I’d like to organize my essential items and kit into a handy backpack and would like some recommendations. Let’s hear them!
I bought a $7 remington camo back pack from walmart, and its been a great range campanion. However since my gun collection has grown since then, the back pack seems to have shrunk. Im thinking about getting a double rifle case and new gear bag myself. Anyone with suggestions please chime in, and yall know we love pics!
I got the original ATS RAID pack with the stiffening insert when they had them on clearance cheap… I love this pack! The clearance ones are gone now, IIRC, but I can’t think you could go wrong with the gen2 RAID pack or it’s smaller cousin the Cobra.
Got an Eagle A-III three day pack that I’ve been very happy with.
Good question - can you describe a few of the items? For instance, I’m wondering about relative sizes. Do you need to make room for an SBR; or a would just a quart water bottle or pistol be the largest item you need?
I have a used Camelbak Motherlode I bought off fleabay for about $50 shipped. It’s quite sturdy, and carries well. It will not hold a broken-down carbine, however. I bought the Noveske/Eagle backpack for that.
Do you have a price range you are considering, and does it need to have a built-in hydration system?
Thanks! 
How much and what what will you be carrying? I just got a LBT 3 Day Assault and love it for everyday use. I have way too many packs as it is but I needed a black one to wear while Im in uniform. If paying retail Id go with the Eagle.
A hydration system would be cool but I’m thinking of the basics here; survival kit, compass, water purifier, knife, Leatherman maybe an MRE, jacket, fire starting kit, etc.
You could go U/L with a VersaPack Jumbo, or bigger with an assault pack. Civvie looking or closer to mil style?
Looks don’t matter all that much. Something with MOLLE panels would be nice so I could add additional pouches as necessary.
Low-pro or obvious? Big fan of the AIII 3-day packs, esp Eagle and LBTs. Kifaru, RAID are GTG. DAPs look good. Camelbak has some options, too. Some of these are available in non-mil, or at least more mainstream colors.
There’s no shortage of options in backpacks, only the money to buy them.
Somebody had a RAID or Cobra pack on clearance for $55 that I saw the other day. I’m digging through my browser history without much luck. I’ll post if I find it.
It was in ACU, but a $4 package of RIT dye would likely fix that.
Supply Captain has a Cobra pack for $70 off, it’s only $99. Again, in ACU.
http://www.supplycaptain.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=387&ParentCat=74
And LBT puts their extras on sale on fleabay.
http://myworld.ebay.com/londonbridgetrading/
Gear whore that I am, I’m always watching what they throw on there for sale.
The Eagle AIII Molle can be had with a kit of add on pouches. The Eagle does have Molle on the sides whereas the LBT doesnt, but I couldnt pass up the deal I got on it. I even got a tour of the place where they make them. My vote goes for Eagle AIII Molle, SKD has the add on pouch kit.
…
I have a Condor II from Maxipedition that I love and use a lot. It will do what you want and is not to big and has the ability to add hydration if you want.
Camelbak motherlode?
I have a Condor 3 Day Assault Pack. I love it. Very comfortable, lots of padding and storage…well made. I have beaten the hell out of it too. Several Mojave trips, weekend camping, hunting. No rips, tears, shreds, anything.
http://www.desertdeucesurplus.com/servlet/the-775/Condor-3-Day-Assault/Detail
CTD probably has them for less if they are in stock.
How much does the total kit weigh, and how much space does it take up? Would a commercial pack from Jansport or North Face be out of the question?
-B
I miss my Camelbak HAWG, it died a horrible death when it flung off my motorcycle. I had it strapped on my CBR’s tail like I always have. I was really lucky because when I retrieved the HAWG I found out it was rubbing on the rear tire before it flew off! Everything I had in the HAWG survived except my pocket mask and a bdu belt both melted because of the tire. My Iphone also survived with only part of the slider case chewed off. I used the HAWG for just about everything for small hikes, college, carry the essentials to stay over at the gf’s, range bag, etc… I never found it to be to small, I thought it was perfect and was suprised how much you stuff you can cram into it! It was the older 1000D cordura version. The newer one is the 500D cordura version, I saw they also have a 1000D version in the new style. I haven’t found anyone who has the newer 1000D version besides Tad Gear I think.
What he said. I got mine for around $99.00 (I think) on sale through ATS, a couple of years ago. The RAID is very well constructed, however, the cost goes up when you start adding pouches. It’s small enough and comfortable to hump in the field, without being too ungainly, while being large enough to store a significant amount of kit. The RAID or RAID II (improved with feedback from folks down range in the sandbox) at $179.00, it’s still money well spent.
Here’s the website.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/AtmosSeriesMens/
I’ve gotten mine at REI. I have 3 packs of various sizes and love them. They are very tough, but not as heavy-duty as Kifaru.
The suspension and ventilation of these packs make them real standouts in warm and/or humid conditions. The packs in this range have very rifle-butt-friendly straps that do not really interfere with mounting/ firing a rifle.