BOB pack

[Bill Foster]

Hi Folks, I've been looking a new BOB backpack; one more durable and usable than the one I already have. I have been looking at the Eberlestock FAC Track. It has a lot of the things I've been looking for in a pack except the price...$289.00. http://www.eberlestock.com/F3F%20FAC%20Track.htm
Is there a pack that would be as durable, as practical, yet not a budget buster?

[Spock]

neat pack but $$$$$$$$$ $289 is alot of fricken cash. especially when you for $60-$100 you can get a molle 2 riflemans pack at thats like 6k cubes with the sleep carrier. Protus has a nice pack maybe he'll post a pic and a description of it.

[protus]

Hi Folks, I've been looking a new BOB backpack; one more durable and usable than the one I already have. I have been looking at the Eberlestock FAC Track. It has a lot of the things I've been looking for in a pack except the price...$289.00. http://www.eberlestock.com/F3F%20FAC%20Track.htm
Is there a pack that would be as durable, as practical, yet not a budget buster?

1st things 1st.

what do you plan to do with this ruck?
your budget?
features your looking for.
whats your torso size.

IMHO if your looking for a BOB your looking for a pack that you will need to carry with weights from 20-60 lbs. This means the ruck needs a good adjustable suspension.It also needs to be fitted to your torso length. If not you will have major comfort issues. Doesnt matter how padded the straps are or nothing. Packs are like shoes. You dont wear a 4 when your a 9....

Im not a fan of the eblerstocks.Mostly becuase the ones i looked had no serious suspensions. Yeah they were padded but thats it.

BOBs are made to be rucked. Dont over look civy backpacks or other lines.
The pack that SGL is talking about is the Kelty falcon. Basically its exactly the same as any kelty backpacking ruck but with molle and a few other military features. Best of both worlds imho. There's only 2-3 other companies like that (kifaru,mystery ranch ,dana) that make packs with complete suspensions. Frame sheets arent suspensions.
Price pays a big role as well. If your torso size fits packs like the alice or molle2 rifle man will work so dont over look them.

[Cimarron]

Protus, when you say "the ruck needs a good adjustable suspension". What is that? I have seen packs with metal bar/cages. Is that what you are refering to?
Right now my BOB does not have a cage bar system, should I find one that does?

ETA: Could you also explain "fitted to fit your torso". I'm only guessing here, but does the pack fit better if it's the entire length of your torso?

Thanks.

[Hawkeye]

Ditto to what Protus said. Figure out what you want to do with it, and then go from there. Dont go cheap, just to go cheap.....not if you actually plan on using it. Get the best pack that you can afford, that does what you want it to do. Your body will thank you. Dont get a $300 pack because it "looks" cool, or a bunch of others are "using" it or recommending it, but dont pass it up for those same reasons, or because its $300 either.

[Hawkeye]

Protus, when you say "the ruck needs a good adjustable suspension". What is that? I have seen packs with metal bar/cages. Is that what you are refering to?
Right now my BOB does not have a cage bar system, should I find one that does?

ETA: Could you also explain "fitted to fit your torso". I'm only guessing here, but does the pack fit better if it's the entire length of your torso?

Thanks.

Not Protus, but I'll try.... For lack of a better description, an adjustable frame is one that lets you adjust the distance between the top of the shoulder straps and the waist belt of the pack. Ideally, you want the waist belt to be actually on your waist/hips, so that weight is being transfered there, and not so much to your shoulders. On most smaller 3 day type packs, the waist belt actually ends up being more of a stomach belt, as it doesnt really go around your waist. Not that big of a deal on those packs though really, as they arent meant to carry huge weight loads, and the waist belt is more for keeping the pack from bouncing around too much than it is for actual load bearing. This video shows an internal framed pack being adjusted and fitted to the user.

http://vimeo.com/channels/mrmt#10385570

There are two different kinds of frames. Internal, and external. An external frame is one thats visible on the outside of the pack, such as a GI ALICE pack and frame. An internal frame is one thats sewn into the pack and not externally visible.

Internal frame on the left.... External (ALICE) on the right.



Not all frames, internal or external, are adjustable.

[Cimarron]

Hawkeye this is exactly the information I was needing. I asked Protus specifically because he mentioned it but anyone can add comments or clarifications. I'll take all the help I can get :)

Thanks so much.

[protus]

Hawkeye this is exactly the information I was needing. I asked Protus specifically because he mentioned it but anyone can add comments or clarifications. I'll take all the help I can get :)

Thanks so much.

http://www.youtube.com/user/delta69alpha?feature=mhum

look in mthe favorites . The 1st two are from REI and hit all that you need to know.

Basically, as hawk said there are 2 types of suspensions ( really 3)


packframe/frame sheet- This is what a typical 3 day or smaller sub 3000ci ruck may have. its is a sheet that does nothing more than add rigity to the pack.

Internal frame- This is a suspension that is sewn or placed partially into the pack. It will be able to be adjusted to your torso length.
External frame- same as internal but the pack attaches to an extrnal frame work. They two are adjustable to your torso ( civy ones not alice packs).

The major difference between the internal/external and frame sheet is the I/E frames adjust, they have load lifters at both the shoulders and the waist belts.

This is a good example of a typical internal frame. YOu can see the two main frame stays. The shoulder pad platform will slide/adjust up and down to adjust to your torso. Externals do the same. Frame sheets do not. They may have adjustments on the shoulder pads etc, but not to the extent that the internal and externals do.
If you view the two films by REI you will see how to adjust, and measure your torso.

If you plan to carry any weight these two things combined with how you pack your bag will eliminate a 40lb ruck feeling like its 150lbs and vice versa.

[Cimarron]

Thanks Protus for that added information. My bag does have a waist strap/support but no suspension.
I think I will review what I have and maybe upgrade.

[Bill Foster]

Wow, I never knew there was so much to a ruck. The Army never worried about this.

what do you plan to do with this ruck? 3-day or more pack.
your budget? For a good pack, $300 is my max at the moment. If necessary, I would spend more
features your looking for. Enough room for 3 days + gear and the ability to add on...in other words, molle capabilities
whats your torso size. Will measure. Found the REI link.

I currently have an REI pack, no way to add on pouches or hang a sleeping mat. I would like those options.

[protus]

i shove my mat inside.
its the grey roll( thermarest)

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

The thermarest isn't the only thing thrown in there ;)

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

Bill,

I noticed the pack you linked to is 2500 cu inches (without additional pouches). Have you looked at the Maxpedition line? The Condor is 1950 cu in for MSRP of $130. Maxpedition makes great products. http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/...ACK-12p106.htm

Also is the Camelbak BFM at 2900+ cu in. Camelbak is lifetime guarantee priced about $160. They also make a Motherlode which is a bit smaller (about 2500 cu in) if I remember, but I don't see it on their website. If you Google it you can probably find it though. I think that goes for about $150.

Like others have said, making sure you get the right size for you will make a big difference in comfort.

[Bill Foster]

Good Info. Thanks, I'll shop around.

[protus]

The thermarest isn't the only thing thrown in there ;)

yip got the FAK,, a metal cup,,ground sheet...flippy floppys, some dry socks, a spork and a ham 2 meter....what else am i missing ;p