backpack vs. load bearing vest

T

The Ridge Runner

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Mar 19, 2001
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This is a question from the ridgerunnersurvivalforum And I thought it might be pertinant here:

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pault371
Registered User
(3/11/01 10:32:36 am)
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backpack vs. load bearing vest
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both have pros and cons, which is REALLY best?
 
Hi Ridge Runner,

We don't have many "ridges" to run on in Holland
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and to be honest I don't like running that much (must be age related
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) but I like the outdoors.

I traded a nice South African Large Assault Vest (brownish color) and a later model South African Belt pack (greenish color) with a Forumite from far away.

I received both in almost new condition and I must say I like both the vest and the belt rig very much and for scouting I would prefer the belt rigs with it's large pockets above the Large Assault vest as it does not scream "army/military" and is less noticable when wearing during scouting outings.

The belt rig is also of more recent construction and has fast release buckels instead of velcro fasteners it is nicely padded and holds a lot of stuff!

Should I go for longer hikes e.g. in the south of France where the terrain can get quiet "nasty" and I should be prepared for anything I would opt for the vest as I found it extremely pleasant to wear and it adjusted perfectly to my 205 pound 5'11" body.
I find it to be very well designed keeping everything close to the body minimizing the chance to entangle yourself hopelessly when you make your way through dense undergrowth.
It's only a pitty that the vest doesn't have the belt rigs more recent closing buckels and details.

The vest has a lot of room for equipement and my US Army poncho (another Forumite trade
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)almost gets lost in the back compartment
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. It also easilly fits an tarp 12' x 10' that I sewed together from 2 "individual fallout/survival" army shellter packs that I picked up for $4 a piece including 100' of nylon cord and 8 aluminum round tube tent pegs in each of the 2 packs. The side pockets hold a lot of food and a extensive first aid kit and all the other items that could come in handy.

There are lots of extra attachment points and bands to do it and it would be easy to carry a self inflating matrass and or small tent with ease and attach a small Gransfors fores/hunters axe also
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.

One thing I might do with some of the vests magazine pockets it trim the "dividers" out so that the 2 magazine pocket gets "converted" to a easier to use 1 room pocket.

I can recommend both items and personally prefer the belt rig for my scouting activities.

Best Scouting wishes from Holland,

Bagheera

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[This message has been edited by Bagheera (edited 03-19-2001).]
 
For me in my climate, one of my biggest concerns is shedding heat. The vests don't do that as well for me as a pack, or ideally, a frame pack. These systems have other disadvantages so you have to balance your use against the climate and so on.

Phil
 
Daysack and light belt order. Vests have all those pockets where everything gets lost, and they are never the right size.

Take your bergan off and you are having a break.

I never got to terms with chest webbing from when working from vehicles. Had a daysack with one arm through a strap, so it could leave the vehicle with me.

[This message has been edited by GREENJACKET (edited 03-19-2001).]
 
You might want to consider a haversack for loads <20lbs. It works for me. Mine keeps my gear accessible, yet avoids the extra heat layer of a vest and the inconvenience of a pack.

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It's not the pace of life that concerns me, It's the sudden stop at the end.
 
A haversack is an over the head and shoulder bag. Earlier versions were used by Civil War troops on both sides to carry their personal gear, made from canvas (southern troops) or tar covered canvas (northern oppressors). Modern versions are usually made from cordura or other miracle material and have some great features like pockets for misc gear, water bottle pouches, etc.

The small one I have in my truck carries a 1 liter bottle, my survival and first aid gear, a small pot, and has plenty of room left for whatever other equipment I might need for an overnighter or day hunt / hike.

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It's not the pace of life that concerns me, It's the sudden stop at the end.
 
I agree with Bagheera - "the Large Assault vest as it does not scream "army/military" and is less noticable when wearing during scouting outings"

I have the same South African assault vest but never wear it for this very reason - it looks too "tactical"


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My Homepage
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight...
 
I think LBVs are becoming more and more accepted for their benefits, which seems to be overcoming even the "militia" stigma in the eyes of the masses. One of the chief benefits I've found over a heavy backpack is that an LBV distributes the weight of your load more evenly, so you're not easily unbalanced. By having your center of gravity back in the, well, center, you gain many advantages in the wilds. Why?

One of the chief causes of injuries are falls and twisted ankles. Ever had a heavy pack on your back and suddenly get surprised on a wickedly steep switchback trail above the treeline? You reflexively look up or around and find your minor movement is exaggerated by the weight of the pack -- and you lose your balance. I see it happen to the most experienced people.

The LBV load distribution helps avoid this.

Peace,

Brian.
 
I agree Brian,

I have a half dozen different LBV's and several dozen packs of different designs. For years I struggled with loads trying to find the easiest way to carry too much junk ("Survival trips" are only survival trips for students. Instructors carry all the heavy nasty emergency gear).

My desire for a good vest started when I was playing grab ass with an instructor while wearing my pack and I broke my leg just above the ankle. The off center twisting motion of the pack pulled my leg right into a spiral fracture since I couldn't lift my foot to regain balance.

After this I had a special vest made for me with special zip off sleeves, clip in insulation, even removable ballistic panels... it was way too hot in the summer and there was no room for layering in the winter. It did carry a heck of a load well however.

Then I got a Blackhawk DOAV and my world changed. It allows the attachment of a belt to help "Shoulder the load" as well as mesh panels with adjustments. When It is fully expanded over insulated clothing, I look like a giant puff ball. In the summer I bring the adjustment straps in and I can go shirtless. It carrys a huge load and is perfectly balanced. Of course if I fall down I need three guys to help me back up :>)

Ron

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Learn Life Extension at:

http://www.survival.com ]
 
Ron: OUCH! That musta hurt...

Looking forward to trying out your Blackhawk in June!

~Brian, unbalanced, but not because of my backpack, I'm told...
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[This message has been edited by Brian Jones (edited 03-20-2001).]
 
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I agree, thumbs up on vests. I use mine at work and at home. If I need to carry a little more, I add a web belt with additional pouches. If I need more than that I can add modular bags on the back, if I need even more, I'll carry a pack with the vest.

Dan

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Go Get 'em Gear
 
my North Face Snow Leapoard has a 3,200 cubic inch capacity, and I can wear it (and have) skiing. I do like to, and see my comments on another topic, carry my med kit in a leg pouch, but most of my gear I think belongs in a pack. I generally go out for at least three day hikes, though, and may predudice my opinion.

Best,
Todd (edgedance)
 
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