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Mr.Goodtimes
21 August 2009, 10:02
I'm lookin for a good, thee day assault pack. Right now i got my eye on the Eagle A III and the Camelback Motherload.

Pack will be used extensively as a hiking pack on my long weekend hikes, but will also do double duty as a SHTF bag in which i want to be able to carry all the goods for a three day or so trek.

If you know of any better options than the ones ive listed above, throw em at me!

Cameron
21 August 2009, 10:49
Take a look at the Kifaru MOLLE Express.

Cameron

cagilber
21 August 2009, 20:37
I've got a Kelty MAP3500 that I love. I got it awhile back at Amron Intl (http://www.amronintl.com/products.cfm?pageID=159&ind=ALL) when they used to have multiple colors. Now it looks like they just have ACU at a $50 cheaper than I paid. Maybe the bag has been discontinued.

tac40
22 August 2009, 09:00
http://originalsoegear.com/about.html

Have you looked at OSOE? I've been running their backpack for the past 9 yrs, a very well built gear with lifetime warranty.
John is a good guy and stands behind his gear 110%

Custom-X_Sponjah
22 August 2009, 17:20
HSGI MOOSE Pack V2.
Modular, the Expandable Beaver Tail is a nice addition..
And I love the shoulder pads.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/topher63/P8070261.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/topher63/P8070262.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/topher63/P8070257.jpg

CXS

RaymondMillbrae
23 August 2009, 04:08
Check out the EBERLESTOCK GUNSLSLINGER (http://www.eberlestock.com/Gunslinger%20M%20Series.htm) pack. (Click on link).

http://www.eberlestock.com/GS05M%20colors%20sm.jpg



I purchased a black one about 2 years ago, and it has been one of my best gear investments.

It has been through thick and thin. It carries my rifle when I dump everything into the back of the vehicle for a mountain trip, or when I am going to the range...and even on my trip to Oahu last year. (Still have the airline tag hanging from the carry handle).

Do a search/review of this bag, and see for yourself.

Look around, and you may find a good deal on it. (I found mine, online, for around $175.00, shipped to my door).

Best wishes.

In Christ: Raymond

uspopo
24 August 2009, 07:49
I just sold my Camelbak Motherlode to finance a Camelbak TRIZIP. The TRIZIP has over 2300cu of room compared the ML's 2138cu plus the TRIZIP is a collaboration between Camelbak and Mystery Ranch for less money. It is very well executed pack and very similar to Mystery Ranch's 3 Day Assault Pack.

Stickman
24 August 2009, 09:51
I'm a bit on the traditional side, and recently picked up a Tactical Tailor "Three Day Assault Pack Plus". I also have their standard 3 day assault pack, which I used as my primary pack for a year or so and have been very happy with it.

5thprofession47
24 August 2009, 16:30
http://www.tadgear.com/shop.php?id=508


http://www.tadgear.com/uploads/products/medium/fp_edc_fg_d5w_650w.jpg

http://www.tadgear.com/uploads/products/large/fp_edc_fg_d13_650w.jpg

Mr.Goodtimes
24 August 2009, 17:08
looks like lots of great options here, this is proving to be a tough decision! im really liking all the options ive seen so far! i think im leaning a little towards the TAD gear bag and the Tactical Tailor options. The eagle A III also still looks like a promising option.

Stickman
25 August 2009, 09:14
I like a pack with external pockets/ compartments. To me, it makes things easier, especially when the pack is one and someone else is grabbing gear out. I'll try to get some pictures of the TT 3 day + pack.

rob_s
25 August 2009, 09:44
I'm an AIII user/owner/fan with admittedly little to no experience with any of the other ninja packs out there. I did sell commercial packs and GI surplus gear for several years though. One of the things I really like about the AIII is that if you get it non-molle and in a non-ninja color, you can walk around without looking all tactical. The other thing I like about it is that you can get these side pouches (http://eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=479&cat=26&page=1) that attach/detach for added room/utility. I have one that stays filled with all my toiletries, and one that I use for shoes.

