I need a new ruck.Got any suggestions?

[AKTexas]

I have a ruck that I use for hunting,carry my gear needed for hunting.

I'm looking for something more useful for light backpacking and adaptable to different needs.

Any suggestions?

[swampdragon]

Depends on how big or how small you want.
Also depends on if you want expensive tactical type stuff or cheap china stuff?

http://www.keepshooting.com/firearmaccessories/holsters/tactical-backpack-gear-cheap.htm

[AKTexas]

Depends on how big or how small you want.
Also depends on if you want expensive tactical type stuff or cheap china stuff?

http://www.keepshooting.com/firearmaccessories/holsters/tactical-backpack-gear-cheap.htm

Had a china holster and it was crap could not adjust to fit my G21.

My pack I use for hunting is small.I want something in the mid size range and have a hydration system,carry my small tool kit and first aid pouch.

[swampdragon]

Had a china holster and it was crap could not adjust to fit my G21.

My pack I use for hunting is small.I want something in the mid size range and have a hydration system,carry my small tool kit and first aid pouch.

Well, you DO have to pay for quality.
But for what it's worth....

I carried the ACU version of this SPEC OPS brand pack for the last 4 or 5 years I was in the army.
It never got a hole in it.
Never had a seam bust.
Never came unsewn.
Never broke.
Zippers never busted open.

In short, it was tough as hell and I highly recommend them for those willing to spend that kind of money.
I bought mine for about half that price at the time.
I'd shop around.

http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=12

The model I had was slightly different. Older.
But the quality was still fantastic.
It had a pouch inside to hold a camel back bladder.
That's what the dual ports are for.
You can run the hose out either side of the top of the pack.
Or...if you put a radio in your pack, you can run an antenna out the port too.
The are pretty cool.

The best part is the MOLLE adaptable part.
You can add as many extra pouches and stuff you may like.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Swampdragon/51d96780.jpg

[ready]

I've never used a spec ops ruck but I've used their vests and pouches and also attest to their longevity. I see the Maxpedition pouch on your ruck, that stuff is great, too.

[AKTexas]

Well, you DO have to pay for quality.
But for what it's worth....

I carried the ACU version of this SPEC OPS brand pack for the last 4 or 5 years I was in the army.
It never got a hole in it.
Never had a seam bust.
Never came unsewn.
Never broke.
Zippers never busted open.

In short, it was tough as hell and I highly recommend them for those willing to spend that kind of money.
I bought mine for about half that price at the time.
I'd shop around.

http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=12

The model I had was slightly different. Older.
But the quality was still fantastic.
It had a pouch inside to hold a camel back bladder.
That's what the dual ports are for.
You can run the hose out either side of the top of the pack.
Or...if you put a radio in your pack, you can run an antenna out the port too.
The are pretty cool.

The best part is the MOLLE adaptable part.
You can add as many extra pouches and stuff you may like.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Swampdragon/51d96780.jpg

That is what I'm looking for.I'm tired of buying crap that fails on me in the brush.The pack needs to survive where I hunt and hike.Everything down on the lease has thorns,fangs,claws or horns.

[swampdragon]

I've never used a spec ops ruck but I've used their vests and pouches and also attest to their longevity. I see the Maxpedition pouch on your ruck, that stuff is great, too.

That's not "my" pack.
Mine is ACU colored.
That's just an example pic I swiped off the web.
I dunno who owns it.

[swampdragon]

That is what I'm looking for.I'm tired of buying crap that fails on me in the brush.The pack needs to survive where I hunt and hike.Everything down on the lease has thorns,fangs,claws or horns.

NOTHING is 100% fool proof. But the SPEC OPS packs are really tough.
I'm sure there are other brands out there that are just as nice, but I only know about this one.
It's one of brands that the army authorizes for use if the field in addition to regular issued gear.

[AKTexas]

NOTHING is 100% fool proof. But the SPEC OPS packs are really tough.
I'm sure there are other brands out there that are just as nice, but I only know about this one.
It's one of brands that the army authorizes for use if the field in addition to regular issued gear.

My camelback is not fairing so well in the field when I'm hiking need a little something more rugged.

[swampdragon]

My camelback is not fairing so well in the field when I'm hiking need a little something more rugged.

