Looking for a 3 day pack

[encorehunter]

I'm looking for a 2500-3500 cubic inch pack. This would be used for SAR team. I need something that will be comfortable and durable. I have a few packs now, but am looking at other options as well. I would prefer not camo, but it is not a deal breaker. I like my Eberlestock X 2, but it is camo. I have an old Wenzel I bought 15+ years ago, but the straps are not the most comfortable. I would like to stay under $100 a pack, because I'm cheap. I doubt we will be getting any money, so our packs and most equipment will be coming out of our own pockets.

[Brian]

Man that's such a personal thing, and there are so many good options now that everybody wants to be tacticool.

Condor 3-day Assault pack ($75ish) or 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 ($140) are always top favorites, and super popular.

[Broadsword]

Another vote for the Condor offering. I have to say I fell into the group think about Condor but doing some reading on the Max Velocity tactical blog Max convinced me to give them a try. I bought a bunch of their stuff to assemble a battle belt and I have to say I'm impressed with the quality of materials and the sewing. No complaints. After seeing this I bought a Condor Summit jacket and am really impressed with it as well. So I guess, long winded way to say you should take a look at the Condor line.
Broadsword

[HoneyBadger]

A really great budget bag is the LA Police Gear 3 day pack. I have several of them for different things, but I've used them for camping, emergency bags, and one I've used as a daily bag for work for almost 2 years with hardly any signs of wear. It looks like it will easily last another 5+ years of daily use. If you're looking for a framed pack, these aren't it, but they are a really great cheap backpack.

[clodhopper]

A really great budget bag is the LA Police Gear 3 day pack. I have several of them for different things, but I've used them for camping, emergency bags, and one I've used as a daily bag for work for almost 2 years with hardly any signs of wear. It looks like it will easily last another 5+ years of daily use. If you're looking for a framed pack, these aren't it, but they are a really great cheap backpack.

Ditto. I have tried other similar packs and none of them work as well as the LAPG3Day. Between work, being a boy scout leader and other stuff I keep 3 of them and my two sons each use it for a school book bag. Super sturdy and very good for the small cost. My only hit on it is the lack of smaller interior storage options, but for ~$30, I can't really complain too much.

[killianak9]

A really great budget bag is the LA Police Gear 3 day pack. I have several of them for different things, but I've used them for camping, emergency bags, and one I've used as a daily bag for work for almost 2 years with hardly any signs of wear. It looks like it will easily last another 5+ years of daily use. If you're looking for a framed pack, these aren't it, but they are a really great cheap backpack.

Another vote for Lapolice gear.
I have both their operator and the three day pack.
The three day is used for our first aid kit and emergency pack on the boat and/or camping. Plenty of room for the essentials. I have this for four years and holds up really well.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html


I just got the operator pack last week when it was on sale for$39.99 so no real review as of yet. I do like that it has separate storage for a water bladder and all the inside compartments are nice. The exterior webbing, like back packs have, is nice to add additional smaller packs to.
I am planning to use this as a hunting pack for elk/deer this season.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/lapg-operator-backpack.html
There's an Easter sale now and got this in an email blast. Might be worth a look.
64576

[Fromk]

I am also a happy LAPG owner. I use mine to travel. It replaced my carry-on sized suitcase years ago. I say if a bag can stand up to be crammed into an overhead compartment with other people's luggage that long it's worth a look.

I think the shoulder straps are comfortable. The compression straps are handy. There's an inner pocket for hydration systems plus hidden slits for the tube to come out. It's only $30. I do agree that it could use another inner compartment or two inside.

[BushMasterBoy]

Have you considered the military issue CFP-90 ? Call around the surplus stores in the COS area or craigs...or Ebay.

http://www.campingsurvivalgearreviews.com/cfp-90-field-pack/

[cmailliard]

Kelty Redwing (http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Redwing-50-Backpack-Forest/dp/B009R6B3NQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458936666&sr=8-1&keywords=kelty+redwing+50)- They have them in a dark green and tan. They look great, are comfortable as hell and under $100. I just upgraded my GHB to this pack.

Edit
If you want to try it on they have them at Sportsman Whorehouse

[ray1970]

I have a Kelty Redwing and love it. Not as "tactical" looking as most so it doesn't draw a lot of attention in an urban environment. Not sure I'd consider it big enough for a 3-day pack though. Mine is my daily use pack for hauling all of my crap around.

