you wont regret spending the money,i promise.

i would buy their larger packs but i got the kifaru coming and i only need so many bigger packs.

BFN,

the size is large and fits me perfect.i'm 5-9,170.
hope that helps

again,M.A.R.S. is really PATAGONIA.go to patagonia's web site and type in "flash r1 pullover" and you can get a better look at it.

they only used to have bad color selections in this like really ugly oranges and yellows but now they have the alpha green and the alpha green only and their selling it for $58 instead of $115 like originally.

I got the email back from DBT.

"The 3-Day has a sternum strap, but no waist strap. It can be worn in
conjunction with the BLPF80-2 for waist support. As far as we know,
the 3-Day is NOT being discontinued, it just wasn't featured in the catalog."

northern1, thanks for recommending the battlelab 3-day assault pack. I compared it to some other packs at my local military surplus store and this one is built a lot better. I really like it, but it is a little smaller then I thought. That picture you posted does make it look way bigger, but it should be okay, there's a ton of webbing everywhere so I could get some straps and mount things onto it.

Let us know how it compares to the Kifaru. I'd like to get the x-ray some day.

Nice packs fellas.

Ok gents... I know that this thread has been pretty well explored however I am going to swallow my pride.

I have been camping and hunting all my life. I have been in the Army Reserves now for 14 years. To say the least I have used a TON of different bags but....... here it goes.......I would like to get help in deciding which bag would be perfect for a 3 to 5 day hike. Keep in mind I will be hauling enough gear for myself and possible some for another. Also packing a side arm as well as a rifle. Tent, sleeping bag, knives, food....ect. I hate to ask for help but the choices out there are mind blowing!!

hrmm i guess im BTT'ing this thread...

i take a different approach than the most of you i guess. i have a gossamergear mariposa plus pack made of mostly all ripstop nylon. it has a 3600ci worth of space, top loader only and weighs 23ozs. its the main pack i use for my outdoor activities...ive found i dont really need bomber materials(i usually go for less is more) for my pack as i dont really throw it around...its either on my back or set off to the side. i have field tested it all over the southern US and the only damage it got was from a darn chipmunk trying to eat my muffin!!! if anyone is interested in a lightweight approach to backpacking shoot me a PM!

but this isnt to say i dont have a bomber proof backpack <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> my beloved TNF Lobster. i think it was a prototype model because i cant find ANY info on the web about it. ive had it since junior year in high school (almost 10years ago). and its as good as the day i bought it! id say its around 2000-2500ci of space and a total canvas bomber with heavy YKK zips sternum strap and a thin wasit strap. i like it more than those sling sacks because i can glissade down rough terrain hills without having to hold on to a bouncing pack (ie sternum and wasit strap). its super bomber proof...only bad part is the water bottle holders on the side have stretched out. stitching is SUPERB!! i dont really care for TNF stuff but if you find a Lobster its a keeper!

this mariposa pic is a stock pic not mine as my pack is in my "camping box". but the pics of the TNF are mine! i love packs! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />







EDIT: ok some companies i like: gossamer gear, Zpacks, Dana Designs, mountain laurel designs

Badlands packs have a no questions asked warranty much like the Yards. I have one and am very happy with it for its intended use.

Just checked out thier website the bags have really cool features....just would like more color offerings.

now I wnat a good pack.

I would need a pretty inexpensive one that would fit a smaller person (I'm around 5'8" and 150Lbs) but is still high quality, comfortable and able to carry a fairly signifigant amount of gear.

asking for tyoo much maybe?
I would think their would be a good option out there somewhere.

around the 100$ range?

EMF check out this REI pack: http://www.rei.com/product/778437

Looks like the frame and aluminum support can be removed for lighter weight if you didn't need the reinforcement.

The warrarnty is bar none the best.

I just picked up a day pack made by Gerber. The pack has a rigid type 100 oz bladder that acts like a semi-frame, large resivor area, mesh side pockets on each side, and MOLLE lace so another pouch can be added. The straps seem to be very well padded and there is a waist belt.

I have not had a chance to try this out yet, but I hope to soon. I was able to put all my other walk-about supplies in it and a few other things that I probably don't need but nice to have. I gave 28 bucks for mine at a surplus army <a href="storehttp://www.gerberstore.com/index.php?xpage=itempage&xid=807" target="_blank">storehttp://www.gerberstore.com/index.php?xpage=itempage&xid=807</a>