I have a Camelbak HAWG too. But the SPEC OPS material is thicker, heavier and tougher.

[Paladin]

https://kifaru.net/index.html

[chiak47]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy152/chiak47/100_1787.jpg?t=1278788927

http://www.desertdeucesurplus.com/servlet/the-1300/Condor-MOLLE-3-Day/Detail

Description :
- Total of four compartments:
- Main compartment: 18" x 10" x 5" with one zipper and one mesh pocket.
- 2nd compartment 15" x 8" x 2"
- Front top compartment: 4" x 7" x 2.5"
- Front bottom compartment: 10" x 8" x 2.5"
- Hydration compatible
- Import
- VOLUME : 1362 CU IN

Size : 17" x 9" x 7.5"

Color :O.D., O.D Digital, Black, Tan, ACU

I have this scabbard with my 12ga hooked on the back of the pack and it really disperses the weight evenly..
http://www.tacticalcombatgear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=119&zenid=8bf4426a1d2d792a0d5129676a64b4bd

http://www.surpluspontrouge.com/medias/products/large/000123-shotgun-scabbard.jpg

[AKTexas]

http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy152/chiak47/100_1787.jpg?t=1278788927

http://www.desertdeucesurplus.com/servlet/the-1300/Condor-MOLLE-3-Day/Detail

Description :
- Total of four compartments:
- Main compartment: 18" x 10" x 5" with one zipper and one mesh pocket.
- 2nd compartment 15" x 8" x 2"
- Front top compartment: 4" x 7" x 2.5"
- Front bottom compartment: 10" x 8" x 2.5"
- Hydration compatible
- Import
- VOLUME : 1362 CU IN

Size : 17" x 9" x 7.5"

Color :O.D., O.D Digital, Black, Tan, ACU

I have this scabbard with my 12ga hooked on the back of the pack and it really disperses the weight evenly..
http://www.tacticalcombatgear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=119&zenid=8bf4426a1d2d792a0d5129676a64b4bd

http://www.surpluspontrouge.com/medias/products/large/000123-shotgun-scabbard.jpg

I have the same scabbard.Do you attach yours to the pack or just sling it?

[chiak47]

I attach it...
I figure if it comes down to my shotty then it's time to shed the fucking pack...:lmao3:

[AKTexas]

I attach it...
I figure if it comes down to my shotty then it's time to shed the fucking pack...:lmao3:

Do these packs come with quick release buckles etc?

[swampdragon]

I attach it...
I figure if it comes down to my shotty then it's time to shed the fucking pack...:lmao3:

That scabbard would be great on my horse saddle I'll bet.
I like it.
If I ever make up my friggin' mind between a 12ga or the cool 10/22, I may look into that thing.

Now if they made one for my AK too, hell...huh...I'd be all over it!
:thumbsup:

[AKTexas]

That scabbard would be great on my horse saddle I'll bet.
I like it.
If I ever make up my friggin' mind between a 12ga or the cool 10/22, I may look into that thing.

Now if they made one for my AK too, hell...huh...I'd be all over it!
:thumbsup:

These scabbards are nice if you can sew maybe you can modify one to fit your ak?

[ready]

I'm old school when it comes to water. I prefer plain old canteens or water bottles. I can see using a camelback if you're on a scope or something but other than that, I'll take the canteen.

[Charliebravo]

Maxpedition. I carry one at work with my essentials in it (Personal keys, wallet, Cope, cell phone, credentials, spare knife, spare flashlight, flash drive, spare pistol mags, spare AR mags, sunglasses, etc.) It's been banged around for about 10 years now and still looks brand new. The only problem I've had with it is the main buckle on the shoulder strap (heavy plastic). I accidentally slammed the door shut on it one day and broke it. The part itself is only about $3, but shipping is $8, then I'd have to get someone to cut the stitching, put it in, then restitch the heavy material. I just bought a $1.50 carabiner at Wally World. It's aluminum and works just fine.

[arcangel]

Id say Eberlestock if your willing to spend, I have the G4 Operator, as my heavy ruck at like 5000ci, I just use a Blackhawk drag bag for a range bag or, light extended stay type kit.

[Paladin]

Any input or experience with the Kifaru line of rucks, anybody? http://www.kifaru.net/militarypacks.htm

[BigDumbGerman]

Well, you DO have to pay for quality.
But for what it's worth....

