- Joined
- Feb 8, 2004
- Messages
- 4,172
It looks like Kevin has the Tailgunner II, which isn't much smaller than the Scout. I attached Kifaru's liter-Plus pouches to both sides of my Scout and an EMDOM "Wide Load" utility pouch on the front (folds out with some decent organization inside). I too can pack about 30-40 pounds in the Scout and it carries quite well, but it's still a lumbar pack even with the shoulder straps and once you get over 20 pounds, you probably need to start looking at a dedicated shoulder pack.
2-3 days would be about the max depending on your location/season and activities. I carry a Siltarp (about 7 x 9.5 feet), but you could feasibly carry a smaller bivi bag inside or strapped to the bottom. My Hennessy hammock would fit inside, but you wouldn't have room for much else. I would easily say a 1 nighter/2-day would be fine and you could probably stretch that to 3 days/2 nights if you're able to go more primitive and the weather/season didn't require more clothing or calories.
As to the pouches, well, since the exterior is PALS/MOLLE webbing, there are several makers that make pouches that will work...I could easily list about 20 different makers and there's probably twice that many of smaller custom makers. Figure out what you want immediately accessible on the outside; water bottle, compass, knife, radio/phone, snacks, camera, etc and then start looking around for the right sized pouches. Kifaru pouches are a little expensive, but no more than many standard big-name pouch manufactures (HSGI, Paraclete, etc.). The biggest advantage to Kifaru packs is the suspension and Omni belt setup...this makes the pack very comfortable to carry heavier loads as well as giving it excellent stabilization. I know there are good inexpensive options out there, but the best warranty in the world does nothing for you when you're miles out in the back forty or some BFE location like northern Iraq; warranties are like the police...when you need'em, it's already too late
ROCK6
