Becker Patrol Pack Pics and Comparisons: Original and MOLLE

[Dexwithers]

Ok guys, You all know I was thinking about getting a BPP last week, well I ended somehow getting 3 of them already.

I decided to make a thread on it since I will be doing lots of comparisons and posting lots of pics and I didn't want to hijack Murphs awesome thread here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1050579-Becker-Patrol-Pack

Once I have some experience with these pack I will contribute to Murphs thread cause right now I'm like a kid with a new toy.

I have Two Black Molle one's and One Black regular one. I am gonna get the large later this month or early next month.

One molle arrived yesterday and one will be here monday. The regular BPP should be here sometime next week.

I almost didn't get the MOLLE version at all. As of right now I am so glad that I did! This thing is awesome. I know Ethan had nothing to do with the MOLLE version but the Core of the Pack is still his Design.

There is plenty of webbing on this bad boy to attach whatever you can think of. Like I said before, I have tons of Maxpedition pouches and now I have a place to put them.

Right off the bat, I can tell you that this thing is more comfortable than my Condor 2 and the shoulder straps have really nice padding.
I wasn't sure how I was gonna like the top loading pack but I have to say that it hold can a lot more than I expected it to. I like the design of the main compartment a lot. The roll down buckle closer is just awesome. I'm sure that now I can try the Dave C. Garbage can trick! lol Just have to find one that fits.

One downside is that the pack does seem heavy. I don't really care about that tho, Im just stating the facts.

I took the waist belt off for now to try it without it, but will put it back on for the next round of pictures.

I have been experimenting with different pouches to see what I like and what I don't like. Here are a couple different things I've tried so far.

And here is the second option for shorter trips.

I like it so much that I think I am gonna load the second MOLLE pack up and leave it in my Jeep.

That's all I have so far but am going to take some good pics of the pack with nothing attached to it and take some next to my Condor 2 as well as more in-depth info and pics later.

I'm just loving this thing so much and wanted to share it with all of you.

 

[Aikiguy]

Cool pack Dex; I have to admit, I wasn't really a big fan of molle packs myself (too special forces/mall ninja looking IMO) but now seeing all your configurations for your one pack really make me rethink this. I can see just how you can really tailor what you're carrying to your activity for the day. Cool pouch for your titanium mess kit ( I'm still drooling over that one lol). Awesome stuff; thanks for sharing!

 

[TBL]

Like it... Want one :thumbup:

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

WOAH! That's a really good looking pack. I'm definitely in the market for a good pack as well, but I'd like to try 'em out, see different options, but they don't have cool (modular) packs like that over here. Of course they have good backpacks over here, but none of them are adjustable with extra units etc. Too bad...

 

[Charlie_K]

Like it... Want one :thumbup:

F***in' seconded.

 

[granitestateofmind]

I like the looks of that, Dex. And I love the modularity as well, but I wish there were a more "backpacker" type setup (internal frame, loadbearing hip belt....) that was MOLLE. I have a Condor (3-day?) that is fine for very short trips, but all of my Black Diamond and Osprey packs are way more comfortable weighed down. I'm curious if you (or anyone else) has tried the Arc'teryx made LBG packs. I'm a bit of a pack "rat" (I have more than a dozen packs & CamelBaks) and while this appeals to me a lot, I don't think I would use it for anything except as a BOB for my car/work truck. Which seems a shame for such a fine pack. Thanks for posting up all the pretty pics, though. It really does look great.

 

[Dexwithers]

Cool pack Dex; I have to admit, I wasn't really a big fan of molle packs myself (too special forces/mall ninja looking IMO) but now seeing all your configurations for your one pack really make me rethink this. I can see just how you can really tailor what you're carrying to your activity for the day. Cool pouch for your titanium mess kit ( I'm still drooling over that one lol). Awesome stuff; thanks for sharing!

Thanks Aikiguy! I wasn't sure either. I got a great deal on these packs and figured if I didn't like the style that I would have no trouble getting my money back, so I took a chance and love it. And Yea it's the Maxpedition M-4 pouch for the canteen. Really cool pouch, I can fit my canteen, canteen cup with lid, ti spork, trangia, small bottle of fuel in the side mag type pouch, and still have a spare mag pouch for a leatherman or a flashlight. And that Ti canteen has become my everyday water bottle. Fill it up at least 3 times a day. And eat my oatmeal from the cup 2 or 3 times a week. Love it so much, it's a great piece of kit.

Like it... Want one :thumbup:

Thanks TBL. It's a lot cooler that I expected. The stock photos do it no justice!

WOAH! That's a really good looking pack. I'm definitely in the market for a good pack as well, but I'd like to try 'em out, see different options, but they don't have cool (modular) packs like that over here. Of course they have good backpacks over here, but none of them are adjustable with extra units etc. Too bad...

