I'd like to organize my essential items and kit into a handy backpack and would like some recommendations. Let's hear them!
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I'd like to organize my essential items and kit into a handy backpack and would like some recommendations. Let's hear them!
I bought a $7 remington camo back pack from walmart, and its been a great range campanion. However since my gun collection has grown since then, the back pack seems to have shrunk. Im thinking about getting a double rifle case and new gear bag myself. Anyone with suggestions please chime in, and yall know we love pics!:D
I got the original ATS RAID pack with the stiffening insert when they had them on clearance cheap... I love this pack! The clearance ones are gone now, IIRC, but I can't think you could go wrong with the gen2 RAID pack or it's smaller cousin the Cobra.
Got an Eagle A-III three day pack that I've been very happy with.
Good question - can you describe a few of the items? For instance, I'm wondering about relative sizes. Do you need to make room for an SBR; or a would just a quart water bottle or pistol be the largest item you need?
I have a used Camelbak Motherlode I bought off fleabay for about $50 shipped. It's quite sturdy, and carries well. It will not hold a broken-down carbine, however. I bought the Noveske/Eagle backpack for that.
Do you have a price range you are considering, and does it need to have a built-in hydration system?
Thanks! :)
How much and what what will you be carrying? I just got a LBT 3 Day Assault and love it for everyday use. I have way too many packs as it is but I needed a black one to wear while Im in uniform. If paying retail Id go with the Eagle.
A hydration system would be cool but I'm thinking of the basics here; survival kit, compass, water purifier, knife, Leatherman maybe an MRE, jacket, fire starting kit, etc.
Low-pro or obvious? Big fan of the AIII 3-day packs, esp Eagle and LBTs. Kifaru, RAID are GTG. DAPs look good. Camelbak has some options, too. Some of these are available in non-mil, or at least more mainstream colors.
There's no shortage of options in backpacks, only the money to buy them.
Somebody had a RAID or Cobra pack on clearance for $55 that I saw the other day. I'm digging through my browser history without much luck. I'll post if I find it.
It was in ACU, but a $4 package of RIT dye would likely fix that.
Supply Captain has a Cobra pack for $70 off, it's only $99. Again, in ACU.
http://www.supplycaptain.com/index.c...7&ParentCat=74
And LBT puts their extras on sale on fleabay.
http://myworld.ebay.com/londonbridgetrading/
Gear whore that I am, I'm always watching what they throw on there for sale.
The Eagle AIII Molle can be had with a kit of add on pouches. The Eagle does have Molle on the sides whereas the LBT doesnt, but I couldnt pass up the deal I got on it. I even got a tour of the place where they make them. My vote goes for Eagle AIII Molle, SKD has the add on pouch kit.
......
I have a Condor II from Maxipedition that I love and use a lot. It will do what you want and is not to big and has the ability to add hydration if you want.
Camelbak motherlode?
I have a Condor 3 Day Assault Pack. I love it. Very comfortable, lots of padding and storage...well made. I have beaten the hell out of it too. Several Mojave trips, weekend camping, hunting. No rips, tears, shreds, anything.
http://www.desertdeucesurplus.com/se...Assault/Detail
CTD probably has them for less if they are in stock.
I miss my Camelbak HAWG, it died a horrible death when it flung off my motorcycle. I had it strapped on my CBR's tail like I always have. I was really lucky because when I retrieved the HAWG I found out it was rubbing on the rear tire before it flew off! Everything I had in the HAWG survived except my pocket mask and a bdu belt both melted because of the tire. My Iphone also survived with only part of the slider case chewed off. I used the HAWG for just about everything for small hikes, college, carry the essentials to stay over at the gf's, range bag, etc.. I never found it to be to small, I thought it was perfect and was suprised how much you stuff you can cram into it! It was the older 1000D cordura version. The newer one is the 500D cordura version, I saw they also have a 1000D version in the new style. I haven't found anyone who has the newer 1000D version besides Tad Gear I think.
What he said. I got mine for around $99.00 (I think) on sale through ATS, a couple of years ago. The RAID is very well constructed, however, the cost goes up when you start adding pouches. It's small enough and comfortable to hump in the field, without being too ungainly, while being large enough to store a significant amount of kit. The RAID or RAID II (improved with feedback from folks down range in the sandbox) at $179.00, it's still money well spent.
Here's the website.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/AtmosSeriesMens/
I've gotten mine at REI. I have 3 packs of various sizes and love them. They are very tough, but not as heavy-duty as Kifaru.
The suspension and ventilation of these packs make them real standouts in warm and/or humid conditions. The packs in this range have very rifle-butt-friendly straps that do not really interfere with mounting/ firing a rifle.
that these packs are the most hydration-friendly of all packs, IMO. You can run 2 100oz Camelbacks at once.
Old British Army saying, "Live out of your bergen, fight in your belt order and survive in your smock".
The same principles apply to general BoB's, SHTF kits, emergency/disaster kit ...... whatever you want to call the thing. The reason I mention this is because you say you would carry your PSK in your ruck. Bad move, you lose your ruck and you lose everything. Your PSK should always be on you as should a basic IFAK.