I carried the ACU version of this SPEC OPS brand pack for the last 4 or 5 years I was in the army.
It never got a hole in it.
Never had a seam bust.
Never came unsewn.
Never broke.
Zippers never busted open.

In short, it was tough as hell and I highly recommend them for those willing to spend that kind of money.
I bought mine for about half that price at the time.
I'd shop around.

http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=12

The model I had was slightly different. Older.
But the quality was still fantastic.
It had a pouch inside to hold a camel back bladder.
That's what the dual ports are for.
You can run the hose out either side of the top of the pack.
Or...if you put a radio in your pack, you can run an antenna out the port too.
The are pretty cool.

The best part is the MOLLE adaptable part.
You can add as many extra pouches and stuff you may like.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Swampdragon/51d96780.jpg

I concur.

I have one in ACU Worthless-O-Flage and one in Coyote. I carried the Coyote one in Iraq and got the ACU one as a gift (trying to get rid of it right now; not 'cause it's rotten gear, just redundant).

It has served me well ever since. I still use the coyote one.

Tons of MOLLE real estate. Look around and there's some cheap MOLLE pouches out there. I got a pair of coyote SAW pouches from Suxman's Guide for cheap. They make great side pouches.

Also, take a look at SOC's Tac Ruck E&E. It comes in coyote or the GayCU camo.

Take a look, but I think either are worth the money.

BDG

[MeanzMagnum]

The S.O.C TAC RUC is a great, cheaper alternative to the kifaru or other high end brands. I've done some research on them and they have really good reviews for quality and durability. This is the cheapest I've found this pack for. It's the E&E. They also have another thats the Expedition TAC RUC:
Smaller E&E Packhttp://www.uscav.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=17897&TabID=548
Larger Expeditionhttp://www.militaryclothing.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Product/asp/hierarchy/030D/product-id/36957300.html

[Paladin]

http://milspecmonkey.com/amusement/monkey-pals4.jpg

[AKTexas]

Printerized.

[ubersoldate]

Im gonna be a little off the going course here.
Have you thought about commercial packs?
I used to do a ton of backpacking, and still have my original kelty from 94, and when I decided to get a new one a few year back, I went with the locus..
http://www.kelty.com/p-13-locus-40.aspx

Its not tactical, its not covered in molle stuff ( which I have found for my hunting needs is a waste anyway, as well as a brush catcher ) but its LIGHT, its tough as hell, and has alot of space.
I got the forest green one of these,
http://www.kelty.com/images/product/large/13.jpg

Now for some real back country stuff, which is long walks this guy is awesome..I wish I got this one, but for what I do, its a bit much.
http://www.kelty.com/p-41-trekker-3950.aspx
http://www.kelty.com/images/product/large/41.jpg

There is nothing wrong with milspec, cottage industry gear, but the cost that is driven by the survival crowd has gone up so much it is ridiculous.

Backpacks in the civilian markert are lighter, and cheaper!

[AKTexas]

I do not require a Tactical ruck,just something rugged,tough and can sustain the abuse of the desert thorny plants and trees.

Everything on the lease has either thorns,stickers,claws,fangs or horns.

I'll look into one those packs you suggested Uber.

I have a light Camelback pack that has done well but does not handle the terrain when I'm out in the brush.

[Penguin]

Well, you DO have to pay for quality.
But for what it's worth....

I carried the ACU version of this SPEC OPS brand pack for the last 4 or 5 years I was in the army.
It never got a hole in it.
Never had a seam bust.
Never came unsewn.
Never broke.
Zippers never busted open.

In short, it was tough as hell and I highly recommend them for those willing to spend that kind of money.
I bought mine for about half that price at the time.
I'd shop around.

http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=12

The model I had was slightly different. Older.
But the quality was still fantastic.
It had a pouch inside to hold a camel back bladder.
That's what the dual ports are for.
You can run the hose out either side of the top of the pack.
Or...if you put a radio in your pack, you can run an antenna out the port too.
The are pretty cool.

The best part is the MOLLE adaptable part.
You can add as many extra pouches and stuff you may like.



You beat me to it. I was going to recomend the same thing. I have one as well great pack it hasn't failed me yet.

