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Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

trebark

trebark

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 28, 2010
71
1
Falls Church, VA
I am familiar with the Eberlestock and 5.11 line of tactical packs as I have a Gunslinger 2 and a RUSH 24 pack. I am curious to know what other companies are out there that make quality tactical packs. For instance, I have recently learned about Kifaru. Any company recommendations you can make would be appreciated.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

Im a Maxpedition Junkie! haha

Guess it really depends on how much you wanna carry though.

For EDC I use a Maxpedition Sitka
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

It really does depend on what you want to do with the pack. Applications pursued, gear to be hauled, etc. There are literally hundreds of different options out there that could work. Give us some more info & I'm sure we can narrow down some quality options.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

I'm using an Eagle. Had it a long time, used it pretty hard, and have had zero problems. Good quality.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

I was recently in the market for a pack in the 45 liter range. Good experiences over the past 10 years with a Mountainsmith Bugaboo day pack had me looking at the Kifaru Zulu + XTL. Mountainsmith uses wide, flat webbing for their hip belts that molds to your hip bones instead of thickly padded that I find to create hot spots. Patrick Smith/Zulu continues that same philosophy with the Omnibelt on the Zulu. Unfortunately, they couldn't meet my delivery date, and I ended up ordering a Mountainsmith Lookout 45. It's 450 denier nylon instad of the 1000 denier on the Zulu, but my Bugaboo shrugged off heavy civilian abuse with the same thickness fabric. Mystery Ranch was another contender; Dana Designs made fantastic long-distance packs back when he was running that company.

—Andreas
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

I have the Camelbak BFM and have been extremely happy with it. Years of comps and hunting, it has been 100%.

Then again, packs are a lot like women, you gotta try a few to figure out just what works for you.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

For me, I like packs with good suspension systems (yes, I'm a whimp).

In that light, I really like my Granite Gear Blaze, which is ~50L and an ultra light pack (under 3 lbs). Granite Gear makes a tactical line, if you want the MOLLE stuff and multicam. See them here: http://www.granitegearstore.com/Tactical-Backpacks-C32.aspx
The Special Mission Patrol pack, at 45L and just over 5 lbs looks pretty good. Granite Gear is China-made, but the quality is good, step up from Voodoo/Condor level, but not up with the US made packets.

Also, Arc'teryx Echo looks nice: http://leaf.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Packs/Echo#Over_60L
That looks like a very good suspension system on there. I don't have any experience with these pack, it is just one that I looked at and was impressived with.

For the most options and customization, I don't see anyone doing more than Kifaru however. Buy their pack that fits most of your needs and then buy the pods and pockets you need for various other missions.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

For comps kifaru would be an excellent choice. Arcteryx makes great packs for extended hikes if you don't want all the molle and mil colors.

I have used arteryx for many years on extended backpacking and mountaineering trips and I have found them to be extremely comfortable.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

Kifaru has outstanding quality and is very comfortable with heavy loads. I have an Express and it's worth every penny. It's also 100% made in the USA using US materials.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JamesBailey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In that light, I really like my Granite Gear Blaze, which is ~50L and an ultra light pack (under 3 lbs). Granite Gear makes a tactical line, if you want the MOLLE stuff and multicam. See them here: http://www.granitegearstore.com/Tactical-Backpacks-C32.aspx
The Special Mission Patrol pack, at 45L and just over 5 lbs looks pretty good. <span style="font-weight: bold"> Granite Gear is China-made, but the quality is good, step up from Voodoo/Condor level, but not up with the US made packets.</span>
</div></div>
Where did you hear that the Granite Gear tactical line is made in China? Based on my last conversation with them (back in February of this year), this line was being manufactured in Costa Rica. To my knowledge, the Tactical line has never been produced in Asia. I'll try to confirm with my rep but I have a users manual for their Chief Patrol pack that states: <span style="font-weight: bold">"Proudly Made In The USA; Granite Tactical Gear; Manufactured by MMI"</span>. In this case, MMI is a gear company out of Montgomery, AL.