Back to the rucksack question. I have four GOOD rucks from 25l up to 110l in capacity and only the 110l one is military ...... it retired with honours. The 3 non-military rucks are all L*we's. I do not hold with the majority of military style molle covered rucksacks as most of the companies building them only sprang out of the manure post 9/11. Firm's like L*we and B*rghaus have been around perfecting the art of load-carrying equipment for years and not throwing together something to sell for a fast-buck to a newly deployed soldier. Added to which, they take the piss with the prices being charged for 'militarised' rucks. You can buy an excellent civilian ruck for around $100.00 with change.
The good book of Federal Disaster Preparedness says that you should have enough to live for 5 days. That is not going to fit in a three day pack along with a sleeping bag. But then you do not need a 110l pack like my biggie ......... to be honest unless you are SF moving thru hostile country and need to carry the kitchen sink you do not need a 110l pack.
Somewhere between 50 and 70 litres should do it for you and there are plenty of subdued colours to chose from that are not Molle, millie, velcro. Put together the kit you want to take with you in your ruck and then go to the outdoor store and try out the rucks to see if it all fits in and how comfy the ruck is. If you are going to glue, screw or nail lots of molle pouches outside the ruck just buy a bigger ruck ......... pouches: cost more; catch on things; can fall off. Note: If you are in a SHTF situation and are carrying military gear the expectation and threat you present to people is differetn to that presented if you are carrying civilian gear.......then you can always surprise them if the need arises;).
Inside the ruck you should order everything nicely in stash bags. There are some good sil-nylon waterproof bags out there nowadays and you should be able to get some from the same outdoor shop you get the ruck from.
The Mrs. (with my help) grabbed me a Remington BigHorn backpack from wallyworld ($22). It's a fairly large bag with a small, medium and large compartment on the face, a small zippered pouch on each side, has pockets on each side for a typical water bottle (included), a sleeve and clips for a hydration bladder/hose, and provisions for attaching a companion waist pack. So far I''ve got four emergency blankets (foil type) and ponchos, compass, folding stove and fuel, five piece mess kit, basic first aid kit plus advil, antibiotics and neosporin, "camo compact" (her idea. Guess she wanted me to say I had a compact in my BOB), waterproof match container, fleece hat, gloves and neck gaiter that match the bag, all in the medium pouch. The larger compartment will get BDU's or hunting-style camo, a change of socks and drawers, a shirt or three, my two way radios, batteries and a few boxes of two two three. JIC. The small side pouches will hold mags for my handguns, if I so choose. Or need. There's some other oddities and endities I need to grab (water puritabs, flashlight, food provisions like cliff bars, vitamins......???????)
Overall, I think it's more than just a good starter bag. Some may want to go smaller, some larger. I think this bag has enough options to be a good compromise.
I bought a Eagle Industries AIII Pack with molle in Multicam. It's my bag I use to take to the range (which will be replaced by a EDC Versipack soon), machine gun shoots, and gunshows. It's pretty nice and you can add on to it.
First things first: Water, get yourself a sweetwater pump to filter water instead of using the iodine tablets. This will pay dividends for years to come. You can store the water in some non-lubricated condoms. IIf you put them in a sturdy pair of socks, it will protect them.
After the water issue is solved, carry a few bulion cubes. I like the beef. It will add flavor to otherwise bland ass food that you gather. It is nice to have some tinfoil as well. You don't need a ton, just about 2 feet. It will fold up nicely into a compact square. Carry some lead weights and fishing line with some hooks for trout lines. Go to gander mtn and get some edable vegitation cards or a small book. There is nothing worse than guessing what is good and what is bad to eat. A folding fixed blade knif is a must as well.
Lastly, carry a small book and a deck of cards. It is nice to have something to pass the time when you find yourself in a survival situation. One on traps and snare could come in handy.
All of this can fit into a small tupperware bowl that will not take up much room in your pack.
-RLTW-
Sorry to resurrect this zombie thread, but do you all have any recommendations for packs in the 4000 cu in range? There is a deal on GEN II MOLLE packs, but then I got to thinking about the USMC ILBE packs or even the Arcteryx Tango packs. I'm trying to keep the cost to under $300.00. I currently have a CFP90 pack and while its large, its not the most comfortable.
If the molle system is essential, don't get too caught up in it while you're purchasing a pack. You can always go to a seamstress and have them stitch them in for cheap.
I agree with the idea of looking for a company that has been around for a while, and not just slinging crap to the post-9/11 crowd.
My three main considerations for a pack, for any situation, is hydration, suspension and organization. I like the camelbak's because they have a waist suspension set-up, a great hydration system including pouches for water bottles, and a good amount of organization.
Remember, if you'd like a pocket here, or a strap there, you can always have them stitched on. I have a camelbak that I'm putting some molle bits on it so I can strap on my tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag for hiking.