[ubersoldate]

I do not require a Tactical ruck,just something rugged,tough and can sustain the abuse of the desert thorny plants and trees.

Everything on the lease has either thorns,stickers,claws,fangs or horns.

I'll look into one those packs you suggested Uber.

I have a light Camelback pack that has done well but does not handle the terrain when I'm out in the brush.

Yea us desert walkers have to really watch what we buy if we want it to last more than a season.
I have learned though, that with the commercial stuff, it is made for long distance more so, and it tends to lend itself to being more stable. As in the way is carries on your back, and the amount of space it takes up past ones sides. Making it more able to slip and out of tighter spots easier.

I was looking into the Kifaru stuff, and I must say, I missed my calling.
Selling a back pack that STARTS at $640 is a form of magic.
I remember when they were all the rage by the internet bullshit commando's on arfcom, and the hide, and there wouldnt be a day pass that one of them would have to post a pic with their kifaru pack and a nice shiney rifle.
Idiocy.

[BigDumbGerman]

:roflwithfeetcv2::laughingtohard:

Paladin: That is freakin' HILARIOUS!

Seriously, though... Go with the Spec-Ops Brand THE Pack or SOC Tac-Ruc E&E. Skip on the granola civie packs.

[Paladin]

:roflwithfeetcv2::laughingtohard:

Paladin: That is freakin' HILARIOUS!

Seriously, though... Go with the Spec-Ops Brand THE Pack or SOC Tac-Ruc E&E. Skip on the granola civie packs.

Yeah, been looking at the Spec-Ops Recon Ruck. Looks a lot like my old nylon jungle ruck we used to patrol with. Wish I still had it...

http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=123#

http://www.specopsbrand.com/images/products/LGrecruck_bv.jpg

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_09_2010/post-2305-1283893136.jpg

[swampdragon]

Yeah, been looking at the Spec-Ops Recon Ruck. Looks a lot like my old nylon jungle ruck we used to patrol with. Wish I still had it...

http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=123#

http://www.specopsbrand.com/images/products/LGrecruck_bv.jpg

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/uploads//monthly_09_2010/post-2305-1283893136.jpg

Back to SPEC OPS brand again I see.
Made in USA and guaranteed for Life.
Tough to beat that.

[Paladin]

Back to SPEC OPS brand again I see...Made in USA and guaranteed for Life...Tough to beat that.

Went back to the Spec Ops website. Looks like they are discontinuing this particular ruck. Had 'em on sale for $75. They only had black and OD left for colors. Bought one in OD...

[HDR]

You want a ruck which also can be hidden easily.

[BigDumbGerman]

Ordered me one of those Recon Ruck Ultras in DCU from Spec Ops.... Just what I need another rucking fucksack.

[swampdragon]

Ordered me one of those Recon Ruck Ultras in DCU from Spec Ops.... Just what I need another rucking fucksack.

LOL....
If you didn't need one, then why did you order it?
Ha ha ha.
You sound just like my wife and shoes...

[AKTexas]

You want a ruck which also can be hidden easily.

Dumb question,why would I need to hide it?

[swampdragon]

Dumb question,why would I need to hide it?

In case you need to transition to light-fighter and move fast for some reason.
Circling back later on to get your ruck won't help if somebody else already found it.

[AKTexas]

In case you need to transition to light-fighter and move fast for some reason.
Circling back later on to get your ruck won't help if somebody else already found it.

Okay,does not really apply to me,but I get it.

[swampdragon]

Okay,does not really apply to me,but I get it.

Dual-purpose gear is good.
Ya just never know.

If you never need it for that 2nd purpose, then that's fantastic.
But if one day you do just by chance...you don't want to be standing there asking yourself "Why the fuck did I buy a bright orange backpack?"
Lol...

[AKTexas]

Dual-purpose gear is good.
Ya just never know.

If you never need it for that 2nd purpose, then that's fantastic.
But if one day you do just by chance...you don't want to be standing there asking yourself "Why the fuck did I buy a bright orange backpack?"
Lol...

Well orange is not my color.I keep hearing more and more tales of shootings now in Del Rio,we are 40 miles away from the border.I have found signs of humans passing through the lease,discarded canned food containers,goya brand juices,and some discarded clothing.I guess it is possible that I might need to ditch my ruck to evade some coyotes or drug runners.


http://milspecmonkey.com/amusement/monkey-pals4.jpg

The printerman of backpacks!

