ILBE pack vs. well-designed internal frame packs

K

Kirk_Ferentz

Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
589
I love my versatile Eberlestock X2 -- its design can expand into a big pack and handle a lot of weight or can shrink to a small compact pack. And I love PALS webbing and a strong cordura build. So, I have always wanted a larger version (maybe 60 or 70 liters). The big Eberlestocks cost too much for me to justify (I could buy like two ospreys for that money!) and there are some design issues that I don't like (including how heavy they are). Kifarus, mystery ranch, etc. cost even more.

I have seen that the marine corps ILBE packs may fit the bill, and it looks like they can be had for great prices, especially used models. Not light, but not terribly heavy. I suppose the alternative would be to give up my desire to have PALS webbing and pick up something like an osprey atmos, which is super light and (from what I have seen), very, very well designed.

Does anyone have any frame of reference to compare? I have heard that the ILBE's are comfortable ... how is the ventilation? Do they feel that heavy on a long hike? It also seems like there are more options for fit with the ospreys and other conventional hiker designs. Last time I measured, I have a pretty medium length torso, with a pretty small waist.
 
I dont have experience with the ILBE, but i can tell you that Osprey makes some amazing packs.

Theyre well-built, and very robust and durable. They have alot of nice details too. Models such as the Stratos, Atmos, etc. are VERY well-ventilated too. Military-styled MOLLE/ALICE packs feel overbuilt, heavy and outdated when you put them next to dedicated hiking pack from Osprey and the other major companies.
 
The ILBE is far from the MOLLE/ALICE style packs. It was designed by Acteryx (probably spelled that wrong) and based on the Bora 95 I believe? I think that is starting from a modern pack that cost something like $400.

I don't know about how Arcteryx compares to Osprey, but the Arcteryx seem to be higher end if anything. Some of their packs are actually lighter than comparable ospreys from what I remember. But the end result of the Arcteryx design in the ILBE is a heavy cordura construction with PALS webbing, designed to carry a massive amount of weight, so I'm sure there is some loss of ventilation and comfort. I guess I'm trying to figure out how much I am giving up in passing up on osprey and the like if I am going to insist on the PALS webbing and cordura construction.

Since I'm not getting a lot of feedback, any general feedback on the ILBE in action is welcome. I've already seen enough about the newer ospreys--everyone seems to love them.
 
Last edited:
Some packs that fit me great, fit friends of mine terribly and vice versa - much like favorite shoes. The most comfortable suspensions, for me, are the older Gregory packs (Wind River, etc). Mystery Ranch (new incarnation of Dana Designs) has many fans but their suspensions and my back don't get along. For slightly smaller packs, the Deuter Guide series (very rugged) have worked out very well for me in spite of being heavier than a pack that size should be. Try a bunch, see what works best for YOU.
 
Been looking into the ILBE for some time now. From what I've read, the frame in the Eberlestock packs is far superior. Also the ILBE frame is apparently a pain to adjust, but that is a one shot deal, so...... I should point that the ILBE has a dry sack specifically designed to fit inside it that includes a one way valve. I only mention this because it could be very useful depending on how you want to use the pack. I've tried on an ILBE and it was pretty comfortable even though it wasn't fitted to me. I've never tried on an Eberlestock, as no one in my area carries them.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
The ILBE is far from the MOLLE/ALICE style packs. It was designed by Acteryx (probably spelled that wrong) and based on the Bora 95 I believe? I think that is starting from a modern pack that cost something like $400.

I don't know about how Arcteryx compares to Osprey, but the Arcteryx seem to be higher end if anything.
Click to expand...
Yeah Arcteryx is among the most Gucci pieces of kit around, really non-reasonable expensive. Osprey is expensive but in a more reasonable way. Also more expensive does not necessarly mean it's better, and expensive kit means it is seldomly used, so less reviews.
Considering the price Arcteryx asks I doubt the USMC would get the real thing. Probably some watered down version either in materials or workmanship (which doesn't mean it's bad).
 
Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if the USMC version is inferior in some way to a bona fide Arcteryx. But I'm not convinced that that is the case from what I have seen. The new models are just as expensive as the Arcteryx. I'm sure that the retail price is well above what the USMC pays, but you would expect that since they are contracting for a ton of packs. By the time the used packs hit the market, you can get them for $150 or less. The packs that are in great shape seem to go for uper 100s or over 200 even, and this is despite the fact that there is a steady flow of these packs out there due to their military use. So, I guess if the market is any indicator, these are pretty well-made packs.

The big Eberlestocks arenot for me, and they cost too much anyway. From what I have seen, they seem to be well over priced. I can't comprehend how my X2 pack cost something like $160 and the bigger models cost $400 and up. Mine seems to be better built if anything. The big design issue for me with the bigger packs is that 1. they weigh 9 to 12 lbs. if I remember, and 2. all of the models that I would consider have a slot to insert the rifle scabbard that would seem to be very annoying and unecessarily push the load away from your body when there is not a scabbard inserted in the pack. From what I have seen and heard, the load will go bounce against your back due to this slot. So, they sound like great packs for hauling a big rifle, but not so much when you don't have a rifle. Maybe this isn't true for all of them.

I am in the process of getting an IBLE for a great price and will see how it feels.
 
Last edited:
FYI, the pack in the link is the first generation with the black trim. The second generation has brown padding/trim. I'm not sure if there is much difference.
 
