Hi all
I’m working in Africa as a helicopter pilot and I need a good pack that can hold 1.5 liter water bottles and all my gear and is comfortable to wear walking a few hours daily .
Any Suggestions?
Thank you in Advance!!
ATS RAID II, an awesome pack.
http://www.atstacticalgear.com/cgi/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=ST-12381
http://www.skdtac.com/ATS-RAID-II-Pack-p/ats.512.htm
With that said, if you want something a little more “discreet”, you may want to look at packs not covered in MOLLE.
Kelty’s redwing series would be a good discreet option for you, they have subdued color choices without the “tactical” look of molle attachment or camo patterns. The link is for the 50L variant, there are also 32L and 27L versions if thats too much. I have used the 27L extensively for a day hiking pack and it has performed admirably.
Good packs listed above.
What kind of pack are you looking for, specifically, and how much stuff are you going to put into it?
Osprey packs. Amazing packs made right here in Colorado.
Look into the goruck line. Their GR1 is awesome, though they make other sizes.
They have sales from time to time
I second Osprey Packs!! Good Quality
How big are you looking? give me an idea of the kid of stuff that you will be carrying and that will narrow it down a bit.
I am a huge fan of the Camelbak bags CIV bags for Low Viz. This is the bag that I have when I do not want to be all “geared out”.
http://shop.camelbak.com/rim-runner-22/d/1315_cl_4731
I used it for several trips to Africa.
How much is your budget?
What is the max size/dimensions? Do you have to fit it into a particular space inside the helo?
The previous brands are very nice. I also like Kifaru, along with the older Gregory Mountain Products and Dana Designs. The new Mystery Ranch stuff is really good, it’s run by the dude that started Dana Designs.
I tend to be a “buy once cry once” guy when it comes to gear, though. But I also have a largish backpack that was hand-made by Wayne Gregory (Gregory Mountain Products) 30 years ago, has been all over the planet, and it’s still running strong. That one was made in California, though. Not Vietnam.
Some of the old packs on ebay are a real steal.
I’ve had a couple of Gregory packs, and have had good experiences with them. They make some damn fine packs. Lots of options and can blend in to any crowd pretty well.
Thanks for the responses so far!
I had a cheapie from La Police gear that didn’t hold up, I think it’s a copy of a Spec Ops THE pack
Most of the time the pack will sit in the cargo area of a helicopter and will contain a couple of 1.5 liter water bottles a MRE or two, a blow out kit,rain gear,a jungle hammock and a machete . It will also double as a overnight bag with additional clothing and maybe a spare pair of boots. The overall weight will be under 40 lbs.max with most normal days being 25 lbs. Size large enough to fit the 1.5 liter bottles or a 17" Laptop.
Looking for something more comfortable than what I had and tougher construction. I really haven’t carried a ruck in 20 years and have no real ideas what out there.
I don’t really care about low profile, I only have to travel through the Lagos Airport then to a closed compound, everyone knows what I do. I would rather have a tough comfortable pack .
I would like to keep the price around $200 in case one day I decided not to come back to Africa , it wouldn’t be a great loss.
Anyone use London Bridge Trading’s 3 day pack?
Thanks Again Always Great Info from Y’all
LBT’s stuff is good to go - just make sure its actually LBT and not a knock-off.
Tactical Tailor might fit the bill for what you want.
Maybe check out Hill People Gear, their packs are made in Colorado.
http://www.hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/3/Default.aspx
I do have a London Bridge Trading 3 day pack and it is well made. LTB runs some pretty good sales every few months. I got mine for $79.
Have both Osprey and Dana Designs currently and have had Gregory in the past. I would suggest going to a shop(s) and try some on. Have the staff put some weight to replicate what you will be carrying and wear it around the store for a bit. Backpacks are a piece of gear I wouldn’t buy without trying first. Any of the big names that have the features you want should be gtg.
Based on what you need it to do I would say to spent a little more and get a pack that will last for years. Look at the Kifaru Urban Zippy. I have one and it is my do everything pack at this time. It is great, low viz, built like a tank, and adaptable to what you need it to do.
http://store.kifaru.net/mobile/urban-zippy-1500-ci2458-liters-p150.aspx
+1 for Kifaru stuff. Failing that, and based on what you want to carry, a good old fashioned 3 dayer might be the way to go. Look into Grey Ghost Gear packs:
Thanks for the link!
http://www.tacticaltailor.com/backpacks.aspx
I don’t think that these guys have been mentioned yet. I have two of there packs, I really like the Urban Operator because it doesn’t scream tactical, yet quickly I feel like it can switch that way. Either way great stuff
my EDC is theModular Operator Pack [i]
is the mid level three day pack style entry in our Operator line of packs. Comparable in size to a regular three day pack, but with many more features than you would find in the competition’s packs.
[/i]
The real deal, not a knock-off. In use since 2005 as a bug out bag, 3 day/weekend backpack, carry-on travel bag. All seams intact and zippers are still good to go. Recommend the frame sheet to help stabilize loads above 25 pounds.
http://www.specopsbrand.com/t-h-e-pack-tactical-packs.html
http://www.specopsbrand.com/t-h-e-pack-frame-black.html
ETA: Pretty darn good “Package Deal” with the included accessories.
http://www.specopsbrand.com/tactical-gear-combo-kits/t-h-e-pack-kit.html