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Need a better ruck that has support for more weight

TheGerman

Oberleutnant
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Jan 25, 2010
    10,608
    30,199
    the Westside
    I have a big 3-day Kifaru and am happy with it, however the ruck is way too big for single day/overnight outings. Lately I've been using the Tactical Tailor removable pack that is around 1200cu and have 1 small pouch on each side. The size is good, construction is awesome and I am happy with it but am running into an issue with it when its loaded full with water, ammo and misc. gear and I think I've exceeded the 'ideal weight' that it was designed for. No construction issues, but the ruck is simply angling down and pulling off my back regardless of how high and tight to my upper torso I adjust it. Additionally, I need some sort of back support as this pack has none (and was not designed for this).

    The size isn't an issue, although I could probably go up a few 100cu, I don't really need a larger pack as I am not looking to cram more stuff into it. So here is what I am looking for:

    - 1200-1800 MAX (1400-1500 would be ideal)
    - No belt support as I normally have a warbelt on
    - Molle on rear/sides
    - Some sort of support system that doesn't struggle with 35-45 lbs
    - Open top access
    - Internal water bladder hanger
    - Coyote Brown color option would be nice
    - Made in USA

    I've looked around and most rucks that fit this are 3 day packs or an Eberlestock which I do not like. I did find a Kifaru Scout but it looks like you wear it over your ass almost and is to low for me and the Omni seems too big. Another question, would pack stays be enough support as this is what the Omni offers?

    Is there a framesheet that will fit the TT ruck and will solve my problems as this would be the easiest route?
     
    I have a big 3-day Kifaru and am happy with it, however the ruck is way too big for single day/overnight outings. Lately I've been using the Tactical Tailor removable pack that is around 1200cu and have 1 small pouch on each side. The size is good, construction is awesome and I am happy with it but am running into an issue with it when its loaded full with water, ammo and misc. gear and I think I've exceeded the 'ideal weight' that it was designed for. No construction issues, but the ruck is simply angling down and pulling off my back regardless of how high and tight to my upper torso I adjust it. Additionally, I need some sort of back support as this pack has none (and was not designed for this).

    The size isn't an issue, although I could probably go up a few 100cu, I don't really need a larger pack as I am not looking to cram more stuff into it. So here is what I am looking for:

    - 1200-1800 MAX (1400-1500 would be ideal)
    - No belt support as I normally have a warbelt on
    - Molle on rear/sides
    - Some sort of support system that doesn't struggle with 35-45 lbs
    - Open top access
    - Internal water bladder hanger
    - Coyote Brown color option would be nice
    - Made in USA

    I've looked around and most rucks that fit this are 3 day packs or an Eberlestock which I do not like. I did find a Kifaru Scout but it looks like you wear it over your ass almost and is to low for me and the Omni seems too big. Another question, would pack stays be enough support as this is what the Omni offers?

    Is there a framesheet that will fit the TT ruck and will solve my problems as this would be the easiest route?

    With out a waist belt to support the load, hanging from the shoulders is what you get. Stays, plastic frame sheet, etc transfer the weight to the waist belt and onto the hips to relieve weight from the shoulders and neck. Without a waist belt, you get what you get with a load on the shoulders and neck as there is nothing to support the weight but the shoulders.

    You can place a sheet of plastic in the hydro sleeve, I use 4 mil thick. Cut the plastic and sandpaper the edge round and smooth, do not cut it so its tight with pressure on the fabric but snug. I also run duct tape around the edge of mine, a way to carry tape and guards against any wearing. I am sure you have some sort of plastic store in your industry section of your town. Cost is less than $20 here. Another option is stiff closed cell foam. Much harder to find, mine is doubled in half to fit into the sleeve and I remove it to sit, stand on and lay on. A cut up Cascade Design Ridge Rest I have used also but its thick and softer foam, cant double it but I can still sit and stand on it. All these will relieve some stress on the pack to keep its shape and does help some but without a waist belt, hard to get the weight off the shoulders and neck.

    I have the TT Removable Operator pack too. I have pouches on each side for quick access kit and one on the front under the bunjee for binos, bunjee is for jacket. I clip mine to load bearing and works superb but at times it is a stand alone but for short slow treks, not an on the fly push.

    good luck
     
    take a look a the Kifaru X-Ray or Zippy. You might even be able to find one of the new Army external frame assault packs, those are pretty nice, smaller than the MOLLE ruck but slightly bigger than the Assault pack.
     
    Kifaru X-Ray
    Mystery Ranch Nice CrewCab
    SO Tech Urban Mission Pack***.

    *** Their customer service is atrocious. I recently had them build me this pack, as it was out of stock. Everything on their site is out of stock... I think theyre in serious financial trouble. But once the pack got here, its built like a tank and is an awesome pack.
     
    TheGerman said:
    I've looked around and most rucks that fit this are 3 day packs or an Eberlestock which I do not like

    Does this include the new Elberstock G2 with the intex-II frame? I recently picked one up and so far I have no complaints.
     
    What about an ATS RAID pack? It has everything on your list except it isn't a top loader, it's a panel pack. I've actually got an as new Coyote Brown Gen I RAID with internal frame sheet that I am looking to sell.
     
    Look at the Bug-out bag from S.O.C (Sandpiper of California). Lot of features you mentioned, well made and less than a C-note.
     
    What about an ATS RAID pack? It has everything on your list except it isn't a top loader, it's a panel pack. I've actually got an as new Coyote Brown Gen I RAID with internal frame sheet that I am looking to sell.

    I actually had looked at the Raid 2 and know it can have that framesheet they make put into it; thing is, how is the padding in the shoulder straps and how does the bag hold up to 40-50lbs being carried in it?
     
    If its the one I just looked at its 2800CU and has a rifle scabbard; that would be WAY too large for my uses.

    It is but you might want to give it another look, it cinches down pretty small, so you always have the option to put more in it if needed.If you're not using the scabbard, it tucks away out of sight completely.

    1146780_609499112406895_1840452315_o.jpg
     
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    I actually had looked at the Raid 2 and know it can have that framesheet they make put into it; thing is, how is the padding in the shoulder straps and how does the bag hold up to 40-50lbs being carried in it?

    The padding in the straps is a little thicker on my Gen I RAID than the newer RAID II pack. It's been a while since I've used it, so I'll pull it and a scale out tonight to see how it feels with some weight. I'll let you know how it goes.
     
    I actually had looked at the Raid 2 and know it can have that framesheet they make put into it; thing is, how is the padding in the shoulder straps and how does the bag hold up to 40-50lbs being carried in it?

    I put two 500 count cases of 5.56 ammo in the RAID pack to mock up a heavier load (scale read 32lbs with the loaded pack on it). I cinched the boxes down with the internal load straps which made it very stable. The 32lbs. felt fine on my shoulders and the area of my lower back where the pack rested. The straps are sufficiently padded as to not dig into the shoulders, and the frame sheet that I added to the pack helped stabilize the heavy load. For a pack in this size/style class, I think the RAID is about as comfortable as it gets before stepping up to something with a belt system and fancier back padding system (i.e. a larger Kifaru). The Kifaru Zippy looks to be about the same in design as the RAID, at least as far as how the load is carried. Stepping up to the Kifaru X-Ray might get you a more comfortable ride with a waist belt.

    I think 45-50lbs. might be pushing the comfort level for this, or any similar pack, unless it was for relatively short treks (you can gut out just about anything for a short distance). How do you get 40-50lbs. in a 1500cu pack? I can't see that happening, unless you only carried water and ammunition?

    What Kifaru pack do you have already?