The Russian veshmeshok is a wonderful pack, its comfortable, very tough! Very simple and carries plenty of stuff, got to say for the pennies I paid for it it actually exceeds my expectations, I actually prefer it to any other pack I've used, I was going to upgrade to a berghan or something but I'm quite happy with this little pack and as the saying goes if it ain't broke don't fix it. Its also quite cute in an ugly sort of way
What's your favourite Army Surplus Bag?
- Thread starter BaileyCluskey
- Start date
OK I like Military Rucksacks...
at present I have the largest selection I've ever owened:
ALICE large pack
Alice Medium sack (fits the same ALICE frame above)
SAS/PARA rucksack with frame/straps
58" Large pack (lol)
OG PLCE bergen
a PLCE bergen I've modified to be more user friendly.
and a A snugpak Rocket (not really military but similar features).
Nothing has ever gone wrong on any of them, I usually have carried far too much, and I tend to walk fast rather than plod along.
OK just for starters It's My own opinion, after using each of these over the last 20 odd years:
for short walks nothing adventurous perhaps in and out of towns I'd opt for
ALICE Medium with frame, it's about 30ish litres but sturdy enough if you want to carry something heavy.
PLCE sidepouches if not carrying lumpy things.
or Snugpak rocket, which I'm always worried about breaking!
for long hikes (comfort and reliability are priority)
ALICE medium or PLCE without side pouches as they are more supportive and more comfortable generally (yes I know they are basic and lack modern technology)
for short hikes with overnight camp (capacity is priority)
ALICE with Large sack, SAS/Para Bergen, or PLCE with side pouches.
If travelling to a base/camp then setting off from the base for day trips
I would always opt for the PLCE as it is far more adaptable than the other options easily adapted for climbing/hiking/kit carrying.
Strengest I would say PLCE and SAS bergen are best.
Weakest/Prone to damage I would say is the Snugpack followed at a distance by ALICE sacks)though I've never damaged one the fabric is softer than British sacks (the frames are pretty tough though).
ALICE and SAS/Para both have many exposed straps over the external frames which does cause wear but the advantage is you can see the wear before it breaks, and when it does it's easier to repair unlike PLCE/SAS or modern climbing sacks.
lightest: PLCE Sidepouches, Snugpack, then ALICE medium without the frame
Heaviest: by far the SAS/Para is the heviest it has a steel frame. it's also the least comfortable and has little padding and has no waist strap(but it's how it's designed).
least comfortable 58" large pack with no padding or frame at all, even when worn with webbing and packed carefully (as it's designed) it is a back ache waiting to happen!
Weather resistance: SAS/Para would have been the best, but the fabric is worn PLCE is the next best, ALICE has very poor waterproof fabric.
overall I would choose the OG PLCE bergen purely as i'ts tough, less to go wrong than the others, resonably comfortable, resonably weather resistant and with the side pouches and compression straps it's easily adaptable to changing activities.
I summerise my bags like this:
for hot weather or laid back activities I'd use ALICE as it has better ventilation and usfull storage pockets.
for cold weather or anything serious like scrambling or 2 or more days expedition I'd use PLCE.
I only really carry the SAS/Para Rucksack when empty to try to loose a few pounds when walking the dog!
None of them have a good supportive waist belt not even the Snugpack! as they are all designed to sit on top of webbing pouches!
None of them have sternum(chest) straps
Yes, I know Army rucksacks are cheap/heavy/badly made etc and that there are more comfortable rucksacks, I used to work in a camping shopIt's only my opinion!
FYI on a recent family walks in wales I used a Civilian Deuter 50l rucksack that had floating adjustable straps all the bells and whistles etc. it had a supportive belt and everything else you'd expect frm a modern sack...but I prefer Military sacks for everything else.
at present I have the largest selection I've ever owened:
ALICE large pack
Alice Medium sack (fits the same ALICE frame above)
SAS/PARA rucksack with frame/straps
58" Large pack (lol)
OG PLCE bergen
a PLCE bergen I've modified to be more user friendly.
and a A snugpak Rocket (not really military but similar features).
Nothing has ever gone wrong on any of them, I usually have carried far too much, and I tend to walk fast rather than plod along.
OK just for starters It's My own opinion, after using each of these over the last 20 odd years:
for short walks nothing adventurous perhaps in and out of towns I'd opt for
ALICE Medium with frame, it's about 30ish litres but sturdy enough if you want to carry something heavy.
PLCE sidepouches if not carrying lumpy things.
or Snugpak rocket, which I'm always worried about breaking!
for long hikes (comfort and reliability are priority)
ALICE medium or PLCE without side pouches as they are more supportive and more comfortable generally (yes I know they are basic and lack modern technology)
for short hikes with overnight camp (capacity is priority)
ALICE with Large sack, SAS/Para Bergen, or PLCE with side pouches.
If travelling to a base/camp then setting off from the base for day trips
I would always opt for the PLCE as it is far more adaptable than the other options easily adapted for climbing/hiking/kit carrying.
Strengest I would say PLCE and SAS bergen are best.
Weakest/Prone to damage I would say is the Snugpack followed at a distance by ALICE sacks)though I've never damaged one the fabric is softer than British sacks (the frames are pretty tough though).
