What military style packs are comfortable?

H

heresay1

Joined
Jul 27, 2006
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I was looking at the Eberlestock half track and wondered if they employ a good support system to handle heavier loads (35 + lbs.). I have tried other military style packs but find their support system uncomfortable. Packs such as Maxpedition Condor II and the Camelback BFM either carry all the weight on your shoulders or are just uncomfortable when loaded up. I like many of the military style packs because of their exterior pockets.

I have always used Osprey packs when backpacking. Osprey hip belts and the load lifter straps make a huge difference in carrying heavier loads. I feel better balanced and most of the weight is placed on my hips.

So does anyone know of any military/tactical style packs that have a good support system for backpacking?
 
Eblerstock has one of the most comfortable suspensions in my opinion. You mention Maxpedition. They are different because they do not have a suspension system. That is what's key to a pack. A properly padded hip belt, a frame sheet or frame stays. Load lifter straps on the shoulder straps, sternum strap. Most maxped bags lack those features but they don't need them because they are not designed to carry huge loads. Eblerstock is close to many to civilian pack as you will get.
 
I loved my Snugpak Rocket pack. Fully loaded with 50-70 lbs it distributed the weight well between my waist and shoulders. I gave it to a friend because my torso is just a little too big and the waist belt didn't sit quite right for me. I downsized to a Maxpedition Vulture 2 and while it does have a padded waist belt, load lifters and a sternum strap it's not quite as comfortable as the Snugpack with a very heavy load. On the plus side, it's taught me to choose my gear more wisely and pack lighter. Also, the 'break-in' period with the Maxpedition wasn't as tedious but that might be attributed to reducing my load.
 
Snugpak left me with a bad impression.

I tried the Snugpack Sleeka 35 and was disappointed. The waist belt went over my belly button and there was no support system. The belt was not a hip belt, no internal frame, load lifter straps, or strays.
 
I talked to Glen face to face on Tuesday. Eberlestock is the way to go. I've been using an Operator for a couple of years now. It's the most comfortable pack I own when it comes to heavy loads. 35+ would be cake for a halftrack, you won't even feel it. The straps are completely adjustable, you can raise and lower them to fit the length of your torso. The shoulder straps are 4 inches wide and distribute the weight across your entire shoulder. There are zip-out compartments inside that allow you to pack the heavy stuff high and the light stuff low to farther balance the load. The pack really becomes an extension of your body. It doesn't shift around, there's no rub or bouncing. Consider the V69 Destroyer as well. I blew out the zipper on my Operator last fishing trip and Glen took a walkin RMA and fixed it. Customer service is as good as it gets-you break it and they will fix it. It's one of those 'buy once cry once' deals, with all the bells and whistles and bombproof construction it really is the nicest pack in the industry.
 
I will mention Kelty as well. The Map runs around a hundred dollars along with the Redwing, which comes in coyote and OD. Comparing the other brands you mentioned with Eberlestock just isn't doable. If there's any way you can get hands on with one, you will see.
 
I've been eyeing the F3 Halftrack for a while now. I like the contruction but the waight keeps me from buying it. Almost 7 pounds for a 3080 C.I. pack is pretty heavy to my. Other then that I like the look and price. :)
 
I have a Kelty MAP and it's about as comfortable as my Osprey bag for overnight hikes. I love it. Just don't get one if you have a bulky sleeping bag / like to carry more than just a tarp and some food. It's amazing for minimalist camping, but that's about it.
 
Kifaru.

I also took a MALICE pack from Tactical Tailor and mounted it on the Mysterey Ranch N.I.C.E.
frame and got good results.

-Stan
 
I've owned a Snugpack Rocket for several years, yes it lasted quite well; it's seen some heavy use, but the internal aluminium stay has broken and the fabric's now got a hole, not too bad. But, what really did it for me was that despite the "hip belt" it was, as someone else has said no where near my hips and I'm pretty short.

