Ok guys I need schooled on packs/bags. This topic is something many of my friends that are hunters and/or campers always talked and geeked out on, but I myself never but the "pack bug". The only form of pack I've ever used is an old turkey hunting vest that has pretty limited space and pockets, besides the big open back for decoys or hopefully the dead bird. If it couldn't house my calls, binos, ammo, etc. neatly and easy to get to fashion, I simply thought I didn't need and could do without the piece of kit. I guess I'm kind of a minimalist like that. Now I've started shooting local matches and along with that carrying ammo, bags, optics, ballistic devices, and all the tools/accessories for those items, I realized I need something more than the typical back pack. I know the eberlestocks are popular but I'd like to find some other brands to compare, as well as get a better understanding of the different models and features. So with that said what pack do you use and why, and what are the pros/cons? Thanks
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Fieldcraft Packs/bags 101
- Thread starter RedRoo$ter527
- Start date
Kifaru
EXO Mountain Gear
Seek Outside
Hill People Gear
Mystery Ranch
Now go waste too much money on packs haha just like the rest of us.
Regrads,
DT
EXO Mountain Gear
Seek Outside
Hill People Gear
Mystery Ranch
Now go waste too much money on packs haha just like the rest of us.
Regrads,
DT
Last edited:
I have bought MILSERP backpacks that are like new for next to nothing.
It's really hard to destroy a MIL backpack.
Mission drives the gear. You can buy two high dollar quality packs that will be different from one another. One may be suited to one task, the other to something else. Sure, there are one size fits all packs, but are usually crummy at all but one or two things. There's a reason Kifaru has like a thousand different packs. All top quality. If you can afford them, start there. Also, buy the next size bigger than what you think you need.
Good advice above, but let me add this. I have a ton of packs, as I'm that guy who is always looking for the perfect pack.
If you can, try the pack on for size before you buy, preferably with a load in it.
Sportsman's Warehouse carries most of the Eberlestock models, and you can go try them on there. Go over to the shooting section, and grab a few of those heavy fill rear shooting bags and put them in the pack.
I avoided Eberlestock for the longest time because of all the negative comments about them being heavy, which they are, and for being uncomfortable on long trips. I just got a G4 Operator, and it fits me better than any other pack I've tried, including brands like Kifaru and Mystery Ranch.
The G4 is probably a bigger pack than what you're looking for, but I would still try to find a place you can try them on for size and fit, comfort, etc.
If you can, try the pack on for size before you buy, preferably with a load in it.
Sportsman's Warehouse carries most of the Eberlestock models, and you can go try them on there. Go over to the shooting section, and grab a few of those heavy fill rear shooting bags and put them in the pack.
I avoided Eberlestock for the longest time because of all the negative comments about them being heavy, which they are, and for being uncomfortable on long trips. I just got a G4 Operator, and it fits me better than any other pack I've tried, including brands like Kifaru and Mystery Ranch.
The G4 is probably a bigger pack than what you're looking for, but I would still try to find a place you can try them on for size and fit, comfort, etc.
Most people who complain about comfort with Eberlestock packs dont know how or dont adjust them properly. as for the weight, they are on the heavier side, but they are absolutely bombproof. they have redesigned some packs to lighten them up without sacrificing the strength, the GSII is a recent one.
Do you need to carry a lot of heavy shit in the pack?
- If so, get an ALICE pack with the new polymer frame and pads.
- If not, get an ATS RAID II and learn how to scale your gear as needed.
- If so, get an ALICE pack with the new polymer frame and pads.
- If not, get an ATS RAID II and learn how to scale your gear as needed.
I use Kifaru for hunting and longer, into the wilderness trips. They really have a wide range of packs, so you could find one for range trips, prs type stuff. I use a 5.11 Rush 72 for range bag, day trips, etc, because we get them at a good discount through work. If I could only have one, Kifaru would be my choice.
