Packs

[MatthewnOK]

I'm trying to find a good pack for my BOB. It needs to be able to hold whole set of clothes including boots, and still have room for my other stuff. I'd be partial to a external frame. I want it to have a hydration bladder too. The alice pack systems seems pretty good, but I'd like a hydration bladder. Any other good packs similar to it? (I'd like to stay below $200 if possible)

[crashdive123]

Here are a few threads that may help you out.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3505&highlight=packs

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5956&highlight=packs

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4714&highlight=packs

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4027&highlight=packs

[SARKY]

Have you looked at the MOLLE packs? Even if you get an ALICE pack, you can always hang a pouch for your hydration bladder on the inside of the pack or better yet get a hydration only pack and hang that in the pack (making it removable) so you can still use the hydration pack seperately. If you decide to go with an ALICE modify it with horizontal side cinch strap to cinch up your load and keep it from shifting around.

[MatthewnOK]

I've been looking at MOLLE bags, but I want to make sure I get a good one. Do you know who makes the good quality ones? Good ideas with the ALICE pack Thanks

[SARKY]

Do you know any reserve or active duty military members? They should be able to pick up a brand new one from the base uniform store.

[endurance]

Just curious regarding your needs if you might not be better served focusing on a large duffle to stick whatever pack you settle on inside along with your boots and clothes that you'll be wearing. If you're stuffing boots inside your pack, what will you be wearing on your feet? In the space that a pair of boots takes up in your pack you could easily have two days worth of food.

I understand the value of grab and go, that's why I keep everything in a duffle with a shoulder strap, so I can actually carry two or three duffles to the car at one time with my hands relatively free.

Just a thought. Large duffles are cheap and will allow you to also toss in other items you might want or might want to leave behind, like a heavy winter parka in the middle of summer... vs. not having it in the middle of winter...

[Rick]

I have most of my stuff in an Alice pack and it, along with some additional items, are inside a parachute bag. If I have to bug out and wind up in a shelter some place the parachute bag keeps everything nice and tidy and compact. If, for some reason, I wind up on foot I'll just use the pack.