Advice on military pack, please...

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Jumpmaster

Jumpmaster

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 14, 2001
Messages
1,655
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Friggin' MORE COWBELL!!!
Hey, Folks...

I am getting ready to purchase a new rucksack. The last one I had was a Kifaru Marauder, but I sold it as it was black and I'd like to get one in ACU. Ideally, I'd get another Marauder but I just can't justify the cost. They are extremely well-made and have great features, but they are very expensive.

Here's what I need...
1. MOLLE/PALS compatable -- This is important. Some lesser packs do not have standardized spacing for the PALS channels. This makes it extremely difficult to add/remove pouches.

2. Made in the USA. I was considering getting an Eberlestock pack, but found out yesterday that they are made in Vietnam.

3. Capacity would ideally be similar to that of the Marauder, around 2500in.^3 Up to 3000in^3 would be ok.

4. Needs to be ACU camo 1000D Cordura Nylon.

5. Front-loading would be ideal. Multiple compartments are also necessary, however, if there is enough PALS webbing everywhere, I can take care of that. Interior PALS webbing would be great also.

If these things all make sense to you and you can recommend a good pack, please let me know. I was looking around at diamondbacktactical.com and also optactical.com. I think I'll check out lightfighter also, though the last few times I've looked, it didn't appear they actually keep anything in stock.

Thanks for any constructive information or recommendations!

JM-99
 
Have you looked at the ATS RAID pack (lightfighter.com)? It's a bit smaller than you're looking for (2150 cu in), but obviously has the ability to add on. They have a run of them that the webbing is out of spec to match the ACU, so they're clearing them out at a huge discount. I just got one and it's one of the best packs I've ever seen. You just need to call and tell them you want one of the out of spec RAID packs.
 
I bought my Son an Eberlestock Gunslinger pack just before he deployed in September. That pack was marked made in USA. I wonder when they outsourced to Vietnam. My Son is an Airborne Scout Sniper. He loves the pack. Several others in his platoon got them after seeing how well they worked during a jump.

I asked him last week if he still liked it. He told me it was the best pack he has ever had.
 
Look at Eagle Industries...

A-III Molle is a great pack.

They have other variations of Molle packs also.

Dutch
 
Yeah, I called their number yesterday and that's what the guy told me. He said a few were made in the US, but that the military ones were made in Vietnam. That is sad...they appear to have features I'm after. The "butt bucket" / "ripcord" device looks great.
http://www.eberlestock.com/Ripcord_ButtBucket.htm

(Towards the bottom of the page...)
http://www.eberlestock.com/Halftrack Backpack.htm

Maybe I'll email and ask which of their products are made in the US anymore.

Thanks for the link there, Malpaso...I forgot that Eagle made the RAID pack. I hadn't seen pics of the inside of the pack before and prefer a little more organization inside. Lots to ponder. I think I'll see if militarymorons has anything good on there. Haven't check up on their reviews in a while.

JM-99
 
Last edited:
Well...just heard back from Mr. Eberle, himself. The paraphrased version of what he said is that they're made in Vietnam because 1) they are able to have more different production facilities there than they cannot replicate here(?) and 2) he cannot locate people here that can sew very well.

I also got the impression that the packs have never been made in the US, so...Gorn -- just out of pure idle curiosity, you might want to see if your son can double-check the marking on his pack sometime to see if it really says "Made in USA"...that would be very interesting to hear if he can double-check that.

JM-99
 
What a shame. I was surprised to learn that Maxpedition makes their products overseas. All of a sudden I realized that they have no "Made in USA" banners on their web site or tags on their products.

Spec-Ops Brand is one maker that comes to mind that IS made here in the U.S. Definitely quality stuff, but I can't vouch for their packs, never tried them.

Mystery Ranch (Bozeman, MT) is another pack maker that is building in the U.S. Mr. Dana Gleason runs it, the same gentleman who brought out "Dana Designs" packs. Dunno if their stuff is in ACU or not.
 
bigfoot said:
What a shame. I was surprised to learn that Maxpedition makes their products overseas. All of a sudden I realized that they have no "Made in USA" banners on their web site or tags on their products.

Spec-Ops Brand is one maker that comes to mind that IS made here in the U.S. Definitely quality stuff, but I can't vouch for their packs, never tried them.

Mystery Ranch (Bozeman, MT) is another pack maker that is building in the U.S. Mr. Dana Gleason runs it, the same gentleman who brought out "Dana Designs" packs. Dunno if their stuff is in ACU or not.
Click to expand...

It's good to hear that Dana is making packs again! The "old" Dana Designs packs were the best I could find back then and it was a very sad day when they were bought out and then shut down.
 
slick228 said:
Who makes a better pack, Kifaru or Eagle Industries?
Click to expand...

They are both very highly regarded, but I think Kifaru would probably win. Kifaru packs are typically made to order and you can customize your pack when you build it. They are also EXPENSIVE and can have a long wait to get them. Eagle stuff is all the same off the shelf and is stocked by a bunch of dealers.

I have an Eagle-made Lightfighter/ATS RAID pack. Love it. If you get one, make sure you get the frame sheet as well. I don't know if you can find many packs with more MOLLE webbing on them.
 
Thanks for the advice on SpecOps. I generally like their stuff, but I'm looking for something with a little more organizational options on the inside. Or at least PALS webbing where I can take care of that...

Thanks again, Everyone...

JM-99
 
Jumpmaster said:
To the best of my recollection, their products are not manufactured in the US.

JM-99
Click to expand...

Camelbaks (at least the ones I have) are made in the Philippines.
 
That is an outstanding pack, Evan...are these made in the US? Do you all carry these? If so, I think I will be ordering soon...I need it in ACU camo. It looks like it has everything I'm looking for...

Thanks!

JM-99
 
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