I have 2 Eberlestock packs and they are heavy for their CI and do not carry as comfortable as other packs but for the weight of shooting mine carry just find. Lots of organizing pockets for finding what you need quickly that is good for shoots and range time. I took mine to a couple shoots and use them as my go to range bag pack and they perform exceptional at this and most likely what you are asking.
I also have and used at times the Lowe clam shell design, what it commonly referred to as 3 day assault now. I took this on my first shoot and was my range pack for a years and while it performed, Eberlestock with the organization just became my preferred pack.
There is too much to write about all the features and how they perform to write about it. Pack recommendation from the internet is poor at best. Every pack but a few are designed to fit a wide range of body types and then adjust to hopefully get them to fit. Meaning they do not necessarily fit the recommender or you.
good luck
I also have and used at times the Lowe clam shell design, what it commonly referred to as 3 day assault now. I took this on my first shoot and was my range pack for a years and while it performed, Eberlestock with the organization just became my preferred pack.
There is too much to write about all the features and how they perform to write about it. Pack recommendation from the internet is poor at best. Every pack but a few are designed to fit a wide range of body types and then adjust to hopefully get them to fit. Meaning they do not necessarily fit the recommender or you.
good luck
Not sure what a long distance ruck match is but I think this would work but has lots of bells and whistles for any match that I ever attended, I am not really into matches just been to 5 total with short rucking. I would not use it for hard hunting.
I’m like Alpine338, forever in search of the perfect pack. No such thing exists. Start with what size you want because that will determine both how much it weighs and how much more crap you’ll never need to stuff into it. I’ve used several cheaper ones and some of the higher end ones like Mystery Ranch (x2), GoRuck, VertX, and now I’m back to using Eberlestock. If you can’t determine a specific size and want the best of both worlds (smaller but room to expand) their J51 series or their stand alone frames offer infinite possibilities. Also, remember that regular hiking backpacks (any brand) from a retalier like REI will be waaaay lighter than any “military/tactical” pack.
I've used two different Eberles, and was super happy with them. They are heavy, but 6 years of packing gear and 100 lbs of meat out of the hills, and not one failure beyond mil webbing. I still believe they are best options for folks looking for integrated rifle scabbards.
I personally switched to Mystery ranch and am so far happy with them. They are a more diverse pack than the EBs, and seem to fit me a little better as they are more comfortable with heavy loads.
I personally switched to Mystery ranch and am so far happy with them. They are a more diverse pack than the EBs, and seem to fit me a little better as they are more comfortable with heavy loads.
You could do worse than an old ALICE pack. I have also used a VooDoo Praetorian for five years now and it has held up very well.
It is also about the scabbard and how it is a PITA when the pack is full / and beyond pale if your shooting matches when trying to get the gun in and out at every station. I would even say it promotes a bit of sketchy gun handling at matches with crowed stations.
So the extra weight is the main gripe.
If someone is looking for a pack for positional matches they will gravitate towards smaller packs; weekend hunting another... no one pack is going to be perfect for everyone and everything.
Kifaru, all other packs are inferior.
They've got the best load distribution and lifting ability. Quality and customer service is excellent.
Buy a frame that fits you, then decide and buy the bag that fits your mission. Drop it on the frame and get the work done.
They cut precieved weight down, and you'll be carrying way more weight than you think you are and still be comfortable.
If you're married, you're wife will start giving you shit about your purse collection.
Deano
They've got the best load distribution and lifting ability. Quality and customer service is excellent.
Buy a frame that fits you, then decide and buy the bag that fits your mission. Drop it on the frame and get the work done.
They cut precieved weight down, and you'll be carrying way more weight than you think you are and still be comfortable.
If you're married, you're wife will start giving you shit about your purse collection.
Deano
Living on the east coast, we dont have your typical western PRS match where they may be a lot of rucking involved and this pack also wouldn't be a choice for the mammoth, but i just got the eberlestock hispeed II and i think im really going to like it for its intended purpose. I like the separation of the main compartment from top to bottom. Larger things that are used most often, goes up top. Rain gear, data book, and specialty items, go in bottom compartment. If i need my rain gear, i dont have to rummage through top to get to it. The stitching seems bomb proof.
