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

For purely BOB use, where it's likely to be stored for sometime before being needed I would also say bottled water is best but not because I worry about the bladder busting. I would worry more about the water stagnating while sitting in the bladder, the comercially bottled water is treated and not exposed to bacteria in the air so it will obviously hold up better in long term storage.

As far as durability, I have a camelback M.U.L.E. I bought in 2001 that has been all around the world with me ( literally) and although a little faded is still going strong with the original bladder and straw. I did replace the bite valve but I expected that to wear out.

David
 
Echo4v said:
For purely BOB use, where it's likely to be stored for sometime before being needed I would also say bottled water is best but not because I worry about the bladder busting. I would worry more about the water stagnating while sitting in the bladder, the comercially bottled water is treated and not exposed to bacteria in the air so it will obviously hold up better in long term storage.
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Yes :thumbup:
 
Echo4v said:
For purely BOB use, where it's likely to be stored for sometime before being needed I would also say bottled water is best but not because I worry about the bladder busting. I would worry more about the water stagnating while sitting in the bladder,
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I agree with this comment. I own several different Camelbak packs that I use for bicycling, daytripping and even overnighters, but for a BOB I prefer my water in commercial bottles for safe long-term storage.
 
Echo4v said:
For purely BOB use, where it's likely to be stored for sometime before being needed I would also say bottled water is best but not because I worry about the bladder busting. I would worry more about the water stagnating while sitting in the bladder, the comercially bottled water is treated and not exposed to bacteria in the air so it will obviously hold up better in long term storage.

David
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I plan to keep the pack dry, in the back of my 4runner, next to 6 1-gallon water bottles, and just fill it up when I need it.

Do you guys still suggest using bottles?

Thanks,
mark
 
I would still say keep the water in factory sealed bottles, then when TSHTF just fill the bladder with that water and walk away. For me it's easier to carry and access the water in the bladder but the water will keep much longer in the factory sealed bottles.

David
 
mark greenman said:
I plan to keep the pack dry, in the back of my 4runner, next to 6 1-gallon water bottles, and just fill it up when I need it.

Do you guys still suggest using bottles?

Thanks,
mark
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No that's fine. I, too, store my bladder dry when not using, but have commercially bottled water near-by to fill it up. For a BOB, I like to have a guyot also, just to have a backup durable metal container I can fill.
 
My BOB is a camelbak BFm theyre wide spread among us military folk and ive seen bags that have spent over 3 years in iraq and are still servicable.. just my 2 cents
 
You can't go wrong with the Falcon II. I bought one last fall and it has quickly become a favorite of mine. It is my third Maxpedition bag (I also have a DevilDog waist pack and a Jumbo Versipack and several small pouches), and it probably won't be my last. I'm really impressed with their products so far. I like the new Blackhawk bag (OPSEC4) I bought in the fall also. Quality and design are solid!

I think a hydration bag is a big plus, even if you store it dry. It never hurts to have a convenient way to carry lots of water.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
I'm a bit of a pack junky myself and own several. So does my shooting buddy. He has the Camelback motherload which seems to be a good pack. I'm getting a Maxpedition Vulture-II here soon which is about the same in size and design. Comparing the construction of my MaxPed bags to his camelback... the Maxped seems a little more rugged. Not that the camelback is not durable... it's been put through hell and is in fine shape... but the MaxPed material just seems more rugged to me. It's stiffer. The MaxPed bag will sit up on it's own empty because the material is so thick and rigid... the CB pack tend to just frump over. To me that's a good thing if you have it only half full and your trying to dig around in it... it'll keep it's shape.

Also... don't count out the Eagle Industries Patrol or 3-day packs... those are VERY nice and will take a serious beating. I know some folks don't like Blackhawk because they're not made in the USA... but I own a Blackhawk RAPTOR III, and SOF Ruck, a Butt Pack, Vest and Pouches, and have owned a RAPTOR I. Abd they are all built like tanks and work very well.

Plus the Eagle and Blackhawk have a frame insert for some of their packs which is a plus.

Kifaru and Eberlestock also make AWESOME packs... but they're pricey, though well worth it.

But all the 6 companies I've mentioned make wonderful gear and you can't really go wrong with any of them. Just pic a pack that you like that has the storage you need.
 
2 words..........DIAMONDBACK TACTICAL.

most over built,over engineered 3-day pack i've come across whether it be blackhawk,spec-ops,eagle,bla,bla,bla

others would be TAD Gear and kifaru.the Diamondback Tactical is just as good if not better and under $200 as opposed to over $300
 
mark greenman said:
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.
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A lot of good feedback already, but I kind of think the little Pygmy Falcon II may be a little small. I do use a water bladder in mine and I'm thinking on putting a small tup hole in it (I just pull it out of the top of the zipper). I still like having the water bottles as well and if I was storing for an emergency, you could just leave the water bladder empty and fill when needed...it's easier to rotate water out with bottles.

