"Tough" backpack.

Maven

Maven

Joined
Nov 27, 2015
Messages
248
Alrighty guys. Looking for a new pack. Something for overnighters or weekends all year long in the mid-Atlantic. Looking in the 2750-3750ci/48-60L arena. I DONT want I giant cavern of a single top entry type bag. Multiple entry or full zip only please. I'd like a few pockets or other organizational type features in the pack. I'm not averse to tacticool or hiker chic, but I'm looking for a fairly tough bag. Something than can walk through a tight trail or no trail and not got torn to shred by prickers or brambles. To that end I'm okay with packs made of heavy materials. I don't want a 60L bull hide bag, but I'd be fine with 1000d Cordura. I'd like to keep it around $300 street price. And don't want to wait more than a week for it to ship(no 5 month wait customs)

My short list so far is comprised of the Tactical Tailor Extended Range Operator, Kelty Falcon 66(4000), and the Tenzing TZ3000.

Any input on these bags or one above missed would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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leghog said:
That's a lot of cubic space for overnighters and weekends.
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Well....I always carry extra clothes, and being the size I am my clothes aint small LOL I typically go to primitive camp sites, and I carry my clothes, food, sleep system, shelter/tent, cook system(GSI Ketalist) saw, axe. On a summer or fall overnighter its fine but full. Get into a full weekend or the occasional 4 nighter like I can (Scout outings) decide I want a camp chair or the weather gets cold and Im over full, even end up with admin type pouch or two on the outside as well as a bedroll, etc. Its just not enough and lacks real suspension.

I currently carry a gen2 USMC ILBE Assualt pack, at 1500cuin. I routinely completely fill this bag beyond volume capacity, and it becomes less than optimal carry.
Twice its size(3000cuin) would still be perfectly manageable, and provide me some packing room. Allow me to organize further with stuff sacks, etc.

Im open to suggestions but have just found in trying things on that the 30-40L bags seem a little small., so figured the jump up to 48-50L was advisable. Im willing to stretch out to 55-60L for bags I find exceptional
 
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J.K.L said:
http://www.mysteryranch.com/3-day-assault-pack
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Smaller than Im looking for. It only about 30% bigger than the ILBE I currently completely max out. If they still made the Dragon Slayer or Komodo Dragon Id investigate further, but they discontinued both. The new Ravine looks promising but seems delicate/light, and isnt available in XL yet. The Pintler might be perfect if it werent $475, not available, AND imported....WTF Msytery Ranch?
 
5.11 Rush series packs are excellent. I have the Rush 12 in my car. The rush 72 is the 3 day pack, going to replace the 3 day pack that I have with that one soon. They're nice. About half of what those other ones cost you listed.... Personally I don't see the need to drop $300-$400 on a pack but that's just me.

from the Rush 72 specs

Overview:

Full-featured 72 hour backpack
Ideal for recreational use or as an operational bug out bag
Dual-zippered front and main compartments with molded grip pulls
Multiple integrated organization pockets
Admin organization pocket to store maps, pens, and documents
Fleece-lined sunglass pocket
Internal hydration compartment with hangers and toggles
Cinching waist strap and dual compression straps
Adjustable dual density closed-cell foam shoulder straps


Specifications:

Built from high strength, water-repellant 1000D nylon
23” H x 13.5” L x 8.5” D main compartment
15.5” x 11.5” x 2” front pocket
16.5” x 6” x 1.75” left and right side pockets
21” x 13.5” hydration pocket
3342 cubic inch / 55 liter total capacity
Contour yoke system with grab and go handle
Rugged, self-healing YKK® zipper hardware
Integrated drainage grommet

http://www.511tactical.com/rush-72-backpack.html
 
Converge, thanks for the response. The Rush72 is a really popular bag. But it's not for me for this purpose. I don't feel the suspension/frame are sufficient(no frame?...) and it's short fat and wide. The Tenzing is notably narrower and is actual cheaper than the camo 5.11 is.

