What Survival Bag do you use?

jumpmonkey said:
.......As was said Kifaru bags are pricey, but if you can figure out what you really need size wise, they are a well made investment.

God bless,
Adam.......
Click to expand...

"Investment" is a good way to describe Kifaru. I am posting this pic and my observations, not to say what I think is best, but to hopefully help someone not spend money they don't have to. Wish I had found Kifaru several years ago. I could have saved some money and aggravation. I could have bought this one with the money I ate rejecting and reselling other packs so it's not such a bad price in the end.:thumbup:

mtwarden said:
Scout is a nice pack :), personally I'd spring for the hipbelt- lumbar packs (especially bigger ones) ride better w/ both straps and waist belt in my experience
Click to expand...

I am glad you mentioned that! I forgot to mention that I personally don't like hip belts and is why I picked the Scout. Others may prefer a belt and the way I had it loaded today, it would probably be a good idea. The good thing is that you can order the belt separately if you decide later you want one. I would guess that others would probably want the hip belt if they put in this pack what it can handle.:thumbup:

crossada said:
Jeff, looks like that scout has been modded like i did mine per Mel Terkla's instructions. It looks like your straps attach midway up the pack where as normally they attach at the bottom. Having it like you do makes it ride better when you are not using the omni belt. The scout pulls away from the body when you leave it standard without using the belt.
Click to expand...

Glad you brought that up! Yes, I do have it so mod'ed. I also took some leftover webbing from something and connected the belt flap to the adjustable atachments for the belt. It takes this mod to make it ride this way without the belt. I should have mentioned that. Thank you.:thumbup:

bigbcustom said:
Plus one for Kifaru! I have a scout with waist belt, and a navigator. Both excellent packs.
Click to expand...

Based on my own limited experience with Kifaru so far, I now see what others meant when they talked about how nice they are. I tried a lot of cheaper packs that didn't work, but hopefully tossing this one in the mix will help someone decide if it IS or IS NOT the one they need for their uses. Very happy with t he way this thing is made though.:thumbup:
 
I use a ESEE Junglas Laserna pack and a Maxpedition Octa versipack.

The octa is basically a self contained PSK and FAK, everything else goes in the Laserna.
 
I've been using a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II for dayhikes and a big Oakley duffle for my emergency/shtf/72hr/whatever bag.

My new Saddleback Leather large satchel just arrived today, and it is going to replace the Maxpedition for dayhikes. I'm gonna keep the Maxpedition for single night overnights now, it's just a bit bigger than I need for day trips to the woods.
 
I have a Versipack for EDC, a RAID II for overnighters/BOB and a Mountainsmith (older pack, not sure of the name) for camping/hiking trips. For a less expensive option I have a Swiss Army Gear backpack I found at Target a long time ago that is a very nice pack for $40. Very well made!
Sportsmans Guide has some Molle packs for cheap too. I've heard decent things about them for the money.
 
Check out Mountainsmith's Cleark Creek 20 - they run about $35 on ebags - great bag as I have one. Maxpedition Pygmy II and even the EDC Versipacks are a good choice too.

ClearCreek2038XL.jpg


Kelty's military line seems good too... since you wanted Molle.

http://www.kelty.com/c-43-backpacks.aspx
 
41XPJN2B3AL.jpg


Being broke most of the time, I got that one as my BOB pack some years ago. I had it modded by adding a front pocket, metal D-rings instead of the stock plastic, a wide padded waist-belt and stronger grab handle.

I got it based on the good feedback by regulars here (paleo25 and the other guy I forgot who actually had it as his avatar. Geez I'm getting forgetful lately :o )
 
I didn't know I needed a new bag until I read this thread. I like the Mountainsmith bag.
 
I've been doing day hikes with this rig lately.

P1010083.jpg
 
JV3 said:
i really like my maxpedition falcon 2...as for what i carry, typical hiking/survival stuff. no need to really list it here. w&ss peeps already know what they are. not too expensive either at $116.

here are the two videos i found to be really helpful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYE-rMe5OuM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-0ctAtI2b0
Click to expand...