If it's a better, more subdued colour you're after, but with a hip belt, take a look at Fjallraven. One is going to be my next rucksack, but haven't decided which one. I've always found there gear very good, very robust.

hth, John
 
Arc'Teryx. Not poser toys but real packs. The Naos, Arrakis, Arro, Acrux and RT series... I've had a Arro for nearly a decade and, like a Suunto compared to a Timex, they are the real deal. Arrakis is on the short list. Lifetime warranty and bombproof.

(Arc'Teryx also designed the Marine ILBE pack system.)
 
The old ALICE pack wasn't the most comfortable and I would really include any of the packs without some type of frame. If you're packing less than 20-25 pounds, you can get away with a frameless pack, but you'll notice the difference after doing several consecutive miles.

I can personally endorse Kifaru and Arc'Teryx; both are exceptional packs designed to handle heavy loads and excessive abuse. I've used and feel pretty confident that Eblerstock and Mystery Ranch would also serve you well with great construction, comfort and design features.

I never liked the ILBE designed packs. Lowe is another good example that started out excellent and then the contract went with the lower-bid CFP-90 pack which was a big failure for a large pack design.

People always ask about "military" packs but I would caution you as to making a decision without defining your uses. Most of the top tier military packs will be expensive and heavier than their civilian counterparts; however, they will be designed to withstand significant abuse/use and still be comfortable and stable with heavy loads. It's a trade-off, but if your needs require it, it's a good investment.

ROCK6
 
I'm liking my 32L Tasmanian Tiger 'Patrol Pack.' Very comfortable.

tastig02.jpg


tastig01.jpg
 
Paddling_man said:
Arc'Teryx. Not poser toys but real packs. The Naos, Arrakis, Arro, Acrux and RT series... I've had a Arro for nearly a decade and, like a Suunto compared to a Timex, they are the real deal. Arrakis is on the short list. Lifetime warranty and bombproof.

(Arc'Teryx also designed the Marine ILBE pack system.)
Click to expand...

The Marine ILBE pack is garbage, I carried it for 4 years. We supplement it now with TT frame packs, Kifaru, or some of the nice and now authorized Mystery Ranch rigs. MR is designing the new main pack, but I hear Propper will again be doing the construction which is disapointing. Oh well, Ive only got 10 months left on this last contract anyways:cool:
 
Mountainsmith is my favorite of the civilian brands so don't get me wrong-Kifaru's construction and ergos are great. However you can tack on 100+ dollars for all the extras the other packs come with but Kifaru doesn't give you. It comes with the main compartment and the straps to pack it. There's no organization, no side pockets, no nothing. If they were a little more reasonable in their prices and acknowledged that what they offer is a barebones platform to build your ruck upon, I'd buy one in a heartbeat, but the fact of the matter is when they are charging Mystery Ranch and Eberle prices for smaller volume bags where all you get is one big pouch, it just isn't competitive. I'd just as soon get a Karimmor for 120 dollars, spend 50 on interchangeable modular side pockets or heck, even another 40 on an Eberle Sidescabbard for a survival rifle, and build myself the whole kit and cabootle for the retail price of just the compartment with Kifaru. Love the product, but not the price or marketting views. It's like paying for a complete modular tactical vest with all the pouches and bells and whistles, and only getting the 8x10 chunk of MOLLE.
 
Paddling_man said:
Arc'Teryx. Not poser toys but real packs. The Naos, Arrakis, Arro, Acrux and RT series... I've had a Arro for nearly a decade and, like a Suunto compared to a Timex, they are the real deal. Arrakis is on the short list. Lifetime warranty and bombproof.

(Arc'Teryx also designed the Marine ILBE pack system.)
Click to expand...
Carried one in Iraq use it now. Love it. While I have never used any super high end packs it beats the Army Molle 2 pack the Alice pack and a Northface and a Kelty that I have had.
 
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