ALICE and SAS/Para both have many exposed straps over the external frames which does cause wear but the advantage is you can see the wear before it breaks, and when it does it's easier to repair unlike PLCE/SAS or modern climbing sacks.
lightest: PLCE Sidepouches, Snugpack, then ALICE medium without the frame
Heaviest: by far the SAS/Para is the heviest it has a steel frame. it's also the least comfortable and has little padding and has no waist strap(but it's how it's designed).
least comfortable 58" large pack with no padding or frame at all, even when worn with webbing and packed carefully (as it's designed) it is a back ache waiting to happen!
Weather resistance: SAS/Para would have been the best, but the fabric is worn PLCE is the next best, ALICE has very poor waterproof fabric.
overall I would choose the OG PLCE bergen purely as i'ts tough, less to go wrong than the others, resonably comfortable, resonably weather resistant and with the side pouches and compression straps it's easily adaptable to changing activities.
I summerise my bags like this:
for hot weather or laid back activities I'd use ALICE as it has better ventilation and usfull storage pockets.
for cold weather or anything serious like scrambling or 2 or more days expedition I'd use PLCE.
I only really carry the SAS/Para Rucksack when empty to try to loose a few pounds when walking the dog!
None of them have a good supportive waist belt not even the Snugpack! as they are all designed to sit on top of webbing pouches!
None of them have sternum(chest) straps
Yes, I know Army rucksacks are cheap/heavy/badly made etc and that there are more comfortable rucksacks, I used to work in a camping shopIt's only my opinion!
FYI on a recent family walks in wales I used a Civilian Deuter 50l rucksack that had floating adjustable straps all the bells and whistles etc. it had a supportive belt and everything else you'd expect frm a modern sack...but I prefer Military sacks for everything else.
I've got a Swedish moose sack, the M39. They're a bit pricey these days compared with the almost £7 I paid for mine.
RAPPLEBY2000. -
Shop around I have a waist belt for my sas/para bergan bought separately 25 years admittedly but does help
Shop around I have a waist belt for my sas/para bergan bought separately 25 years admittedly but does help
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ex dutch army Lowe Alpine Saracen copy - amazing as a large capacity and comfy bag - blows the PLCE bergen out the water for comfort to my mind (unless you a webbing wearer)
I too love these s10 resperator bags I've bought several in camo I am prety sure you can still get hold of one in od as an optional colour http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/1724...=1006886&device=c&campaignid=707291931&crdt=0
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PLCE-resp...id=100005&rk=4&rkt=6&mehot=ag&sd=111070544001
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They are not quite the same as the one I am thinking of.
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I have a soft spot for a medium framed alice pack, and I dont know why...I have much better rucksacks...
I have all the little extra's as well...the ammo pouches and grenade pouches and different round pouches, and the metal tray on the back. Its odd really, my relationship with that pack. Ive never used it. Its like bug out bag or something.
I have all the little extra's as well...the ammo pouches and grenade pouches and different round pouches, and the metal tray on the back. Its odd really, my relationship with that pack. Ive never used it. Its like bug out bag or something.
I have a soft spot for a medium framed alice pack, and I dont know why...I have much better rucksacks...
I have all the little extra's as well...the ammo pouches and grenade pouches and different round pouches, and the metal tray on the back. Its odd really, my relationship with that pack. Ive never used it. Its like bug out bag or something.
I know where your coming from Dave , I have a hankering for an Alice Pack , not quite sure why ..........
Probably my Lowe Alpine made, Dutch military Saracen.
It's the Land Rover 110 of packs are far as i'm concerned.
Tho, saying that, I would never have got rid of the pack it replaced if it hadn't been nicked years ago with all my kit in, Berghaus Cyclops Roc in canvas.
C
It's the Land Rover 110 of packs are far as i'm concerned.
Tho, saying that, I would never have got rid of the pack it replaced if it hadn't been nicked years ago with all my kit in, Berghaus Cyclops Roc in canvas.
C
My current favourite is a surplus Russian Veshmeshok pack. Nothing fancy just heavy weight canvas closed with a drawstring and four attachment loops for a bedroll or half a Lavvu with the poles in the front pocket. About 30L in size. I like it as it's going to take any crap I choose to throw at it. (also handy for a quick trip to the village shop )
Ahh! it seems Polecatsteve beat me too it.
)Ahh! it seems Polecatsteve beat me too it.
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Yes it can be done, i seen one for sale on ebay, originally Desert DPM i think, dyed black. Looked a tidy pack to.
Look up RIT Dyeing on EDC forum, there are a few people who have tried it.
Hopefully I should have my Olive Green cloned(ish) field pack finished this week.
Quick sneak peak of how it is going so far.
Mesh pocket on one side, MOLLE/PALS on the other and a zipped pocket under the flap.
I like my German army side opening sea sack. It's huge and perfect for car camping with the kids and taking extra stuff for cubs who have woefully inadequate sleeping bags...
I use the Sting with side pockets for everything now. Just a brilliant bit of kit if you don't mind camo. One of my favourite wild camp sites involves a very steep climb, I just let it roll down when I'm off home.