I didn’t read most of the replies, so there’s that.
I also don’t shoot PRS, or competitions at all much anymore. 90%+ of my ruck time is in wilderness areas with a camera and/or a fly rod.
I use 2 different packs depending on how long I’m going to be gone and how much shit I need to haul in with me. The first is a Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
It’s on the left, my brother’s HPG Umlindi is on the right.
The Umlindi is a fantastic pack, especially with HPG’s Prairie Belt and Astoninsert added, my Tarahumara has the Tarainsert. They’re extremely comfortable. The Tara is good for probably 3 days with extremely careful packing and an austere lifestyle. I hardly eat in the backwoods, just enough to feel right. The Umlindi can carry a Nikon pro DSLR, with a 500mm lens attached, and have room for plenty of other stuff. It’s a deceptive pack. The Tarahumara can fit the camera as well, but it severely limits what else will go in there.
After that, I carry an ALICE pack on a metal frame. I use the Tactical Tailor waist belt I’ve had for awhile. I’ve got my medium ALICE on it now. The large ALICE is cavernous, and I don’t need to take my entire house with me.
That said, I’m replacing the ALICE with a Kifaru Reckoning, because better is better and the more miles I can cover at the same pain level is better. Too many places I’m trying to get back in.
For carrying a rifle, the Kifaru rucks are awesome.
To sum it up: I have and will continue to use 2 packs for carrying weight in and not just going to the range or using for carry on luggage. HPG offers a mil discount if that applies to you, and their stuff is stitched here at First Spear. Kifaru is Kifaru. I don’t have one because money/health the past few years.
I also don’t shoot PRS, or competitions at all much anymore. 90%+ of my ruck time is in wilderness areas with a camera and/or a fly rod.
I use 2 different packs depending on how long I’m going to be gone and how much shit I need to haul in with me. The first is a Hill People Gear Tarahumara.
It’s on the left, my brother’s HPG Umlindi is on the right.
The Umlindi is a fantastic pack, especially with HPG’s Prairie Belt and Astoninsert added, my Tarahumara has the Tarainsert. They’re extremely comfortable. The Tara is good for probably 3 days with extremely careful packing and an austere lifestyle. I hardly eat in the backwoods, just enough to feel right. The Umlindi can carry a Nikon pro DSLR, with a 500mm lens attached, and have room for plenty of other stuff. It’s a deceptive pack. The Tarahumara can fit the camera as well, but it severely limits what else will go in there.
After that, I carry an ALICE pack on a metal frame. I use the Tactical Tailor waist belt I’ve had for awhile. I’ve got my medium ALICE on it now. The large ALICE is cavernous, and I don’t need to take my entire house with me.
That said, I’m replacing the ALICE with a Kifaru Reckoning, because better is better and the more miles I can cover at the same pain level is better. Too many places I’m trying to get back in.
For carrying a rifle, the Kifaru rucks are awesome.
To sum it up: I have and will continue to use 2 packs for carrying weight in and not just going to the range or using for carry on luggage. HPG offers a mil discount if that applies to you, and their stuff is stitched here at First Spear. Kifaru is Kifaru. I don’t have one because money/health the past few years.
I shot matches for many years with a spec ops THE pack. MOLLE’d on a couple mag pouches, my LRF, and kestrel. Ammo in bottom outside pocket; tools, etc in top outside pocket. Shemagh, couple bags and snacks/h2o and room for layering clothes in main compartment. Worked great.
I do run an ALPS Commander frame pack hunting, but the main pack carries crap into camp, comes off frame and frame is used for hauling meat-Spec Ops pack is still my going in the field pack.
Does anyone have experience with Eberlestock Bandit? I'm worried it's a bit too small for what I'm wanting by current pack, Recycled Firefighter 24hour Pack IS too small. I don't want to go humungo but I need more room.
The bandit has less stated capacity than the FF24 (15L vs 22L) unless I’m missing something. The only space you would gain is external on the beavertail or by adding a bunch of shit to the molle on the outside.
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