Wilderness B.O.B bag.

T

Thor1986

Joined
Jun 24, 2008
Messages
221
Just wanted to get some opinions from the wilderness and survival experts here on the forums about the 5.11 rush 72 bag and the ESEE pack. Looking to get a good size survival pack for camping and when i just feel like going off in the woods and not coming back for a while. Also if the bag can serve the purpose of a B.O.B bag that's a plus also. I've watched what reviews i could find on youtube, but still not enough to really make a decision. If possible anyone who has experience with these two bags could give some input it would be appreciated or if there are any other bags in the 100-200 dollar range that you could recommend. More than likely ill end up with both, but need one to start with.

Thanks for your time.
 
Have you looked at the Falcon II, and the Pygmy Falcon II backpacks from Maxpedition? I have a smaller one for my PSK; I like their products.
 
I have looked at the Falcon since its the larger of the two and i do like the way it looks and I've have put some thought into it and will be one of my upper picks if im talked out of either of these. Because the falcon in foliage has my eye.
 
I own one of these bags, and I think it is a great pack. I use it as my primary bag for trips, and I can pack a lot of stuff into it.

I can't really comment on the wilderness/ survival aspects of it, but I will say that it is a very comfortable bag to wear. The straps don't bite into my shoulders at all and it fits well.

Hope this helps some.

EDIT: Just did a little searching around and saw that 5.11 makes a Rush 24 and Rush 12, both smaller versions of the 72. If the 72 winds up being too big for your needs, check out both of those. You actually have me thinking about picking up one of these smaller packs for everyday use (my wife is gonna kill me).
 
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I have the 5.11 rush 72 and it is a great bag. I have carried it a lot and currently use it as a BOB. one goodd thing is that the back plate comes out of it so it can ride differently on your back. Also, it has numerous internal pockets. The only thing I can see thats wrong with it is that I tend to overload it because it has somany pockets and so much room. It is very durable and will accomadate most anything you could use. If weight is a concern then it might be a bit heavy. Overall though you will be hard pressed to find a better bag for the money. JMHO
 
Just throwing out a different idea. And before you say: "that's WAY too expensive...", they can be found used quite easily in your price range.

The Arc'teryx AC2 series packs are made of a bomber 420D waterproof fabric and are completely waterproof [roll-top closure]. These are really, really tough bags and they also have proper hip belts and suspension etc. They really are a thing of beauty [rugged beauty]. On the used market look for the name: Naos, Acrux etc. I have a Naos 55 [55 litre] bought on a close-out for $225 [damn fine bargain] and an Acrux 50 [50 litre]. A nice size for lightweight trips. They can handle literally anything you throw at them: river crossings, rocky ridges, rain, abuse.

http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Packs/Arrakis-65
 
Thor1986 said:
I have looked at the Falcon since its the larger of the two and i do like the way it looks and I've have put some thought into it and will be one of my upper picks if im talked out of either of these. Because the falcon in foliage has my eye.
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The 5.11 and ESEE bags are waaaaay apart on the quality and price scale.

The Falcon II is right in the middle, and is what I'm using. I really like it so far, and have about 20 lbs worth of gear in it, including 2.5L water.

BoB.jpg
 
Tons of good info so far guys, but still makes it hard to make a decision for my first pack. I guess lets make it a vote between (5.11 rush 72, ESEE Pack, Maxpedition Falcon 2, and Kelty Redwing). Weights not so much of an issue. Im looking more at the ability to add and take a way when needed that way i can customize for whatever im doing, a well thought out design for easy access for your gear when you need it, plenty of storage and hydration which i think all of them have, and durability is a must.
 
I have a 5.11 72 hours pack and it's a great bag, for a weekend getaway with the wife or a few days of business travel. I packed a week of summer clothes in it for a trip to Chicago earlier this year.
It carried well through the airport and fit in the overhead bin. But, it would not be in my top ten choices of bags to carry into the woods for any length of time. Good for car camping, sure. Good for hiking into the boonies to get away from civilization, no. The bag is heavy by itself and I don't think that the frame sheet is suitable for the long term carry of heavy gear.
Just about any civy style, medium sized, internal frame pack would be a better choice to use for both long term, stints in the woods and as a BoB.
 
Camelbak packs. Came across some today on a site and some of them look like they fit the bill for what im looking for. Anyone have any experience or negatives and positives on them? If they are as durable as they look and fairly comfortable they may be the ticket.
 
Thor1986 said:
Camelbak packs. Came across some today on a site and some of them look like they fit the bill for what im looking for. Anyone have any experience or negatives and positives on them? If they are as durable as they look and fairly comfortable they may be the ticket.
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I have 2 Camelbak packs and would definitely recommend them, or atleast their military line. I have the 1st generation Motherlode and the HAWG. The HAWG is my day to day pack, throw in the vehicle for vacations, etc...

The Motherlode is a great 2-3 day pack, obviously depending on how you pack. What I like about both packs is the fact that they are comfortable and are heavy duty. In my humble opinion, they can't be beat for the price. I've toyed around with the Maxpedition stuff but the bags (Murses), just seemed a little much for me. As big as the single strap bags are, they would be very uncomfortable if carrying to much weight over time.
 
Yeah, im looking at the Camelbak BFM Ruck. Looks like all the pack i could need. Plenty of space and from the youtube videos they look like they are pretty tough.
 
I always recommend to my customers to go with a bag from Maxpedition over 5.11 or even Blackhawk, they are just made better and there are so many more options to fit your needs. I have and use every day a bag from Maxped. and always will.

Now, based on your question with your options being 5.11 or the bag from ESEE? I would no doubt go with the ESEE bag over the 5.11 - I don't have one yet but but based on their other gear (knives and such) I'd put a small fortune that the bag is made just as well.

If your open to a bag from Maxpedition there are many options as well as other carry items that can be added to the bag to make it even better.
 
I am definitely open to a maxpedition bag, the falcon 2 is on top of my list at the moment now with the camelbak bfm and esee right there with it. Just trying to figure out which i like better and how much i want to spend at the moment. Gotta budget me funds for fun while saving up for my wedding.
 
It's been mentioned alot so far but I can't say enough about my falcon 2. It is by far my favorite pack and it's size keeps me from packing along to much unnecessary crap but has plenty of ways to add on to it. Khaki and foliage is the way to go.
 
I have no problem with my Falcon II, its a primary backup filled with extra SAR gear, mostly First-aid, but water and some small survival equipment. I dont know about the others as when I got the Falcon II I was happy with it so I didn't try anything else.
 
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