[HoneyBadger]

Another vote for Lapolice gear.
I have both their operator and the three day pack.
The three day is used for our first aid kit and emergency pack on the boat and/or camping. Plenty of room for the essentials. I have this for four years and holds up really well.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html


I just got the operator pack last week when it was on sale for$39.99 so no real review as of yet. I do like that it has separate storage for a water bladder and all the inside compartments are nice. The exterior webbing, like back packs have, is nice to add additional smaller packs to.
I am planning to use this as a hunting pack for elk/deer this season.
http://www.lapolicegear.com/lapg-operator-backpack.html
There's an Easter sale now and got this in an email blast. Might be worth a look.
64576
Wow, I hadn't seen that operator pack before. There are a few things I wish the 3 day pack had (like internal organization and a bladder pouch) and it looks like the "operator" pack has them. I might need to get one... [Neene3]

[ray1970]

I have a Kelty Redwing and love it. Not as "tactical" looking as most so it doesn't draw a lot of attention in an urban environment. Not sure I'd consider it big enough for a 3-day pack though. Mine is my daily use pack for hauling all of my crap around.
Oops. I guess I have the "Redtail" and not the "Redwing". Sorry.

[SouthPaw]

I have one of the LAPG bail out bags for my truck and it has held up great over the years. With the quality I have seen from it, I would not hesitate on their 3 day pack from LAPG. I bought my 3 day pack from Jax locally and it's junk. Some stitching has already come apart and a few buckle's have broke. It hardly gets moved... Also check with Hbar, I don't know if he was selling packs yet.

[denverco]

Kelty MAP 3500 from Amron International. http://www.amronintl.com/kelty-map-3500-three-day-assault-pack.html

[hurley842002]

Oops. I guess I have the "Redtail" and not the "Redwing". Sorry.

I bought the Redtail for my wife recently, and it's a really nice daily use pack. I really liked the tan version and wish I would have picked one up, I don't think the Redtail is being made anymore, may have to turn to eBay.

[hurley842002]

Kelty Redwing (http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Redwing-50-Backpack-Forest/dp/B009R6B3NQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458936666&sr=8-1&keywords=kelty+redwing+50)- They have them in a dark green and tan. They look great, are comfortable as hell and under $100. I just upgraded my GHB to this pack.

Edit
If you want to try it on they have them at Sportsman Whorehouse

Those of you recommending the Redwing, which size are you guys running? I'm looking at the Redwing 32 for a work/day pack, it looks kind of large for day to day use, but I found one at a great price.

[cmailliard]

Those of you recommending the Redwing, which size are you guys running? I'm looking at the Redwing 32 for a work/day pack, it looks kind of large for day to day use, but I found one at a great price.

I have the Redwing 50 in Large. It is 3100 cubic inches. It really is a 3 day pack and it would be big for a day pack. Not sure of the size of the 32 in relation to the 50. Sorry

[hurley842002]

I have the Redwing 50 in Large. It is 3100 cubic inches. It really is a 3 day pack and it would be big for a day pack. Not sure of the size of the 32 in relation to the 50. Sorry

Thanks for the response, I believe the 32 is 1900 cubic inches. I likely just need to check it out in person to see if it will fit my needs, hopefully I can find one local.

[cmailliard]

Thanks for the response, I believe the 32 is 1900 cubic inches. I likely just need to check it out in person to see if it will fit my needs, hopefully I can find one local.

Try Sportsman Warehouse. I have seen them there.

[hurley842002]

Try Sportsman Warehouse. I have seen them there.

Heading there now, thanks.

[hurley842002]

Try Sportsman Warehouse. I have seen them there.

Glad I heeded your advice! Got to Sportsman's, and low and behold they had one lonely Redtail sitting on the hanger.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160329/2e3de18da557636c7cb981a167a73b84.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160329/928e1b35f8e06af8240c11a583cf9439.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160329/b028ea70d41770438bd7c522b8d57a8e.jpg

They also had a Redwing 32, but upon seeing it in person, it's not really what I was looking for in a work/daily use pack.

