Military rucksacks

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31-08-2016, 04:41 PM
Dan88

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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31-08-2016, 04:41 PM
Dan88

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

This was the website i was looking at

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31-08-2016, 04:50 PM
SiB

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
31-08-2016, 04:51 PM
Dan88

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

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31-08-2016, 05:00 PM
Rushy

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.
31-08-2016, 05:04 PM
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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31-08-2016, 05:09 PM
Rushy

Quote:

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.
31-08-2016, 05:10 PM
Dan88

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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31-08-2016, 05:14 PM
SiB

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!
31-08-2016, 05:14 PM
thejavelin

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.
31-08-2016, 05:40 PM
MassiveAttack

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.
31-08-2016, 05:56 PM
Bryan

If you are looking for the more military style packs and you want quality, get a TwinNeedle pack: TwinNeedle | Outdoor Equipment Repairs
31-08-2016, 05:56 PM
hotbarrels

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.
31-08-2016, 05:57 PM
stumpy

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 ....
31-08-2016, 06:09 PM
223nut

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 :O_O:
31-08-2016, 06:19 PM
Dan88

Quote:

Originally Posted by 223nut

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 :O_O:

yea im off work sick for a few days so online shopping is getting dangerous, already brought a victorinox boning knife off trademe. now eyeing up packs
31-08-2016, 06:20 PM
Dan88

i have a day pack and a ridgeline bumbag so more looking for a pack to carry a few days worth of gear in, and meat out hopefully
31-08-2016, 06:22 PM
Dan88

https://nzar15.com/store/ar15-kits/8...il-barrel.html
also getting dangerously tempted to buy one of these:thumbsup:
31-08-2016, 06:33 PM
R93

I don't know what the boys are getting issued now but having spent a few years as a grunt I can tell you we spent a fair bit of our free time modifying our gear.

Our pack and webbing were as important as our weapons.
They were our house that we carried everywhere.
A lot of us liked using brit gear.
I still have my issue pack but never use it. It is prehistoric compared to what is now available.

My issue patrol bag gets a day trip every now and then, as it can hold the whole back end of a yearling comfortably.

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31-08-2016, 06:58 PM
Ricochet

I brought a Web-tex pack from an Army Surplus store and it did the job. It was a bit noisy but shit it took the knocks. Then I brought a TwinNeedle MiniMe and, holy shit, it is so much more comfortable.

I'm a 'buy once, cry once' convert now.
31-08-2016, 07:37 PM
HNTMAD

do commrades in Petone have any??
31-08-2016, 07:38 PM
Dan88

Yea i was thinking i would go give them a visit tommorow

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31-08-2016, 07:41 PM
Nibblet

Yeah mini me is where it's at.
31-08-2016, 07:42 PM
kotuku

ihave 3x ALICE packs and ive used em for duckshooting etc -not the most confortable but i dont give fuck cause ,they can handle the shit and I can do repairs myself with 40 lb nylon and heavy duty needle.not bloody pretty but functional,of course if your deer wear prada you may disagree.yes Im ex TF army so functionality over looks anytime.
had a cobber bought one of these high faluting topline packs recently -one trip in the bush and you guessed it -I took pity on his whining and got my sons boss onto it .yup hes also a topline man on expensive boots in CHCH.
Im also currently using one of those ridgeline day packs ,and after prolonged testing,i must say not too bad for the price.
31-08-2016, 07:44 PM
Dan88

Mini me looks a little small for a walk in pack. Looks nice for a day pack though

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31-08-2016, 07:45 PM
Dan88

And yep I'm all about functionality rather than looks and am not fussed if i dont have the "brands" that your ment to use

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31-08-2016, 08:35 PM
Koshogi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan88

So would u be wrong in thinking that surley if anyone is going to have comfortabke hard wearing packs it would be the military?

Lol....

http://www.smh.com.au/national/austr...0505-uarv.html
31-08-2016, 09:57 PM
northdude

I've got a British arms pack very basic but works for me
31-08-2016, 10:29 PM
jpsig

You can't beat an Eberlestock pack. Buy direct from them in USA. Ships same day.
02-09-2016, 07:07 PM
Nick-D

Packs are like shoes, sometimes they just don't work for your shape. A cheap pack that doesnt fit right is still a pack that doesn't fit right. Go try em on. Keep an eye on sales in the camping stores also, good shit pops up all the time. Especially in the next few months with them cleaning out the old season stuff
02-09-2016, 07:19 PM
silent spectre

I can vouch for the brit bergens/ British Infantry DPM PLCE Pack. I have my one from my brit service and cant fault them for the outdoors. used to have mine packed to almost bust and still going strong after a few tours
02-09-2016, 10:45 PM
Brian

