I am sure anyone who has been or is currently in the military can answer this question. How do you pack your backpack? What items are you trained to load into your pack, where in the pack and in reality how do you really pack it?
A breakdown on spec ops, regular and the like would be appreciated.
Any details on what type of backpack used, etc would also be appreciated.
A military question
A military question
"THEY CALL ME DIRTY...DIRTYDAVE"
Here are some cool backpacks. I have always been a fan of the Vietnam era style butt pack...ok, ok, no jokes here...I am an "ass" man, I must admit (women that is), but they have a pretty cool modern version of a butt pack on this page. I found a backpack on another site that was made by a company called Rhino that sells for $699.00! Wow!
http://www.specialmissionknives.com/pro ... pt_26.html
I am sort of slowly gearing up for some serious paintball action so I am currently looking for gear, so any advice on paintball rifles or equipment, please let me know.
kman, I can feel an OT forum room on the way, what do you think?
http://www.specialmissionknives.com/pro ... pt_26.html
I am sort of slowly gearing up for some serious paintball action so I am currently looking for gear, so any advice on paintball rifles or equipment, please let me know.
kman, I can feel an OT forum room on the way, what do you think?
"THEY CALL ME DIRTY...DIRTYDAVE"
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BackwoodsPundit
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Mon Oct 03, 2005 1:28 pm
- Location: Deep Creek, VA
Backpacking
Non-Military response. I have been backpacking since 1987. I go once a month (minimum) between Oct-March. In winter, twice a month. How to pack? Heavy items on top, light bulky items on bottom. This is a gereral statement. Different styles of backpacks and the individuals needs on a specific mission/trip vary greatly with each user. Winter packing/planning varies from mild summer..etc The way to answer this is strap one on and take off. You learn as you go. I love backpacking. (going this weekend). When I take MRE's, I open them prior to loading. It makes them easier to pack.
I will be taking two MRE's this weekend and one TOTM.
I will be taking two MRE's this weekend and one TOTM.
Hey DirtyDave,glad to here your interested in a walkabout,backing I know,paintball I know nothing!As you know I once was an Army Medic ,carried every thing I would need and nothing I would'nt.Lots of guys would have more crap in their packs,and then bitch about their feet,knees,backs etc. just my meds and equip. was 76lbs then came spare shorts and sox and an MRE or two.Just make a list of what you THINK you'll need,tear it in half,take whats on one half,go camp in the backyard and make a new list.My packs are,for traveling a Magellan Everest (checked bag) and a Magellan Guide for carry on.For camping I prefer my good old Army Alice-large- its comfortable,got more space than you can afford to use,reasonably priced(gun show) and rest assured the DOD spent millions on its design. As far as packing think of what you'll need last and put it in first then work your way up.
Ye who live by the sword,get shot by We that don't!
Re: Backpacking
I just don't see myself opening up applesauce, it would spill all over and make such a sticky mess.OT wrote:When I take MRE's, I open them prior to loading. It makes them easier to pack
"THEY CALL ME DIRTY...DIRTYDAVE"
Dave,
Glad you asked. Especially from someone "downrange". So far everybody's comment from civilian to actuall is right on the money, so I'll just give some tips or "food for thought".
Virtually everybody and their friend has an angle on backpacks, so that makes it easy to choose. I prefer a large Army ALICE pack but mine is "tricked" out and has some modifications to it. On this one I have it configured so I can put more important stuff on the outside and get to it easier. I'm a Engineer over here in the sandbox so mostly I have to pack tools, explosives, and other stuff not to mention meals, socks, and some other junk. After all is said and done I could have a 100 lb ruck on. So that is why I got mine modified. Now I know there are civilians models out there that could put an ALICE pack to same but for this occasion of paintball you can get away with something smaller. I looked at the link you posted and I must say there are some really good items there from Blackhawk.
If I were you and on a budget the three day is great with some add-on pockets. It'll get you by but if your going to be there for a week or more then something like a Kelty, NorthFace, Moonstone, etc will work. Just remember not to take the big pack into the woods it'll slow you down. Also when packing OT got it right: heavy stuff on top, lighter stuff on bottom and towards your back. Also position stuff you really need towards the top or on the sides if you need to get in a hurry.
MRE's? Well I always break them down and figure out what I want and don't want then re-seal them. That way it cuts down on the space and weight. And "yes" a Vietnam style "butt-pack" is really handy and doesn't cost as much. Sits right on the belt and with some suspenders is very comfortable. You can put a bit in those and they will last you a lifetime.
