Backpack advice

C

Charlie_K

Joined
Jul 16, 2012
Messages
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This has probably been discussed before by others. But I really don't have any idea how to go about finding it. I don't really know what to put into the search field.

I've recently become interested in the Rush 72 back pack by the 5.11 company, not the Fieldline knockoff that can be had at a third of the price at Wal-Mart. I like all the pockets and compartments for storing stuff, and all the molle points for individual configuration. And if it rides anything like is cheap knockoff cousin, I find it decently comfortable to wear.

I know it has a mall ninja quality to it, but I like the platform regardless. But what I don't know for certain is if it's worth the money? Is the 5.11 series really as durable as others have stated? Can it carry a reasonable amount of gear without ripping apart at the seams? Is it best suited for outings that don't involve a ton of back country hiking over rough terrain?
 
5.11 bags are very good quality. I have a Rush 12 and 24 and they're both very sturdy and well put together. You can find reviews of their bags all over the net and they don't fall apart.
 
What is going to be the end use?

One day hikes

1 to 3 nights with tent & sleeping bag , warm weather , cold or both

do you envision having to pack in all of your drinking water, does the bag have internal hardware to hang a Bladder?

weigh all the stuff you plan on taking on a regular basis, if it starts to creep above 20#'s then you'll need some type of internal frame

Also measure your Torso from the Base of your Neck to your Hip Bones, you'll need a pack frame Long enough to have the Waist Belt Centered on your hips & still be long enough
to provide a bit of lift at your shoulders.
For Example, if your at 6' 3" or Taller, you'll probably need a frame in the 24 to 26 inch range
6' 2" or shorter a 22" frame will do.
 
I guess what I'm ultimately looking for is a jack of all trades type of bag, that can be adequately used for a number of different purposes, while not being designed in a way that would make it ideally suited for one role, and impractical for something else.

I'm afraid I don't have any real specifics to offer up. My outside excursions have been quite limited in nature.
 
My thoughts is that that type of pack limits you because of the weight and the overall cost being higher than a comparable "normal" pack. They also tend (and I'm just speaking broadly here) to carry farther back than regular packs, which tend to be closer to you and taller. As to the durability, I would guess that it would break you before you break it. Unless you are hauling rocks, its pretty tough to actually get a pack to weigh enough to damage the pack, but it can be pretty easy to get a pack heavy enough to be tough to carry. To each his own though. Since you don't know what you are going to be doing with the pack, the most important feature would be compression straps to tighten up the main body of the bag to keep it from flopping around behind you when not full. Other than that, its just the stability and adjustably of the suspension.
 
I have several packs for different "outings".
I have a Badlands Hyper Hydro (water pack) it holds enough for a day of bowhunting plus 3 liters of water if you fill the bladder to the max. They have a great no questions asked warranty that you will never need.

My go to pack is an Eberlestock X2-again no questions asked warranty. Will haul almost anything I want. good compression straps and lightweight frame. It is a great "jack of all trades" pack. Plus, you can add accessories to it so it fits what you need.
I would get to your local sporting goods store and try a few on to see what you like. I have had really EXPENSIVE packs that I hated.
 
I have a 5.11 Rush 72.

Great medium sized bag that is very well made.

I think you will be very happy with it.

Cheap bags never work out, so I would suggest buying the real thing.
 
The Camelbak TRIZIP with the adjustable futura harness is an awesome.
 
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