Slightly larger surplus pack than German 'mountain' pack?

[SpookyPistolero]

Howdy folks-

I currently use a German surplus "mountain" pack to haul my goodies. It works well, but in the winter it can become a very tight fit. I'm looking for another surplus pack of similar style and material that has more room to it. Not looking to haul the kitchen sink, but I don't enjoy having things exploding at the seams either.

So anyone know of something larger, and still comfortable? It seems that most I look at are right around the same size.

Thoughts are welcome!

 

[wildmike]

Spooky. I used a similar pack to yours for several years, still have it in fact.

nowadays I'm using a large swiss mountain rucksack. I picked it up at armynavydeals.com. They also have a large capacity canadian pack that is high capacity.

This swiss one is made of a rubberized nylon duck, leather bottom and straps. Two large pockets on the back of the pack instead of the sides.

Check it out

 

[baldtaco-II]

German -

French -

No idea about the comfort.

 

[Rotte]

I don't know how big the German pack is, but I've got an ALICE pack and frame that seems to hold everything I can carry. It's got a couple of extra-gear pockets sewn on (down at mod-shop outside Ft Bragg) that hold a few extras. The frame is heavy compared to modern packs, but it's damn near indestructible.

 

[ratamahatta]

++ on the alice pack with frame, I was able to pack all my gear including plenty of food......

 

[hollowdweller]

Those both look huge and heavy.

What's the capacity??

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Check craigs list

you can get a much better pack(comfort wise--)for less $ that you believe

Unless you are set on a surplus pack

Remember--that Comfort was never a prime concern when the Military chose a pack to adopt,.

here are some surplus sites--

http://www.rddusa.com/Military-Surp...y-Pack-Gi-Military-Accessories-Equipment.html

http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/store/subcat/304/Genuine_Military_Surplus__Backpacks

http://www.armynavysales.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=backpack

 

[Toucan Oasis]

All I see in this thread are instruments of torture.
I'd rather be waterboarded than have to carry ALICE again.

Ya want a cheap, comfortable pack go to that world famous auction site and pick up a used Kelty. A frameless Redwing will do you fine for overnighters.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Those both look huge and heavy.

What's the capacity??

While probably heavier than a nylon alternative, the Mountain pack (for example) is actually not very big. It's only around 17" tall. The model in the above pictures looks to be kind of small/young.

It's not that I have anything against new packs (they're certainly comfortable and lighter), I just have kind of a thing for canvas and leather. I don't abandon all things modern, but I do know what brings me more pleasure.

 

[Howitz]

An ALICE medium without frame would give you a slightly bigger pack. I don't have the numbers, just based on experience from using both. I'd recommend a frame though for the ALICE pack if you go that route.

 

[hollowdweller]

While probably heavier than a nylon alternative, the Mountain pack (for example) is actually not very big. It's only around 17" tall. The model in the above pictures looks to be kind of small/young.

It's not that I have anything against new packs (they're certainly comfortable and lighter), I just have kind of a thing for canvas and leather. I don't abandon all things modern, but I do know what brings me more pleasure.

If your pack weighs six pounds and you get another that weighs 3 that means you can take at least 2 lbs more worth of knives or hatchets:thumbup: Or some liquor!

 

[Loosearrow]

I have two of those Swiss Alpine salt and pepper canvas backpacks. I don't go far with them but they will wear like iron. I will pick up another if I find one cheap. They seem to keep going up in price.

 

[baldtaco-II]

Those both look huge and heavy.

What's the capacity??

Dunno about that German one but I'm going to guess at 40 liters. That French thing is 65 liters.
...

I'm with the general trend here that I doubt these are a route to comfort. In fact, I think the only military surplus pack I'd recommend to anyone is a tiny Dutch issue pack - too small for comfort to really be a factor and tough. Way cheaper than the branded pseudo-military day packs and built for those rough as a badger's arse days out. Bargain for those on a budget.

 

[hdglock]

I use the German pack for general hiking. When the weather starts getting cooler I picked up a medium Alice. For winter though I still use a Large Alice pack and frame. They may not be the most comfortable but they work and are no expensive

 

[mneedham]

Spooky,

I used a French one for a while and had no real complaints. I got a Max Condor for my B-day or I would probably still be using it...

 

[baldtaco-II]

It's probably worth mentioning I'm aware of two sizes of the French one. The 65 liter is the largest I know of.