Thread: Military rucksacks

G'day all

So i have been keeping my eyes out for a rucksack for taking hunting, i have been in lots of shops checking out what is available and having my eyes water at the prices.
Then i came across that online army surplus store and had a look at their pack selection, they are all really cheap.
So would u be wrong in thinking that surley if anyone is going to have comfortabke hard wearing packs it would be the military?

I was looking at the french,belguim and german packs as they all seemed to have the best looking harnesses.

Anyone had any experience with them?

The only down side seems to be that they weigh between 2-3kg

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http://www.armyandoutdoors.co.nz/col...s/hiking-packs

This was the website i was looking at

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I can't answer re the packs, but can say the company are good to deal with; I've bought a few items from them and I've been happy every time

Yea i have purchased a few MRE's through them and was impressed by their service and the MRE's

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Dan I would suggest that you try before you buy. Go in to the shop (is there one in Wellington?) put some bulk / weight into the pack and then walk around with it on with a primary focus on comfort and fit.

If i want to try one on it looks like a road trip to Hamilton Rushy, trying one on would be the best scenario, i was also thinking that i would most likely only be using it 3 or 4 times a year

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Originally Posted by Dan88

If i want to try one on it looks like a road trip to Hamilton Rushy, trying one on would be the best scenario, i was also thinking that i would most likely only be using it 3 or 4 times a year

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It doesn't matter how cheap it is, even at three to four times a year it will piss you off if it doesn't perform well when you are in the hills. Be mindful that army procurement is often awarded to the cheapest supplier and that soldiers don't have access to a complaints box. It will either feel right when you try it or it won't.

Yes thinking about it now i do want those 3 or 4 times a year to be very enjoyable. Not a pain in the back.cheers

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The comment I'd make then is you're likely to be keeping it for a fair while; I own a markhor and swear by it. It fits me and I can carry it. You'll never enjoy a trip with a bad harness and sore back.

Do some apples with apples comparisons, or even put up a WTB on here if you've seen something you've found you liked.

Remember that some military gear is manufactured to minimum price, and civvy street equipment can occasionally be far superior.

Buy once, cry once!

I've got one of these GC ones - and for what it is I'm impressed.
MOLLE II Patrol Pack Woodland Camo
Just for the times when I'm not far from the car in some private land I have access too - just need a jacket, lunch, and some water - works well.

I'd not swap it for my day pack though...... its just for a few hrs.

Army and outdoors is a great shop but most military stuff is heavy and built by the lowest bidder. Depending on what you are after get a blaze fleece Ridgeline Pikau, a Cactus Miklat or for really lightweight a Gossamear Gear pack.

If you are looking for the more military style packs and you want quality, get a TwinNeedle pack: TwinNeedle | Outdoor Equipment Repairs

I used one of these for several years until I left a muesli bar in it and the rats ate a whole in the bottom of the pack to get to it - Outdoor Outfitters Day Pack 23L Woodland Camo
Was a reasonably good bpack for day hunts.

I then purchased a Hunters Element Peak Pack. Was way more expensive, but the air frame design definitely helps to keep you cooler in the summer, and the harness, for me, is so comfortable you can easily carry out 30-35kg of boned meat which is about the limit of its volume capacity.
Worth every penny in the last two deer I shot and had to carry out.

i say , go for army gear , i like ex mil stuff , the british bergen pack is fairly comfortable ... i have carried the alice pack for a while in the army , and it wasnt very comfortable ....good luck , there is that surplus store in wellington up cuba street ....

Have used kiwi disposals before and happy with their stuff. Only problem is when I shop online things are so cheap my total order is more than I planned on spending