Question for the bag ladies: modestly priced packs, ideally molle compatible

daizee

daizee

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Dec 30, 2009
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So I'm considering replacing my blue EMS daypack which has functioned as my hunting backpack for several years. It's a really stupid color to wear into the woods when trying to hide...

I'm thinking about a modestly priced replacement in a subdued woods color: tan, green, POSSIBLY camo...
Molle compatibility would be nice.
Two main compartments with organizers - or some other effective scheme - would be important.
The ability to tech-lock clip a knife to a shoulder strap: key
Some accessibility options for odds and ends: nice to have.
Waist strap: probably a requirement
TWO straps: must be a backpack. I don't need dishabilitating shoulder & back cramps - been there, suffered that.
Camelback feature: I'd rather not pay for a highly specific feature I won't use.
No top-loading: I need to get item X or Y *right now*, rather than stopping for camp and unloading everything for the night.

Typically I carry stuff like: extra flashlight, batteries, gps, compass, hauling straps, plastic bags, rubber gloves, small roll of paper towels, water bottle, area maps, hunting regs, hunting license, extra layer, extra gloves, hat, amplified muffs (sometimes), etc. I also may need to contain my climbing harness and emergency rapelling rope, shotgun-haul-up-cord..

Some of the Rothco military stuff looks plausible, and in the right price range.
How does that stuff stack up?
Any other favorites in the $50-$100 range?
I don't need to go 5 days at a time, but I do need it to not fall apart.

-Daizee
 
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I've been looking too, done a lot of research with my parameters and price range...think im 100% decided on the Kelty Tactical Falcon 4000. Love it's features and size, color's great not screaming "SpecialRangerSEAL MallNinja" but not Orange with yellow&teal stripes either.


Now a lil more research before I pull the trigger on it.
 
I've become a bit of an Arc'teryx fanboy (I believe Flexxx said I should change my name to Ark'teryx) - I'd recommend the Arc' Miura 20, look around and you can find em in your price range. The good thing is, they are designed with climbing in mind so you will probably find a lot of functionality of what you want built in.
 
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Hmm, that Kelty is too big for the purpose, but their MAP3500 and Tactical Raven are getting close. Still a bit big, and pricey.

I should have specified no top-loading packs - I can't be unloading everything in the dark to find the couple items I need, especially if I need to be quiet. Of course zippers ain't quiet...

Ark, I like Arc'teryx stuff too. Unfortunately climbing bags tend to be optimized for snag-free hauling up rock faces, and that limits the accessibility options.

-Daizee
 
The Kelty is a topload but also has a ''U'' zipper opening to the main compartment behind the front pocket so you can access stuff on the bottom...I dont care for top-loaders either so that was a big selling feature for me. understand about the size though, it's kinda big for a daypack.
 
I'd say find a Maxpedition pack that resonates.... I have the Monsoon and dig it muchly.
 
Check out some of the Condor Outdoors packs. The urban go pack is a diverse pack and has a lot of the features that you're looking for. They are very affordable also.
 
I am pretty happy with most of the Maxpedition lineup, the stuff just takes a beating. You didn't give an idea of the typical weight your carrying but for two compartments the pygmy falcon or 3 for the regular falcon II is hard to beat for day to day stuff plus tromping over the hills and through the woods, no top loading.
I have the Falcon II, I bought my pack for its reputation for durability, utility, ability to stack on more or take off depending on what I am doing, and to carry my gear, I don't worry what others might think I do or don't look like.
 
Save up and get a Kifaru...........

50-100 is not enough for a good pack.

But you could always get the Kifaru E&E and spend a little extra and get the upgraded starps for it


Honestly for that price range and the amount of days, you better just keep tha pack that you have.
 
Flexxx said:
Save up and get a Kifaru...........
50-100 is not enough for a good pack.
But you could always get the Kifaru E&E and spend a little extra and get the upgraded starps for it
Honestly for that price range and the amount of days, you better just keep tha pack that you have.
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The OTW looks too much like a real murse... watch, Guyon is going to buy one now if he hasn't already.
 
You could probably pick up an AIII bag by one of the more reputable brands. The Kelty MAP 3500 is a great AIII style bag. Be careful not to overload it though. I'm really happy with my Eberlestock F3F FAC Track pack. They can be had at some amazing prices if you shop around. Some of the "high speed" packs are great for their intended purposes but I've seen most fail when used in extreme conditions. I know that's to be expected but I like knowing I can take gear beyond the imagination, like Beckers.
 
I just got a Kelty Redwing and love it, It may be a little big for what you need, but its a panel loader and has plenty of room. It's water bladder compatible, you can remove the waist strap if required has all the usual features, it's in your pice range and is bombproof. Definitely worth a look.
 
I'd say find a Maxpedition pack that resonates.... I have the Monsoon and dig it muchly.
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There are a couple appealing ones: pygmy falcon, typhon, falcon, but they're right over the top end of my imagined budget. They also look like they ride REALLY high. The waist belt won't help me with something like that. It's gotta be hips & chest or chest-only.

Save up and get a Kifaru...........
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heh. knew that was coming. :) I don't see one that appeals to me - American-made does generally, tho. It really doesn't have to be an amazing pack - my current EMS bag would be ok except for a couple irritating points like the color and lack of built-in compression straps (I added one, sorta). I'd stick with this bag if it weren't for the obvious fact that I stick out like a blue light special in the woods when I'm trying to hide.

MOLLE II 3 assault pack
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Which MFR, Lecter?
These were on my radar before - they look workable for the purpose and certainly are in the right price range. Some of these others look fancier, but are double the price.

Check out some of the Condor Outdoors packs.
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The Urban Go Pack does check most of the boxes, but it's a bit much at $170. (kinda looks like it has bad posture, but I could get over that.)


I should describe my so-called 'hunting' patterns a bit:
The places I hunt in my state are all within a bicycle ride (no, I don't hunt by bicycle), and there's no overnighting unless it's a sleeping bag on the floor of the gun club clubhouse. I always hike in - no ATV or anything - and probably no more than a mile in any direction, max. I'm only willing to plan on dragging a deer so far after dark.

-Daizee
 
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Tactical Tailor Removable Operator Pack

Tactical Tailor Urban Operator Pack

Those would be my two choices going off the amount you can spend...


Also check out Grey Ghost outlet.com
 
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If Maxped is too expensive, you just need to save up more. Thats the lowest level you can get a GOOD pack. I looked around a lot before I bought my Vulture II. It was $120 and I have $100 worth of additional pouches on it. But for 1000denier Teflon treated Cordura nylon....thats cheap. That pack will last forever. Anything cheaper will be a knockoff.
 
daizee Check out Hill people.

They have what I think your looking for in a decent price range and come well reviewed.
 
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