Becker Patrol Backpack Buckles

[Gambrinus]

I just (today) received a Blackhawk backpack of the Becker Patrol design.
It was a trade, and a good one for me.

So far, i like it a lot, and within the confines of my house it seems an organized rucksack for smaller trips. I will check it out more during the weekend.

What makes me nervous is the "quick ditch" feature of the buckles.
I can imagine using the pack without the hip belt arrangement.

As i see it, if those quick ditch buckles should give away under a certain load, i lose my stuff.
And i might have two armloads to bring home with a useless rucksack.
As it is a "legendary" and established product, have you had failures with this product, IF you own it ?

It is a favorite of Robert Y. Pelton, for multiple reasons that go beyond the buckles. That got me into the trade, also, as i respect long term experience.

I am thankful for comments.

 

[Infi-del]

What makes me nervous is the "quick ditch" feature of the buckles.
I can imagine using the pack without the hip belt arrangement.

As i see it, if those quick ditch buckles should give away under a certain load, i lose my stuff.
And i might have two armloads to bring home with a useless rucksack.

Your two comments about the hip belt and the quick ditch buckles are related. If you are carrying a light load then it is fine to remove the waist belt. The side release buckles will hold it just fine, However under a heavy load the shoulder straps are not meant to support the load. They are mostly meant to hold the pack close to your body for stability. The waist belt is what is supposed to hold most of the load. You situate it above your hips so that the weight is centered around your mid section. Then cinch down the shoulder straps to pull the pack to you. If carried properly the buckles on the shoulder strap should never be placed under such a load as to fail.

As it is a "legendary" and established product, have you had failures with this product, IF you own it ?

I've owned both the Blackhawk and Eagle Industries (Which I consider to be better built). Both were great packs. I'm just not a fan of top loaders for day packs. Even if you pack smart sometimes you can wind up digging for an item. I much prefer the clamshell zip up type like my Maxpedition Vulture II. I am going to be buying an ESEE pack here soon. I'm really looking forward to it as it looks like a great piece of gear. But if top loaders are your thing, there are few designs better for a one day or two day pack than a Becker.

 

[lightleak]

Hi Gambrinus,

I own the Eagle Industries version of the becker patrol pack since 2 years. I have used it on a daily basis to take it to work as well as for holidays, day trips etc. I had it stuffed pretty heavily (around 15 - 20 kilogram occasionaly) and didn´t have any problems with the buckles opening without intention. I don´t know if the buckles are the same brand as on your pack but from my experiences you don´t have to be worried about breaking them unless you carry very heavy loads. I think Infi-del is right in suggesting to use the hip belt when carrying heavy loads as it is more comfortable as well.

Just my opinion.

l.

 

[Gambrinus]

thanks for the quick replies.
that answers my questions.