Your favorite mil-surp bag?

Sufler

Sufler

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Oct 15, 2005
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What's that one military surplus backpack you think is definitely worth getting? I'm entertaining the idea of an old school (possibly even a commy-block) canvas backpack to use as a day pack. Any suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks!
 
I like just a shoulder bag. The one I have utilizes snaps and a buckle , that I dont like. I get lazy , not close them and lost a nice piece of equipment. Now Im looking for one with velcro.
 
dipbait said:
I like just a shoulder bag. The one I have utilizes snaps and a buckle , that I dont like. I get lazy , not close them and lost a nice piece of equipment. Now Im looking for one with velcro.
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Which military was your bag issued to? I've tried shoulder bags before but in the woods I find a backpack to be the best - load evenly spread, hands free, no leaning to one side.
 
I have a few favorite surplus bags that work great as day bags.

*M1936 Musette bag
*Medium Alice pack
*Molle II Assault pack
*Alice or newer L.B.E. [pistol belt, shoulder straps, buttpack etc.. . ]
*Vest with pouches

You can take the Shoulder strap off of something else like a 2 quart canteen carrier, put it on a Musette bag and have a great little shoulder bag. I use my aftermarket one as a small foraging/snack bag on hikes. Normally I carry it with another pack, either my Assault pack or one of two LBE's that I use. Rothco and a few other companies are still making modern Canvas Musette bags. It also works good as a small day pack carried in your backpacking kit. Pull it out for day hikes, allowing you to keep your large pack at camp.

The medium Alice pack with out a frame makes a great day pack. Mine is on a extra long Backpacking frame as a 2 to 3 day pack. But I have used it as a day pack before.

The Molle II Assault pack is a Military day pack. Right now, it's my go to day pack.

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The new Molle waist pack/butt pack is good to from what I hear. Works well with the Assault packs also. Have not tried it yet though.

Most of my packs and pouches are military surplus or of that style. The M4/M16 double and triple magazine pouches, Saw pouches both 100rd and 200rd, Canteen/GP Pouches and pistol magazine pouches make great general purpose pouches.

I'm looking at dying my Desert Camo Molle II Vest Brown to make it look less military, then attaching a bunch of pouches to it. This way, I can carry small items that I always want on my, on me like my FAK, Tinder pouch, snacks, light, monocular, multi-tool and so on. Toss my pack and those basic items are still on my person. Or maybe I'll just get a hunters vest. Time till tell. I've seen others do this with great results. So I'm considering it. . .
 
Sufler said:
Which military was your bag issued to? I've tried shoulder bags before but in the woods I find a backpack to be the best - load evenly spread, hands free, no leaning to one side.
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Its an ammo bag , maybe a copy of Israeli paratrooper bag. I doubt its authentic. Bought it at a military surplus store.
 
with such a wide variety of modern bags and back packs on the market today, I just don't feel the love for old milsurp stuff anymore. I like the modern materials, construction and versatility over the 'old school' products.
 
Mannlicher said:
with such a wide variety of modern bags and back packs on the market today, I just don't feel the love for old milsurp stuff anymore. I like the modern materials, construction and versatility over the 'old school' products.
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Much more comfortable too. Mil gear was never built for comfort of the soldier. Ergonomics, if even considered, weren't high on the list.
 
I don't do "old school".
I really like the MOLLE Assault pack, IMO it's a fantastic day pack.

A close second or Mil-Surp would be the ILBE Assault pack.

If a designed-for-military-but-not-issue pack is acceptable, I really, really like the Kelty MAP 3500.
 
desmobob said:
German Army mountain rucksack. Canvas, rubberized bottom, two long side pockets, padded straps; sized just right for daypack use. I bought one from a surplus place for sixteen bucks several years ago, and when I got it and used it, I immediately ordered a second one.

Here's what they look like: http://www.military1st.co.uk/14016001-bw-german-military-mountain-rucksack-backpack-25l-olive.html

Stay sharp,
desmobob
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Back in '04, it was thru a similar thread by other forum members that I ordered one as well.

Not a bad pack for what it is, but a little "caveat emptor" so to speak.

After doing a few mods (larger grab handle, changed the plastic D-rings to metal, added a thick padded waist belt to carry the load), it was a MUCH better pack.
 
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