I don't care too much for the terms "tactical packs", but for your requirements, that's actually the types I would be considering. Your typcial trail day packs are not going to hold up to rugged urban use...the thicker Cordura-type material will be more abrasion resistant.

You did the first thing right and identify what you need to carry and the intended purpose. Over on AR15.com in the gear subforum, they have several pages of 3-day/assualt pack reviews which is a good source. Once you determine the size you need, start comparing prices and features...do you want MOLLE webbing? Side pocketes? Panel or top loading? Internal frame or sheet frame options? Water bladder compatible?

I have used and can recommend:
Camelback (LEO/Mil lines)
Maxpedition
Kifrau
RAID (Eagle or TAG)
Eagle Industries
Tactical Tailor
Spec-Ops
Blackhawk
Keltly (MAP)

Camelback and Maxpedition are probably your best choices for your price range and you can't go wrong with either. The Kelty MAP is right at $100 as well and is a great pack for your needs....

ROCK6
 
That's a great post Rock :thumbup:

Mark, based on what you said so far, I stick with my original rec of the Condor-II or Vulture-II for your purpose and price range. I narrowed it down to the Falcon-II and Condor-II a month ago when I was researching options for a new hiking pack that could double as a BOB; I went with the Falcon because of its smaller size and compartmentalization (which I find appealing in a hiking pack, since I will use it primarily in that way). Based on my experience with Maxped stuff, you can't go wrong with the Condor as a strict BOB. Definitely look into the leo/mil Camelbak options as well though :thumbup:
 
Thanks a lot guys, you've all been super helpful! I've decided I'm going with the a hydration capable, maxpedition bag.

Right now its a dead heat between the Falcon II (compartments, slimmer, aesthetically pleasing) vs. the Condor II (holds more stuff, same price.)

For those familiar with either/ both bags, how much larger is the Condor compared to the Falcon? Is the increase in space worth losing the extra compartment? How big are these bags in comparison to a standard Jansport schoolbag?

Thanks again everyone!
Mark
 
mark greenman said:
Thanks a lot guys, you've all been super helpful! I've decided I'm going with the a hydration capable, maxpedition bag.

Right now its a dead heat between the Falcon II (compartments, slimmer, aesthetically pleasing) vs. the Condor II (holds more stuff, same price.)

For those familiar with either/ both bags, how much larger is the Condor compared to the Falcon? Is the increase in space worth losing the extra compartment? How big are these bags in comparison to a standard Jansport schoolbag?

Thanks again everyone!
Mark
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Hopfully next week, I'll be getting a Maxpedition Vulture-II... which I don't think is a lot bigger than the condor. I'll let you know my overall impressions... I have a Typhoon Gearslinger which might be close in size to the falcon (I think the falcon is just a Typhoon with a second larger compartment added in back). I'll try my best to compare the two from a size standpoint even though they're very different types of bags.
 
This might help, Mark:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=606110

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=548665

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307958

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=550582

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=548665

I think my Falcon is more narrow in width than my jansport, I'm guessing the Condor is close to Jansport size with its wide 32L capacity. If I recall correctly briangandrews has both, you could ask him as well.

One more thing, the pics on the Maxped site don't represent the current line-up with regards to coloring. I ordered a khaki Falcon II because I thought it was the most visually appealing to me with the khaki fabric contrasting with black zippers and buckles:
0513k_1897_detail.jpg


This is what I got:
IMG_5578.jpg

IMG_5581.jpg

IMG_5580.jpg



All new packs are coming with matching zippers and buckles to make them blend better. Not a big deal for me, it's still fine. I did, however, replace the stock paracord zipper pulls with black paracord ones, it makes finding and using the zippers faster/easier.
 
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I own a half dozen of these packs, mostly for canoe trips but some smaller ones for day packs and luggage.
http://duluthpack.com/

Traditional (a lot of canvas, leather, and rivets) a little heavy because of the materials (and quality) but they are over built and bomb proof.
When the big one hits and the smoke clears there will be cockroaches and Duluth Packs left...:D

Life time guarantee.

You can pass these down to the young ones after you get to the ol' folks home. :)
 
rksoon said:
ADD, do you have the wanderer or rambler? Those look nice :)
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I have this one from Frost River (company started by a former Duluth Pack employee, now out of business but can still be found)
http://www.nwwoodsman.com/Product/Packs/WoodsmanPack.html

My son has the Nessmuk (a copy of the Wanderer) and loves it.
http://www.dirttime.com/packs.html
He has taken it to Mexico (twice), hunting, weekend camping trips, and college.

I do not think you need the leather, or padded leather, shoulder straps for your use.
They will add weight, cost, and are not needed, imho, on the smaller or mid-sized packs. :)

Send Duluth an email or phone them.
Great people and may have a return or second laying around you could get cheaper. :thumbup:
 
Thanks for the info and the links ADD :thumbup: I will have to look into those and contact Duluth in the future, those are great looking traditional packs. (Sorry for hijacking, Mark, I'm done!)
 
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