All in all the ALICE system is very hard to beat but I quite disagree with Kyle's entry that the DoD spent millions on the ALICE pack. More like a couple of bucks and a lot of time listening to people with bad backs. Sorry couldn't resist
No really, for my regular backpacking journeys I use a Israeli Commando backpack. Cost me under a $100.00 has a 5000 cubic inch bag with a very heavy shoulder strap, padded back, lumbar support, and waist strap. The Israeli SF makes their own line of packs and when I did my research into finding a suitable pack this one caught my eye. Not only that but they actually have theirs tested in the most harshes climates in the middle east. So therefore it works and it looks like anything you might find at REI.
Okay I've rambled on long enough hope I've given you enough to go on.
Glad you asked. Especially from someone "downrange". So far everybody's comment from civilian to actuall is right on the money, so I'll just give some tips or "food for thought".
Virtually everybody and their friend has an angle on backpacks, so that makes it easy to choose. I prefer a large Army ALICE pack but mine is "tricked" out and has some modifications to it. On this one I have it configured so I can put more important stuff on the outside and get to it easier. I'm a Engineer over here in the sandbox so mostly I have to pack tools, explosives, and other stuff not to mention meals, socks, and some other junk. After all is said and done I could have a 100 lb ruck on. So that is why I got mine modified. Now I know there are civilians models out there that could put an ALICE pack to same but for this occasion of paintball you can get away with something smaller. I looked at the link you posted and I must say there are some really good items there from Blackhawk.
If I were you and on a budget the three day is great with some add-on pockets. It'll get you by but if your going to be there for a week or more then something like a Kelty, NorthFace, Moonstone, etc will work. Just remember not to take the big pack into the woods it'll slow you down. Also when packing OT got it right: heavy stuff on top, lighter stuff on bottom and towards your back. Also position stuff you really need towards the top or on the sides if you need to get in a hurry.
MRE's? Well I always break them down and figure out what I want and don't want then re-seal them. That way it cuts down on the space and weight. And "yes" a Vietnam style "butt-pack" is really handy and doesn't cost as much. Sits right on the belt and with some suspenders is very comfortable. You can put a bit in those and they will last you a lifetime.
All in all the ALICE system is very hard to beat but I quite disagree with Kyle's entry that the DoD spent millions on the ALICE pack. More like a couple of bucks and a lot of time listening to people with bad backs. Sorry couldn't resist
No really, for my regular backpacking journeys I use a Israeli Commando backpack. Cost me under a $100.00 has a 5000 cubic inch bag with a very heavy shoulder strap, padded back, lumbar support, and waist strap. The Israeli SF makes their own line of packs and when I did my research into finding a suitable pack this one caught my eye. Not only that but they actually have theirs tested in the most harshes climates in the middle east. So therefore it works and it looks like anything you might find at REI.Okay I've rambled on long enough hope I've given you enough to go on.
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Hell Devil
- Posts: 30
- Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2005 7:41 pm
- Location: Northeastern US
I've been using ALICE packs since the very late '80s. The large is great. My wife uses an EMS granola type pack that hardly fits anything and that makes it difficult to get to things you need. Not so with the large ALICE pack. Worth every cent I paid for it. Plus you can carry your canteens on the outside of the pack.
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sgt mike rtd
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2005 9:00 am
- Location: australia
bergans
gday
true pundit fanny pack means a diffrent thing here in oz,lol.anyway i was in the british army and instead of calling them backpacks we called the bergans. the best thing to carry is a hard question , and it all depends on what you want to carry anyway. best thing is to put all your kit in a pile see what you need then see if it fits into your bergan. thing is mate you will never need what you think you will need. so the best thing is to think how long you will be out . extra kit like spare shirt pants on bottom,next would be rat packs or mre,s , towel wash gear and spare sock,s.rain gear.( ammo would go next as this is what you need most,lol). now if the bergan has side pockets . kit in these should be brew gear, first aid, (more ammo,lol) energy bars eg: mars bars, snickers. depending on where you go you will need spare water bottels and if has attachments add a couple more than what you think youll need, cos you never know.anything smaller that you need would go on your belt kit. thats if you carry one. never carry more than what you think you will need.
cheers
true pundit fanny pack means a diffrent thing here in oz,lol.anyway i was in the british army and instead of calling them backpacks we called the bergans. the best thing to carry is a hard question , and it all depends on what you want to carry anyway. best thing is to put all your kit in a pile see what you need then see if it fits into your bergan. thing is mate you will never need what you think you will need. so the best thing is to think how long you will be out . extra kit like spare shirt pants on bottom,next would be rat packs or mre,s , towel wash gear and spare sock,s.rain gear.( ammo would go next as this is what you need most,lol). now if the bergan has side pockets . kit in these should be brew gear, first aid, (more ammo,lol) energy bars eg: mars bars, snickers. depending on where you go you will need spare water bottels and if has attachments add a couple more than what you think youll need, cos you never know.anything smaller that you need would go on your belt kit. thats if you carry one. never carry more than what you think you will need.
cheers