I need a pack recommendation

it was my standard issue from my 5 year service in the Marine corps back in 1999. i got that and a t-shirt. You can pick one up in most army navy stores for like $30.00. (The ruck sack, not the t-shirt). rack i think is like another $20.00. I think you can get brand new on ebay for like $80.00. They still manufacture them. Every bit of mine still functions as good as 10 years ago, through all my training and expeditions, saltwater sea, desert, and jungle. not a broken strap or rusted button.

I have two already, I posted a picture on page two. I figured since you didn't read any of the thread a picture would help.

ALICE pack? Holy cow, that brings back memory. I thought USMC retired the ALICE pack before 1999? I used it on Paris Island, and the ALICE pack fucking sucked. There is a reason why the military retired them, because the packs are responsible for a lot of back problems.

divnamite wrote:ALICE pack? Holy cow, that brings back memory. I thought USMC retired the ALICE pack before 1999? I used it on Paris Island, and the ALICE pack fucking sucked. There is a reason why the military retired them, because the packs are responsible for a lot of back problems.

5 year pump starting in 99? He should have been around for the change to MOLLE.

Lol this is hilariously coincidental:
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lis…
The ILBE is modeled after the khamsin!

Yes, I was in the Marine corps for the change to the Molle in 2000 and 2001 as well as the change from standard camo print woodland to the new Marpat, (or digi as some call it), however i was not allowed to keep the Molle system. I am 100% from America, not sure what it is about my terminology that is throwing you off, first I've heard of that. My wife is from Russia, perhaps i am picking up some of her bad habits. Here is a nice write up someone else did on the comparison of pack types. Remember, i have about 5 packs, and the Alice is only used to abuse on the mountain side and it met the requirements of the first post. (and i knew it would get a rise out of some naysayers). Osprey Stratos is my other favorite pack (or any Osprey), Check out this little write up for pack use.
Confused Carl, Aptos, Calif.

"Dear Confused, you must be a mind reader because thousands of other guys are wondering this same thing. Then again, if you really were a mind reader you wouldn’t need to ask me questions because you’d already know exactly what I was thinking, right?

I digress.

So, backpacking packs come in two types. External frames packs are those with a framework on the outside. These old-school-style packs are the best choice if you’ll be hiking mostly on groomed trails carrying lots of weight. They’re especially good at transferring the load so you can hike in a more comfortable upright stance. They’re also about half the cost of an internal frame pack, which has its support hidden inside like a skeleton.

Internal frame packs are usually more form-fitting, so they are better for guys who’ll be hiking rugged trails that require freedom of movement and balance. Most internal frame packs have one huge compartment with a couple of zippered access points, whereas external frame packs usually have lots of smaller compartments that make organization easier. You can also easily attach extra gear – such as a sleeping bag or fishing rod – to the frame.

Which type of pack is better is really up to you and your needs."

Something doesn't add up with you.

At any rate, have two rucks. They were issued and I lived out of them. ALICE packs suck and don't fit my criteria. They have no ice tool provisions, are not lightweight, nor well thought out. You fail.

There's no bickering, just some dude hell bent on ruck sacks. We're all in agreement otherwise.

Also philosraptor is the wrong meme for this situation, I'd pick socially awkward penguin.

Gosh.

It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure. "i totally stole that quote" Not Bickering. Not even Hell bent on the Ruck. Prefer the Osprey, but i did enjoy the friendly banter so i may have egged it on a bit. didn't mean to offend anyone. But yes, i do still use the ruck in dirty abusive situations, like mixed climbing or camping at the Delaware Gap as it tends to be Dirty. Not many routes are clean there except the classics. I like climbing off the beaten trail, unfortunately as a Solo, dragging a pack up cliff side can destroy a pack quick, so i tug the alice on these climbs. any other runs I will take the osprey. I am interested in trying a black Diamond model, seen them at REI, they look like they might be nice to climb with. anyone have input on BD packs? Ive never owned one. Im thinking about trying one out. Price is not to bad. Thanks for any input.

Jonah Klein wrote: I don't know what it is but i have a secrete romance for packs. i have Black diamond, REI, Swiss, many forms of Camel Pack, even a Tumi, and probably any other bag on the market. As i started Solo Climbing, ..................

Jonah Klein wrote: I am interested in trying a black Diamond model, seen them at REI, they look like they might be nice to climb with. anyone have input on BD packs? Ive never owned one.

Dude. Which is it?

Jonah Klein wrote:It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure. "i totally stole that quote" Not Bickering. Not even Hell bent on the Ruck. Prefer the Osprey, but i did enjoy the friendly banter so i may have egged it on a bit. didn't mean to offend anyone. But yes, i do still use the ruck in dirty abusive situations, like mixed climbing or camping at the Delaware Gap as it tends to be Dirty. Not many routes are clean there except the classics. I like climbing off the beaten trail, unfortunately as a Solo, dragging a pack up cliff side can destroy a pack quick, so i tug the alice on these climbs. any other runs I will take the osprey. I am interested in trying a black Diamond model, seen them at REI, they look like they might be nice to climb with. anyone have input on BD packs? Ive never owned one. Im thinking about trying one out. Price is not to bad. Thanks for any input.

