Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Best Mid-tier Rucksacks?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    1,688
    Feedback Score
    2 (100%)

    Best Mid-tier Rucksacks?

    Hello all, hopefully, this hasn't been asked a million times before, but what do folks recommend for a mid-tier, semi-budget (under $300) rucksack for both prepping (bug out bag, of course) and physical fitness (weekly hikes)?

    Backstory: Many years Army infantry, very experienced with the ALICE and MOLLE rucksacks, but only minimal experience with civilian packs. I currently have a Medium ALICE, CamelBak Tri-Zip, and USMC ILBE pack. The ALICE pack feels good but is too small and accessorization is limited. The ILBE is too big, and very floppy (better than, but similar to a Large MOLLE ruck in my opinion). The Tri-Zip is what I've been using, but it feels too small, and I'm not a huge fan of how the internal frame feels.

    What I'm looking at: What comes to mind are mid-tier, sub-$300 rucksacks that seem to be available, namely the Army's Medium MOLLE rucksack (I have some experience, mostly positive, with it) and the surplus Mystery Ranch Thor III pack. (no experience, seems good quality, but not quite what I need) Don't want my limited experience with packs to color my decision though, so I'm open to other options within this price range. Bonus points if your recommendation comes in MultiCam or Coyote Brown.

    So, what says the M4 Carbine hivemind?
    It's f*****g great, putting holes in people, all the time, and it just puts 'em down mate, they drop like sacks of s**t when they go down with this.
    --British veteran of the Ukraine War, discussing the FN SCAR H.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    NoVA
    Posts
    465
    Feedback Score
    0
    The USMC ILBE is a great pack besides the pattern.
    The internal frame works well and they can take a beating.

    I've seen surplus in decent condition for $150 ish.

    https://theprepared.com/blog/review-...nes-ilbe-pack/

    Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Wisco
    Posts
    2,243
    Feedback Score
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by omegajb View Post
    The USMC ILBE is a great pack besides the pattern.
    The internal frame works well and they can take a beating.

    I've seen surplus in decent condition for $150 ish.
    Agreed, its a great pack, it does everything well especially for the money
    Dr. Carter G. Woodson, “History shows that it does not matter who is in power or what revolutionary forces take over the government, those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend solely on others never obtain any more rights or privileges in the end than they had in the beginning.”

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    GA
    Posts
    2,173
    Feedback Score
    52 (100%)
    Eberlestock Halftrack.

    I'm ASSuming you're active duty. They, along with Mystery Ranch, have a pretty solid MIL discount program.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Midland, Georgia
    Posts
    2,056
    Feedback Score
    6 (100%)
    The brown Marine FILBE is large and configurable. While it will handle cubes / space you don't have to pack it to the gills.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Durham, NC
    Posts
    6,890
    Feedback Score
    23 (100%)
    Goruck
    Mystery Ranch
    Eberlestock
    Kelty MAP series

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    564
    Feedback Score
    0
    Not necessarily “rucksacks” but also look at Osprey and Arc’teryx. Osprey makes some very nice lightweight packs. Check out an REI if you have one nearby.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Baja
    Posts
    2,950
    Feedback Score
    7 (100%)
    If you want to use the Molle iv frame look at wilderness specialties for a suspension.

    I'd suggest a mystery ranch guide light frame/suspension and whatever bag you need. Be it the beartooth 80, mule, whatever.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Posts
    1,232
    Feedback Score
    18 (100%)
    Crossfire?

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •