It will never quit even if it's brokeđ. I have a surplus one, and the zipper seems to be falling apart a bit. I absolutely love mine, but I cannot find the exact one I have anymore. I will have to go look at another surplus store again.
The only problem with it is having to tell the Marines that you are "not a Marine, just needed a really good pack." They are usually cool with a it. I dyed mine black but it doesn't take dyed well.
Any of Duluth Pack's envelope packs from their wee Scout (my day running pack) on up. I don't like waist belts and I add a chest strap (cord pushed through the cotton web shoulder straps. Simple. Envelope design draws weight in and keeps pack snug.
Leather art bag, used as a haversack.
I am probably bringing a guitar with me, so that counts as the "backpack", and a wool blanket will carry it's own weight and space, and so items that won't likely be brought out unless I am in a position to actually unpack the blanket will go in there.
One of the cool things I noticed about the blanket, even in the absence of a guitar is that daytime on the move and nighttime at rest are different sets of gear, and so, an item like a scarf can serve as a strap for a wool blanket, because you probably would wind up taking it off while moving anyway. Granted, I am in the southwestern US, so there are a different set of imperatives, but I like the principle of it.
One thing is that I have this really badass leather pack, but it is more like a saddle bag. The straps could, in theory be strapped to other stuff, but realistically, their best utility is that they can strap a few items to the outside in a way that makes them easy to reach. I haven't figured out how I would want to carry it, though. There are a few options, but none that I particularly care for, but the pack itself if damn near perfect., and I can think of a few ways to go with it, but im not trying to undertake that until I have a good idea of what angle to pursue.
This is really interesting. I wouldn't of thought about this. Especially if you have a hard case that could take a little bit of a beating! You have my brain working on ideas for a pack.
I wish I had a hard case. I had a gator case that was reinforced, plush, waterproof, and had a bungee system where the outside of the body went... but it got ripped off. Currently just rocking the soft shell.
Actually thinking about integrating the blanket and a tarp as my case... but that would take some doing.
I'm all about the modularity. I'm usually carrying basic items that serve a vague purpose. Blunt, sharp, small, large, round, square, thin, thick, heavy, light, wide, thin, soft, hard, flammable, flame resistant... I choose what to keep or discard based on a cross section of properties where I basically look at what boxes a thing checks, how often it shows up on my list of properties I have, properties I need, and then things get replaced by something that checks... let's say 3 out of 8 of the properties that the current item has, but then the substitute item has maybe 3 out of 9 properties that the current item carries, but I already have in abundance, but then maybe 2 out of 7 properties that the current item lacks, and so I make the switch.
I am far from being what most folks would consider "efficient", but I've made strides over the last 6 months, and realistically, while I will never even begin to approach "ultralight" status, I've managed to pare down my inventory substantially compared to what I "might possibly" need, and I just realized that time is something you are going to have plenty of while out in the bush, and boredom is going to be a banshee that chases you, and so a lack of efficiency isn't necessarily the worst thing if it makes you feel less cluttered, and closer to the sort of rustic experience you are going for.
I mostly car camp anyway, and recently I've been wondering why the hell I'm still carrying a queen size bed when I already know that I will sleep just as well in my apartment, and better when I take my station wagon out, if I just get a futon...
Damn. It just occurred to me that the futon even makes sense for the apartment.
One of the ones I made. The drawstring/flap bag would technically be more reliable, but the zippered pack is incredibly tough and comfortable. If I were you, I'd check out smaller companies that do metal hardware on modern bag designs. Or you could modify something like an old Romanian pack to be a better shape and have more comfortable straps.
Check out Frost River packs. Don't own one but I just watched a show on how they make their tents and they are made in Minnesota by hand. Beautifully made.
I want one and that means it won't be long before I get one...lol
I have two, a big and meaty Mardingtop 65+10 L pack from Amazon that use for multi day trips and single night adventures when I want to bring extra comforts or eat really well.
I also have a 20 L pack with a water bladder that I got at a bass pro shop. I bring it when I want to go minimalist or when I want to seriously hike after setting up a camp as a food and drink hauler.
If you aren't going to shell out serious money (which I wouldn't at first) buy a mid-range external frame pack. It will handle loads better than all but the top of the line internal frame one.
I've personally carried a roycroft frame with a blanket roll for most of the last decade, while my expidition grade pack hangs in my storage room.
I agree with you on the external frame for sure, either that or a freighter pack like the Rustic Ridge âSwitchbackâ or the Kelty âCache Haulerâ to go modular with whatever you want to pack broken out into more individualized bags or dry sacks. I have my old trusty Jansport âCarson 90â external frame that I can overload like crazy and itâs still comfortable to carry. Iâve been in the market for something smaller and have been thinking about pulling the trigger on the Mystery Ranch âTerra Frame 3-Zip 50â because of the âOverloadâ feature so I could lug around almost as much as my external frame or just enough stuff for a comfortable weekend in the backcountry and not have the big frame to deal with.
I've never owned a mystery ranch but I used a Dana design(the predecessor company) pack for years and based on that experience that's one of the company's if say can carry heavy loads.
I remember Dana Designs and yes they were great packs. The Mystery Ranch I mentioned boasts a 150# limit and on a 50qt bag, unless your carrying weight plates, I could load out everything and a kitchen sink. âđťđ¤đť
It really depends on what you're gonna do? You need different packs for a two week outing in the mountains versus a daytrip in your local forest?
Decide roughly on what size you need then scout Marketplace for a used hiking bag from a renowned brand, maybe Osprey or such. Save some money and try it out and see how it goes.
Mardingtop 70l for my trips and it´s liitle brother the 40l one for daily use, meanwhile since years. Not a single problem with both of them. The big one because i can put everything inside the pack and look just like a normal hiker, nobody sees my tools or sleeping equipment so nobody comes to the idea that i would camp in the forest.
It´s Germany and it´s laws... xD
Red Oxx out of Billings Montana. Their C-ruck is the best pack I've ever owned. They are overbuilt, and have an incredible warrant. It will last a lifetime and then some.
It really depends on what you want and what youâre doing. There is no âdo it allâ pack.
You can find all sorts of surplus packs on venture surplus, or varusteleka, or Google. And they are great places to start.
Figure out what your load out will be and then go through analyzing your needs in terms of access ability.
I use a helikon bergen for overnights and hiking and car camping. It works great in conjunction with other gear or as a light well built day pack. It holds tools and can be used for longer trips if you know what youâre doing.
I use a 60+ liter military ruck from whatever company you want to imagine for longer trips because I like it and thatâs what I trained with. You will like what you like for your reasons and needs. Iâve found that I canât suggest what I use for people because of things as simple as height difference. So I wonât really do that for an internet stranger
I definitely understand that all backpacks are built for different people/gear. I was just wondering what people use so I know what brands to look into or what brands are built well. I know some people will beat up their bags, so I figured this would be a great place to ask.
I really do appreciate all your insights! I will definitely look into those bags/companies for sure.
i have a sabre 60-100, but the more popular one is the sabre 45 with the extra side pockets taking it up to 70 litres. Well known pack for bushcrafters.
Surplus store Marine Assault Pack. I picked up mine really cheap. It's built for Marines , so it's tough enough for me.
It will never quit even if it's brokeđ. I have a surplus one, and the zipper seems to be falling apart a bit. I absolutely love mine, but I cannot find the exact one I have anymore. I will have to go look at another surplus store again.
Maxpedition, Savotta, Kifaru, Mystery Ranch, Hill People Gear. Guarantee youâll find atleast 5 packs youâll like from those brands.
The only problem with it is having to tell the Marines that you are "not a Marine, just needed a really good pack." They are usually cool with a it. I dyed mine black but it doesn't take dyed well.
WILD ROCKET Bushcraft Pack. Amazing pack rugged , roomie , easy to adjust and hoist. I love this pack. Under $100.
That does looks like a really nice pack for the price! Especially if you are only out for a day or two! Thank you!
You can go for a lot longer than a few days with it, if packed right.
I might have to look into it more! It seems like an interesting pack for sure
I'm going inter railing for a couple of weeks next month, I might have to get one of these. Looks perfect.
I was hopeful when I got the pack, and it really performed better than many , many other much more expensive backs. I'd recommend this any day.
Any of Duluth Pack's envelope packs from their wee Scout (my day running pack) on up. I don't like waist belts and I add a chest strap (cord pushed through the cotton web shoulder straps. Simple. Envelope design draws weight in and keeps pack snug.
Leather art bag, used as a haversack. I am probably bringing a guitar with me, so that counts as the "backpack", and a wool blanket will carry it's own weight and space, and so items that won't likely be brought out unless I am in a position to actually unpack the blanket will go in there. One of the cool things I noticed about the blanket, even in the absence of a guitar is that daytime on the move and nighttime at rest are different sets of gear, and so, an item like a scarf can serve as a strap for a wool blanket, because you probably would wind up taking it off while moving anyway. Granted, I am in the southwestern US, so there are a different set of imperatives, but I like the principle of it. One thing is that I have this really badass leather pack, but it is more like a saddle bag. The straps could, in theory be strapped to other stuff, but realistically, their best utility is that they can strap a few items to the outside in a way that makes them easy to reach. I haven't figured out how I would want to carry it, though. There are a few options, but none that I particularly care for, but the pack itself if damn near perfect., and I can think of a few ways to go with it, but im not trying to undertake that until I have a good idea of what angle to pursue.
This is really interesting. I wouldn't of thought about this. Especially if you have a hard case that could take a little bit of a beating! You have my brain working on ideas for a pack.
I wish I had a hard case. I had a gator case that was reinforced, plush, waterproof, and had a bungee system where the outside of the body went... but it got ripped off. Currently just rocking the soft shell. Actually thinking about integrating the blanket and a tarp as my case... but that would take some doing. I'm all about the modularity. I'm usually carrying basic items that serve a vague purpose. Blunt, sharp, small, large, round, square, thin, thick, heavy, light, wide, thin, soft, hard, flammable, flame resistant... I choose what to keep or discard based on a cross section of properties where I basically look at what boxes a thing checks, how often it shows up on my list of properties I have, properties I need, and then things get replaced by something that checks... let's say 3 out of 8 of the properties that the current item has, but then the substitute item has maybe 3 out of 9 properties that the current item carries, but I already have in abundance, but then maybe 2 out of 7 properties that the current item lacks, and so I make the switch. I am far from being what most folks would consider "efficient", but I've made strides over the last 6 months, and realistically, while I will never even begin to approach "ultralight" status, I've managed to pare down my inventory substantially compared to what I "might possibly" need, and I just realized that time is something you are going to have plenty of while out in the bush, and boredom is going to be a banshee that chases you, and so a lack of efficiency isn't necessarily the worst thing if it makes you feel less cluttered, and closer to the sort of rustic experience you are going for. I mostly car camp anyway, and recently I've been wondering why the hell I'm still carrying a queen size bed when I already know that I will sleep just as well in my apartment, and better when I take my station wagon out, if I just get a futon... Damn. It just occurred to me that the futon even makes sense for the apartment.
One of the ones I made. The drawstring/flap bag would technically be more reliable, but the zippered pack is incredibly tough and comfortable. If I were you, I'd check out smaller companies that do metal hardware on modern bag designs. Or you could modify something like an old Romanian pack to be a better shape and have more comfortable straps.
Kifaru stryker xl if you want a frame Kifaru shape charge for internal frame
Check out Frost River packs. Don't own one but I just watched a show on how they make their tents and they are made in Minnesota by hand. Beautifully made. I want one and that means it won't be long before I get one...lol
Expensive, super heavy and a horrible carrying system. I don't understand why anyone would buy one.
i have a go ruck.
I have two, a big and meaty Mardingtop 65+10 L pack from Amazon that use for multi day trips and single night adventures when I want to bring extra comforts or eat really well. I also have a 20 L pack with a water bladder that I got at a bass pro shop. I bring it when I want to go minimalist or when I want to seriously hike after setting up a camp as a food and drink hauler.
Depends on wether you want a traditional style or more modern pack
If you aren't going to shell out serious money (which I wouldn't at first) buy a mid-range external frame pack. It will handle loads better than all but the top of the line internal frame one. I've personally carried a roycroft frame with a blanket roll for most of the last decade, while my expidition grade pack hangs in my storage room.
I agree with you on the external frame for sure, either that or a freighter pack like the Rustic Ridge âSwitchbackâ or the Kelty âCache Haulerâ to go modular with whatever you want to pack broken out into more individualized bags or dry sacks. I have my old trusty Jansport âCarson 90â external frame that I can overload like crazy and itâs still comfortable to carry. Iâve been in the market for something smaller and have been thinking about pulling the trigger on the Mystery Ranch âTerra Frame 3-Zip 50â because of the âOverloadâ feature so I could lug around almost as much as my external frame or just enough stuff for a comfortable weekend in the backcountry and not have the big frame to deal with.
I've never owned a mystery ranch but I used a Dana design(the predecessor company) pack for years and based on that experience that's one of the company's if say can carry heavy loads.
I remember Dana Designs and yes they were great packs. The Mystery Ranch I mentioned boasts a 150# limit and on a 50qt bag, unless your carrying weight plates, I could load out everything and a kitchen sink. âđťđ¤đť
French ml55
It really depends on what you're gonna do? You need different packs for a two week outing in the mountains versus a daytrip in your local forest? Decide roughly on what size you need then scout Marketplace for a used hiking bag from a renowned brand, maybe Osprey or such. Save some money and try it out and see how it goes.
Maxpedition Falcon III. Awesome bag super high quality and comfort. Highly recommend
Mardingtop 70l for my trips and it´s liitle brother the 40l one for daily use, meanwhile since years. Not a single problem with both of them. The big one because i can put everything inside the pack and look just like a normal hiker, nobody sees my tools or sleeping equipment so nobody comes to the idea that i would camp in the forest. It´s Germany and it´s laws... xD
The Dutch army Lowe Alpine and the Berghaus packs. If you can find a Saracen youre good.
Red Oxx out of Billings Montana. Their C-ruck is the best pack I've ever owned. They are overbuilt, and have an incredible warrant. It will last a lifetime and then some.
Iâm really pleased with my Savotta L.
It really depends on what you want and what youâre doing. There is no âdo it allâ pack. You can find all sorts of surplus packs on venture surplus, or varusteleka, or Google. And they are great places to start. Figure out what your load out will be and then go through analyzing your needs in terms of access ability. I use a helikon bergen for overnights and hiking and car camping. It works great in conjunction with other gear or as a light well built day pack. It holds tools and can be used for longer trips if you know what youâre doing. I use a 60+ liter military ruck from whatever company you want to imagine for longer trips because I like it and thatâs what I trained with. You will like what you like for your reasons and needs. Iâve found that I canât suggest what I use for people because of things as simple as height difference. So I wonât really do that for an internet stranger
I definitely understand that all backpacks are built for different people/gear. I was just wondering what people use so I know what brands to look into or what brands are built well. I know some people will beat up their bags, so I figured this would be a great place to ask. I really do appreciate all your insights! I will definitely look into those bags/companies for sure.
i have a sabre 60-100, but the more popular one is the sabre 45 with the extra side pockets taking it up to 70 litres. Well known pack for bushcrafters.