing was just starting to get that well-used patina to it.....
I thought the same of the Kelty packs. I had one that I used until my kid decided he wanted it for school. That boy has stomach hands, everything he touches turns to shit. After looking at different packs I found the Gregory a better suit for what I wanted. Only time will tell if it will last as long as my old Kelty.
madisonsfinest
05-27-11, 12:29
Not sure if this is too big for your needs, but I've had the Oakley icon 2.0 pack and its held up great.
http://www.oakley.com/products/icon-backpack-3-0/92075-958
stomach hands, everything he touches turns to shit.
:D
Kindly note; no dubious claims that revolve around spit-takes, keyboards, or screens....
I'm gonna just go ahead and ask forgiveness in advance for every instance I use this one in the future and conveniently forget to give you proper attribution.
Infinite possibilities in packs.
LBT has made their 3-day in non-mil colors like navy blue, burgundy, forest green. They are built like a tank and pass easily in non-permissive environments.
The Camelbak HAWG was mentioned and is also a great pack. I've been more impressed with the stitching and build quality of the older than newer, but they seem to be doing okay. The newer 500d cuts some weight. I don't care for the PALS and would like a non-mil color. The HAWG is easy to overload and compromise comfort, so pack smart. Excellent EDC man-purse.
I really liked a smaller Arcteryx I had for a short time, but the model escapes me. About the size of the HAWG, but less conspicuous.
I've also used Keltys, TNFs, Camelbaks, others. All have their own merits and quirks. Packs can be an incredibly particular fit to application and person, so try out as many as you can.
SeriousStudent
05-27-11, 14:47
Damn, I miss my old Gregory Day-and-a-Half pack. Got it in the late 80s, when Gregory was still Gregory, and of course some jackhole stole the thing after I'd had it for 12+ years...thing was just starting to get that well-used patina to it.....
Agreed. I have a Gregory Snow Creek that is approaching 35 years old. Wayne personally stitched it for me, and added a couple of custom touches at no charge.
Them wuz the days..... :(
I've been using the Camelbak Urban Assault (http://www.camelbak.com/Military-Tactical/Packs/Urban-Assault.aspx) lately - so far, I'm very pleased. It has a lot of functionality and tactical build quality, but without the overt look of a MOLLE pack. At the last SHOT Show, Camelbak announced a version designed for CCW - not sure how 'discrete' this pack will remain though.
:D
Kindly note; no dubious claims that revolve around spit-takes, keyboards, or screens....
I'm gonna just go ahead and ask forgiveness in advance for every instance I use this one in the future and conveniently forget to give you proper attribution.
By all means, use it at your leisure. :D
parishioner
05-30-11, 20:10
Just ordered a kelty shrike from REI for $50. They are having a closeout on the 2010 models. I'm leaving for Park City, UT and Jackson, WY in a week so I guess I'll report back on how it works out. Im sure it'll be fine.
For a small pack, I've used and would recommend these:
Camelbak HAWG:
http://www.camelbak.com/Military-Tactical/Packs/2011-Hawg.aspx
and the TT Removable Operator Pack:
http://www.tacticaltailor.com/removableoperatorpack.aspx
Hope this helps.
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