ILBE or REI for an emergency pack?

F

Fuori

Joined
Oct 13, 2014
Messages
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I'm not usually a fan of camouflaged backpacks, but a friend suggested I purchase an ILBE as an emergency pack because it was designed by Arcteryx. I had previously been looking at an REI pack in the mid $200 range, but the ILBE is $100 cheaper, even pieced together with brand new components from various sellers.

I know for a fact the REI pack will fit me, but was told the ILBE would be adjustable and fit me just as well. Would that actually be the case? Is the extra strength and durability of the ILBE worth the risk? The REI pack made by Gregory is 210-denier and the ILBE is 4 or 5 times that.
 
My brother uses an ILBE back for hiking/camping/canoeing trips, and my wife uses her Army (Reserves) frame backpack for similar purposes. They are very durable and honestly fairly comfortable when carrying a heavy load, with quite a bit of room for adjustment. After all, the troops being issued these packs come in all shapes and sizes. However, both styles are bulky and heavier than the typical REI backpack due to the materials used.

In my opinion, you have to prioritize durability or weight. For emergency purposes (GHB/BOB) where the goal is not to carry supplies for weeks in the wilderness, a small but durable pack might be worth considering, along the lines of the ILBE assault pack rather than the full-sized pack.
 
I purchased an ILBE and for use in hike through/backpack camping and it is better then the kelty and off brand 90l bags I had purchased prior.

I bought another one for use as a emergency bag.
 
I've had an ILBE for a few years now. I recently got the redcloud 90. Needless to say as sentimental as I could be with the ILBE, it's on its way to a new home. Which REI packs are you looking at? They're a little hit or miss, but the mid sizes, 40L-60L seem pretty solid from when I was shopping around.
 
For camping and general backpacking the light weight commercial packs are great, for an emergency I'll take the tougher Army pack any day. Even though its heavier just the durability of the pack makes it worth it in an emergency and if you add the assault pack that clips on top you've got a quick small pack for faster movement with fewer supplies as well. Particularly in an emergency I'm going to be carrying more than food and clothes and a small first aid kit. The ILBE will carry more self defense type things a bit easier and works with body armor.
 
I worry about the toughness as well. The sales rep told me the Gregory is durable and built to last, but it's material isn't nearly as thick. The thing about the ILBE is will it be as comfortable as the commercial brand? A lot of bags can be comfortable for 5 or 10 miles, but after 30 or 40?
 
Well I haven't rucked one that distance in many years of either kind. Back when I did the ILBE was fine at long distance and held up very well. I've had commercial ones that lost stitches, had the shoulder strap come loose, tore on the bottom going over rocks and other just wear and tear problems.
 
I went to REI and handled the Gregory. It's not a light pack weighing in at around 5 pounds. She said she's never seen one come back because of a problem and that it was good weight. At the very least I learned the ILBE and the Gregory are equal in weight.
 
Fuori said:
I went to REI and handled the Gregory. It's not a light pack weighing in at around 5 pounds. She said she's never seen one come back because of a problem and that it was good weight. At the very least I learned the ILBE and the Gregory are equal in weight.
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Yea, the redcloud 90 is just over 5lbs as well. The ILBE was closer to 8 I wanna say with the extras. Both the redcloud 90 and the ILBE are large packs. I wanted the option for some pockets and better use of space to use for a primary long stay backcountry camping and hunting treks, less straps, or molle gear strapped to the outside. While I hadn't bought a commercial pack in years, I gave it a try and the 425D cordura has been holding up pretty well.

Guess it depends more on the emergency you're preapring for. A smaller jansport size kit that you can cheaply replicate might be a good option too.
 
Wow, the ILBE is 8 pounds empty?

I didn't realize the Kelty was 425D. That is significantly more than the Gregory.
 
Fuori said:
Wow, the ILBE is 8 pounds empty?

I didn't realize the Kelty was 425D. That is significantly more than the Gregory.
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Yea, the ILBE is 725D I believe, adding that extra weight. Although I have a bag maker here in SF that makes everything out of 1000D and I don't think either bags will out live them.

The main consideration though for me was wanting something that had similar modular space, but internalized, rather than the external modular system of the ILBE. Hunting and backpacking I've just wanted less and less strapped to the outside of my pack as possible. I think many saw the Tango pack from Arc'teryx and assumed the similar design was imparted upon the deployed version, and though they did design them, but they are just different enough, especially in availability and cost (I think you have to be an active duty to buy a Tango). That said, was able to pick up the redcloud for under $120 on sale, comparable to an ILBE with creature comfort add ons. I steered away from commercial REI type bags for years, because they did suck. Seems like they've been forced to step up their game a little bit.
 
I think a bag in the 4,000 to 5,000 range will take care of me. I worry that the ILBE is going to have a lot of dead weight. I also agree that I like the idea of things contained internally vs externally.
 
RFI 3 Day Assault Pack.

You can find them used on Craigslist or gun forums for $20 - $50.
 
A family member actually has the ILBE and just brought it over for me to look at. It's a nice bag, but wow is it heavy. The straps, lid, and waist belt weren't even on it.
 
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