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Which pack for XMas wishlist?

P

Plainsman

Joined
Apr 5, 1999
Messages
1,172
I'm thinking about putting a backpack on my XMas wishlist this year and am wondering which one(s) to consider.

I like the idea of an external frame that can also be used by itself, like a Medium ALICE pack, but I didn't like the weight and bulk of the ALICE pack when I had one.

I would prefer to get away from zippers if possible, or get a pack with good quality zippers if it has any.

This pack would be used for a possible BOB, hiking/camping and be expected to handle heavy use!

Thanks for any/all recommendations!
 
hows about a Tactical Tailor 3 day pack? i got one, its been on MANY hikes, its bombproof, HEAVY DUTY zippers, water bladder holder, flip it inside out and there is a HI-VIZ aerial rescue signal flag, and it fits well on my frame. One big main compartment, a smaller second compartment and a third small pocket for quick access stuff.

pics in a minute, gott find them

116-1.jpg
 
Last edited:
Bushman,

Nice looking pack! When you say it fits well on your frame, are you talking about an ALICE frame or something else? Thanks!
 
Plainsman,

Price range? For high-end bombproof bags look at Mystery Ranch and Kifaru, but they;re spendy
 
For sure, let's keep it under $300, realistically, probably under half that is more like it!

The most expensive pack I've ever owned was a Medium ALICE with frame that I figured cost less than $50 total when I traded for it! I liked the design, just hated the weight/bulk of the pack itself. The extra weight of the pack material could be better used for gear or just plain left off!
 
70lt Snugpack from wildernessoutfitters. Perfect pack for me for multible hiking/camping. Inexpensive for a pack of quality, and tough. I want it so bad. But I think a stoeger uplander would be nice too.
 
GPB,

I liked your recommendation, but my wife looked like I had sprouted a second head when I showed it and the price tag to her!! :D
 
I understand completely, saved my pennies for it.

If it helps, www.rei.com is offering a 20% off coupon when you become a member I think. But the one they offer is the 50l, not the 40l.

Truly, after owning Eagle, Blackhawk, Maxpedition, Alpine Lowe, Gregory, and others I can't remember, this pack blew me away when I took it out of the box, loaded it up and hiked with it.

Whatever you get I hope you enjoy it and it works for you!:thumbup:
 
Plainsman,

I'm not sure what your purpose is for wanting and external frame. If it is to use as a game hauler, you may want to look at Bull-Pac. They also sell pack sacks that attach to the pack frame or you could attach a modern internal frame pack to it when you need both, and use either alone the rest of the time.

If your attachment is just from memories of packs past, I encourage you to take a look at quality modern packs. Generally speaking, they are much much lighter and carry more comfortably. I nice pack can certainly be had within your stated budget.

What are your intended uses? How much gear/weight will you need to carry? For how long?

-- FLIX
 
OK guys. I earn a living with a backpack these daze.
Either grab a DG6 or DG3 Crossfire http://ausmilitary.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=7002 if you need to go heavy or haul out meat OR..if you are just hiking and mountaineering get an Osprey Atmos.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/AtmosSeriesMens/Atmos65/ Great pack for hard work due to the ventilation.
I have all 3 of those packs and living in the rainforest I wear the Osprey or DG6 most of the time.
If I am guiding in the dry tropical forest, near Nicaragua, I often wear a Lowe Alpine Stingray.
It's a great pack but not very waterproof...or even resistant.

If I had to choose just one ? My Osprey but I no longer hunt large game. In that case ? My DG6

All of these packs run around $300
 
Plainsman said:
I'm thinking about putting a backpack on my XMas wishlist this year and am wondering which one(s) to consider.

I like the idea of an external frame that can also be used by itself, like a Medium ALICE pack, but I didn't like the weight and bulk of the ALICE pack when I had one.

I would prefer to get away from zippers if possible, or get a pack with good quality zippers if it has any.

This pack would be used for a possible BOB, hiking/camping and be expected to handle heavy use!

Thanks for any/all recommendations!
Click to expand...

Eberle Operator or Terminator, field tested and approved by me. Mountainsmith Maverick, solid bag, been using it as my backcountry bag for the last year or so and it is dynamite. There's a Mystery Ranch Kodiak in my closet waiting for World War III.
 
If you're willing to blow your budget out the window, the Mystery Ranch NICE frame and Crewcab pack are wonderful. I bought one last year (and the Daypack Lid) and find it to be very versatile. The NICE frame fits you like an internal frame pack does and allows some flex for comfort with heavy loads. Various size Mystery Ranch bags will fit on the frame. The Crewcab is one of those bags, and it offers a clever combination of packing options will still allowing load hauling (like having your three-day camping gear plus a boned-out whitetail or an elk quarter or two).

I'm looking forward to a long and happy relationship with mine. :)

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
Bushman5 said:
hows about a Tactical Tailor 3 day pack? i got one, its been on MANY hikes, its bombproof, HEAVY DUTY zippers, water bladder holder, flip it inside out and there is a HI-VIZ aerial rescue signal flag, and it fits well on my frame. One big main compartment, a smaller second compartment and a third small pocket for quick access stuff.

pics in a minute, gott find them

116-1.jpg
Click to expand...

Huge +1 on that.

Don't get me wrong I love my Lightfighter RAID pack, but its not exactly a easy pack to comeby at times. But a TT pack is a big step in the right direction. Its not only going to be damn near bombproof but its going to offer some added bonuses for you.

Webbing is a big one that many people overlook. Hell most people flatout overlook it on a pack, but when you consider the expansion options with pouches you could add...The pack becomes more then just a hodgepodge of gear, but rather far more convenient and organized.

External pouches have saved my ass on more then one occasion being anything from carrying some food or a clean dry pair of socks (I know some of you can relate to this...fresh pair of thorlo socks) or even just having tools or items I need right there where I don't need to dig for them.
 
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