I have spent most of my life as a backpacker. I have carried everything from a Boy Scout Haversack, WWII ski troops rucksack, ALICE kidneykiller, Kelty Tioga, Lowe Expedition and finally today I carry a Lowe Contour 4. Two years ago I spent 32 days on California's John Muir Trail walking down the spine of the Sierra Nevada. Lessons learned.
1. Get one big enough. The extra space doesn't weigh much but too small forces you to leave important things behind or tie them on.
2. Avoid tieing things on or external pouches, they fall off, snag on brush, flop around making the pack awkward to carry and negatively affecting balance.
3. All packs should have a good waistbelt that will take the load off your shoulders allowing you to breathe.
4. Good quality is crucial. The worst thing that can happen to a pack is the bottom to rip out or a strap to tear out when you need it most. You end up carrying your kit in your arms. Don't ask me how I know this.
5. Today's packs tend to be overbuilt and heavy. My Lowe Countour is 6 lbs, ie the heaviest single item in my kit. Look for a simple bag without load bearing zippers. I like one big pocket for camping stuff, a smaller one in the bottom for clothes. Most folks put a sleeping bag in the bottom but a sleeping bag is the last thing one uses in a day so I put sweaters, tshirt, Goretex jacket and pants etc that I will need in a hurry in the bottom pocket. A top pocket for small stuff is also best.
I am like a woman hunting for shoes. I have yet to find something adequate for all uses. Right now I carry a Lowe Contour IV 70 liters and am considering a simple Arcteyrx Tango or Echo. For day use I hump a Black Diamond Sphynx L45.
Osprey packs are always really nice. I just ordered a TAD F.A.S.T. Pack P.S. v2, should be getting it this week. I'm not going to be carrying around the same essentials you do, my bags are basically used to keep basic camping/survival stuff and climbing gear with me at all times. I use to take random trips to climb before I moved for a job, now I don't really need it so the kit is going to be revised some. I've had numerous Osprey packs though, all good to go.
Vendetta where do you climb? Most of my routes are here in the east but I've been a couple of places out west.
More on Packs... Stay away from the new US Army MOLLE rucksack. It's the most awkwardly shaped and riding thing I have ever seen. THe Marines seem to have a more competant supply organization with their Tango, Echo and Charlie packs.
For good info on just about anything backpacking check out Backpacker Magazine's Gear Guide. But stay away from the "ultralite" stuff if doing military or SAR work. It won't hold up when bushwacking. Again don't ask how I know.
The only one I am familiar with is a Gen 2 which has a black plastic frame. It's a POS. Awkward to move with and painful to carry. Lots of room though.
I do know that they have a new frame out there. My buddy was showing off the new frame last month before he headed out to the sand box.
I love my G3 Operator Eberlestock pack. Love It! I carried this pack with me for two weeks during hunting season (i work nights right now, so I got to go every day this season). I carried it on other trips with guns in the scabbard, and it is loaded up and ready as a bug out bag as we speak.
But, it is heavy, it is big, and it is not really a "day pack" style bag. More an overnighter.
The Condor 3 day pack may be a little large for what you are needing, but I love mine. Desert Tactical has them. Was $77 shipped to me.
http://www.deserttactical.com/3_Day_...ack_p/m125.htm
I went with a Camelbak HAWG for use as a GHB. Miami is rather urban and bugging in is the plan based on the Month of the Hurricanes back in '05 lol.
Simple list that I'm still putting together:
Small toiletry kit (toothbrush/toothpaste, disp razor, small shaving cream, deodorant, foot powder) and my one question about this: those 'shower' camp towellette things. Ever use them?
One pair Underwear (two for two nights)
One pair socks (two for two nights)
One complete MRE (FSR preferred ....... if I can find one) (two for two nights)
Full 3L bladder
M&P handgun and two clipazines
small TP roll just in case lol
small, basic FAK
Eneloop charger/battery. For example this can charge/run any small USB device. It can charge my iPhone 2.5 times.
LED headlamp (suggestions?)
other ideas I'm having:
Thermo-Lite 2.0 Bivvy
Inflatable pillow
Fleece
Additional pants and polo shirt
the MRE really takes up room lol. I'm considering adding a generic pouch to the outside MOLLE
http://www.danpassaro.com/img/v11/p424430882-5.jpg
http://www.danpassaro.com/img/v10/p110693178-5.jpg
Well its Florida and we all know that the key in the aftermath of a hurricane in the sunshine state is water, water, water, and oh yeah water. I think that bugging in requires a completely different load out but for moving from point A to your bug in location that looks like it might work. But I would consider some extra canteens. Heck go to wally world and buy their fanny pack / dual canteen carrier combo if you want to look low key. If you are thinking of just one day for travel have you considered ditching the MRE and putting in a power bar or two and a can of ravioli? OH as for the camp towelettes..just buy unscented antibacterial baby wipes. Same thing and the baby wipes are a lot cheaper.
BTW Danpass your web site is awesome. Thanx.
OK guys are we talking about daypacks here or something one can live out of for 3-5 days. IE carry a tent, stove, sleeping bag etc, or just water, powerbars, and a rain suit??