After being lucky enough to get ahold of three of these packs here are my thoughts and lots of pictures comparing the differences in design features of two of the regular sized packs and the differences between those and the large BPP.
Here is a size comparison between the regular and large packs. The regular is a big day hike pack that can handle a summers overnighter easily. The large on the other hand is a weekend plus size. From what I can tell the large pack is a lot harder to find than the other ones. I happened to luck out bigtime with this one.
Here is the large next to the USMC ILBE main pack. The ILBE might be a little bigger but the BPP has much better organization.
Large BPP with a Gransfors Bruks small forest axe with a 19 inch handle in one of the flow through pockets.
The large BPP has what looks like load lifter straps that the regular does not.
The haul loop is double thick compared to the regular. You can also see the hydration hose port on the lid.
A 32 oz Naglene bottle does not fill the pouch that sits under the lid.
Even more room in the side pouch even with the optional compression strap on.
More compression straps to lash stuff to the top of the lid.
More straps on the bottom to lash other gear to the outside of the pack.
Zippered pocket on the underside of the lid. My other two have a Velcro closure similar to the ALICE packs and they all have a drawstring closure for the main compartment.
Nice waist belt and chest strap.
The internal pockets on the sides are about a 1/4 of the depth and the front pocket goes the full depth. I was not sure if I would like these or not but so far they have been really handy for things you want to put in the main part of the pack but want to get to quickly. My regular pack do not have the snap closures for the pocket or where the framesheet is.
Thick plastic framesheet with aluminum bars for more support with a foam padded insert between that and your back.
The regular packs are great. The perfect size for carrying a good amount of gear into the woods for a day or an overnighter. With smart packing and the right weather this would be fine for a weekend as well.
My black BPP came with some paperwork that included this breakdown of the features.
With my BK-9
Size comparison with the same Gransfors Bruks small forest axe with a 19 inch handle.
The bottom of the pack can be used to lash gear to like the large BPP
A nice waist belt with a different way of attaching it to the pack.
A Stanley cook kit with plenty more room in the pocket on the front of the pack under the lid.
Nalgene bottle with plenty of room in one of the side pouches.
The hidden pocket in the lid with straps and a pair of gloves inside.
Gutted paracord closures on each pocket.
How I rig my axe to the side ALICE loops with the handle behind the side pocket.
The Gray pack seems to be the oldest of the three. It does not have some of the refinements that the other packs have. It seems to be smaller overall with smaller pockets. Only the side pockets have the flow through design. The other two have flow through pockets on every pocket.
Same Nalgene fits tighter in the side pouches. This pack also uses paracord that is not gutted. The pockets do not open and close as freely. I plan on gutting them to make it easier to get to the gear in the pockets.
The Stanley cook kit fits but it is snug.
Hidden pocket like the ALICE with a reflective tab that can be hidden. The reflective tab in on all of my BPP.
The Eagle logo is under the lid on the main part of the pack and the others are on top of the lid covering the hydration hose port.
No hydration hose port.
So far I am very happy with the packs. I ended up giving one to my girlfriend Amanda and she loves it. I can't wait to dial these packs in and take them on many adventures.
If anyone has specific info or pictures that they want feel free to ask. I have not had these packs long enough to do a full review. Maybe I will throw one up here in a few months.
Ethan, If you are reading this could you please give insight as to the time frames of these packs and what influenced the changes throughout the years?
Also if any of my info in not correct feel free to let me know. Thanks for designing these packs!
