In search of a good bag. Probably going with a MOLLE or and ALICE pack.

[JackAysJake]

I have used the old style military issue Alice pack with what we called war gear attached to it with our magazine and canteen pouches on the war gear belt. The Alice pack was good for me, so I might be fine with that, but give me some features to look for.

[avking]

I am partial to anything from Eberlestock and the Blackhawk Raptor X3.

[Big_Saw]

Oh, boy you're asking for confusion here ;) everyone's gonna say that their bag is great because...blah blah blah....best to keep it simple: strap on what YOU are comfortable humping and don't over-accessorize, or you'll just be another walking utility belt. Plus, try to avoid 'hype-buying' when looking around...you'll notice quite a few folks pushing the latest and greatest piece of gear down the pike with an 'X' or 'Z' in the name....that's why it costs $300.....good luck.

[fratermus]

I found a couple of ALICE packs on frame for cheap, so that's what I and the Dear Wife use for BOBs. No problems.

[Big_Saw]

+1...got a nice large ALICE setup as my primary BoB...can't say they're for everyone, but they're definitely on my top 5 list for the "go-to gear"...especially for the price.

[JackAysJake]

I chose a bag at the surplus store. It is called the MOLLE II Asualt pack. It is desert cammo. I like it. Mounted my new SOG Seal Pup to the left strap for fast access. Also bought a large green belt with suspenders and you can attach mag pouches, canteens....We called it war gear. Its not even used anymore except in basic training. I mounted my SOG Jungle Primitive knife on it today. Cant wait to use it all! I took the new pack to a buddys house who served in Afghanistan. He has the same pack and said its a great one. I think this particular one will go to the girl and Ill upgrade to an Alice pack with frame.

[slowz1k]

Those Molle II's are good packs. I have two and will probably get another. They make great BOB's as well as day hikers. Plus they have just enough molle webbing to attach a few extra pouches, to keep them versatile.

Good buy!

p.s. They can also accomodate a hydration bladder.... check out the velcro left and right of the drag handle for the tube and bite valve

Is this the one you got?

[hubste5]

Frame or no? I'm looking for an Alice for some light hiking. I have an old cheapo day-pack that I have been using, but I want to go on some longer day hikes, take my little stove, etc... looking at the ALICE medium, found one on Flea-bay for $21 shipped... all straps included, but no frame.

http://cgi.ebay.com/US-ARMY-SURPLUS-MEDIUM-Alice-ruck-sack-SCOUT-pack_W0QQitemZ350306372114QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518fe30a12

Good deal?

(Hope this isn't too much of a thread-hijack, seem to be discussing ALICE and Molles)... :)

[JackAysJake]

Slow: Yes, that is the exact pack I have. Im very happy with it even though I havent used it yet. The big question I have is what hydration can you put in there? I searched, but Im not sure what one goes in there exactly.

Hubste5: Your ok, thats what this site is for. I picked up my pack which is the one shown for $40. It is in very good shape. Now I cant remember exactly how much the medium Alice was at the army surplus store, but Im pretty sure the frames were $12 -$20. I see your in NC. Where? Any good surplus stores around you?

[slowz1k]

You could use just about any bladder you wanted. Just depends on how much you want to carry. REI has a bunch to choose from, but I know you can find them cheaper if you shop around.

http://www.rei.com/category/4500603

[laoma]

Has anybody body tried a "camelback" they have some really nice gear there , I had 2 ALICE packs and they are OK, but I find the on mine that the enclosures for compartments seem very sloppy, if I rolled down a hill...by the time I reached the bottom, much of my smaller gear in the bag would most likely work it's way out, the camelback I purchased was a little pricey at $178.00, but is nothing but quality, it came with it's own hydration bladder, I have nothing but good things to say about it....I will buy one for the wife and stepdaughter know.

[JackAysJake]

Well that surplus store I bought the bag from has another pack for $150. It is similar to the 3 day assualt, but much larger. It has a plastic frame and is very comfortable.

[MasterMynd]

I have one of the big Camelbak BFM military style rucks that I use as my ready bag (BOB) and I love it. It holds everything I need, but for everyday carry it is a bit much, although I keep enough gear, clothing, and foodstuffs in it to run to the woods and survive for several days and there's still room for odds n ends.
Ive been looking on CheaperThanDirt.com and they have awesome prices on all types of Molle packs and have great prices. I'm picking up their Molle-402 sling bag for an everyday ready pack that I can carry into work without looking like I'm about to go on a week-long mission LOL! I'm getting some added Molle pouches too since they're so cheap and then I can organize and just swap em back and forth depending on which pack I'm carrying that day. This is what I would recommend if your looking to be fast and ready but have adequate organizational options. Several of their Molle packs actually have hidden dedicated pistol deep concealment pockets as well which for me is a huge plus since I go nowhere unarmed, but sometimes cannot afford to have my pistol be spotted errantly. You know how the sheeple can get when they see a gun :/
You never know when a situation may occur, but when it does it happens fast and if you're not prepared in advance you're just screwed!

[MasterMynd]

Ordered this today: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE402-1.html for everyday carry along with a few selected Molle accessory containers that I can swap back and forth between my 2 main packs depending on which one I am bringing along. Everyday carry really is subject ease of use, efficiency, and comfort. If the pack you have is bulky, or otherwise just attracts attention like you are about to be deployed on a long term mission or something, it will keep you from bringing it where it might be most needed and it does you no good sitting at home when you're across town. A good pack, just like your concealed weapon, has to to be comfortable, have options (speaking of, the sling pack I ordered has a "hidden" pistol pocket), yet "blend in" so to speak. Be covert. You don't want anything too big, but you do want adequate storage and organizational versatility.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MOLLE016-1.html My current med kit is bursting at the seams so I am hoping that this new container will relieve some space issues. I'll post pics as soon as I get it and it's organized correctly. It's gear that I like to have on hand all the time. From experience I know that the unexpected happens unexpectedly and fast so you have to be ready in advance...

[Apocalyptic_Sojourner]

Has anybody body tried a "camelback" they have some really nice gear there , I had 2 ALICE packs and they are OK, but I find the on mine that the enclosures for compartments seem very sloppy, if I rolled down a hill...by the time I reached the bottom, much of my smaller gear in the bag would most likely work it's way out, the camelback I purchased was a little pricey at $178.00, but is nothing but quality, it came with it's own hydration bladder, I have nothing but good things to say about it....I will buy one for the wife and stepdaughter know.

Laoma, I used the CamelBak BFM in Afghanistan. They are a little pricey, but it performed really well, and it's very durable. The thing is pretty huge too. You could definitely make a nice BOB out of it, but I don't know whether the price really justifies it over some of the USGI surplus packs out there.