Another Pack question

[gremlin078]

Hi Guys This is my 1st post so bear with me. I did in fact read the Pack FAQ and am looking for advice. Im a male 50's 5'10 180. familiar with Lg ALICE (intimately ) Looking for a good subdued civilian alternative to Alice. Equivalent to medium ruck most likely. I'm trying to avoid the whole tactical attention getter. Even coyote is starting to go that way now. Think grey man. I like external frame. Its a BOB 3-5 day sustainment,figure load of about 30-35 lbs. Expected to move 6-8 hours a day with breaks. Not TEOTOWAKI. Prefer hydration compatibility. Dont like chest sternum straps, Hip belts good. Terrain is mostly open country with gradually increasing hills to the north (SW US)> Cost is a factor, looking for sturdy viable alternative.

[Ken]

Hi Guys This is my 1st post so bear with me.

I thought this was your first post:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...77&postcount=1

[Ken]

Wake up, Sarge. His first post WAS his Intro.

[Sarge47]

What are you talking about counselor?

[Ken]

What are you talking about counselor?

Rough night, Sarge?

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...77&postcount=1

[Sarge47]

Rough night, Sarge?

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...77&postcount=1

They were late with the meds again!

[gremlin078]

So now that we have that all figured out- The pack?

[crashdive123]

I currently do not own an external frame civilian pack. The last one I had was a gigantic Kelty - loved it. Not sure what is currently available, but my most comfortable pack right now is an internal frame Kelty.

With so many people using military surplus packs I think the concern over looking tactical is sometimes overblown.

[gremlin078]

I have no expierence with internal frame packs. How do they stack up to an ALICE?

[Ken]

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/3...ompatible.html

[crashdive123]

For me, this particular pack is more comfortable. I have not modified my ALICE, so maybe with upgraded shoulder straps and kidney pad/belt it would be a better comparison. The external frame Kelty I had was very comfortable (been a while though). My advice would be to know what you want to use it for (sounds like you do), figure out if internal or external frames would suit your needs best, then start trying them on. You may end up buying it over the net, but unless you are getting surplus, I would try it on (under load) before buying.

[crashdive123]

Here's a thread that Ken started that may help you decide by answering the questions.

[gremlin078]

Thats the real purpose of the thread. Without alot of disposable income to waste buying and trying different packs that ultimately don't work/not sturdy enough and nowhere here to rent them to try, I am reduced to seeking the knowledge of others with broader knowledge. Thats why I specified that I have extensive expierence with a lg ALICE, but no others really except small daypacks- that was enough to know they WOULDN'T work..

[crashdive123]

I think you missed the point of my post in #11. What works for me and others may not work for you. Different body shapes, torso lengths, etc. That is why I recommended going to a place that sells them and try them on before you buy one. Any supplier worth a darn will load it with as much weight as you want and let you hike around the store, if big enough or the block.

[gremlin078]

No I understood it. Only have one sporting goods store here within a hundred miles, with only a few Jansport type daypacks. Not much to choose from. My inexprience with any other type of pack is the reason for the question. Given the limitations, this is the best I can do. If nothing else, I can always fall back to the know quantity (ALICE). Was just hoping for other options set up the same way in a non OD green color.

[crashdive123]

Gotcha - I'm sure others will weigh in. Mine is a Kelty Redcloud (internal frame) and very comfortable.

[Rick]

The internal frame is going to be less forgiving about how you pack it. That old Alice could have rocks on top or bottom and it still carries pretty well. An internal frame will shift with the load. Having said that, I think an internal frame does a great job of transmitting the weight to your hips and legs. Much better than an external frame IF the internal pack is fitted correctly.

You've stacked some limitations on yourself that is probably going to be hard to overcome. Crash is right about trying them out. He's right, too, about what's good for me might be all wrong for you. I don't know how you can get around that problem without trying them.

[hunter63]

So now that we have that all figured out- The pack?

LOL,LOL
Atta boy, hang in there, these boys like to chuck and jive, then brag about how many times they did it.
But the do know their stuff if you can outlast them and get back on point.

[Rick]

Chuck left and jive, well, he's around here some where.

[Sarge47]

External frame for trail hiking, internal frame for off-trail, climbing, that sort of thing. Go to the REI website, Backpacker Mag., & The Mountaineers & check out their info. In the end, it will all be up to you anyway.