Which pack for BOB and which to use?

T

TXPigPoacher

Joined
Feb 8, 2011
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So I was being cheap and purchased a condor level3 assault pack then after having a strap come un-stitched I purchased a maxped falcon. The folks at Bomar tactical got me a replacement pack at no charge. Packs are roughly the same size shape etc. I'm gonna keep one loaded as my BOB and use the other on short hikes, overnight camping etc. I really don't care if I wear out the cheap pack so should I use it for my hikes and then just ditch it when it disintegrates. Any opinions...I'm torn:confused:

TX
 
Check out the TAD gear fast pack EDC. Very high qulaity pack with a lifetime warranty. Some people will grumble about the price but it is a great peiece of gear. Kifaru and Mystery Ranch also make bomb proof packs.

I EDC a TAD litespeed and have no complaints but at 1300ci it is a bit samll for a bob.
 
Which will see more use? I'd keep the cheapo one loaded as a BOB and use the more durable one for everyday use. I mean, you won't be "bugging out" everyday right?
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
Which will see more use? I'd keep the cheapo one loaded as a BOB and use the more durable one for everyday use. I mean, you won't be "bugging out" everyday right?
Click to expand...

I would rather have a cheap junker pack break on a casual trip than during an emergency.

Load the Maxpedition up for your bugout bag, use the cheapo on your fun trips but bring a needle and thread and safety pins.
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
Which will see more use? I'd keep the cheapo one loaded as a BOB and use the more durable one for everyday use. I mean, you won't be "bugging out" everyday right?
Click to expand...
I see "both" sides of this conversation. When the POO hits the fan, I want a BOB that will hold up.
OTOH, If you use the good bag for everyday use, you'll be more likely to find and work out any bugs it might have. ;)
-Bruce
 
Y'all are reading my mind! This is why I'm having trouble with the decision...I'm leaning towards maxped for BOB and destroy the cheapo using it so I can purchase another high quality bag later.
 
I have an LA Police Gear Diplomat cheap pack loaded that stays in the vehicle as my Get Home Bag and a Kelty Redwing that is my regular use pack. The Diplomat wouldn’t hold up to regular use I don’t think, but for staying in the car and getting me home, it will do just fine. You might consider getting a surplus ALICE pack or the like for the cheaper pack. They’re durable and cheap and then have a nicer pack for regular use. When I’m out hiking, etc. I don’t want a cheap pack.

What I would do, is use the good pack for your regular use and keep the cheap one as the BOB. When the better pack is starting to wear some or you’re ready for a newer pack down the road, replace the cheap one with it and start using your new good pack all the time. Make sense?
 
RatDrall said:
I would rather have a cheap junker pack break on a casual trip than during an emergency.

Load the Maxpedition up for your bugout bag, use the cheapo on your fun trips but bring a needle and thread and safety pins.
Click to expand...

With respect, I have seen a $19 Walmart special backpack, used for geological field work, last 3+ years before a strap broke. This includes loading/unloading from helicopters, carrying 10-15kg of rock samples at a time, from temperature extremes such as -35 to +30. I think we tend to underestimate the durability of gear in general. Even in a "bugout" situation, what are you most likely going to be doing? Escaping an angry mob, scaling a cliff face? It sounds like the OP needs to test both bags before deciding which is most cofortable to carry and which design suits his needs. Work with what you have before buying more gear:thumbup:
 
Also, always check what packs can be had at below outlet prices from reliable shops like REI.

And test them, with actual weight before you buy.
 
I agree with BenchmadeBoy. Use one every day for a month or so, then rotate for the other one. Find out which one works best for you for everyday use. This amount of time should reveal any manufacturing defects as well.

How long did the first pack last before the strap came undone? I don't want to make a blanket statement as to the quality of those packs, but a buddy at work had the same pack for about two weeks before the zipper on the main compartment broke and dumped his trash on the floor. Not a chance I would want to take in a Bug Out situation. Just something to consider.

SJ
 
I decided to use the condor bag for short trips etc. I really hadn't even used the bag when the strap came unstitched...only loaded my BOB stuff. If it breaks again soon I'll just get my money back and buy another maxped or some other quality pack. I doubt if I'll ever even use my BOB for it's intended purpose but I really don't want a POS when and if it really counts.
 
I've been carrying countycomm's XL EOD bag every day for over a year, its cheap, seems durable (got caught on door handles and similar things quite a few times and I have plenty of momentum just by walking) and got enough space for most situations. I would trust it to sit in my closet filled with stuff until I need it. If a d-ring should break or something similar there are plenty of points you can lash the strap to in an emergency and still get out.

As a different perspective, one of the MOLLE straps came off my maxped lunada in the stitching. So all gear is subject to breakage I guess.
 
You should check out the UTG backpack I forget what the model is called but it's high value, and it's like $60. I'm very imprest with mine.
 
I'd say if one absolutely positively has to hold up when your ass is on the line, as a BOB is from my understanding, use the good one.
 
For several years now, I have been using a CamelBak HAWG as my BOB. Mine is the woodland camo model with molle straps. I have added a SAW pouch, and another small pouch. It carries everything I need, plus the three liters of water.
HAWG_pack.jpg
 
I love Eberlestock packs. I have a Gunslinger II right now that I use as my main hunting/meat hauler. The frame is rock solid and extremely comfortable and adjusts easily to your frame. If you've ever had to carry a rifle, or two for an extremely long time, you'd really appreciate the ability to place your rifle in your pack. I thought it was going to be awkward at first, transitioning from the rifle in the pack, to rifle in the hand, but it is not. The other part that I really liked, was the fact that you can fold the bottom rifle section into the pack, and basically eliminate it all together. You'd never know it was there.

They are worth looking into. Any pack is for that matter. I'd suggest making a list of your needs, your intended purpose, and then trying on as many packs as you can that fit your criteria. Finding a comfortable pack, that you can carry for long periods is the most important part of the decision.

eberlstock%20gunslinger%20II%20G2M_04_LRG.jpg
 
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