Backpack recommendation?

I have tactical packs and true hiking packs. When it is time to go out I look at it like this. The more I am traveling to my destination the more comfortable the pack I use. An overnight a mile from my Jeep? A tactical pack and a few knives will be fine. An overnighter after many miles and most of the day? Hiking pack all the way. Unless you are going for a kifaru or something like that a hiking pack fitted for you will allways be more comfortable than a tactical pack.

I like Osprey packs. The exos and atmos series is great for me. But they are a little much for a day pack. It sounds like you want two different packs. A small tactical one for short trips and an oveenighter hiking pack.

Let us know what you end up with.

Jeremy
 
I have used the molle on my Trizip and Maxped bags. They work very well for adding a few items. 1. the Maxped water bottle holder if you need more capacity 2. Maxped rolle polle bag- without a doubt the best option for hauling out trash or bringing in extra gear you plan on leaving at the site 3. Maxped generic knife or baton pouch is awesopme for carrying a bipod, turning a rifle upside down and attachign to pack or a tripod/shooting sticks. Whatever you purchase make sure it fits your torso or it becomes painful after a mile or so and invest in some shock cord and a fast tie (push button type for shoe laces) to add to the pack to help secure long items to the top and side of the pack that always find their way as a "need" . I'll post photos later.
 
My experience has always brought me back to osprey packs...Lifetime warranty, many different options and sizes, the hip belts can be molded to fit you....

My experience with "tactical" packs has been although tough and rugged they are heavy and uncomfortable (compared to a properly fitted pack such as an osprey, deuter, gregory, etc) and it offers nothing over any of the other packs...sure they have molle attachments but I have never had any issues attaching anything I wanted on the outside
 
I take a Camelbak Linchpin out on hikes and camping trips. It's also got the Mystery Ranch suspension system, which is damn comfortable. In fact I've even loaded up the pack and ridden to university on my bicycle and found it to be quite stable and well balanced. Plenty of room for everything, holds a ton of water and is very comfortable for full day heavy pack hikes.

Just to add, the coyote color doesn't look too military to my eyes, doesn't stick out as a Rambo pack on SoCal's dusty trails.
 
I can recommend the Kelty MAP 3500, Mystery Ranch 3 day assault and the 5.11 MOAB. I've carried all three in rotation for a good while with about 35-50 lbs and loved them all. I've also carried some packs that I'd never recommend. Most were military issue day packs.
 
For the larger packs, I like the 511 Rush series, they are longer and fit me better. For smaller packs I like Maxpedtion, Sitka, Pygmy Falcon. I do use the molle attachements and usually attach knives to the outside as well as other gear using them. Best suggestion, is if you can, try them on before you buy, I am a firm believer that fit is the major factor in any pack. Thats what made my decision with the 511. Good Luck
 
As others have mentioned, the USGI MOLLE II Assault Pack is an outstanding bag. Roomy, extremely well designed and constructed and very, very comfortable. Perhaps the best small rucksack ever produced by the US military. It is also very adaptable since it accepts a wide range of MOLLE II-compatible pouches.

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You can find them new in the bag or in like new condition on eBay or from outfits like Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet for about $60.

There are other great bags out there that will fit your need from makers like Spec-Ops, Maxpedition, Duluth Pack and Frost River, but for the money you simply can't beat the MOLLE II Assault Pack.
 
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