Thanks G-Shark! Im sure you could find one on auction sites that ship over seas? Or one of us could ship ya one if shippings not to crazy. If you don't like the pack, then someone should take it off your hands for sure since y'all don't have stuff like that.

I like the looks of that, Dex. And I love the modularity as well, but I wish there were a more "backpacker" type setup (internal frame, loadbearing hip belt....) that was MOLLE. I have a Condor (3-day?) that is fine for very short trips, but all of my Black Diamond and Osprey packs are way more comfortable weighed down. I'm curious if you (or anyone else) has tried the Arc'teryx made LBG packs. I'm a bit of a pack "rat" (I have more than a dozen packs & CamelBaks) and while this appeals to me a lot, I don't think I would use it for anything except as a BOB for my car/work truck. Which seems a shame for such a fine pack. Thanks for posting up all the pretty pics, though. It really does look great.

Hey Granite, I didn't have time time to take pics today but I will try tomorrow for sure. It does have a really heavy duty, thickly padded waist belt. I removed just to play around with the pack and see my options. And man, it was a pain to remove, that thing is velcroed in very snug. It also has an internal soft foam thingy. If you look in Murphs thread, there are pics of people that have made an aluminum insert as well.
Not sure if that is what you are talking about or not? And the belt is nothing like the condor. it wraps around you really good.

And no I have not tried the other packs you speak of, Only the Condor II and the Vulture II. And I can tell you that this pack probably just replaced my Condor II.

Can't wait to get my other pack in with all the pockets. Think I'm gonna like that a lot as well.

Gonna try some more configurations tonight or tomorrow and take some pics for sure. Maybe even try to get out for a small day hike if the weather is nice!


And just so you all know, these MOLLE Becker packs are out of production as well and are not going to be made anymore. I talked to Eagle on the phone yesterday and that's what they said. There might be a few dealers that still have them tho. Used is probably gonna be your best bet I think.

 

[Dexwithers]

F***in' seconded.

I hear that!! lol

 

[Bladite]

haven't seen too many version of the molle yet.

interesting

 

[Dexwithers]

Here are a couple of pics next to my Maxpedition bags.

First I thought I'd point out a cool little feature. The shoulder straps have a buckle that makes them easily removable. I like this very much.

Here is the front facing pic of the Condor II and the MOLLE BPP:

The side view:

Bottom View:

Back View:

The Main compartment on the BPP is 1,110 cu.in. The Condor II Overall is 1350 cu.in. (I believe that's all the pockets combined) So I'm guessing with some added MOLLE pouches on the BPP, I can fit lot's more gear than in the Condor II. I know I can fit larger items since it is just one huge compartment.

And here is a pic next to the Vulture II:

 

[Dexwithers]

My thoughts on why the removable MOLLE pouches can be very versatile in the outdoors.

So my pics from yesterday I showed a few configurations and I had my Canteen pouch and the Proteus Versipack. I like the idea of attaching them to the pack because when I get to where I am going and set up camp for an overnight or even a 2 or three day trip if I pack just the essentials, I can remove them and use them to scout around or what ever with out having to carry my whole pack or re pack stuff to a smaller pack.

This is where I had the Proteus attached:

All three Items:

The straps fold into the back so they are not in the way when I attach them to the BPP:

Now I am ready to go scout or find water or what ever I need to.

 

[Dexwithers]

Here is a pic of the interior and you can see the piece of foam that fits into that pocket to give your back cushion and support from the contents in your pack.

It can also be removed to be used as a knee or butt pad. That's just awesome!

Here is a pic of the waist belt. It is really thick and rigid and is attached to where it does not extend to the edge of the pack so it can wrap around you really well and help support the load. Unlike some other packs like the Vulture II for example.

Here is a pic it on top of the Vulture II so you can see how far out the V-II waist belt is attached. Very uncomfortable in my opinion.

This pic shows the padding on top the waist belt and gives it a really nice back support.

 

[Dexwithers]

Thought this was neat. Behind the MOLLE on the sides is an open space the whole way down. Sort of like on the original BPP. I was just trying different stuff to see what would fit there and my Old Tripod fits nicely.

That's awesome cause now I can go out hiking at my favorite park and take some great pics of some of my knives.

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

Thanks G-Shark! Im sure you could find one on auction sites that ship over seas? Or one of us could ship ya one if shippings not to crazy. If you don't like the pack, then someone should take it off your hands for sure since y'all don't have stuff like that.

Thanks for the heads up. I've seen 'em on the web indeed. Of course, shipping costs and inflated import tax rates (and other customs duties) make ordering similar bags abroad somewhat of a lucid dream. I've been to a store yesterday, looking at backpacks and while there is some really cool stuff (northface, jack wolfskin,...), none of 'em are modular of have any type of molle webbing. I'll keep looking. Thanks for sharing your set-up by the way, it's really impressive.