Again, not trying to refute this comment, but I have pretty good info that it is not made in China. I'll try to get the definite word shortly. With regard to the gear, the Chief Patrol is an UNBELIEVABLE piece of kit, but it is big at around 5,500 cubic inches. They have 2 "assault" sized packs, with one being noticable better than the other. I need to look at my notes from SHOT to see which was the class of the two...
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

Thanks for all the tips and discussion guys. Lets keep it going. This is helpful as I am not looking for a particular pack. Rather companies that make quality tactical packs from which I can make an informed decision on the pack(s) I want based on my particular needs at the time.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Where did you hear that the Granite Gear tactical line is made in China? Based on my last conversation with them (back in February of this year), this line was being manufactured in Costa Rica. To my knowledge, the Tactical line has never been produced in Asia. I'll try to confirm with my rep but I have a users manual for their Chief Patrol pack that states: <span style="font-weight: bold">"Proudly Made In The USA; Granite Tactical Gear; Manufactured by MMI"</span>. In this case, MMI is a gear company out of Montgomery, AL.

Again, not trying to refute this comment, but I have pretty good info that it is not made in China. I'll try to get the definite word shortly. With regard to the gear, the Chief Patrol is an UNBELIEVABLE piece of kit, but it is big at around 5,500 cubic inches. They have 2 "assault" sized packs, with one being noticable better than the other. I need to look at my notes from SHOT to see which was the class of the two... </div></div>

You are probably right. I have their Blaze pack (which I love) and I thought I saw on it "made in China". Maybe I'm wrong or maybe that pack is but their tactical packs are made in USA (or somewhere else). I love Granite Gear and would buy one of their tactical packs, Chinese made or not. Nothing at all against them.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It really does depend on what you want to do with the pack. Applications pursued, gear to be hauled, etc. There are literally hundreds of different options out there that could work. Give us some more info & I'm sure we can narrow down some quality options. </div></div>

Is there anything better than the Spec-Ops THE for near the same price point? Basic pack. No-frills, no fails, comfortable with good belt support with no frame, and quality one-hand zippers.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

Any thing with "Arc'teryx" on it is wicked good stuff. Also, Spec Ops Brand makes a bombproof pack called T.H.E pack for a three-day style.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

I've been using an Eagle 3-day pack (The A-III with MOLLE straps) for about two years now for EDC (and I do carry it almost every day), and I'd recommend it. Comes with a padded belt and has an internal pocket for hydration. There's also an optional hard plastic back insert for rigidity. They also sell a set of fitted pouches that increase the storage space, but I've done fine without them. I don't particularly care about Made in USA or not, but this one is (at least it was when I bought it 2 years ago).

It's not the newest, coolest thing (the design is probably like 10 years old), but it works, is spacious enough for EDC, and is very rugged. The only con is, since it's 1000D nylon, the bag itself is heavy. If I had to buy another pack I'd get the same design in 500D.

Biggest advantage, you might find this pack on clearance for very very cheap on Natchez, if they still have stock. Last I checked, it was $80 for a pack that normally goes for $150.

EDIT: Here it is on NatchezSS:

Eagle AIII-MOLLE

I don't know about you but I'm not a fan of black (mine is in their "Ranger Green" color), but I think all the tacticool colors have sold out. Regardless of the color, $80 for a pack of this quality is a steal.
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ColoWyo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the Camelbak BFM and have been extremely happy with it. Years of comps and hunting, it has been 100%.

Then again, packs are a lot like women, you gotta try a few to figure out just what works for you. </div></div>
True on ColoWyo last statement. A pack is something you have to "hold". I have an Eberlestock (model ?) for HD packing, and a Camelbak "first design" BFM for everything else. The integral semi-frame keeps it's shape and the shoulder straps and hip belt are quite comfortable. The BFM has yet to fail me, and it's a great tac-pak. The Eberlestock is "bulletproof". If you want an Eberlestock, contact SH sponsor Ceylon / Delta Outdoorsman. He will take care of you and ensure you get what you need.

Kevin
 
Re: Tactical Backpack - Need Your Recommendation

I've been using my Camelbak BFM since about 2006 and it's still going hard for every day use at work. Took out the waist band because it messes with my armour but the shoulder straps are really comfortable and the compression straps keep the load close to your centre line.

An Eberlestock G4 for bush work and a small Eagle Yote type bag for day hunts.
 
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