Bag recommendations for hiking/'survival'/BOB

ozgooner

ozgooner

Joined
Sep 24, 2011
Messages
1,486
Apologies if this has been covered over and over before. There's heaps of great info here about what to put in our packs but not so much (that I can find) on bags themselves.

I'm looking for two packs for different roles.

First will be a day-trip/overnight smaller pack. Something like the 5.11 Rush 12 or Maxpedition Condor II.

Second would be for a longer period of hiking/bushwalking/camping, so something along the lines the Rush 72 or Maxpedition Vulture II.

I'm limited in what I can physically try before I buy due to not much local availabilty so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm 6'4 so something with decent length in it would be good from experience. I've seen references to both the 5.11 and Maxpedition rigs in various threads here fairly regularly. Are these the two best to look at or are there others to consider?

TIA
 
I have a Condor 3-Day Assault pack in OD that's pretty good. It's large enough for an overnighter (depending on the temp's) or possibly longer depending on how you configure things as well as what you like to bring along.

It's spec-ed as a 3,038 cu. in pack by Condor measuring 22"x17"x11" (HxWxD).
 
I have the Max Ped Falcon II and it is similar in length to the Condor. For me it is a great hunting bag that carries enough but not to much gear. Perfect as an EDC or overnighter if you do not plan walking more than 10 miles and keep the weeight to belwo 30lbs. It is to short to use the waist belt. If you need a waist belt then you need to add the Protetus to it. I believe you may find the same issue with the Condor with regards to length. I would compare the specs. The Warrior did a thread on this 3 months ago and Guyon in the Becker forum has a few videos. Both of them are over 6'0" per their post. I am 6'0" 195lbs if it helps. Also consider Vodoo Tactical for some of their bags, may be able to find something there.
 
Interesting. I've not considered my Condor pack for "backpacking" - just simple day trips. In any event heavier loads require more framework (internal or external) - aluminum stays, pack-sheet, etc.

You probably know this, but overall height doesn't generally matter in regard to a pack fitting someone properly - it's all about torso length. Back when i worked in a mountaineering gear store, one of my co-workers was about 5' 7" and i'm right about 5' 11". He wore a larger pack than i simply b/c his torso was longer - drove me bonkers!!! He could wear, appropriately, a Large Gregory Denail Pro while the Med was about right for me.

All the aforementioned is to say maybe the Condor hipbelt would actually fit me where it's supposed to whereas it may be too short for you... Either way, for heavier loads and *lots* of distance, my alpine climbing packs (or expedition packs for that matter) get the 'nod'. I'm pretty sure i could knock off 10-15 miles with it without too much problem, but i hike alot anyway...
 
Eberlestock V69. Be all end all in design, construction and customer service. Glen called me personally over Christmas to tell me he'd fixed the zipper on my bag. If I could put one of his products in your hands, you'd be instantly sold. As for torso length issue, the frame system is completely adjustable, and you can move the straps and hip belt up and down to suit the perfect placement for you.

As for the daypack, I think the Kelty Redwing is as good as it gets. Maxped's shoulder pads are way too thin and really dig into my shoulders. Best part is you can find em for 50 bucks. Another I'd take a look at is Karrimor's smaller SF packs.
 
Hey ozgooner - i see you're in Oztralia and i don't know if you can find a Berhaus stockist, but if i could've got my paws on a Berghaus Centurio MMPS Daysack it would've been mine! I read a ton 'o reviews on it and nary (significant) bad word. It's maybe on the larger side of what you're thinking, but i suspect it could work well for you if you can manage to get a 'hands on' look.

@ PR - good to see you're back - do a write up on your trip! I'd love to see some pics!
 
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