Eagle a III vs camelback motherlode etc. why pay more?

A

ASharpCanadian

Joined
Sep 12, 2011
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Im finding I can buy an eagle a III for 80 bucks without shipping. cambelacks offerings are quite a bit more expensive, as well as the tactical tailor. So why pay more, what does one get?
 
Natchez Shooters Supply carries Eagle's imported line, with the A-III Molle packs at $80. Made in the Dominican Republic. Marked "Eagle Tactical" rather than "Eagle Industries", or something like that. The A-III seems to be a good simple pack. I was recently shopping around and found there's two or threee things I don't particularly care about this pack: No hydtration bladder hanger, no quick-release shoulder straps, no load levelers on the upper shoulder straps. The A-III does come with some extra straps for lashing stuff to the exterior of the pack, so that's nice.

Tactical Tailor's products are made in the USA, so that right there is worth the premium to a lot of folks. They also just flat out make good stuff. I have an older 3-day assault pack I carry every day to & from work and use for other stuff as needed. Wish they still made them, as I'd like one or two more. They're built like a freakin tank. I got mine on clearance a couple years ago for under $70. If I can't find another one somewhere, I may end up with an A-III, or I may give a good look at TT's new Modular Operator pack.

Camelbak has changed up the Motherlode and BFM recently both in configuration and materials. They are completely different than what they were a couple years ago. I had an older BFM (which was the same as the old Motherload, just with a frame sheet and three added pockets). Don't have any experience with the new ones. Unless they've changed, Camelbaks are made in the Phillippines. They do have some added features such as pocket organization, padded waist belts, and hydtration bladders with insulated tubes. It seems Camelbak is moving more toward the use of 500D Cordura in their packs rather than 1000D. A lot of folks don't seem to like this move, but 500D is supposedly plenty tough enough.
 
hey thanks tx that price difference was funky- I had an email out to nacheez asking why. Thats good to know, wish I knew the quality difference between the two. I know you can make a good product for less overseas as long as your QC is good and I dont care much about where its made. Ill prolly go for it- the tactical tailor options look nice. but they cost alot more as well. Id be interested to know about the difference in support in the camelback vs the a3 vs tactical tailor etc. Thats a big deal for me. I know you can get a frame for the A3 and I will, not that I plan on carrying serious weight. I dont have the best back, and I dont think id want to carry much in a pack like this anyway. Real loads can go in my 75litre with nice straps.
 
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