I’m still old school Alice pack w/ frame and currently carry (4) 10-pound sand bags plus emergency medical equipment. Great read, John, as always. We used to say it a bit differently, “It’s easy to be hard but hard to be smart.” I learned this during one night op when I only carried a poncho liner and no snivel gear. I nearly froze to death when the rain and wind kicked in. Lol.
This is helpful, thanks John. Appreciate the discount codes. The back of my heel is home to a bone that sticks out further than the rest of my heel. It has caused atrocious blisters on multiday hikes in the backcountry. We're talking skin worn down to near bone. Every step sending pain up my spine and a grimace to my face. Not pretty. Salty Britches sounds like a potential solution.
Whatever name pack they (Group) used to buy for us as bug out bags. They're about the same size as the products from Go Ruck with the added benefit of being free.99. I haven't managed to break it, so no reason yet to upgrade to a Go Ruck.
I know we got Mystery Ranch 3 day packs that are pretty bombproof. I still have one that I break out from time to time. If what you have is working there's no sense in making a change!
I've used an ALICE for over 30 years (the same one, yes) and it's still good to go. But I wanted something more low--key and with a sternum strap. Based on your recommendation, I got a Rucker 4.0. I've only used it twice, but I like it so far...
Scott, While I still love the ALICE, I did occasionally get rubbed raw by the back pad. The weak link is of course the frame and they are getting harder to come by. I was initially reluctant to drop the cash on the Rucker, but I do love it, and it can be drug, dropped, and thrown without worrying about damage. I also bought the add on waist belt. I'm a big fan of keeping it tight to my back. Let me know how you like it as you get more miles under it.
My ALICE doesn't have a frame, we dumped those as soon as we were out of boot camp and I never used one again. The Rucker isn't cheap, but man it is well-made. I just ordered the waist belt for exactly that reason. Threw some reflective bands in the cart too since I'm usually out in the morning. The Rucker is sort of stiff right now, I'm assuming it'll break in a bit.
Primary = Osprey, 50 liter, 4.5lbs, about 15 years old. Great size for Colorado hunting, sturdy enough to carry elk out of difficult terrain (multiple trips), at the size limit of a carry on when traveling. I have 5 different rucks, much like tools each serves a different purpose.
ALICE - over 50 years of humping the ALICE pack still feels right.
Ed, You certainly can't go wrong with an ALICE pack. I still have one that I use regularly. .
Correction: (5) 10-pound sandbags
I’m still old school Alice pack w/ frame and currently carry (4) 10-pound sand bags plus emergency medical equipment. Great read, John, as always. We used to say it a bit differently, “It’s easy to be hard but hard to be smart.” I learned this during one night op when I only carried a poncho liner and no snivel gear. I nearly froze to death when the rain and wind kicked in. Lol.
This is helpful, thanks John. Appreciate the discount codes. The back of my heel is home to a bone that sticks out further than the rest of my heel. It has caused atrocious blisters on multiday hikes in the backcountry. We're talking skin worn down to near bone. Every step sending pain up my spine and a grimace to my face. Not pretty. Salty Britches sounds like a potential solution.
Thanks Jack, I would definitely try it out. Let me know how it works for you.
Whatever name pack they (Group) used to buy for us as bug out bags. They're about the same size as the products from Go Ruck with the added benefit of being free.99. I haven't managed to break it, so no reason yet to upgrade to a Go Ruck.
I know we got Mystery Ranch 3 day packs that are pretty bombproof. I still have one that I break out from time to time. If what you have is working there's no sense in making a change!
I've used an ALICE for over 30 years (the same one, yes) and it's still good to go. But I wanted something more low--key and with a sternum strap. Based on your recommendation, I got a Rucker 4.0. I've only used it twice, but I like it so far...
Scott, While I still love the ALICE, I did occasionally get rubbed raw by the back pad. The weak link is of course the frame and they are getting harder to come by. I was initially reluctant to drop the cash on the Rucker, but I do love it, and it can be drug, dropped, and thrown without worrying about damage. I also bought the add on waist belt. I'm a big fan of keeping it tight to my back. Let me know how you like it as you get more miles under it.
My ALICE doesn't have a frame, we dumped those as soon as we were out of boot camp and I never used one again. The Rucker isn't cheap, but man it is well-made. I just ordered the waist belt for exactly that reason. Threw some reflective bands in the cart too since I'm usually out in the morning. The Rucker is sort of stiff right now, I'm assuming it'll break in a bit.
It will break in. I also got a set of the reflective straps. They work well. Much better than wearing a glow belt!
Primary = Osprey, 50 liter, 4.5lbs, about 15 years old. Great size for Colorado hunting, sturdy enough to carry elk out of difficult terrain (multiple trips), at the size limit of a carry on when traveling. I have 5 different rucks, much like tools each serves a different purpose.
I love an Osprey for backcountry hiking.
This time is good for strong people, when this time passes, the person remembers its taste for the rest of his life.