Are the surplus US issue Molle II packs any good? I can pick one up dirt cheap but I cant lay my hands on it first to see how well it's constructed.
US issue Molle II pack
- Thread starter SnkBit
- Start date
Re: US issue Molle II pack
I paid 30.00 for mine and use it for my range stuff. It has lot's of space and is built tough if it's the same one you're looking at. Mine is in 3 color desert, but looks like this one.
http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/13289.html
Lee.
I paid 30.00 for mine and use it for my range stuff. It has lot's of space and is built tough if it's the same one you're looking at. Mine is in 3 color desert, but looks like this one.
http://west.loadup.com/military/surplus/13289.html
Lee.
Re: US issue Molle II pack
I wouldn't pay more than 10 bucks for one. Unless you plan on using for just little shit that would probably fit in a cargo pocket those things suck. I prefer the old ALICE ruck to the new one, which the pack that your looking at attaches too. In Iraq I put that pos under the bed and order a Blackhawk RAPTOR for my day pack. The pack your looking at would be good to give your kid to take to school until probably 5th grade then it'd be too small. Construction wise the stiching is ok I guess it's just a really small pack in my opionion.
I wouldn't pay more than 10 bucks for one. Unless you plan on using for just little shit that would probably fit in a cargo pocket those things suck. I prefer the old ALICE ruck to the new one, which the pack that your looking at attaches too. In Iraq I put that pos under the bed and order a Blackhawk RAPTOR for my day pack. The pack your looking at would be good to give your kid to take to school until probably 5th grade then it'd be too small. Construction wise the stiching is ok I guess it's just a really small pack in my opionion.
Re: US issue Molle II pack
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SnkBit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are the surplus US issue Molle II packs any good? I can pick one up dirt cheap but I cant lay my hands on it first to see how well it's constructed. </div></div>
If its dirt cheap, just get it...Even if you don't use as intended, a small pack like that will soon find a use and it will give you a better idea of the fetatures you want if you decide to shell out $$$$ on a good civvie pack..
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SnkBit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are the surplus US issue Molle II packs any good? I can pick one up dirt cheap but I cant lay my hands on it first to see how well it's constructed. </div></div>
If its dirt cheap, just get it...Even if you don't use as intended, a small pack like that will soon find a use and it will give you a better idea of the fetatures you want if you decide to shell out $$$$ on a good civvie pack..
Re: US issue Molle II pack
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HillbillyfromAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't pay more than 10 bucks for one. Unless you plan on using for just little shit that would probably fit in a cargo pocket those things suck. I prefer the old ALICE ruck to the new one, which the pack that your looking at attaches too. In Iraq I put that pos under the bed and order a Blackhawk RAPTOR for my day pack. The pack your looking at would be good to give your kid to take to school until probably 5th grade then it'd be too small. Construction wise the stiching is ok I guess it's just a really small pack in my opionion. </div></div>
The stiching is good and the pack is durable (recovered mine after it was taken off of a Bradley by a tree) and gave it to my son for school. It is really small as posted above!
You might want to look into something else depending on what you are looking for such as the blackhawk bags, camel back bags or the classic old rucksack.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HillbillyfromAL</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't pay more than 10 bucks for one. Unless you plan on using for just little shit that would probably fit in a cargo pocket those things suck. I prefer the old ALICE ruck to the new one, which the pack that your looking at attaches too. In Iraq I put that pos under the bed and order a Blackhawk RAPTOR for my day pack. The pack your looking at would be good to give your kid to take to school until probably 5th grade then it'd be too small. Construction wise the stiching is ok I guess it's just a really small pack in my opionion. </div></div>
The stiching is good and the pack is durable (recovered mine after it was taken off of a Bradley by a tree) and gave it to my son for school. It is really small as posted above!
You might want to look into something else depending on what you are looking for such as the blackhawk bags, camel back bags or the classic old rucksack.
Re: US issue Molle II pack
I have one like the one referenced by "Longbow 6". They are not the greatest packs but work alright. They are very similar to a normal backpack kids use for school. I just use it as my range bag. I prefer my Kifaru for hiking. It's better built, larger and has a ton of molle to customize. Just get it though if it's so cheap. They are handy.
