Just my penny'worth, I hope I'm not too late...
The KEY things here, I think, are your height and that you are starting out and so trialling a suitable backpack.
As a disclaimer, I'll say that I'm not very knowledgeable of civvie and foreign military rucksacks although I collect
Bergans rucksacks and use a Lowe Alpine "
Liberty APS 70+20" rucksack for hiking. It has an adjustable back system so that's perhaps something to look into. I'd never use it for bushcraft, though.
I'd recommend a PLCE rucksack infantry (LONG back only) for 3 reasons:
- They are relatively inexpensive,;
- They're tough and reliable;
- If you get one used, it'll hold it's price. So, if you don't like it, it should be easy enough to resell on eBay/Gumtree and get your outlay back. The original green ones perhaps look less "army" (and intimidating, to some people) than the later DPM and MTP ones.
Beware of some of the DPM ones: sometimes, the padding in them become quite hard. I think that happens with some of the ones made after ~2003 if they're stored in a place like a shed or garage. (A theory, I don't know for sure.)
I use one for shopping (I cycle) and have had it since 1990. No issues at all. For me, I often need greater capacity than its 100 litres - but I'm unusual in that way! I usually have the compression straps on the sides compressed to keep the load flatter against the back, higher, more comfortable and less tiring. You can use the compression straps for strapping down items like jackets, camera tripods, some kipmats, etc.
I never use the side pouches with it though I might use them separately (in daysack mode). If I had kids out with me, I'd give them the side pouches to carry. If they tire, I could always attach the side pouches to my backpack.
The PLCE Rucksack Infantry is based on the smaller Berghaus Crusader/Roc/Vulcan rucksacks. These are definitely more comfortable - but make sure you get the correct size. At 6'6", you'll need a size 4 which is sized for a user's back of 48-54cm. I think some of the more modern ones take PLCE compatible side pouches. This one MIGHT be a size 4:
Inner small zip pocket side seam has pulled away so need sewing then will be fine, NO SIDE POCKETS. worn used still good USED AS IN THE 12 PICTURES. 100% GENUINE berghaus . SIZE = LOOKS LIKE A LONG BACK MILITARY SIZE .
www.ebay.co.uk
(I think actual Falklands War era ones are canvas, not nylon, but I can be 100% certain.)
The medium ALICE pack is a very decent backpack but WITH a frame, they're expensive and possibly over cumbersome. Without a frame, it'll likely kill your back because the base of it will be at the centre of your back. I'm 5'9" and I used to get backache from it. It has no hip belt (and on most people, a hip belt probably wouldn't reach the hips!) I can't speak of the frame from experience because I've never used one but they are well padded and often have a waist/hip belt.
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage US Military Surplus Alice Pack Army Combat Rucksack Olive Philippines at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!
www.ebay.co.uk
The above ALICE pack looks like a genuine USGI one. They're much copied and the copies are of various qualities - some better avoided. What I like about them are the three external large pouches and the ability to fit axes and the British Golok (a type of machete), as well as attach ALICE pouches, British '44 hanger items and even PALS compatible pouches like Osprey and MOLLE.
The other ALICE pack size is large and this is a very decent size - but it WILL need to be carried on a frame. They're not cheap when they appear.
No serious wear or fraying of materials.
www.ebay.co.uk
There are three narrow pouches at the top of the front - ideal for cans of beer! Or white phosphorous or smoke grenades, if you prefer to carry those...
Failing all that, you could experiment with a "
Hudson Bay Pack"...
(I STILL haven't gotten around with tinkering with one of those...)
www.military1st.co.uk
DAMHIKT!!
