Rucksack help needed please

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Leshy

Full Member
Jun 14, 2016
2,389
57
Wiltshire
Here's one review. Be advised though that at the end he mistakenly tells the audience you can find it by searching for "ILBE Assault pack. This is the main pack and not the assault pack which is basically a smaller day pack that attaches to the main pack. He also spends a great deal of the review on the optional bag liner. https://youtu.be/THYVe3EBk5g

Here's the official USMC training film for Generation II. The pack shown in this video is plain coyote brown https://youtu.be/FemRN3y8Wv4 Used or surplus packs will usually be already assembled.

As you'll see, the pack is adjustable for torso size. It's also now more affordable than the first, older video states.
Ha no picture needed ! Wow thanks man , I'll have a look at these later...

Thank you
 

R.Lewis

Full Member
Aug 23, 2009
1,098
20
Cambs
Worn it for only short distance with reasonable load, comfortable enough compared to my Lowe Alpine Sting. I'm 5 foot 9 and length is perfect for me, can adjust waist belt to lower it a bit but limited adjustment. I could wear it high above a belt order if I wished too.
 

Leshy

Full Member
Jun 14, 2016
2,389
57
Wiltshire
Worn it for only short distance with reasonable load, comfortable enough compared to my Lowe Alpine Sting. I'm 5 foot 9 and length is perfect for me, can adjust waist belt to lower it a bit but limited adjustment. I could wear it high above a belt order if I wished too.
That's good , I'm only 6' 1 so should be OK, and if it's comparable to Lowe Alpine comfort, that's good enough for me.
Thats coming at top right now , closely followed by the expandable SF60...

Thank you
 

IC_Rafe

Forager
Feb 15, 2016
247
2
EU
I'd suggest a nice Osprey pack. I have a few, and am very happy with them. Sure, it's not as durable compared to a military pack, BUT, i doubt you treat your gear that badly. You don't need the durability of having your filled pack stocked and thrown around on pallets and tied down with cargo straps. I doubt you'll run over it with a car or anything like that, so the non surplus gear is durable enough for normal use. Usually surplus is just heavier and less comfortable ;).
 

santaman2000

M.A.B (Mad About Bushcraft)
Jan 15, 2011
16,909
1,114
67
Florida
...... Usually surplus is just heavier and less comfortable ;).

I think this will be the general consensus. While I haven't tried the ILBE personally, all reviews point to it being an exception in regards to comfort (including one I recall seeing here on the forum a couple of years ago) The weight issue would still apply though.

I found the review from here for the FILBE (essentially Gen II ILBE) Usmc filbe pack system (inc camelbak ambush)

Sorry that link doesn't work; maybe a Mod can help correct it?
 
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sunndog

Full Member
May 23, 2014
3,561
477
derbyshire
Never seen the 'zipperfox' before but i have a wisport reindeer and the quality is very good. Think some folks have bought them (wisport packs) expecting them to built like an issue bergan, they arent that tough but plenty tough enough and lighter


If you are feeling ultra flush miracle cottage do some packs with funny zips on em.......now thats the kind of kit that gucci looks at and says "flash git" lmao
 

Monspoonmaker

Member
Mar 15, 2014
44
3
Silures
Have a look at this one being made in the UK.

http://www.cribgogh.com/?p=128

I bought a non zip 35 litre model last month. Very tough and over engineered if anything but able to handle more weight than I am able to carry. Very unusual and comfortable unique back system.

Here is a video explanation of the rucksack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m112XzdYsbU

Found the people at the company really friendly and more than happy to give advice. No link to the company - only a satisfied customer.
 

Leshy

Full Member
Jun 14, 2016
2,389
57
Wiltshire
I'd suggest a nice Osprey pack. I have a few, and am very happy with them. Sure, it's not as durable compared to a military pack, BUT, i doubt you treat your gear that badly. You don't need the durability of having your filled pack stocked and thrown around on pallets and tied down with cargo straps. I doubt you'll run over it with a car or anything like that, so the non surplus gear is durable enough for normal use. Usually surplus is just heavier and less comfortable ;).
Thanks man, there's so many Ospreys out there , they look good but on the pricey side ...
Cheers
 

Leshy

Full Member
Jun 14, 2016
2,389
57
Wiltshire
Have a look at this one being made in the UK.

http://www.cribgogh.com/?p=128

I bought a non zip 35 litre model last month. Very tough and over engineered if anything but able to handle more weight than I am able to carry. Very unusual and comfortable unique back system.

Here is a video explanation of the rucksack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m112XzdYsbU

Found the people at the company really friendly and more than happy to give advice. No link to the company - only a satisfied customer.
Thanks for that, blimey that is one hell of a backpack, proper ergonomics by physicians and everything!
I suspect itl be over what my budget allows ...
If you don't mind me asking , how much did the 35 ltr set you back?

Thanks for the info
 

IC_Rafe

Forager
Feb 15, 2016
247
2
EU
Thanks man, there's so many Ospreys out there , they look good but on the pricey side ...
Cheers

Carry comfort i haven't found any pack which comes close. They are a bit on the more expensive side but not too bad in my opinion for what you get for the price. There are many more expensive out there. They also aren't the lightest, but they aren't heavy either. A good middle ground.

(Oh, i'd like to add that i do have 1 "surplus" pack. The Karrimor SF Sabre 45 with the side pockets. A bit on the heavy side (but still light asfar as military packs are concerned given that many i see are in the upper 3kg/4kg range), but i find the carry comfort for that one pretty good too. Though for trips where you walk a while, instead of going car camping, i'm looking to buy another Osprey pack when finances allow ;) )
 

Leshy

Full Member
Jun 14, 2016
2,389
57
Wiltshire
Have a look at this one being made in the UK.

http://www.cribgogh.com/?p=128

I bought a non zip 35 litre model last month. Very tough and over engineered if anything but able to handle more weight than I am able to carry. Very unusual and comfortable unique back system.

Here is a video explanation of the rucksack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m112XzdYsbU

Found the people at the company really friendly and more than happy to give advice. No link to the company - only a satisfied customer.
These really are the mutts nuts, I'll inquire these... thanks for the heads up
 

Damascus

Native
Dec 3, 2005
1,662
194
65
Norwich
People have talked about what pack is best, if you want it for walking and bomb proof, unfortunately it doesn't have an all round zip, here is the clincher, it's comfortable and carries the load well. In my mind, comfort over an all round zip every time, just pack everything in waterproof bags, easy in,easy out, to pack.
At tad expensive but well worth the money, I have a 65litre, MACPAC they come in various sizes, recommend them, tried many over the years and it works. Just a thought!
 

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