[HDR]

Okay,does not really apply to me,but I get it.


As most seem to be planning for SHTF, then they need to pay attention. As I have no plans on SHTF or for that matter carrying a military ruck to go hiking I don't have the need.

[arcangel]

Didnt really think of hiding a ruck either if the SHTF, thanks for the idea HDR. My ruck is in Desert Tan so it'll help if I needed to hide it. It's a big mother tho, or maybe I'm just small. But I can put 2 rifles in it and keep one on person, If for some reason I need 3 rifles.

[HDR]

A small group really would not want to get into a firefight. That is the reason the VC vanished after the 68 Tet and it is probably the same in Afghanistan or Iraq.

[swampdragon]

A small group really would not want to get into a firefight. That is the reason the VC vanished after the 68 Tet and it is probably the same in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Hell man, honestly, the best way to survive a firefight is to not even get in one...regardless of the size of your group.
I'd rather have my Savage and be position near you with your Tikka, and pick 'em off at a distance...lol

[BigDumbGerman]

LOL....
If you didn't need one, then why did you order it?
Ha ha ha.
You sound just like my wife and shoes...

Well, I'm actually pretty glad I did. I grew up with ALICE rucks, so it's familiar gear for me. This ones' basically a medium with some pluses and minuses.

Pluses: Desert camo; easier to darken then lighten when you need to stash it/cammy it. MOLLE loops on top flap and sides means it's easy to add room/organize without overloading. Better shoulder straps. Fastex buckles. Better organization inside w/hydration/pad sleeve and another shorter compartment. No radio pouch (since I no longer haul a SINCGARS, not an issue). Web loops on bottom great for a poncho.


Minuses: No Velcro map/panel pocket in flap. No pass-thru sleeves under outside pockets or webbing over pockets. Closure straps have criss-cross over MOLLE loops on pack flap which makes it a bitch to use the MOLLE loops on pack flap. Fix? re-route straps straight through. Too easy.

This is the new bug out bag for me. The SOC Tac-Ruc E&E may soon be DXed.

All 'n all, not a bad small/medium pack for the dough! Too bad Spec-Ops Brand discontinued this pack, but I picked it up for half-price on closeout. World's loss=my gain.

BDG

[HDR]

Hell man, honestly, the best way to survive a firefight is to not even get in one...regardless of the size of your group.

This is true; I was advising those who seek to embrace....


I'd rather have my Savage and be position near you with your Tikka, and pick 'em off at a distance...lol

I was pretty good at being a pita.

[arcangel]

Eberlestock G4 Operator. Love this ruck.

[swampdragon]

Eberlestock G4 Operator. Love this ruck.

Geeze!
That thing looks heavy.
I guess the days of the light fighter are fading away slowly into the sunset.
Not for me....but for many it seems.

[arcangel]

I've got more the have shitloads and hunker down mindset, I have a BlackHawk dragbag in OD as well that serves the sniper role, but the G4 I was thinking more long term sniper. I read a lot of good reveiws, and asked my Marine and ARMY buddies if they could help and said nothing but great word. A lot of our special forces and British, are using the same or similar in Afghanistan is what my mil friends tell me.

[arcangel]

Most of the stuff in there is ammo and food, it'll get lighter lol.

[HDR]

A lot of our special forces and British, are using the same or similar in Afghanistan is what my mil friends tell me.

If someone isn't SF or SAS don't believe what they say about SF or SAS.

SAS carries a Bergen 120L.

http://www.silvermans.co.uk/LargeImage.aspx?ImageName=~/Portals/0/productImages/19012%20BLK-1.jpg

http://www.silvermans.co.uk/ProductDetails/tabid/89/Department/Military/Category/RUCKSACKS+++BAGS/Description/SAS+TYPE+BERGEN+120L/ItemId/13030/Default.aspx

[arcangel]

Alright, thanks HDR

[centurion]

This Medium Transport Pack (http://www.predatorspecialops.com/products/Rothco-Medium-Transport-Pack-2288.html) is good for day outings and does not cost an arm and a leg. It has the MOLLE system if you need to add additional pouches.