[asmo]

Good packs:
GoRuck GR2
Kifaru Pointman or XRay (my next 3 day pack)
5.11 Rush 72
Mystery Ranch (anything - but their 3 day assault is quite nice - love the Y zipper)
Kelty Redwing 50 or Raven
Camelbak BFM (my current 3 day pack) or Motherlode (the Condor 3 day is roughly the same bag, but without the really comfy shoulders)

[hurley842002]

BTW OP, sorry to thread jack.

[encorehunter]

Not a problem. I'm liking the looks of some of the packs. I all ready had the Kelty Redwing pack in my cart on Amazon. I've been busy writing SOPs for the SAR team for the last couple weeks. I was told we may have some budget money for supplies once the SOPs are complete and approved.

I'm also thinking I will order a couple of the LAPD packs as well to try out. The price is definately good if they last.

[Irving]

I've hunted with my LAPG pack for the last two years, including leaving it in the bed of the truck during a heavy rain all night. Have had the pack for years and it's holding up fine.

[Erni]

So not to hijack the thread entierly, more to co-jack it.
(Who loves ya baby.)
Are any of these packs inbetween a 3 day and regular size? I need something to carry kids jackets, and waters for small hikes but don't want to go into full out mule mode.

[killianak9]

Not a problem. I'm liking the looks of some of the packs. I all ready had the Kelty Redwing pack in my cart on Amazon. I've been busy writing SOPs for the SAR team for the last couple weeks. I was told we may have some budget money for supplies once the SOPs are complete and approved.

I'm also thinking I will order a couple of the LAPD packs as well to try out. The price is definately good if they last.

If you haven't already, you can sign up for their email blast. You will get random discounts (7-12% in my experience) and free shipping sometimes.[emoji482]

[hurley842002]

So not to hijack the thread entierly, more to co-jack it.
(Who loves ya baby.)
Are any of these packs inbetween a 3 day and regular size? I need something to carry kids jackets, and waters for small hikes but don't want to go into full out mule mode.

I would say the Kelty Redwing 32 might be something to look at. For reference, the Redtail in the pic is 1650 cubic inches, and the Redwing 32 is 1900.

ETA: After loading up the Redtail for the first time, I'm impressed and it's plausible this bag may fit your needs.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160330/23bb18d2776f4109cf0b7b7fe37cbac8.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160330/e42d350c40e423871c636dd471c5a6eb.jpg

Inside is ten 16oz waters, meals for two shifts, snacks I keep regularly, gloves, watch cap, spare water resistant jacket, bowl, plastic ware, pens, flashlight, note pad. I may be missing some things, but you get the point.

[Erni]

Thanks Hurley. I'll go and check one out locally.

[Seamonkey]

http://shop.sandpiperca.com/index.php/gear-packs/three-day-pass-black.html

picked this up at the BX. It's served me well for 6 years and is my current travel bag for avoiding checked luggage.
Exterior front pouch is all mesh on mine. I don't have a slit for water bag.
LOVE the compression part.

[hurley842002]

http://shop.sandpiperca.com/index.php/gear-packs/three-day-pass-black.html

picked this up at the BX. It's served me well for 6 years and is my current travel bag for avoiding checked luggage.
Exterior front pouch is all mesh on mine. I don't have a slit for water bag.
LOVE the compression part.

I was actually looking at that one, SOC makes some really nice bags, I was just trying to avoid MOLLE on this one.

[HoneyBadger]

I was just trying to avoid MOLLE on this one.
So then all the LA Police Gear suggestions aren't very helpful to you (but I think it was good info, regardless)... Sorry! [Beer]

[hurley842002]

So then all the LA Police Gear suggestions aren't very helpful to you (but I think it was good info, regardless)... Sorry! [Beer]

Well considering this isn't my thread to begin with, I'm sure the suggestions were much welcomed, I just happen to be more active in this thread due to my duty bag crapping out lol.

Speaking of way off topic, sending PM in regards to something completely unrelated.

[02ducky]

Ark Tactical has a bunch of Condor Backpacks to look at if you are interested.

[funkymonkey1111]

Just saw this. No idea if it's anything good, but meets your price

http://soldiersystems.net/2016/04/01/lbt-3-day-sale/?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=twitterfeed

[hurley842002]

Just saw this. No idea if it's anything good, but meets your price

http://soldiersystems.net/2016/04/01/lbt-3-day-sale/?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=twitterfeed

Those look pretty slick, especially the grey one.