+1 on the Falcon II.



It is my most-used and all-time favorite daypack and is a surprisingly versatile/capable pack for its size. I initially considered the Y strap that comes over the top of the bag bothersome, impeding quick access the main compartments. But after a few years of use, I find it extremely handy for strapping on additional clothing, etc.. (But it is removeable if you don't like it). The Molle webbing allows you to add what you need, when you need it. My initial reaction to the bag was luke-warm, but it has become one of my most-loved pieces of outdoor gear.

BlackMtPondbowhuntingstuff.jpg


FalconII-OTMBushcraft.jpg


untamed said:
41XPJN2B3AL.jpg
Click to expand...

And a +1 on this one, too!

I picked up one of these several years ago for something like $16. I used it a lot and decided to grab another one. I use one for waterfowl hunting and the other is in my car, packed with outdoor essentials for unplanned hikes or emergency use.

These two bags would be my picks for a premium (Falcon II) and budget (surplus rucksack) pack.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
If you find the Falcon II is a little big for a day pack, there's always the Pygmy Falcon version.

DayPack3.jpg


DayPack2.jpg
 
High Density,

I forgot to add that I was interested to see your sig section regarding "NATO Miltary" OTF knives.

I put one together many years ago from a kit. There was a company (in AZ, IIRC) selling switchblades, autos and OTF autos in kit form for very reasonable prices. I had the O.D. colored NATO Military OTF. It had a ton of blade play but worked perfectly. It had black bolsters and the paint wore off in no time, exposing the cast metal.

I guess in the long run, I got what I paid for. Very functional; just not great quality.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
desmobob said:
And a +1 on this one, too!

I picked up one of these several years ago for something like $16. I used it a lot and decided to grab another one. I use one for waterfowl hunting and the other is in my car, packed with outdoor essentials for unplanned hikes or emergency use.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
Click to expand...

They may not be the prettiest or have the most "wow" factor but they do hold a ton indeed. BTW, now I remember the guys who recommended it years ago: a shout out to paleo25 (who I understand is a paleontology student) and longbow50 (he has it for his avatar and longtime member here too). :thumbup:
 
Last edited:
High Density said:
I am liking this bag.

High Density & desmobob, have to make it 3 for 3. I just added an M-1 & an M-5 pouch for some additional "toys" & have really grown fond of it. I also bought a Last Resort attache case for work, but I was able to use the outside pockets for my daily "get home" stuff, & still have room inside the main pocket for my laptop, files, charger, etc. from work. Thinking very seriously about getting the Aggressor model attache case to use for my truck bag items. A lot of pockets & two main compartments inside. Has anyone else ever used these attache's strictly for a b.o.b. ?
Be safe.
Click to expand...
 
Guyon said:
........Probably not quite as well made as the Maxpedition, but still maybe worth a look.
Click to expand...

I have been using Condor water bottle carriers and they seem to be holding up extremely well. Unless I was heading off to a combat zone or way away from civilization, I would consider what I am using from Condor to be of more than adequate quality.:thumbup:

I almost go the Pygmy Falcon II before I found the Kifaru, because I like the dual water bottle carriers. So many choices.
 
I use the Osprey COmet as my survival bag. The best survival bag is one your carry daily. I got this one recently as my school bag/day hike bag. It hangs tight to your back so it works well for biking as well (why i got it since I bike to class). I carry a small survival kit with a knife, some food and water. This one really rocks because it has a nice laptop pocket and large enough for some other stuff as well. The other thing I love about it is it doesnt have a ton of straps hanging everywhere which drive me nuts personally. Good warranty as well :)

http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=216&colorCode=670&tab=description
 
Guyon said:
I've been doing day hikes with this rig lately.

P1010083.jpg
Click to expand...

I have the same pack for day hikes. Works out good for summer but I.m coming up short on space for winter hikes in the mountains. Looking to add the Camelbak Trizip to my arsenal for the winter hikes and summer over nighters, 2300 ci + Molle, and Mystery Ranch harness. I try and stay under 20 lbs for day hikes and 30 lbs for the 2-3 day stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top