I've got a french one I used as a day bag it was ok full of meat. You can borrow it for a try if you want.
04-09-2016, 02:14 PM
Loyal2no1

1 Attachment(s)

Attachment 55103

I decided to go a Mystery Ranch Overload. I've used the UK issue Bergen when I was in the services over there and I wasn't a big fan of them (lousy carry straps, no lumbar support, generic fit but they were rugged and very spacious) as well as many, many Camelbaks but unfortunately they don't get any bigger than about 40 litres. I also have an Eberlestock J-79 Skycrane but have fallen out of love with it as they're extremely limted when it comes to attaching hydration... My MR Overload is the best pack I've owned by far as it's modular frame is second to none (and compatible with other MR pack bodies) and I prefer the Tri-Zip design over top loaders as it makes it's easy to access your gear inside the pack without having a kit explosion on the deck or forest floor while you rummage around for a flashlight -_- ... I also found that having a Camelbak Armorbak 3L bladder as an external carry (as pictured) was much more efficient and accessible than the internal carry you would have with a BFM & Motherlode or in the flap lid which drives you mad with the 'slosh-slosh' noise in your ear.... But what's really interesting about the MR Overload and the main selling point for me is the expanding load shelf which allows you to pack meat or a rifle in between the main pack body and frame. Check it out on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzEhqBt2QFc

They're currently issued to the UK SAS & USMC Scout Snipers but I think they have a real place with hunters. Yes it's pricey and somewhat on the heavy side (about 3kg but you don't feel it) but if you buy from Military Gear they're listing them at an amazing price that's on par with what they sell for in the US:
Mystery Ranch NICE Trizip Overload Multicam - Military Gear
04-09-2016, 05:25 PM
223nut

Have a motherload and happy wit it, camel ask goe in a separate pouch against your back. Thrashed it for 6months or so and not a scratch. Crick with bladders is to tip them upside down and get rid of any air no sloshing them!
04-09-2016, 06:56 PM
Scouser

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loyal2no1

Attachment 55103

I decided to go a Mystery Ranch Overload. I've used the UK issue Bergen when I was in the services over there and I wasn't a big fan of them (lousy carry straps, no lumbar support, generic fit but they were rugged and very spacious) as well as many, many Camelbaks but unfortunately they don't get any bigger than about 40 litres. I also have an Eberlestock J-79 Skycrane but have fallen out of love with it as they're extremely limted when it comes to attaching hydration... My MR Overload is the best pack I've owned by far as it's modular frame is second to none (and compatible with other MR pack bodies) and I prefer the Tri-Zip design over top loaders as it makes it's easy to access your gear inside the pack without having a kit explosion on the deck or forest floor while you rummage around for a flashlight -_- ... I also found that having a Camelbak Armorbak 3L bladder as an external carry (as pictured) was much more efficient and accessible than the internal carry you would have with a BFM & Motherlode or in the flap lid which drives you mad with the 'slosh-slosh' noise in your ear.... But what's really interesting about the MR Overload and the main selling point for me is the expanding load shelf which allows you to pack meat or a rifle in between the main pack body and frame. Check it out on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzEhqBt2QFc

They're currently issued to the UK SAS & USMC Scout Snipers but I think they have a real place with hunters. Yes it's pricey and somewhat on the heavy side (about 3kg but you don't feel it) but if you buy from Military Gear they're listing them at an amazing price that's on par with what they sell for in the US:
Mystery Ranch NICE Trizip Overload Multicam - Military Gear

Awesome pack mate, if I didn't already have a Tatonka I would seriously look into getting one of those......
04-09-2016, 06:57 PM
Scouser

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejavelin

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.

That's what I use for a day pack......won it on a $1 reserve TM auction for $19........:thumbsup:
05-09-2016, 01:04 AM
Loyal2no1

Quote:

Originally Posted by 223nut

Have a motherload and happy wit it, camel ask goe in a separate pouch against your back. Thrashed it for 6months or so and not a scratch. Crick with bladders is to tip them upside down and get rid of any air no sloshing them!

I have on old Motherlode in USMC desert Marpat from '08 and still running it! The ML's are a great daysack and I'm huge fan of it's larger brother the BFM plus all the rest (I must have about half dozen Camelbak packs of some sort including the Delta-5 chest rig they brought out a few years back at any one time) but they really do need to get into the 50+ litre patrol packs though...
05-09-2016, 01:06 AM
Loyal2no1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scouser

Awesome pack mate, if I didn't already have a Tatonka I would seriously look into getting one of those......

Cheers Scouser (or should I say 'Lah!' ;-) Lol)
They're a great pack and however I will say that the MR Overload is borderline complex (as packs go) and they could even do with a larger main body which is about 50 litres.... Review to follow sometime soon! So what type of Tatonka do you have? Post some pics plz!!!