I need a new ruck.Got any suggestions?

[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/ProductD...p?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.

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.asp...7897&TabID=548
Larger Expeditionhttp://www.militaryclothing.com/IBS/.../36957300.html

[Paladin]

[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,


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


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/ProductD...p?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]

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]

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/ProductD...ProductID=123#

[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/ProductD...ProductID=123#

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...