Ruck sack

[mcsoupman]

For you experienced guys, what would you suggest for a beginning backpacker? Should I go for a milsurp type back like alice or molle or are there better civilian brands to get?

Thanks for your advice.

mcsoupman

[bubbagump]

My first pack was a very well used Alice pack with frame. Even though it was well used, it was still very functional. It was HUGE. You could carry a small person in that thing. On my first REAL backpacking trip, I ended up carrying about 50 pounds. Its funny because at the time I thought I was being "minimalist" by carrying a 8x10 poly tarp and alcohol stove.

It also helps your testerone level, because there is nothing more manly than dragging a 50 pound pack over 10 miles of backcountry

I mostly backpack for fun. Usually overnighters or multiday hikes. No PCT or JMT type stuff yet. I keep it local but challenging. I'm not much of a "SHTF Aficionado".

So most of my stuff comes from REI. Expensive, lightweight, and comfortable.

My best piece of advise...

You don't need to pack like a himalayan mountaineer. You can do with way less than you think, and still be in the "safe zone". It will save you lots of pain and make your backpacking experience alot more fun.

[DasBoost]

Budget-wise, milsurp ALICE with DEI 1606 molle-style frame and molle waist/sgoulder straps. Shouldn't be more than $100 tops; eBay and surplus stores will have those. I like the alice pack style with the comfort of molle components.

[mcsoupman]

Appreciate your input guys.

Dasboot, how do you get a molle frame? I thought those were internal.

[devilinblack]

I don't know. I spent more than my fair share of time humping with a large ALICE pack and agree that they can hold a lot of stuff, be pretty comfortable and are quite durable. Hell, I jumped two SINGAR radios, batteries, etc when I was the LT's RTO and probably couldn't manage that much crap in an any internal frame pack.

On the other hand I carry a large civilian internal frame pack now and think it's a lot more comfortable. If you can find a cheap large ALICE and frame that's in good shape that might not be a bad way to get started since a decent internal frame pack is going to cost quite a bit more. The medium ALICE packs are worthless though, IMHO.

[Total Supply]

[BluNorthern]

Get one of the civilian internals, maybe 3500 cu in. Go to an REI and talk to them, try some on. They are much more comfortable than the old Alice packs, and the idea of backpacking isn't to carry as much as you can, but to make efficient use of the gear you do carry without extra ounces for the comfort you require. Osprey makes some good packs, REI have their own models...buying the right (for your purposes) and good quality gear is half the fun. The outdoor gear business is very competitive and cutting edge, from packs to sleeping bags to clothing you can spend a little or a lot..and still be light years ahead of the old military gear. It'll be money well spent.

[killmime1234]

Never tried any milsurp stuff but between the external frame vs internal frame, I prefer internal. I started with external, first a rental from a local shop, then my dad's old pack, also external. Then, when I went to buy my current pack, they didn't have any external frame packs at the shop so I went with an internal. It is MUCH more comfortable.

The old school external frame packs are cool, and five years ago I would have laughed at the "pansy" on the trail with one of those newfangled internal packs, but the miles of experience I've gained since have changed my mind.

The internal frames, in my experience, are easier on the hips. It's more like a little kid hanging on to your waist and less like a kid standing on your hip bones.

[Dingotech]

Check out the stuff from Mystery Ranch...bomber and great customer service.

[Got Stuff?]

I have several packs that I have a choice of depending on my type and length of outing.

Packs are ( L to R ) MSP-3 Hydration pack, Small ALICE Pack, Large ALICE Pack, CFP-90 internal frame pack.




Internal frames rate higher especially with increased load weight. It can also be easy to overload your pack and exceed your personal load weight limit and make your hike less enjoyable.

Start small and work your way up while trying different options. You can learn a lot just by trying on different loaded packs.

[mcsoupman]

I really appreciate the input guys. Looks like I need to go hiking to try it out.

Dingotech, oh my word those packs are expensive!!!

[PatriotnMore]

Never tried any milsurp stuff but between the external frame vs internal frame, I prefer internal. I started with external, first a rental from a local shop, then my dad's old pack, also external. Then, when I went to buy my current pack, they didn't have any external frame packs at the shop so I went with an internal. It is MUCH more comfortable.

The old school external frame packs are cool, and five years ago I would have laughed at the "pansy" on the trail with one of those newfangled internal packs, but the miles of experience I've gained since have changed my mind.

The internal frames, in my experience, are easier on the hips. It's more like a little kid hanging on to your waist and less like a kid standing on your hip bones.

I originally had the Alice, it was fine, but not real comfortable, I made many adjustments/enhancements to it for comfort.

OP,today's internal frame packs are built far more comfortable and ergonomic, and they distribute the weight better because of the back and straps, shoulder and hip.

If you are hunting, an external frame is more desirable for packing out game. I would suggest go to an Army/Navy store and try an Alice pack, then head to REI and slip into some of theirs. You won't have the weight to judge with, but you should be able to judge a general comfort level.

[DasBoost]

Mcsoupman, it is the external polymer frame of the same type as MOLLE ruck, assault pack is internal plastic sheet 'frame'. If you use an ALICE-type pack, a MOLLE frame will NOT work with it, you need DEI's 1606 frame. DEI makes the MOLLE frames and the 1606 is sized for ALICE packs. Hope that helps!

[DasBoost]

The best part of the 1606 setup is that you get a rugged, reliable ALICE ruck with the comfort or new MOLLE shoulder straps and padded waistbelt, along with a lightweight frame. Best of both worlds. The frame doesn't destroy your back like metal ALICE frame and the MOLLE shoulder straps and waistbelt are far far superior to the old ALICE equipment. As milsurp, it's also less expensive than the commercial setups (depending on brand) and almost always 1000denier cordura unlike lightweight nylon commercial setups. Just my $.02.

[PatriotnMore]

The best part of the 1606 setup is that you get a rugged, reliable ALICE ruck with the comfort or new MOLLE shoulder straps and padded waistbelt, along with a lightweight frame. Best of both worlds. The frame doesn't destroy your back like metal ALICE frame and the MOLLE shoulder straps and waistbelt are far far superior to the old ALICE equipment. As milsurp, it's also less expensive than the commercial setups (depending on brand) and almost always 1000denier cordura unlike lightweight nylon commercial setups. Just my $.02.

Looks good http://www.downeastinc.com/packs/packs.html