New backpack

B

basb

Joined
Apr 27, 2010
Messages
897
Im am looking for a new bush/woods pack.
I am sick of removing some work stuff from it and loading it with my camp/outdoor/bush gear to later unload that to load my sports gear just so i can remove that and get my work stuff in it again.....

Some requirements;
30-35L(1900-2200Cu. in.)
PALS/MOLLE webbing on it for strapping gear.
Tough
Max price 175 bucks
Waist belt

Hydration compatibilty isnt required but certainly helps pushing me over.

So far on my list;
Blackhawk S.T.R.I.K.E. Cyclone
Maxped Condor-2

Leaning towards the blackhawk
The 5.11 rush 24 was on it untill i noticed the lack of waist belt.

There is a lot of info on the Condor but not so much on the Cyclone.
Please spill some experience and other recommendations.
 
Kelty MAP and Redwing, Mountainsmith Approach 3.0, Mystery Ranch DragonSlayer, Eberlestock Halftrack or Terminator
 
I have used a lot of packs over the years, and I am a huge fan of my Camelbak BFM. Be advised, the Condor 2 really doesn't hold that much gear and it doesn't have a frame so even if you do manage to get a heavy load in it, carrying it is going to get old.
 
I have the 5.11 72hour bag and I love it, but its a little big for what you're looking for. The Camelback Motherlode 500 goes for about $165, includes a bladder, and meets your requirements. I like the new Tactical Tailor Modular Operator pack that MSRP's for $185, so could probably be found cheaper online.
 
EDIT: Just saw you needed molle straps on your pack.

Maxpedition makes some good packs, and theyve got tons of accesories and small stuff to add on.
 
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I have both and really don't think one is any better than the other. I use the Maxped a bit more in the mountains and on hikes because it's Khaki in color so it blends a bit better with my surroundings whereas the Blackhawk Cyclone I own is black and sort of sticks out in the woods. but both are great bags and I'm sure you'll be very pleased with either one.
 
gunknifenut said:
Snugpack! period
Click to expand...

:thumbup::thumbup:


I recently scored a pack from Voodoo tactical that is suprisingly well made. Ive owned alot of bags from Maxpedition, Tactical Tailor, Blackhawk, etc...and its just as nice at half the price. You could get 2 great bags in your budget. Not made in USA though. Ive used mine alot mountain biking and hiking in places to fish, and it still looks like new. No wear yet, and the stitching seems bomber. Plus they have multicam :cool:

http://www.voodootactical.net/c-8-packs-and-rucks.aspx
 
AZWaterRat said:
Blackhawk S.T.R.I.K.E. Cyclone - I own it & love it! Best tactical pack I have ever owned.
Click to expand...
Do you have any closeup pics of the compartments?

Have been looking at Camelbak, but i seem to have missed the motherlode, nice one. TT Modular Operator looks good, as does the 3 day assault pack

Voodoo tactical Level III MOLLE Assault Pack looks real good, asuming you mean that one :). And for the money, it must be a real good find.

How is the waist belt on the Voodoo and TT packs? It looks uncomfortable, i like padding like on the camelbak and blackhawk ones.

As for the Snugpack, i hate side pockets :) I want at least one side clean with just webbing to strap my RTAK-2 or machete when i go playing in the woods :)

Damn there are way more nice packs than i dared to expect...
Even taking the Rush 24 back into consideration, it just looks too good not to.

This sh*tload of info expands my list a bit;
Blackhawk Cyclone
Maxped Condor-2
Camelbak motherlode
TT 3day assault pack and Mod. operator
Voodoo tac level 3 assault pack

Time to do some research on these.... Feel free to complicate matters even more ;)
 
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I think Kifaru makes the best MOLLE packs around. Normally you couldn't get one near your price range, but they still have a few of their previous generation (G1) packs on clearance. Take a look at the G1 MOLLE Express. Its everything you are after, and its US made and allows all sorts of attachments and upgrades. With the discount it comes in at $195.

http://https://kifaru.net/MGexpressMOLLE.html
 
Here you go basb -

Blackhawk033-1.jpg

Blackhawk038-1.jpg

Blackhawk040.jpg

Blackhawk043.jpg

Blackhawk046.jpg
 
I have a G1 Express and it's the pack I use more than any other. Absolutely fantastic construction, weight distribution, etc.
 
Kifaru really seem to make bad ass super heavy duty gear, and it has the looks to.
However i find myself hard pressed to justify $236(with padded omni belt) ex shipping on a pack. Perhaps later i will get one when i upgrade my Active Leisure 75L pack.

Waterrat, thanks for the photo's. Looks like a great pack. Always better to see things as they're used instead of commercial correct sales photo's.
Nice to see a ESEE knife on it :) is that a 3 with glassbreaker pommel? And whats the grayisch color, is that Foliage green?
Havent done much reseach on the other packs, aside form the motherlode which looks VERY good. But you pushed me closer to the edge.
 
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basb said:
Kifaru really seem to make bad ass super heavy duty gear, and it has the looks to.
However i find myself hard pressed to justify $236(with padded omni belt) ex shipping on a pack. Perhaps later i will get one when i upgrade my Active Leisure 75L pack.
Click to expand...

I understand. However, I've usually found that daypacks are more comfortable without belts (YMMV), and you'll never find a new Kifaru for that price again.
 
Deuter ACT Trail 32. I have owned a lot of packs and this is my current favorite day pack. I carry a fair amount of gear on my job, and this one is amazingly comfortable. Backpacker Magazine rated it as "near-perfect":

http://www.backpacker.com/may_09_gear_deuter_act_trail_32/gear/12860

I don't know what PALS/MOLLE webbing is or what a 'tactical' pack is, so maybe this is not what you want. I just need to carry a lot of stuff around in the back woods, and this is the best I've found yet. I won't use a pack that doesn't carry it's weight on my hips, I'm too old to compress my spine.
 
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Satyr said:
Deuter ACT Trail 32. I have owned a lot of packs and this is my current favorite day pack. I carry a fair amount of gear on my job, and this one is amazingly comfortable. Backpacker Magazine rated it as "near-perfect":

http://www.backpacker.com/may_09_gear_deuter_act_trail_32/gear/12860

I don't know what PALS/MOLLE webbing is or what a 'tactical' pack is, so maybe this is not what you want. I just need to carry a lot of stuff around in the back woods, and this is the best I've found yet. I won't use a pack that doesn't carry it's weight on my hips, I'm too old to compress my spine.
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MOLLE/PALS webbing is a the nylon loops on gear used to strap other gear to it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOLLE_(military)
http://www.google.nl/images?um=1&hl=nl&tbs=isch:1&sa=1&q=PALS+molle&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

XMP said:
I understand. However, I've usually found that daypacks are more comfortable without belts (YMMV), and you'll never find a new Kifaru for that price again.
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Basicly the same reasons as Satyr mentioned.
I really want a belt, my back isnt the best. Being prone to a hernia due to family heritage i'm not taking any chances. I'm only 25 years old and im not intended to screw up my back for years to come.
 
I understand about not wanting to screw up your back. But if you are going to use a daypack with a belt you have to make sure that it is long enough (with stays, if possible) so that the belt actually rides down on your hips and transfers weight off your shoulders. Most daypacks aren't long/tall enough to do this, so the belt rides to high and can make your low back trouble worse, not better.
 
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