I think you're lying.

Late to the party but it's been an entertaining read...MEC (in Canada) come out with some decent bags every now and again. Their new AlpineLite 2013-2014 series isn't bad...except for the colors. Pretty inexpensive too.

mec.ca/product/5028-696/mec…

...i have few of their packs and most keep it simple and focused.

Boy oh Boy, thought i asked for input, not an interrogation. The black Diamond model i am inquiring about is the Climbing pack model in the climbing section of REI. the one i have is a Bbee day bag, Hence the emphasis on MODEL in my inquiry. Guess i should have specified having never owned a BD climbing pack. But hey, i have nothing better to do other than impress a bunch of climbers with my alice packs and ski helmet so i fabricate lies about what pack's i have so everyone will want to be my friend. No really, any thoughts on the BD CLIMBING packs. Durability and such. Do they tear easy on scrapes, or do they hold up well? I feel since following this forum, my Alice pack needs to be put back in the basement for fear of some serious ridicule if i am seen climbing with it.

I have a BD Axis pack and really like it. With the exception of the removable waist belt, and fiddly ice string holder it actually fits the OP's constraints. Although you may be able to remove the waistbelt, I don't know how.

It's my go to pack for pretty much everything. SkiMo, cragging, alpine, etc. The only thing I don't use it for is harder multi-day alpine routes that may need a larger rack. I've dragged it up some chimneys and routes here and there. It's starting to get some small holes here and there but the Alpinisto it replaced was totally shredded at this point. It's still probably got another year in it.

jmeizis wrote:I have a BD Axis pack and really like it. With the exception of the removable waist belt, and fiddly ice string holder it actually fits the OP's constraints. Although you may be able to remove the waistbelt, I don't know how. It's my go to pack for pretty much everything. SkiMo, cragging, alpine, etc. The only thing I don't use it for is harder multi-day alpine routes that may need a larger rack. I've dragged it up some chimneys and routes here and there. It's starting to get some small holes here and there but the Alpinisto it replaced was totally shredded at this point. It's still probably got another year in it.

I actually looked at the Axis and Epic first. That was what I had wanted originally. The strings are fine, nowhere near as fiddly at the Speed 30/40. The major problem I have with the Axis/Epic is the waist belt. If you take it off it leaves the plastic ring in the lumbar. In theory the plastic piece can be removed but it leaves hole through the back panel.

Unfortunately all of BD's packs have some sort of fatal flaw. For example, the Speed 30 waist belt is fixed and the padding does not come off easy. The ice tool provisions are lacking (I had to glue the backing because it was pealing off mine) too. The Epic has the waist belt. The Mission has the same fixed waist belt as the Speed and only comes in 50L.

I can get Deuter super cheap so I may give one a try. Honestly though, "feature laden" packs don't inspire me. Deuter packs (and Gregory) have extra zippers, extra nylon loops, extra attachment points, etc. I just don't need it and I'd venture a guess that most other people don't either.

Right now Arcteryx is getting it done, hopefully more manufacturers follow suit.

I went a few days ago to look at a new pack. I was at the Craig and a torso sized bolder was loose so i lugged it over my head. Would you believe of all places it landed square on my ALICE pack. Ruptured the frame like a twig. I took this as a sure sign. So i looked at Black diamond -vs- Osprey. I looked at the Variant and the Atom. I think the Osprey has more accessibility to outside quick access items, better use of the size, and the material feels just a bit heavier. The added accessibility alone is a plus. It sucks to open the main pocket during travel for a rain poncho or snack. I also notice the kidney pad suspension has more axis mobility with the Osprey. The price however is almost double. I plan on getting something new next weekend. I'm still researching. I have been carrying a GoRuck GR2 for work every day. I was greatly disappointed in this bag. Bad distribution, bad seams. Great organization for what i carry, but not much more than that.

Geeze. Seriously, at this point you should just buy a pack and go climbing. "Disqualifiers" WTF. If any of those 3 made a good pack I'd look at it. Honestly, I've used my Osprey way more than my Cilo on multipitch Ice routes. Any of those packs mentioned would work for you. What about this spawns a 5 page threaded discussion?!!?!??!

Cale Hoopes wrote:Geeze. Seriously, at this point you should just buy a pack and go climbing.

I bought a pack back on page two (two weeks ago).

Cale Hoopes wrote:WTF. If any of those 3 made a good pack I'd look at it.

They don't or I would too.

important discussion none the less. Its hard to select a good pack and it can easily be one of the most expensive pieces of gear. Its very disappointing to not be happy when you purchase what you think to be the best. Case -N- point the Go Ruck GR2. This pack is designed for special forces, by special forces, and cost more than most. I know because the owner of the company is a personal friend of my boss who bought me the bag as a gift, and asked i test and rate it given my prior experience. I told him to go get his money back. Compete failure in every aspect of design. If it was my money i would be pissed. ( anyone wanna buy a authentic GoRuck?? Good price. ). I'm now looking to Granit gear pack to replace. ( nothing to do with climbing pack as the pack i am looking for in this application is more special forces, technology on the to go oriented for laptop and heavy weight application for lugging around New York City. But it speaks to the fact that it is hard to choose the right pack and sucks if you are not happy with purchase. )