Looking for a nice BOB/ 3 day pack- sugestions?

mark greenman

mark greenman

Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Messages
662
Hey all, I've decided its time to step it up from my current, cheaper than dirt, 2 pocket model for something bigger and of higher quality.

The bag will be tailored for earthquake preparedness mostly, with some gear added or subtracted depending on the situation. I definitely need it to hold 15 Cliff bars, jar of peanut butter, change of clothes, bivy bag, water, crowbar, tools, paracord, first aid, ect. I'm thinking in the 1400-2000 cubic inch range, w/ the MOLLE/PALS webbing for random, specific gear pouches.

Right now my top choices are between Camelbak and Maxpedition. Which is considered the better manufacturer? Of the two, is either made in the USA?

Specifically, is anyone familiar w/ the Camelback "motherlode," or the Maxpedition "Condor II, Falcon II, or Vulture II?"

Is there any other nice brand/pack that I should look into?

My max price will be about $130.

Thanks in advance!
Mark
 
I got a Maxpedition Vulture-II a few months ago. It's a good sack, well built, rugged and capacious. I like the large front pocket and the clamshell-style opening. It fits well and rides fairly comfortably.

It could do with an internal frame though; to better transfer weight to the hips when loaded up. But I can live without it. It's also quite a wide sack. Not a problem, unless you want to strap on water bottle holders to each side, like I tried. Then it starts to look a bit silly and is in danger of catching on things. I'm quite broad myself so I thought I might get away with it.

Also, it becomes very uncomfortable if you put a large water bladder in the pocket intended for it. It makes the back bulge out, into your back, and it feels like trying to wear a round barrel. Not good. I solved that by putting a large Epicurian brand cutting board in the pocket, to flatten the back. Now it works OK and I've got the bonus of a cutting board with me.

To be honest, my Karrimor Hot Earth is more comfortable to carry for long distances with a load, but only just and the versatility of the Vulture-II makes them equal. I don't regret the purchase and would happily buy one again. I'm sounding quite critical of the sack I think; but I'm just trying to point out it's few shortcomings. It is a good sack and would possibly be excellent for your intended use, rather than as a long distance hiking pack.
 
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safetyman said:
Maxpedition tends to offer larger packs that Camelbak. I tend to buy Maxpedition packs instead of Camelbaks because I like their stout construction.

Check out the Max Falcon/Pygmy Falcon packs here:

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=12&idproduct=145
Click to expand...

That's definitely true of their camping/biking line, but their military/LEO line is very stout stuff. I would definitely put it up there with Maxpedition. It is not as wide spread in retail stores as the camping line, but you can occasionally find it at gun/military type stores.
 
Yeah, check out the Camelback BFM. Similar size to the Vulture-II but with an internal aluminium frame (:thumbup: CB guys!) and more pockets.

If I could have got one in the UK at a decent price I would give one a try myself.
 
I had a Vulture II and it hold ALOT of gear in a relatively normal size pack. It's a tad on the large size and I can't see anything ripping or breaking on it. It's heavy duty. You could easily pack for a weeklong backcountry hike with the inner size and external webbing everywhere. It would be a good pack for a "Couple" to share for a few days in an emergency such as a quake.
 
I have a camelbak (Alpine Explorer - 2015 cu.in.) and just got a Maxpedition pack (Falcon II - 1520 cu.in.).

While the camelbak is more comfortable to wear, of the two, I would use the FalconII as my BOB because of it's solid construction. As mentioned, camelbak makes military models, so it's worth it to check those out too; I've never owned one so can't provide a comparison.

The Falcon II can definitely hold everything you listed, but I don't know if it'll work as a three-day bag. You might want to look into the Vulture-II for that. I'm sure you could make the Falcon work though, if you went minimal. The other plus for the Falcon is the option for MOLLE expansion. I don't know where camelbaks are made off the top of my head, but I know some Maxped products like the packs are made in Taiwan. I would suggest Eagle and Kifaru, but I don't think you can get one for your price range. So for your purposes, I'd maybe look into the Condor-II or Vulture-II.
 
