I'm quite crazy:

[Grand58742]

But I'm looking at new packs...not that I don't have a decent one already (ALICE Large) but looking to upgrade. Criteria as follows:

Coyote Brown (or tan)
4000 CI preferred
MOLLE compatible
Hydration compatible
MADE IN USA (mandatory)
Clamshell open (optional, but preferred)
No preference on internal/external frame
Not el cheapo that's going to fall apart on me when I least expect it.

It will eventually serve as a long range BOB and replace the ALICE. In particular, I tend to accessorize a lot and have need to add additional pouches as mission dictates, hence the need for MOLLE compatibility.

I'd like to keep the price manageable, however, this is presenting a problem as the ones I'm looking at for the moment are going to make my wallet scream for the most part. However, this is my "I'm quitting the nicotine habit" award for myself and I have to have something to do with the money I'm saving. So I've narrowed down the list to the following:

Tactical Tailor Extended Range Operator (probably with the removable Operator Pack to bring it over the 4K CI) And thanks to Hawkeye for the initial reviews of those packs.

Tactical Assault Gear Jumpable Recon Ruck Pack

Kifaru Navigator (Protus, I know how you feel about Kifaru but at least it's not in Multicam)

London Bridge Trading 5 Day Jumpable Pack

Okay, so I have no need for the jumpable versions of two out of the four and would probably end up cutting the lowering straps to save weight as I am probably not going to be bugging out by plane then parachuting into a BOL. However, they don't make a standard version of them, so I go with what I can get.

But breaking it down, here

[protus]

if it is for long range. That means you should plan to walk "long" ranges. That means a propper suspesnion set up. With a tatcial pack thats 99% gonna have to be internal framed.
For that check out mystery ranch stuff,older dana issue rucks, and the kelty line of military packs. (falcon has my eye to replace all of my backpacking and long range rucks, they also have that larger 7K+ ruck ) .
Besides that. Yes kifaru. The other makes dont have the suspesion needed imho for long hauls with loads that would be needed for such. I dont hate them for the qaulity but more so for the kool aid factor and price/

[Hawkeye]

My two choices would be The Tactical Tailor Extended Range OP. pack and the Removeable OP pack (if needed), or a Mystery Ranch. Kifaru and ArcTeryx (Tango) would also be viable.

[Lowdown3]

Hawkeye- did Protus just recommend Kifaru or did my vision go astray? Better tell his detractors on Arfcom about this ;) J/K

[Hawkeye]

Yeah...and I know what your thinking. It is possible that someone has gotten ahold of his computer and logged in as him. If he posts about getting something in multicam, we'll know for sure. :eek:

[Jerry D Young]

Kifaru. Have two. Love them both.

[Grand58742]

All, thanks for the replies so far.

And yes, that has to be Protus. Misspellings in the post...check. Kifaru Kool-ade slam...check.

Now I know to get him the patchwork Kifaru Woobie for the Christmas exchange lol

[Longhunter]

Grand58742

I got issued two packs made by mystery ranch that you might be interested in. The first is the Mystery Ranch Nice Wolf Alpha model. It's 4200 ci, has 5x3 molle loops on each side of it, a removable top flap that is pretty big, and has two pouches running down the back of it that I keep a camelbak in one of. I really like it and I use it for my civilian BOB most of the time. The other is the Mytsery Ranch Kodiak model. It is a monster, 7000 ci. A little too big for me but, if you are looking for something for extended trips that would do the job. Hope this helps.

[protus]

Yeah...and I know what your thinking. It is possible that someone has gotten ahold of his computer and logged in as him. If he posts about getting something in multicam, we'll know for sure. :eek:

i never said i "hated" the packs...just the koolaid ;p. and the price.

at 50-60 lbs load weight , you will NEED a suspension OP keep that in mind. Anyone anywhere on the net that tells you a frame less ruck is gonna work with that load is either Quasimodo retard strong or a 15 yr old world champion airsofter......;)

[Templar]

You guys have Protus wrong. He doesn't hate Kifaru, he is just suffering from a a severe case of "WOOBIE ENVY", and rather than admitting to it, he strikes out against the packs, which let out his aggression while distracting all from his secret desires...

[protus]

You guys have Protus wrong. He doesn't hate Kifaru, he is just suffering from a a severe case of "WOOBIE ENVY", and rather than admitting to it, he strikes out against the packs, which let out his aggression while distracting all from his secret desires...

BAH.....you gear queenies are all the same......oh hey ya know there's a 1.5 liter jet boil set up under 100$ i saw ;p

[EX121]

I was looking at the Kelty stuff. I don't see a lot of difference between their 'trail' packs such as the Redwind 3100 and the Military Map 3500, or Raven 2500 except for price. So if you don't need the MOLLE attachement they look very much the same. I went to our local Mt. Supply store and tried the Redwind 3500 with 30 pounds of sandbags inside it felt very good, I liked the '10 version better than the '09 model.