Best 3 Day Backpack (In your experience)

[Infi-del]

i have read on pack reviews that the maxped stuff doesn't have aluminum stays or a pack frame to it like a sheet so it doesn't haul heavy loads very well. that would be enough of a reason for me to avoid their pack systems for a 3 day pack

I won't lie to ya, the Vulture II can get uncomfortable after 2 o 3 days if you have a good bit of weight in it. It is really best served as an EDC bag and not an extended trek bag. But it does work in a pinch and is bombproof. Kifaru is really the way to go because it's built like a war bag, but has the suspension system of a professional trail bag. So you get the best of everything. Over built durabiity and long term comfort. But they're really expensive.

 

[munckmb]

Hi, I have the Mystery Ranch Dragon Slayer. Awesome pack. I highly recommend it. If that stretches the budget too much you can check out their Sweatpea Tri-zip design and the same suspension I believe as the Dragon slayer. If you do go for MS then I recommend upgrading to the 'live wing' belt. It really takes the weight of the shoulders.
Here's my DS:

With Maxped pygmy Falcon for size ref.

Barry

 

[Bushman5]

On the Molle thing:

I find that when I am carrying a pack that has a lot of things hanging off of it it is harder for me to carry than say a long tall pack where everything is in one compartment.

I have packs with the Molle thingies but just mainly use them for dayhikes.

Do you guys not have that problem?

nah, I tend to only put on extra pouches filled with stuff i rapidly need access too, like the bear control kit, FAK, clif bars map etc.

I like the PALS webbing because i can lash stuff to it, like a tarp, jacket, injured mutt etc

 

[LMT66]

Hi, I have the Mystery Ranch Dragon Slayer. Awesome pack. I highly recommend it. If that stretches the budget too much you can check out their Sweatpea Tri-zip design and the same suspension I believe as the Dragon slayer. If you do go for MS then I recommend upgrading to the 'live wing' belt. It really takes the weight of the shoulders.
Here's my DS:

With Maxped pygmy Falcon for size ref.

Barry

Do you have a photo of the Dradon Slayer "splayed" open to show the interior's design?

 

[Zombie Zeke]

Well guys thank you for all the info!

I am really split between the Tactical Tailor 3 day plus and the Mystery Ranch basic model (dont really know the name of it)...

Anyone have the tt3day plus? if so hows it ride??

 

[munckmb]

Do you have a photo of the Dradon Slayer "splayed" open to show the interior's design?

Sure:

Barry

 

[CaptInsano]

Remember that you get what you pay for. The knockoff packs are not made as well.

That's true in most cases. My Dad bought me a smallish sized assault pack at a gun show. It looked the part and actually had a lot of nice features. But the strap started separating after only 50 or 60 miles of trail use. I think it was about $25. I ended up getting a Spec Ops T.H.E Pack for about 3 times as much. ~$75. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a nice bag.

 

[razorsdescent]

I bet you can find an eberlestock in that price range. really excellent packs, might be able to acquire a half track even if you can find a good supplier. really amazing packs.

 

[EMT_Lee]

I also really like my Snugpak Sleeka Force 35, for what it's worth. It's a good pack.

 

[othello32]

I've owned the SnugPak Sleeka 35 really liked it, but the belt left a little to desire, it just didn't ride well for me. I now use my Kifaru non-Molle Express and love it. The Omni-belt and suspension are fantastic.

 

[Buffalohump]

I dont think you can go wrong with Tactical Tailor. I almost got that one and then decided to go with the ATS. But considering the extra you have to spend on pouches, the 3 Day Plus is probably better value.

Well guys thank you for all the info!

I am really split between the Tactical Tailor 3 day plus and the Mystery Ranch basic model (dont really know the name of it)...

Anyone have the tt3day plus? if so hows it ride??

 

[remmmm]

I'm not a fan of tactical packs at all for recreational backpacking, but even I have to admit those mystery ranch packs look like a great mix of the best of both types of packs

 

[PatriotDan]

Love that Dragon Slayer. Would love to try it.

I have been very pleased with an Israeli backpack that is used by the IDF SF I got in 1997 (edit: not 2002). It's roughly 70 litres (4300 cui) but has excellent compression strap system so it goes down in size nicely. Works well for short trips and longer ones. Still going strong.

Very light with multiple pouches and compartments, oversized zippers and Cordura nylon, good comfortable frame and suspension system. The manufacturer is called Hagor. Only downside is it doesn't have enough heavy use exterior attachment points for heavier equipment. Hagor might be something worth looking.

 

[desmobob]

I'll put in another vote for Mystery Ranch. I have the NICE Crew Cab w/Daypack Lid option and some Load Cubes, and it's very versatile but also very pricey. If I had the need to buy another mid-sized pack, I'd surely be picking one of the Mystery Ranch models.

Another 3-day size pack I really like is a Blackhawk OPSEC 4, but it's been discontinued (and doesn't have the Molle webbing your looking for). I haven't looked at their more recent offerings, but I can say the OPSEC 4 I have is very nice and has held up nicely to several seasons of zipper strain from being overstuffed with extra clothing for late-season hunting in the ADKs. It has the coolest, "airiest" open mesh back padding of any pack I've ever seen (which has the minor drawback of filling up with snow in the winter time).

Stay sharp,
desmobob

 

[Longtrang]

I have been using a Blackhawk 3day pack for years. No molly though. Check out Tactical Tailor and Tad Gear too.

http://www.tacticaltailor.com/index.aspx

http://www.tadgear.com/shop.php?id=776

 

[LMT66]

Molle is nice for attachment points other than pouches, but you can go overboard with pouches and really exceed the weight limits of the pack and make it unbalanced. Before zeroing in on a design, figure out how much weight you plan to pack and what are the critical items that you want easy/quick access to (so you can minimize the number of external pouches as well as balance their placement).
Camelbak's Trizip is quite appealing to me...

ROCK6

Excellent advice!

 

[LMT66]

I've got about 30 miles on my Tad FAST Pack EDCv4 since it arrived recently. It's weighed in between 27 - 32 pounds each time out. Nothing ripping out and rides decent. Has some built in external pockets that are spacious and good for frequently used items. You could do 3 days with this pack but they also have the have the "Patrol Size" that is bigger.

 

[G-man]

ATS R.A.I.D II

This one has pouches already added but the basic pack has MOLLE on the front, sides and inside front. Made in the USA. Great quality. Under $200.

To give an idea of size. I am 5' 10" and chunky.

Good looking pack!

 

[Cpl Punishment]

<cough>Zulu<cough>

 

[LUW]

Here he goes with his Zulu again...


Honestly, if it wasn't a top-loader it would be on my short list. I think most don't mind, but I want something easier to pack and then easier to find whatever you want in there when you're in the middle of the trail and it's raining. Still, the way everybody recommends the Zulu, it can't be bad .