Has anyone ever tried a military backpack, as in the ones our troops use in present day warfare?
Just thought I'd see considering I could get one somewhat cheap at a surplus store.
Has anyone ever tried a military backpack, as in the ones our troops use in present day warfare?
Just thought I'd see considering I could get one somewhat cheap at a surplus store.
Go all the way there, come half way back.
Go on amazon.com and check out the Kemyer 7100. This is a great pack for the money. Features on it you won't get with a pack costing $250. to $300.
IMO, at 7100 cu in and 7 lbs empty, more than a little oversized and heavy for an AT hike of any duration, and better suited for a winter or other expedition where other than hiking gear(video, hunting/fishing, etc) is being carried.
I really like UL gear as a way to reduce weightand volume - but not "by any means" such as materials that are marginal and no load support/transfer. I need and require a full suspension system even in a smaller pack for medical/spine reasons, but anything over 4lbs empty is simply too heavy. There are a lot of really good packs with good frame/suspension systems in the 2 to 4 lb, 2700 to 4000 cu in category that are far better choices for AT hiking than a 7000 cu in 7 lb monster. Heck, 7 lbs is pack, sleeping bag and pad for me and I'm hardly a "gram weenie", and there are many who have pack, bag, pad, and shelter under that 7 lb weight.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. YMMV, HYOH, YADA...
"That's the thing about possum innards - they's just as good the second day." - Jed Clampett
I think you'd do better scouring ebay and this site for a lightly used brand name pack designed for civilian backpacking. Military gear, including all the ALICE, MOLLE, etc packs, is designed with a different pupose in mind, such as heavy load carrying(ammo), ruggedness/durability in battlefield situations, jumping, etc. There are a lot of articles on the web about civies using these packs, but there is a lot of talk about modification needed(that costs money) to make tham as comfortable as those designed for civilian backpacking purposes.
"That's the thing about possum innards - they's just as good the second day." - Jed Clampett