 

[granitestateofmind]

Thanks for the heads up. I've seen 'em on the web indeed. Of course, shipping costs and inflated import tax rates (and other customs duties) make ordering similar bags abroad somewhat of a lucid dream. I've been to a store yesterday, looking at backpacks and while there is some really cool stuff (northface, jack wolfskin,...), none of 'em are modular of have any type of molle webbing. I'll keep looking. Thanks for sharing your set-up by the way, it's really impressive.

Not to stir the pot, G, but there are quite a few Chinese knockoffs and direct sales (Fox Tactical AFAIK) that are decent quality and ship directly from China....since you're European and don't probably need to buy "made in 'Murca" (Maxpedition's made in Taiwan anyway). Just a suggestion, because I have no idea what sort of tariffs and such your country imposes. Condor has some reasonably nice stuff, not too expensive, made there too. I can say that I have a few items made by Condor and a couple Fox Tactical, and the cost/performance is pretty good, IMO.

 

[Galeocerdoshark]

Not to stir the pot, G, but there are quite a few Chinese knockoffs and direct sales (Fox Tactical AFAIK) that are decent quality and ship directly from China....since you're European and don't probably need to buy "made in 'Murca" (Maxpedition's made in Taiwan anyway). Just a suggestion, because I have no idea what sort of tariffs and such your country imposes. Condor has some reasonably nice stuff, not too expensive, made there too. I can say that I have a few items made by Condor and a couple Fox Tactical, and the cost/performance is pretty good, IMO.

Thanks for the info. I've looked at quite a few Condor items in the past. Tarrifs and import tax is pretty crazy. I think I've bored people with it before in the chat, so I won't do it again over here, but, you know, it's quite ridiculous. Maybe that'll change with the free trade agreement the EU and US are negotiating. I sure hope so. 'till then, I'll just have to look around carefully and weigh options. Thanks man

 

[Dexwithers]

Ok guys, My brand new Black Becker Patrol Pack arrived today from Eagle Industries!!! This thing is SICK!!

Took a few shots to hold you all over till I can get some really good comparison pics and have a little more input on the pack.

I have to say that I am liking it very much. The outer pockets are a lot more roomy that I expected. The two side pockets actually fit my canteen set-up plus have room for more stuff.

I does have the old school feel which I like. I really wish I would have picked one of these up back in the day.

The MOLLE version and this one are Identical on the inside of the main compartment. The Waist belt is the same except for the MOLLE one has MOLLE webbing and the Regular one has ALICE. I can switch them around if I ever feel the need to.

Here are the first round of comparison pics. I did put some gear in the packs to fill them out for pics.

The Original:

Front:

Back:

Top:

Bottom:

Side:

I am really interested to see which one I prefer most after I use them for a while. Both have advantages over each other.


So now all I need is the large BPP. Guess I will have to go with the Woodland Camo. Really wish I could find a large one in Black.

 

[Dexwithers]

Took My Becker Patrol Pack out on it's first short Hike on Saturday and It performed marvelously. I have used it around my property testing out the best way to load it and fit it to my preferences tho.

Here are pics of the hike if anyone is interested: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1174753-Saturday-Hike

I went out to get out of the house, relax, and take some outdoor pictures of some of my knives. After the first 10 to 15 mins getting used to the pack, I have to say it was really comfortable. It will be my goto pack for now on I believe.

Here she is at the start of the Hike.

After an hour or so I decided to set up a little spot to hangout and relax for a while.

Inside I just had my old army wool blanket to use as a ground cloth, almost a dozen knives, a thin hoodie, my small tripod, some cordage, my hammock setup, and a few other small things. Everything fit very nicely and the roll down closure was easier to get in and out of than I thought it would be.

On the side I utilized the grommets to hold my folding saw, key for my Jeep, and my FireBox Ti Nano folding stove. I slid the items behind one of the two slide thru pocket things I guess you would call them behind the pouches.

On the other side I attached a mag pouch to keep my flashlight in and on hanging from the grommet I attached my SAK Farmer, Leatherman, and my Fero Rod and scraper.

On this same side I had my klean kanteen 40oz stainless bottle and GSI nesting cup. On the other side I had my Heavy Cover Canteen with nesting cup and lid.
Plenty of room for more stuff if needed as well.

These pouches are very generous in size and close up very well. In the other pouches I had my food and other items I might need on a hike.

Overall I am very pleased with this pack and it is by far more comfortable that my two maxpedition packs.

I can't wait to get out and do some more testing and see how she will do for a 2 or 3 day adventure.