The right ruck

H

habaz72

Joined
Apr 1, 2011
Messages
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I'm a contractor doing regular 4 month deployments to Afghanistan and soon other fun locations around the world. When I'm out here I do a lot of "FOB Hopping", meaning I travel from one small base to the next, living out of my pack for 10-14 days. I currently have a Condor assault pack with an advertised capacity of about 4200 ci (about 70 liters). I have it stuffed full with my sleep system stuff sack strapped to the bottom then I have my shower shoes hooked to the side so I'm calling 4200 my minimum, approx 40 lbs of weight. After only 2 months of use I'm seeing signs of wear on the pack and I don't think I can trust it to survive my next rotation in September, so I'm looking for a better option.

I travel by fixed and rotary wing aircraft (planes and helicopters) and am not doing patrols or ruck marches, I am not an operator or shooter of any kind. The most I have to walk is about one mile from the landing zone to whatever unit I'm visiting.

The bag I'm currently considering is an Eberlestock Warhammer (2050 ci) (with the fanny pack lid (300 ci)) which can be unfolded to create a cargo bay to secure other things. I'm thinking I can stuff my 3 day pack, an Eagle A III (2600 ci) into the cargo bay and then cram my sleep system in there as well then secure it all down with the flaps and compression straps on the Warhammer. This would also allow me to pack for a shorter trip and not have a whole lot of extra pack being unused. I will also use this bag as my BOB and camping pack when I'm not on deployment.

Before I pull the trigger on this I'm asking around for other suggestions or personal experiences with the above pack or Eberlestock products in general. I've already read a bunch of reviews but more info can't hurt. Money is an option so I don't want to go much higher than the $350 I'm describing above. It doesn't have to be a tactical pack but I'd like the option of subdued colors should I find myself in an emergency landing sort of nightmare. I'm 6'3" and 250lbs so I'd like the pack to be adjustable for the big 'n tall folks.

Thanks for any feedback.
 
I've done my share of the same fun you'll be doing. I have a couple of Eberlestock packs (not the Warhammer) and can vouch that they will hold up well. Most of my traveling was much shorter; usually 2-3 days and I made do with a Mystery Ranch 3DAP. I think with the larger Warhammer and your smaller 3-day pack, you'll do fine. Eberlestock will handle the typicaly rough handling of packs during travel. I'm intrigued by the Warhammer's concept and it should work well as you have planned. It's not a big pack, so having the "cargo" space may make up for the smaller capacity as a stand-alone.

ROCK6
 
The Warhammer is a tough pack, and it's layout will work for what you're trying to do. As you know, an ALICE frame is used for stability, and this pack handles oversized or heavy loads as well as can be expected. Adding the LP1 Fanny Top go bag accessory is good for further organizing your load, and can even accommodate a hydration bladder if need be.

Bottom line, it sounds like you've made a solid decision. Nothing against the Condor pack, but you're going to be amazed at the difference in ergonomics, durability & overall design once you get your hands on the Eberlestock!

Hope this helps & just ask if you have additional questions.
Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com
 
Put both Kifaru and eberlestock packs through the wringer. Aside from a few little extra nicities in the kifaru packs and a little nicer craftsmanship, eberlestocks stand among the best of the best

Havent used the warhammer, but it is similar to some of the other super modular designs that they offer. I have owned the x3, x2, dragonfly and halftrack and they have all been great packs and fully endorse thier products. If i were you, I would give the guys at eberlestcok a call, explain what you are doing and let them set you up right. Eberlestock offers an XL harness and you might need it depending, but I do know from personal experience that the back will adjust to accommodate someone your size.

I feel that your intended use for the pack is very well thought out and would work well, I have done similar set-ups myself, but you might want to talk to the staff at the store to make sure your using the right pack, they might also give you a discount seeing as how you are supporting the good guys.

Good luck and take some pics.


@ Nofair, thats an awesome career path. Sounds like your really getting to live the good life.
 
Last edited:
razorsdescent said:
@ Nofair, thats an awesome career path. Sounds like your really getting to live the good life.
Click to expand...

Thanks, but I don't live out in the mountains for months now after getting a wife and kids. Still get a week here and a week there though :D
 
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