I carry a $350, 1/4lb chunk of titanium and steel in my pocket "just to cut stuff" many people already don't understand that. Or feel there's a need to do so. Same could be said for a pack....there's no need to buy a Rush72 for $150-235 when you can get an LAPolice gear 3day bag for $30....does the same thing.
 
I wouldn't get too worked up about toughness. People go the whole Appalachian trail without wearing out their lightweight packs. Take care when packing sharp items and you will do just fine. Modern lightweight materials are very good.

In practice it won't be the fabric itself that fails you. It's poorly designed zippers, stitching, buckles etc that are more likely to failure. A top loading sack of a lighter material may well outlast a heavyweight panel loader.

Now if you need the rigidity of a heavyweight suspension system to pack heavy loads that is a different issue. That is good weight. How much weight are you carrying?

A 3lbs pack to carry a 30 lbs load is fine.
A 6lbs pack to carry a 60 lbs load is fine.
A 6lbs pack to carry a 30 lbs load is bad design and there is probably something else wrong with the pack too.

With regards to the packs you are looking at... Which one fits you? I would seriously go down to the REI or whatever outdoors store they have near you and try a few packs on. The priorities in order would be something like....
- Fit i.e. back length. The hip belt and shoulder straps need to be in the right places.
- Weight and volume requirements.
- Other features

Being above average height you might need a tall person model.
 
I also wouldn't worry much about toughness, unless you plan on dragging the pack frequently there isn't much use for the extra weight the heavy fabrics add.

If you want stiff suspension while still on the tougher side then I'd go for a Gregory Stout series, they're less lightweight minded and have a nice rigid frame. The Gregory Z packs are also fantastic, and REI currently has some on sale I think. I've got the Stout 45 and its been a great summer pack even when overloaded. I have an Osprey Atmos 65 for winter but I think the suspension will be too flexy for your liking from the sounds of what you're looking for. I did love my ilbe when I had it, but the thing just weighs a ton, has a bunch of features civilians never use, and for the steeper terrain I usually hike it just wasn't doing it. Good luck, definitely check out a local REI if you can.
 
sideways said:
I wouldn't get too worked up about toughness. People go the whole Appalachian trail without wearing out their lightweight packs. Take care when packing sharp items and you will do just fine. Modern lightweight materials are very good.

In practice it won't be the fabric itself that fails you. It's poorly designed zippers, stitching, buckles etc that are more likely to failure. A top loading sack of a lighter material may well outlast a heavyweight panel loader.

Now if you need the rigidity of a heavyweight suspension system to pack heavy loads that is a different issue. That is good weight. How much weight are you carrying?

A 3lbs pack to carry a 30 lbs load is fine.
A 6lbs pack to carry a 60 lbs load is fine.
A 6lbs pack to carry a 30 lbs load is bad design and there is probably something else wrong with the pack too.

With regards to the packs you are looking at... Which one fits you? I would seriously go down to the REI or whatever outdoors store they have near you and try a few packs on. The priorities in order would be something like....
- Fit i.e. back length. The hip belt and shoulder straps need to be in the right places.
- Weight and volume requirements.
- Other features

Being above average height you might need a tall person model.
Click to expand...

Im not worked up over toughness :) I just know that its something I require and desire. A tougher material is more resistant to damage, intentional or accidental and theres an added benefit of additional stiffness/structure to many of the heavier duty fabrics.
Race cars drive hundreds or thousands of miles on tires with no tread, interiors with no sound damping or radio, and drivers often piss in their suits....Doesnt mean thats how I need to do it. Or want to.

Panel loading or side entry isnt optional. I am loath to using top entry bags. I will be trying on every bag I consider. I have dealt with the misery of an ill fit pack before
 
EricV said:
I also wouldn't worry much about toughness, unless you plan on dragging the pack frequently there isn't much use for the extra weight the heavy fabrics add.

