What are you guys’ opinions on rig mounted vs. stand-alone packs?
This is something that I would pack to about 10-15 lbs as a “patrol/assault/day” type pack
Typical loadout:
-3L camelbak
-Couple MREs
-Various med supplies
-poncho
-few extra mags
-few basic survival supplies
-small sleeping bag (maybe)
I realize some of the pros and cons of each setup, but what would be your preference? What’s your real world experience with either?
Also: Which rig mounted pack would you recommend?
which ones are you looking at/have you seen? there aren’t that many.
I feel like I’ve seen them all lol…TT Removable Operator Pack, Eagle Yote, BFG DAP, Ares Armor Combat XII Pack, ect…
If this helps, I really like the layout of the 5.11 Rush 12 bag…pretty much perfect for what I want this pack for, but I just don’t have experience using a pack in conjunction with armor…which led me to my question…
What is your suggestion? Is there another rig mounted pack that you could suggest if that’s the route you recommend with armor?
I have never used a vest-mount pack but I’m not fond of the idea. I know Eagle makes one that is MOLLE-attach only and then their Yote can be attached via MOLLE as well. Other than those, the new Aries Gear pack is the only one I know of.
I like the ability to get it off and on quicker via pack straps. My 3-day/patrol packs double as shooting rests and having 4 fastex buckles to deal with is a no-go for me as getting in and out of a vehicle all day long would get old. I like being able to throw one strap over at least one shoulder and go.
I prefer something like the Kifaru E&E* which has very low-profile straps. I own a G1 and G2 version and I have yet to find a suitable replacement.
*Will swallow everything listed minus the sleeping bag.
Packs need to be able to come off quickly, I’d rule out any rig mounted setup. IMO the ultimate pack the Kifaru Zulu, it has incredible volume control capability, is a very simple design and has no zippers to fail.
Vest mounted only makes sense when you’re carrying low-bulk and you have teammates that can easily grab shit out for you. I’d just get a regular assault pack. The Ares Armor Combat XII Pack has both, so if you really wanted you could buy that and try both…
I am biased because I never have a load less than 50 pounds thanks to all the goddamn commo gear and my appetite even for MREs, but I don’t think I could ever run a rig mounted bag, it needs to come off to often and limits your ability to sit down or lean back in a truck or whatever. I think the only dudes who can get away with everything being rig mounted are direct action guys or people carrying gear for the person standing behind them (like breacher panel type setups).
That said, Diamondback Tactical makes (or made) a cool one that you could QD if needed.
The one that comes to mind first is ESSTAC Boar
THIS.
Vest mounted packs slow down your movement when the contents aren’t immediately necessary, make downtime and vehicle time uncomfortable, throw off your center of balance, and keep you from getting at your shit without dropping your armor.
Vest mounted packs shine when they’re filled with 1st and second line stuff, and your buddies know how and when to use your pack for sustainment. In my AOR (domestic L/E tactical) this is not a common practice, yet.
…the last thing your teammates want to do, besides drag your body, is grab shit out of your pack for you every time you need something.
I have yet to see someone get into a tactical vehicle with a pack attached to their back more than once.
Thanks for all the suggestions/experiences guys.
I think I’m leaning toward a stand-alone pack now.
My criteria for this pack is somewhat specific.
-1200 - 1800 cu in.
I was looking at the 5.11 Rush 12 or the Eagle Yote, but it seems now that the Yote is no longer in production…
True on both accounts, I just mentioned these as I’ve had to get plenty of shit off people’s backs before, and that since this isn’t going to be for mil/le work he isn’t likely to be using this in a mounted role.
The only thing I’d ever attach to the back of my kit would be for hydration, and that’d be strictly dismounted and something I could easily remove.
This is a cognet point. The thing with the vest-mounted packs is that that stuff isn’t for you. Or shouldn’t be. You’re carrying extra for your mates, in that instance, and your load-out should be planned accordingly.
If you’re carting around an assault pack of extra stuff for your use, it’s more worthwhile for it to be an independent bag. One can always hang stuff for others’ use on the outside, if that’s what’s called fr, and still get to the stuff you need when the time comes, be it external or internal.
Stand alone for sure. It’s so easy to be able to throw it right on over my deuce gear… or run the pack without deuce gear… or whatever.
He said deuce gear :sarcastic:
Hey… I got the H harness… that’s state of the art!
:agree:
I echo what most people here have already stated, which that the stand-alone pack is almost undoubtedly superior. With a rig mounted one you’d always have to balance just right what you’re carrying in the front or in the back… if you’re carrying a lot of mags up front and then dump half of them, all of a sudden you might find that vest riding up on you in front as the weight balance changed. Its a hassle and a half, and mostly I don’t see how its worth it.
I’d prefer a removable pack over a pack permanently affixed to my armor carrier.
About the only thing I would want tethered to me would be a smallish, low profile hydration pack that would easily fit under a ruck or assault pack.
I know some kids think it is cool to pile a bunch of MOLLE pouches to the back of their plate carrier, but it’s not really practical to do so under most circumstances.
From the way you wrote the sentence, I assume you don’t own a removable pack system yet.
What roll you would use a removable pack for and size, contents, style you would go with?