I have one like the one referenced by "Longbow 6". They are not the greatest packs but work alright. They are very similar to a normal backpack kids use for school. I just use it as my range bag. I prefer my Kifaru for hiking. It's better built, larger and has a ton of molle to customize. Just get it though if it's so cheap. They are handy.
Re: US issue Molle II pack
There are two packs being discussed here it would appear... those who are refering to the polymer framed main pack, which is very large, comfortable enough, but as I recall, only actually rated for 60 or 70lbs. For heavy loads (80+lbs), the ALICE is still king (as far as standard issue goes).
Then the one shown in the link, which is the patrol pack, designed to snap onto the main pack... This one is like a small back pack; serves it's purpose well enough. Quality is good, but my eagle pack and my buddy's tactical tailor pack are much better constructed.
If the price is right, neither are a bad option.
There are two packs being discussed here it would appear... those who are refering to the polymer framed main pack, which is very large, comfortable enough, but as I recall, only actually rated for 60 or 70lbs. For heavy loads (80+lbs), the ALICE is still king (as far as standard issue goes).
Then the one shown in the link, which is the patrol pack, designed to snap onto the main pack... This one is like a small back pack; serves it's purpose well enough. Quality is good, but my eagle pack and my buddy's tactical tailor pack are much better constructed.
If the price is right, neither are a bad option.
Re: US issue Molle II pack
DP425, you are correct in your assumption. The pack in the link above is a small patrol pack. The pack I'm looking at is the standard pack complete with the frame and the sleep system carrier. I think it will be enough space for all of my normal gear as far as I can tell. I was really wanting to know about construction quality I guess. Seems like no matter what I buy I end up having problems with stitching or zippers and was thinking that this may be of heavier construction due to its intended usage.
Heres a link to a pack just like what I'm looking at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/MOLLE-II-Pack-Desert...#ht_1752wt_1137
I can get it for about half that price though.
DP425, you are correct in your assumption. The pack in the link above is a small patrol pack. The pack I'm looking at is the standard pack complete with the frame and the sleep system carrier. I think it will be enough space for all of my normal gear as far as I can tell. I was really wanting to know about construction quality I guess. Seems like no matter what I buy I end up having problems with stitching or zippers and was thinking that this may be of heavier construction due to its intended usage.
Heres a link to a pack just like what I'm looking at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/MOLLE-II-Pack-Desert...#ht_1752wt_1137
I can get it for about half that price though.
Re: US issue Molle II pack
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SnkBit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">DP425, you are correct in your assumption. The pack in the link above is a small patrol pack. The pack I'm looking at is the standard pack complete with the frame and the sleep system carrier. I think it will be enough space for all of my normal gear as far as I can tell. I was really wanting to know about construction quality I guess. Seems like no matter what I buy I end up having problems with stitching or zippers and was thinking that this may be of heavier construction due to its intended usage.
Heres a link to a pack just like what I'm looking at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/MOLLE-II-Pack-Desert...#ht_1752wt_1137
I can get it for about half that price though. </div></div>
Okay, well I can tell you that the weak point with this pack is the frame- We have pretty constant problems with blowing out frames on mission rucks, which is why many of us still run a large ALICE pack or one of the many alternatives. That being said, the stitching and material are good; you shouldn't have any issues in that area. Assuming you don't carry a TON of weight and regularly beat the hell out of your ruck (tossing from a truck, dropping it w 60+lbs in it, things of that nature)... it should do very well for you. The design is a bit different from current standard issue (aside from color pattern) but it's pretty similar and the frame looks to be identical. As far as comfort goes, these packs are leaps and bounds above the old ALICE packs.
If you're looking at $30 for it, it's a very good buy. And the frame breakage isn't an alarmingly high rate- from personal experience and reports from others, it seems that about 1-2% of these break during heavy-use schools (RSLC, Ranger). It's still a MUCH higher than failure rates for the aluminum frame ALICE (usually you could see when the frame was ready to go BEFORE it quits- these just give up).
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SnkBit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">DP425, you are correct in your assumption. The pack in the link above is a small patrol pack. The pack I'm looking at is the standard pack complete with the frame and the sleep system carrier. I think it will be enough space for all of my normal gear as far as I can tell. I was really wanting to know about construction quality I guess. Seems like no matter what I buy I end up having problems with stitching or zippers and was thinking that this may be of heavier construction due to its intended usage.
