Posted: 11/1/2009 3:41:31 PM EDT
| I am looking for a good all-round backpack for hiking, hunting and all-round travel. I would also be using it for a BOB. Please give me some input on this. |
I have nothing bad to say about this pack or the others in the same family. Probably the best comprise of backpacking and military style packs. The only downside is the price, but good equipment costs $$$.
http://www.cobratactical.com/CamelBak-Scorpius-Internal-Frame-Tactical-Pack-60523-One-in-Stock-Black-Only_p_2331.html |
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Osprey Aether in whatever size fits your needs & fits you.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/AetherSeriesMens/ |
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http://www.badlandspacks.com/2800.php Most comfortable to carry pack i've ever used......... Mountainsmith is second on my list. |
| Dont forget Kifaru, while heavy, they carry heavy loads VERY well. Wish I had one back in the Marines in the 90s. Would have made my back feel MUCH better. Agree on the size comment however. I have a few from 1000 to 7500 (EMR) cu in without pockets, but still have pockets to add on if or when needed. |
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http://www.mysteryranch.com/site/index.html
Only 2 really great American pack makers. Patrick Smith, aka Mointainsmith and now Kifaru owner. Dana Gleason, aka Dana Design and now Mystery Ranch owner. Both make the best packs around, both have 30 years pack making experience,each. Both make outstanding heavy haul packs. |
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Quoted:
http://www.mysteryranch.com/site/index.html Only 2 really great American pack makers. Patrick Smith, aka Mointainsmith and now Kifaru owner. Dana Gleason, aka Dana Design and now Mystery Ranch owner. Both make the best packs around, both have 30 years pack making experience,each. Both make outstanding heavy haul packs. I'm glad you brought this up. I forgot to mention that the pack I showed above is a re-branded Mystery Ranch pack and it handles heavy loads very well. The limiting weight carrying factor is my knees and not my shoulders or back because this pack distributes the weight so well. |
| I know they get flak for their pricing and someone brought up that they are now china made, but I have nothing but positive reviews for my Arc'teryx Bora pack. Available in sizes ranging from 35-95 liters. I bought the 80 and love it. |
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for what its worth I have too many backpacks. But for me, I found the holy grail for a bigger pack.
6'1" 220 Lbs Kind of a long torso Protech Tactical "conflict" made by BAE Systems Really like this pack. Hangs low, or high. I set mine low, preference I guess. Phoenix Crossroads show for $40 bucks. Very well made. Picture For smaller stuff I have a Kelty "Commander"in ACU. Killer patrol pack. Light, and quiet. Would show you a picture, but I have never seen one on the 'net. |
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If you want a large bag or any bag for that matter go with Arcteryx .
The Bora 95 uses the same suspension system as the ILBE. Very comfortable bag. http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/is/image/MoosejawMB/10028305x1010828_zm?$product475$ |
| Only thing I will kick is I have found i really like MOLLE style back packs, or those designed with lots of pockets hanging out. Yeah, it gets cluttered, but its nice having pockets for things on the outside so I dont have to keep digging through the whole pack to find my whistle or matches etc. I have been looking at the Gerber Grasp 150 as my new pack to dream about. |
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Depending on size needs - I carry the Eberlestock G3 Operator in Dry Earth - freaking awesome pack for literally any occasion. Has an internal frame that seems to defy gravity. My wife has been granted ownership of my first attempt, the Gunslinger in CB - great pack which was just a bit too small for my needs. That said, I surely could have made due with the Gunslinger. Downsides`are cost and setup time (takes awhile to properly fit the pack, do it once and its GTG unless you're still growing). I make no $$ for this, just a satisfied customer.   |