filbe assault pack or spec ops t.h.e. pack?

B

brward

Joined
Apr 9, 2012
Messages
69
All,

I am making a Christmas list, and am going to get the filbe main pack. I am also wanting to get either the assault pack that goes with the set, or the spec ops brand the pack, as it fits on top of the filbe as well. Both have great reviews, and being close to the same price,which one would you guys prefer and why?
 
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Ok, so since im not getting anything, how about does anyone have any experience with either of these or suggestions for another pack that would work?
 
I'm a pretty big fan of the T.H.E. pack as a day pack myself, for a number of reasons, including:

-Bomber build: 1000D cordura, double-layered in some places, #10 YKK zippers (the zippers are my main beef with London Bridge Trading bags, for instance)
-I like the design: three simple main pockets and a small internal mesh pocket
-A ton of MOLLE field, if you want to go all tactical-LEGO. Back, sides, and bottom.
-I love the use of the hi-vis yellow liners.

A couple of things to note:

1) If you're going to be carrying it separately with any real weight, I would strongly suggest adding the framesheet/stays that SpecOps sells. I found it made a significant difference in the way it carries. You can actually get a bit of weight transfer to the belt. I haven't taken mine out of the pack since I got it.

2) That said: the belt kinda sucks. Its just a 2" webbing strap with no padding. It does the job, but that's about it. I've seen some folks show where they've rigged up some extra padding on their belt, but honestly, its not the pack I'm reaching for if I'm going to carry 30+ pounds for any distance, or for more than a day hike.

3) do NOT pay full price. SpecOps has sales/coupons nearly constantly. The basic T.H.E. pack should be in the $100-$120 range on sale. The newer "UAP" version appears to be more toward the $200 range, but personally I can't say I see enough value in the "upgrades" to justify that price bump. If I ever wear out my base model, maybe I'll take another look :)

I don't have the ILBE assault pack to do any direct comparison, but I can say I'd take the T.H.E. over the MOLLE II assault pack any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

If you have any specific questions, let me know and I'll see if I can answer them...

-mike-
 
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I have T.H.E. pack, and would recommend it for all the reasons TheLunk stated above. I haven't had any issues with the belt, but I know many do.
 
I have the THE Pack and agree 100% with TheLunk. As mentioned, I too like the open design that way you're not searching through a ton of pockets to find your gear . I found it useful to pick up a couple stuff sacks for organizing though. Also as he mentioned, don't pay full pric . I picked mine up as a disaster prep kit with knife sheath and double pouch for less than $100 from their site.
 
Wow, all good info to know guys. I think im gonna get the pack, as it is bigger and made to be bombproof. I am already getting the filbe main pack for the longer journeys, so was curious if anyone had any info or could compare the two. I have looked at tactical tailor,london bridge,eagle industries,tad, among others, and keep coming back to the pack. Thanks for all your info lunk, appreciate it!
 
I have looked at tactical tailor,london bridge,eagle industries,tad, among others, and keep coming back to the pack.
Click to expand...

I use my THE Pack to carry a jacket, sweatshirt, lunch, first aid kit, and whatever else I may need at work or on the way to or from. However, there are plenty of negatives. The crappy waistbelt is useless but (thankfully) removable. I can't imagine loading this 'pack heavy enough to need a frame sheet, or what good it would do anyways. The straps kind of suck and are just sewn into the seem between the back and top of the pack, instead of further down and using webbing to suspend the pack and hold it higher on the wearers' back. It also has nothing for organization, just a bunch of empty pockets. I use a Maxpedition Fatty organizer, it fits great. There is no padding in the back, just a flat piece of nylon that kind of mushes flat against my back. All that said, after trying a lot of different EDC backpacks (Maxpedition Falcon and Pygmy Falcon, Camelbak HAWG and Linchpin, TAD Litespeed, and more) THE Pack is the best for me, to get my stuff to and from the car or when exploring on my Dual Sport motorcycle.

If I didn't live in the frigid North and feel the need to have a warm jacket nearby 80% of the year, I'd be using the HAWG MilTac. It's better in every way than THE Pack, other than being a tiny bit smaller. The straps are thinner and shaped to fit a human body, the back has great airflow and padding, and it's very light weight. I'd highly recommend the H.A.W.G. Miltac to anyone who doesn't need the small extra bit of space that T.H.E. Pack offers.

Edited to add:

The ATS Raid II is supposed to be very similar to THE Pack, but with better straps.
 
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I know this is an older thread but did you end up buying a T.H.E. Pack? Tactical Tailor, Eagle and LBT are all great companies with good reputations, but you aren't going to gain anything in quality with them over the Spec Ops. Spec Ops is first tier quality. Some love the simplicity of the bag and others feel a need for more. It was one of the original assault packs made to be worn with armor and is very basic in it's construction and features but it would be the last bag you have to buy.
 
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