I have both the the Maxpedition Falcon II and the Pygmy Falcon.
They are both bomb-proof and relatively comfortable for extended use (Considering they have no frame).
The Falcon II holds a 3 litre hydration pack that doesn't sacrifice space for other gear. Both bags would easily hold all the gear you listed, but the II would have room to spare.
The pockets are also well thought out. The layering system makes it easy to keep equipment separate and to have more frequently used items in easy reach.
They have plenty of MOLLE straps, I put a bunch of carabiners on mine to hold random gear.
Only downside for me is that they do look very tactical. I went OD and Black for my two. The black is not so bad for city use (A lot of urban daypacks are black) but the OD is very military looking and I do get some 'looks' when I'm out hiking/camping (Although that could be my stunning good looks and/or the huge knife on my belt).
 
Thanks everyone for the responses

Now I'm torn between the Condor II, for the space it offers and the hydration baldder, versus the Pygmy, for the dual water bottle holders and slim profile.

Will the pygmy hold in its large pouch:
jeans, t shirt, 2 sets of socks, 2 underwear, pair of flip flops
jar of Jiff peanut butter
mini-bivy bag (the $25 coffe can sized one)
?


Because if it can hold that stuff then I don't really need more space. The general goal of the bag will be if I'm stranded away from home due to the earthquake, will I be able to hold enough supplies to make it home/ spend the night in en route. I'm usualy not more than 30 miles away from home, but it would be nice to know I have enough in the bag (not including water) to get through a few days in the rubble.


Also, do people here prefer the Hydration bladder, or do you prefer water bottles? I've only used bottles.

Thanks again!
Mark
 
I have a pygmy falcon and in the main compartment I have a tarp a rain poncho a canteen cup and a G.I. meal kit. I think it would fit everything you listed. It's a great pack. I've never had the other brands so no comment about those but you should be fine with with the pygmy falcon.
 
storl said:
That's definitely true of their camping/biking line, but their military/LEO line is very stout stuff. I would definitely put it up there with Maxpedition. It is not as wide spread in retail stores as the camping line, but you can occasionally find it at gun/military type stores.
Click to expand...

You're right Storl. Immediately after I posted that I thought of the M.U.L.E. I once owned and bit my tongue. Another brand that's excellent is Blackhawk! Tactical. Their stuff is so rugged!
 
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London Bridge Trading's 3 day pack!!! Fair price and tough. I've used mine since 2002.
 
mark greenman said:
Also, do people here prefer the Hydration bladder, or do you prefer water bottles? I've only used bottles.
Click to expand...

I like bladders because it's easier to make sure I stay hydrated, but bottles are easier to clean, easier to fill in the field, and work with filtration systems. Ideally I'd like to carry both (bladder and one guyot in/on pack), but I settled for the Falcon-II for now. If I really want to carry the guyot as well, I can just attach my 10x4 via MOLLE or the straps on the bottom of the pack.
 
Eagle AIII
London Bridge 3 day
KIFARU -- I think Maruader
ATS RAID

ALL Great packs
I also like the Kelty Pengrine Found mine on sale for $80 at Extreme outfitters
 
Can't recommend a specific pack of that size because I don't have/need one that big. I will say that if you find something on REI outlet.com wait to buy and check the price often. I needed a new daypack and recently got the REI Traverse model shipped to my local REI for less than $20, but now it is priced at $40+. So if they have something you like, and you can wait, they're prices seem to fluctuate.
 
if it's a BOB then it is meant to face tough conditions so you probably don't want to store it with a full water bladder that might get crushed and get everything wet. Water bottles are easier to fill and are more durable, better in an emergency situation. I'd say go with a pygmy and lose the hydration bladder, unless you think you'll need a bigger pack for recreational hiking.
 
That's a good point by fishface; if it's purely a BOB and not to be used for normal recreational hiking, (although the camelbak bladders are pretty damn durable) I'd go with the pygmy and bottles.
 
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