Heres a link to a pack just like what I'm looking at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/MOLLE-II-Pack-Desert...#ht_1752wt_1137
I can get it for about half that price though. </div></div>
Okay, well I can tell you that the weak point with this pack is the frame- We have pretty constant problems with blowing out frames on mission rucks, which is why many of us still run a large ALICE pack or one of the many alternatives. That being said, the stitching and material are good; you shouldn't have any issues in that area. Assuming you don't carry a TON of weight and regularly beat the hell out of your ruck (tossing from a truck, dropping it w 60+lbs in it, things of that nature)... it should do very well for you. The design is a bit different from current standard issue (aside from color pattern) but it's pretty similar and the frame looks to be identical. As far as comfort goes, these packs are leaps and bounds above the old ALICE packs.
If you're looking at $30 for it, it's a very good buy. And the frame breakage isn't an alarmingly high rate- from personal experience and reports from others, it seems that about 1-2% of these break during heavy-use schools (RSLC, Ranger). It's still a MUCH higher than failure rates for the aluminum frame ALICE (usually you could see when the frame was ready to go BEFORE it quits- these just give up).
Re: US issue Molle II pack
The early Molle frames did suffer a number of failures and the design was changed several times.
Personally, I'd invest $10 and get a new Gen IV frame and straps from here:
Gen IV Frame On Ebay
I'd then swap out the existing Gen 11 frame and straps and stick them back on ebay.
The early Molle frames did suffer a number of failures and the design was changed several times.
Personally, I'd invest $10 and get a new Gen IV frame and straps from here:
Gen IV Frame On Ebay
I'd then swap out the existing Gen 11 frame and straps and stick them back on ebay.
Re: US issue Molle II pack
Have been looking at one of these smaller backs to replace my old med. ALICE, that I've been carrying since 1985. The stitching is finally starting to give out. Has made an awesome day pack for 25 years, wish I could find another in like new condition!
Have been looking at one of these smaller backs to replace my old med. ALICE, that I've been carrying since 1985. The stitching is finally starting to give out. Has made an awesome day pack for 25 years, wish I could find another in like new condition!
Re: US issue Molle II pack
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SnkBit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are the surplus US issue Molle II packs any good? I can pick one up dirt cheap but I cant lay my hands on it first to see how well it's constructed. </div></div>
As a field pack they absolutely suck: poor load-bearing and clumsy. As a gym bag, they work fine.
Not everything the Army does is an improvement and this is a case in point. The original ALICE pack system is way better than what the Army replaced it with. Another proof point is the fact that the Marines went a totally different direction and selected Arc-Teryx.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SnkBit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are the surplus US issue Molle II packs any good? I can pick one up dirt cheap but I cant lay my hands on it first to see how well it's constructed. </div></div>
As a field pack they absolutely suck: poor load-bearing and clumsy. As a gym bag, they work fine.
Re: US issue Molle II pack
Coming back from Fister School about a month ago I ended up having to walk the last mile home from the train station, I managed to pack just about the entire schools packing list (didn't need half of it) into my new ruck (thats with the two pouches on the sides along with two more from another ruck and two Tactical tailor saw pouches) and my personal carry on bag strapped to the outside. All total according to the Airlines scale, my baggage weighed in at roughly 95 pounds.
While I didn't set any land speed records walking that mile, I was able to do it without any of the lower back pain associated with hunping that kind of weight with the old alice packs. I didn't use the kidney strap, and I felt that the shoulder straps could use just a little bit more padding but overall not a bad design in my eyes.
Coming back from Fister School about a month ago I ended up having to walk the last mile home from the train station, I managed to pack just about the entire schools packing list (didn't need half of it) into my new ruck (thats with the two pouches on the sides along with two more from another ruck and two Tactical tailor saw pouches) and my personal carry on bag strapped to the outside. All total according to the Airlines scale, my baggage weighed in at roughly 95 pounds.
While I didn't set any land speed records walking that mile, I was able to do it without any of the lower back pain associated with hunping that kind of weight with the old alice packs. I didn't use the kidney strap, and I felt that the shoulder straps could use just a little bit more padding but overall not a bad design in my eyes.
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