[funkymonkey1111]

Those look pretty slick, especially the grey one.
Coyote is only $80

[funkymonkey1111]

Dont know if you're still looking, or if these fit your use, but just saw this maxpedition 2 for 1 deal

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/viewcategories.asp?idcategory=274

[MarkCO]

Take a look at http://redrockoutdoorgear.com/ I have a bunch of packs from several places and when I get another, Red Rock will be where I look first. I do like my 5.11 packs, but the Red Rocks are very good, and USA made.

[Delfuego]

Good guy and local too. More than you wanted to spend, but well worth it.

http://www.attackpak.com/

[hatidua]

Deuter Guide 35+ or 45+. -maybe not as tacticool as some would like but very durable packs and substantially better built than the rest of the Deuter line.

[Erni]

Update on some packs. Finally had the time to research and track down all the stores with the various brands. I will be going with a 44L or 50L kelty redwing. The 50 is only 1" bigger on all the dimensions and can be cinched tight to make it smaller. The 44 is just big enough for 5x jackets and waters and snacks. The 50 seems to be thee pack most people recommend for travel and hiking. 50L is way bigger than I wanted but it makes sense as a do all pack. So need to narrow down between 44 and 50, and decide if I want the 2016 version or the 2013 version. The 50L 2013 lacks a stuf pouch but comes in green and could serve as a hunting pack. The 2016 has a stuff pouch and some minor updates but only comes in black and blue and red. Not too keen on the black tactical look, but the stuff pocket is handy.
Other bags I looked at were the Rush 72, great bag but just screams TACTICAL - if they de mollled it it would be perfect. Ospray packs have a great vented back support, but were only available sub 40 or super 50 locally and in the ultralight category so too fragile. Other packs were just too colorfull for me. Saw some other tactical packs, but again too tactical, or if they did not scream tactical they were 2-3 x the price.

[hurley842002]

Update on some packs. Finally had the time to research and track down all the stores with the various brands. I will be going with a 44L or 50L kelty redwing.

Excellent decision going with the Kelty, I'm absolutely tickled that I picked up the last Redtail at Sportsman's. I've been using it daily for the last three months as a work bag and day pack/diaper bag, it's been perfect, and far and away the best backpack I've owned, light weight and tough as nails. It looks just "tactical" enough that I think it looks cool, but not so much so that it screams tactical.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160625/5a9840fd939016033c244ce27f177e8c.jpg

[StagLefty]

Yeah I'm all about the non-tactical look [Sarcasm2]
65957

[cmailliard]

Update on some packs. Finally had the time to research and track down all the stores with the various brands. I will be going with a 44L or 50L kelty redwing. The 50 is only 1" bigger on all the dimensions and can be cinched tight to make it smaller. The 44 is just big enough for 5x jackets and waters and snacks. The 50 seems to be thee pack most people recommend for travel and hiking. 50L is way bigger than I wanted but it makes sense as a do all pack. So need to narrow down between 44 and 50, and decide if I want the 2016 version or the 2013 version. The 50L 2013 lacks a stuf pouch but comes in green and could serve as a hunting pack. The 2016 has a stuff pouch and some minor updates but only comes in black and blue and red. Not too keen on the black tactical look, but the stuff pocket is handy.

I did noticed they went away from the green and tan packs, which kind of sucks, they were great colors, I love the color of my green one. I have not looked at the 2016 version with the pouch so I cannot be much help there. No matter which way you go it is a great pack and nowhere near the price of tactical packs.

[Erni]

Ended up with a 2013 50L in green. The 50 is taller than the 44 but when cinched up it is about the same size.
I really dig the green color, and can see using this as a hunting pack.
Couple of cool things about the bag. It will fit a broken down 16" AR so I can go to the range without a rifle case. Also tried it out with my hunting rifle. The side pouches have a pass through that is big enough to fit the forend of the scoped rifle. It is a bit loose and the rifle ends up higher than anticipated, but worked ok.

Tried it out around the block with 30 to 35 lb load and it was good, but I need to figure out how to use the waist strap better.