If you want stiff suspension while still on the tougher side then I'd go for a Gregory Stout series, they're less lightweight minded and have a nice rigid frame. The Gregory Z packs are also fantastic, and REI currently has some on sale I think. I've got the Stout 45 and its been a great summer pack even when overloaded. I have an Osprey Atmos 65 for winter but I think the suspension will be too flexy for your liking from the sounds of what you're looking for. I did love my ilbe when I had it, but the thing just weighs a ton, has a bunch of features civilians never use, and for the steeper terrain I usually hike it just wasn't doing it. Good luck, definitely check out a local REI if you can.
Click to expand...

I do plan on dragging the bag...... by just one strap, uphill, through rocks and mud, with broken glass inside ;)

The Stout 45 is a nice pack, and one of the more comfortable ~$165 40-50L bags Ive tried on. BUT.....its top loading. and doesnt have enough organization for me.
 
I assume you are being facetious but if you really are looking for something to handle that kind of abuse you want an expedition weight duffle or even better a mountaineers haul bag. :D

They are designed to be strapped to a mule and winched up the rough side of a mountain.
 
Maven said:
Im not worked up over toughness :) I just know that its something I require and desire. A tougher material is more resistant to damage, intentional or accidental and theres an added benefit of additional stiffness/structure to many of the heavier duty fabrics.
Race cars drive hundreds or thousands of miles on tires with no tread, interiors with no sound damping or radio, and drivers often piss in their suits....Doesnt mean thats how I need to do it. Or want to.

Panel loading or side entry isnt optional. I am loath to using top entry bags. I will be trying on every bag I consider. I have dealt with the misery of an ill fit pack before
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My son now owns and uses my old ~85L internal frame large Gregory I bought new sometime between 1993 and 1995. That pack has been around much of the world. It's probably not what you'd consider tough, but is has certainly proved plenty tough.
 
I've always had good luck with Eberlestock packs. I've used the LoDrag, FAC Track, and Terminator. Very tough, great quality, not light. Maybe the Jackhammer would fit the bill for you?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
How much are you willing to blow?

Osprey is way to fancy for my pants.

I like Deuter. They have never disappointed me.

Definately look for packs with straps on the waist and a good cushioning system.

If you have a fortune to spend, Arcteryx once made a big ass backpack for the US Marines.
 
I picked up a Badlands 2200 last night. Needed to get something and try it. It fits great. Well see if my list of needs/desires is actually what I need. I spent 4 hours trying on packs at Cabelas last night and walking around with Dutch ovens in them. Not a single sub 60L Kelty pack fit me. The Gregorys below 60L are top load only, the Cabelas brand bags fit fine with a t-shirt in May. But wouldn't have fit me in the fall/winter. All the ospreys ive ever seen/used have too much mesh for where I go. The Tenzings didn't fit me at ALL. I was quite disappointed.

If this isn't for me I'll look into Deuter, Eberlestock, and perhaps go back and reconsider a 65L gregory. After that I'll probably just order a TT.

Thanks guys. I'll post up once I've gone out with the bag.
 
I'm having a hard time reconciling the desire for tough fabric and panel loading. IME, panel loaders will fail at the zippers long before fabric will abrade or main seams will let loose.

Colin Fletcher and Chris Townsend both give great advice on how to organize one's packing for a top loading internal frame. I've found the trade off to be well worth it. My primary pack was purchased in 1987. It's been used several times a year and I've modified/rebuilt the suspension, but the top loading main body is still going strong. Wouldn't be if it was a panel loader.

But it appears that you're gravitating towards packs with a tactical/hunting look. When did hunting go tactical? Anyway, there seems to be a bunch of Dana Design/Mystery Ranch clones at lower price points, so you have good options. Mystery Ranch remains the real deal for what you're describing though. A buddy of mine just retired his Terraplane from the late 80s/ early 90s. Very tough packs.
 
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