Backpacks

I am going to be purchasing a couple backpacks in the near future for me and my wife. I was curious what brands you would consider. Military style or civilian style?

 

I was thinking the same, but if I was carrying an m1a or ar15 along with me, it would seem that i wouldn't look the part of a granola, tree hugging hiker who was minding his own business on a bugout hike through suburban detroit.

 

Alright. I can answer now Clyde.

I was going to talk about my Kifaru Navigator but as much as I liked it, hadn't really put many miles on it to give an opinion. So, just for you, I took it out for a 4 hour walk in the mountains today.
I blew out a boot so send me a Pair of Vasque GTX to the usual addy.

I had it filled with about 40 lbs and it still had room for mare crap. It rode well and was very comfortable so far. I think I need to fine tune a few of the adjustments as I think I was over-adjusting a few straps at times. You just never know until you get out and try it.

Beats the Medium and Large ALICE packs by a long shot. My medium used to beat me in the kidneys on Humps. I tend to buy my long term gear for , well, long term use. I tend to gravitate to the higher end in things like packs. Kifaru is not cheap yet you can still spend more. I'd say the navigator is around the same as some Good Mountaineering packs in price.

I have mine set up as a backpacking camping rig right now, with a little survival thrown in. I think you could create a much smaller "Survival kit" but I'm thinking longer term and the need to carry some extra stuff. And I can put my sleeping bag, tent and a few changes of clothes in it for a weekend camping trip.

I like everything Kifaru I have used and turned my Folks on to the Scout for a recent Africa trip. I think it would make a great pack for a kid as well. Small enough to manage.
They are built like tanks and I don't think I will ever have a materials or workmanship problem with any of them.

www.kifaru.net go to the Military side and look at packs
there are other great rigs out there. I just like this one

 

Get dark color and during the SHTF add camo net to it

 

and, my personal choice is just that...my opinion. I did carry a $40 medium ALICE pack for a few years and it did work. If that's all yoneed , go for it.

I know Clyde's tastes

WHat else?

 

I have used a medium ALICE pack with frame for years now since my service in the Army. The only thing I have found wrong with it was the strapping not being padded enough, and the fact that it wasn't modular. Something to be said about the ALICE packs is they are rugged and dependable, but take it from those of us who have had to carry loads over long distance when we tell you they are not comfortable, they will cause you back problems, and they absolutely ought to be a last option in this modern world. There are very few people out there who have the body type to accommodate these old packs, and I am about medium build and simply cannot tolerate extended use. Your mileage may vary.

I have now solved my problem. It came in the post today, in fact...

The Webtex 3/4 PLCE DPM Ruck

This baby is stitched to withstand HELL, let me tell you. The zippers are mil-spec heavy plastic, and the whole ruck is stitched with quad stitching along the numerous attachment points. It has plenty of room, comes with an internal waterproof cover which overlaps the main cargo area, just like the US Mil Spec ALICE. This pack is a 90 litre scaled down version of the full size PLCE system with the same specification including the day sack. It is 90 litre (complete) rucksack, incorporating a versatile day pack system. Connecting the two detachable pouches to the yoke (included) gives you a useful 20 litre day pack. Two zipped lid pockets, small front pouch, side compression straps, padded shoulder and waist belt, removable internal aluminum frame. Made from 1000 denier waterproof Cordura.


Webtex PLCE (DPM camo) Rucksack - 90 Liter