Last spring I was checking out this pack and almost bought one, but desided to look at a Standard Backpacking pack instead. Though I may still get one if the price is right. ;)
 
I have hiked 100's of miles in an ilbe. The ones with tan trim are very well built. The one with the black trim seemed to be rushed into production. I got issued a black trim one in the grunts and it sucked. Straps kept breaking etc. They are very well built and quite roomy. I think around 4800cu. Ventelation is ok but not great. The weight empty is about 10lbs. The main thing I do not like is the lack of orginization. You have the main pack the lid and two side pockets which are almost to short for fuel bottles or nalgenes. For military work they are ok but I still prefer the oldschool mountain rucks. Now if you want a great pack I say get an osprey. I bought a osprey atmosphere 65 and their is no comparrison. It is such a more comfortable. Pack. Maybe not as tough. But they have a unconditional lifetime warrenty. Get an osprey.
 
I have been in the Corps since they brought in the Arc/Propper ILBE packs. There's a reason why we are already replacing them after such a short time. It was a good design by Arc, with a horrible execution by Propper (no surprise).The plastic buckles are very prone to breaking, in fact any good squad leader should have a small plastic baggy with him so he can fix his Marines broken seatbelts and shoulder straps (which break all the time, and then youre in for a bad day). The pack WILL leave you with back problems, hot spots, hip blisters, and a bad day. Mystery Ranch is developing our new Main Pack, and I'll be getting out before CIF starts issuing to fleet Marines, but I'm sure it will be a great improvement. I wear Osprey Internal Frame pack when civi backpacking and it is just a pleasure to wear, esp compared to that damn ilbe.
 
Wish I had seen your review before Glockfire. I'm surprised about the buckles--I thought they seemed very strong. Isn't propper making the new FILBE packs as well?
 
In classic usmc. They took a great design and jacked it up by having a company who had no business building a bag building a pack make a pack for a group of people that when board enough could break anvils. There is nothing more creative, dangerious, or destructive as a board marine. The corps would have been better off buying the packs from arcteryx and issuing them with a few cans of spray paint. We got issued this kelty eagle 7800 something. Has over 7500 cubic inches of space and where suppers to be bomb proof. Hardly any of them maid it back Conus. When it comes to durability there is no better group to test it then a plt of grunts.
the ilbe is not a horrible pack but if you want to enjoy your time with a pack on get an osprey.
 
if it helps this is the ilbe on it's last trip. Coincidentally it was shortly after that trip I bought an osprey. I don't have any pics of my osprey. But if you would like I can do a side by side comparison of the two packs.

IMG_0552.jpg

IMG_0525.jpg
 
Thanks, adam. My biggest concern is that it sounds like it isn't a pack that can be depended on. For the comfort issue, I can just try it out myself. I thought that since it was supposedly built to carry 120 lbs., it would at least be dependable, if not user-friendly. Guess it isn't very good at carrying all that weight if the straps and buckles break.

I will probably end up with an osprey. I just wish I could get a good pack that isn't super expensive with PALS webbing. When not hiking with it, I'd like it to be my emergency grab n go bag, and for that, I would love to be able to hook various pouches, etc. on the webbing and head out the door. But not knowing how far the pack will make it before it falls apart is not going to work for that purpose.

Glockfire, I'm guessing from your comments that you had those problems with both the gen. 1 (black trim) and gen. 2 (tan trim) packs? Sounds like you had several years of experience with them.
 
Last edited:
I have used these packs on and off for the last 8 years. I still mainly use a old school mountain ruck as you can jump those and they hold a ton. If you want one with lots of PALS webbing then you are looking for the ILBE Recon version. Its a bit larger and in lieu of what I call the gortex holder (the flap in the front of the ILBE pack meant to hold the day pack) it has PALS webbing all the way up. Bottom line these things are made well, not great but well. Osprey has a lifetime warranty, feels great and honestly when I am off work I don't want to be reminded of work. The packs will hold up to normal wear. the material they are made out of is very tough. The stitching is pretty good and the buckles are much improved. I think he first ones where just rushed out. I dont think you will be happy with an osprey if you are concerned with attaching pockets to it as they are not modular. My advice would be to either buy a ILBE cheap on eBay, buy the arcteryx Bora which is what the ILBE was designed around. r wait a few years until the USMC fields the new mystery ranch bags and wait for those to pop up on ebay.

Or if it helps you, If you want to give me something for collateral I could ship you my ILBE and you can hike around with it and see if you like it. But just remember with the Corps buying something else these things are going to become very plentiful.
 
I already picked one up for what I think is a really good price. I just don't want to be doubting whether it is going to hold up when I really need it to. It has enough PALS webbing on it for me. I wish there were more packs out there with PALS webbing (even just a few patches would be great). My guess is that the webbing wouldn't work with the lightweight material that you find on an osprey, but I would be happy to accept the extra weight of cordura ... I think the ability to be able to securely stowe things how and where you want them to be based on the trip ahead of you is well worth the extra weight.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the new FILBE. Like I said above, I think that Propper is making these too, so hopefully they won't screw this new line up.

By mountain ruck, are you talking about an old school external frame, like the old jansports or the new kelty throwbacks? I was thinking about one of those, as you can pick them up at great prices. What I initially wished that I could get was a good external frame that would allow you to basically build your own pack with different sized molle compatible pouches and compartments. Sounds like the new mystery ranch FILBE kind of had that theory, as I have read that it is going to be an external frame. We will see.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top