There are just so many companies making this stuff these days that ultimately it's going to come down to figuring out which manufacturers have a good reputation and which are maybe so-so or worse and picking a pack that's the size and has the features you like.

I would also STRONGLY suggest being honest about your own uses and needs. There is a good chance you'd be better served with a commercial pack, and there is an even better chance that a pack like the TAD at nearly $300 (regardless of whether that's worth it or marketing hype) is probably overkill for almost anyone (including most of their buyers, much like their apparel).

montgomerygentryFan
25 August 2009, 21:33
+1 to what rob_s has said. I too own a Eagle A-III (non-molle), and for what I use it for it does the job and if anything is bigger than I need sometimes. If you're looking for something smaller and more discrete then try the Tactical Tailor Enhanced Day Pack http://www.tacticaltailor.com/enhanceddaypack.aspx. Think of Jansport as far as external appearance but numerous interior features that make organizing and prioritizing your items inside a lot easier not to mention solid construction. It's built by a trusted company and yet won't raise any eyebrows while you're on the street.

Storm_Trooper
26 August 2009, 13:30
I own a eagle AIII (OD green MOLLE) Pack, 2 Kelty 3500( 1 Coyote, 1 Green), a couple of Camelbak BFM, and used to have the big one from TAD gear
All these packs are really great!!!
But the Kelty's are my favourites, very rugged, well padded shoulder straps, and good organizer pouches A+

Bighead
27 August 2009, 17:52
Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack (http://shop.mysteryranch.com/s.nl/c.999464/it.A/id.2247/.f?sc=7&category=45).

Mr.Goodtimes
27 August 2009, 18:41
wow, looks like we might have a winner! i really like that mystery ranch pack! its a little more then i wanted to spend, but thats fine, ill just save up a little longer, that pack looks top notch.

uspopo
29 August 2009, 04:30
Mystery Ranch packs are very nice. Just ordered my Camelback TRIZIP from a buddy for 225.00 shipped and the TRIZIP is a collaboration between CB and Mystery Ranch. The 500D Cordura is lightweight and more than enough for my needs as this will serve as an occasional hiking/camping/travelling pack.

Stan

Bighead
30 August 2009, 06:24
If you decide to get the MR Pack, make sure you ask them about the options available in place of the PRC117F internal strap system it comes with. They do have medic or computer pouch options you can opt for if they will suit your needs better.

bigcoastie
31 August 2009, 07:11
I use a North Face Skareb 55 pack it may not be tacticool but it's very durable and has an aluminum suspension as well as a plastic sheet.

It's by far the most lightweight pack I've ever used. I've done everything from hiking trips in northern ME in December, canoe trips to boundary waters in MN, and a few weekend trips down in Texas. It breaths very well which is something most people will overlook when choosing a pack if you really look at the construction it's made to keep air flowing between the pack and your back. If hiking is going to be your intended use I would take a look at lighter stuff as opposed to the most bomb proof rugged item you can find.

uspopo
5 September 2009, 18:10
Another one worth mentioning would be the Camelbak Urban Assault XL pack. 500D weight cordura, 2600cu of space, no molle and a street price of under 150.00.

300winmag
15 September 2009, 17:16
As a ski patroller who does backcountry skiing I needed a "3Day" pack also. BUT... I needed a front shovel flap to store my avy shovel and avy probes. Finally I found, in Cabela's, the Camelbak "commander" pack at 2,700 cu. in.

Great pack excet for some major and minor changes I had to make.

1. Cut off wimpy belt and added a padded REI backpack belt BENEATH the lumbar pad. Requires unstitching a bit of both sides of the lumbar pad & having a shoemaker bar tack the lumbar pad above the new belt.
2. Buy flat 1" aluminum bar strips form Lowe's and cut drill and bolt them into the pack in an upside-down U. Using stainless bolts, nuts and washers and melting holes in the pack's internal back panel I was very successful. Ya gotta round the ends of the aluminum strips & cover 'em W/ Gorilla duct tape to prevent undue wear on the pack.
3. Replace the lower shovel pocket side strap buckles W/ quick release Fastex buckles for easy on & off of side pockets I got from REI. (PM me for easy instructions)
4. Sew on a pair of 1" nylon webbing straps W/ quick release buckles on bottom of pack for carrying extra gear like a sleeping mattress.

