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View Full Version : Backpacks, Rucksacks, and Knapsacks, Oh My!


GunnySkox
September 5, 2005, 01:42 PM
Howdy, everyone,

I'm in dire need of a good backpack of moderate size, and I'd like y'all's suggestions on makes and models.

My requirements follow:

The pack should have comfortable enough straps that my hands don't go purple because I'm carrying a textbook, four notebooks, and two binders with me (I have no idea how much that weighs. Maybe 1500 sheets of paper?)

I'd massively prefer a new production pack to a military-surplus one for two reasons: A) I've been using Mil-Surp packs for the past couple of years as bookbags, and while they're durable as all get out, they don't always pay much attention to the whole comfort aspect of things. B) I don't have any Febreze to get rid of that Old Man / Moldy Duct Tape waterproofing smell that all Military Surplus equipment seems to have. Ugh.

The pack's main compartment must be wide enough to hold 3-ring binders (which are 11" wide, and 12" tall), and at least six or seven inches deep.

Compression straps or other methods of keeping junk inside still are a plus.

Padding on the back and straps is a plus.

Pouches and such on the sides (say, for a Nalgene bottle) are pluses, in both Practicool and Tacticool departments.

I have a thing for Maxpedition stuff (thanks to Skunkabilly's website, mostly) and so I wonder if the Pygmy Falcon or Baby Condor fit my specifications (mostly, I want to know if the Pygmy Falcon will hold Binders. It says the main pouch is only 9.5" wide, which seems to be about an inch and a half short). www.maxpedition.com

Thanks in advance,
~Slam_Fire
"See you tomorrow, Sepka!" ~Silver Blue, immediately before hurling Sepka off of a cliff. Jack, Story Arc VIII: Games We Play In Hell

NMshooter
September 5, 2005, 03:34 PM
You can get an Eagle A-III for about $100.

Good mid-sized soft pack with a pocket for a framesheet if you need one.

Have carried as much as 40lbs. in mine, you really want a framesheet for that much, but the pack has held up great. Very comfortable with lesser loads and no framesheet.

warriorsociologist
September 5, 2005, 05:32 PM
Camelbak Motherlode would be (and was/is) my choice for such duty.

Tylden
September 6, 2005, 01:23 AM
The perfect backpack for me might be a terrible choice for you. Try some on and get fitted for one is my suggestion. A proper fit makes all the difference in the world, even with a daypack. I finally found the right one for me at an outdoors store ( with knowledgeable staff to help me get fitted). I use it extensively and I've had it for several years now.

Thrash1982
September 11, 2005, 10:01 PM
I use a Maxpedition Condor to haul all of my books and whatnot around. Works great and I find it to be very comfortable. Can be found for around $100