Yeah, a fair amount of customizing but I got a great 3 Day pack out of it for all my avalanche and winter survival gear. And yes, It's RealTree HD camo but I don't care.

Eric

OUTLAW2
5 December 2009, 12:49
+1 for the Eagle AIII. My khaki non-MOLLE is still on active duty and has survived through some serious s**t. When I get back from this rotation, I will be purchasing an Eagle AIII MOLLE in MC. I have used TAG Chaos and RAID packs, along with the Camelbak BFM and the AIII - as Stick pointed out - is simple and practical at the same time. A 3 day pack is just that - a 3 day pack.

Hoss356
6 December 2009, 00:11
wow, looks like we might have a winner! i really like that mystery ranch pack! its a little more then i wanted to spend, but thats fine, ill just save up a little longer, that pack looks top notch.

Now I don't have any first hand experience with the mystery ranch pack, I did get to look one over briefly, due to one of my best friends being an EOD unit deployed to Afghanistan right now and outfitting his guys with packs from MR prior to deployment, I was pretty impressed with the build quality and from what him and his guys said about their packs, if I had the money and needed a new pack these would be at the top of my list.

montgomerygentryFan
7 December 2009, 15:26
Got to love Eagle's AIII or the ATS RAID. Although if you just need a bare bones lightweight pack, GoLite makes some really nice packs. I have not yet tried CB/MR's 500D line, but from what I hear they are top-notch quality and significantly lighter than their 1000D counterparts.

Waveman
13 December 2009, 15:20
I'm a bit on the traditional side, and recently picked up a Tactical Tailor "Three Day Assault Pack Plus". I also have their standard 3 day assault pack, which I used as my primary pack for a year or so and have been very happy with it.

Stickman is right here. I use Tactical Taylor gear and have not been disappointed. Made in the USA too.

LPalli
14 December 2009, 22:57
Anyone ever used the BDS Tactical Maritime Ruck? BDS makes great chest rigs that I go through a lot of but I haven't moved any of these rucks.
Curious if there's any users??

Here's a link to the ruck:
http://www.sexyweapon.com/BDS_TACTICAL_Maritime_Ruck_Pack_p/bds%205218%20dt.htm

Thanks!

Lpalli

Urban Tactical Gear
15 December 2009, 14:03
a buddy of mine just let me borrow a ATS Raid, Kifaru E&E and a Tac tailor enhanced day pack. out of the three i liked the raid the most, i just wished it was a bit more slim. if i could get my hands on a M/C cobra pack i'm pretty sure i'd be a happy man.

montgomerygentryFan
15 December 2009, 18:25
UTG, if you get a Cobra you will be very happy with it. I like the RAID very much, but when you don't need the extra capacity the Cobra is a nice alternative.

Urban Tactical Gear
15 December 2009, 18:39
problem is finding one. i really don't want acu, and that's all that is avail anymore.

montgomerygentryFan
15 December 2009, 21:59
UTG, try also looking at BFG's DAP:

http://www.blueforcegear.com/product.cfm?type=cat&cat_id=11&prod_id=157


Not quite the same as the Cobra, but definitely made by a good company.

Boris
2 January 2010, 19:19
I'm lookin for a good, thee day assault pack. Right now i got my eye on the Eagle A III and the Camelback Motherload.

Pack will be used extensively as a hiking pack on my long weekend hikes, but will also do double duty as a SHTF bag in which i want to be able to carry all the goods for a three day or so trek.

If you know of any better options than the ones ive listed above, throw em at me!

Have you checked your local gun shows for packs? I found one that doesn't have a famous name brand/model, but it has lots of features. Just an option to consider...