Camelbak Motherlode Features + Crappy Photos!

[Skunkabilly]

.http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=210581

[Skunkabilly]

You can probably see it's more like a school-type backpack that's rugged as heck, has tacticality and functionality. Awesome design, I love it to death.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=210583

[Skunkabilly]

Unlike other Camelbaks it actually has compartments and stuff inside to help you keep your junk organized. My HAWG doesn't, but I think it's an older model not the one with all the ALICE things on it. It's just a bag with pouches, where as the Motherlode has compartments to sort out your junk for a more efficient tactical op.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=210584

[Skunkabilly]

It also has room for two hydration bladders, that's 6 liters or 1.5 gallons of water! :eek: That's a lot of bathroom breaks.

I'm going to see if I can attach a knife via Teklok thing on the straps for added tacticality.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=210586

Sorry for the lousy photos and stupid review, but I promised someone I'd post photos.

[Skunkabilly]

In action: Hurry the heck up in there, I just drank 1.5 gallons of water!!!

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=200656

[Kevlarman]

Is that a Linksys box I spy in the last photo? :neener:

[Skunkabilly]

Yes, my roommate's trash is the same place where he left it when we moved in 6 months ago.

[ReconTech]

Whats the best price you have found for the motherload? I found it at Botach Tactical for $145...

[Skunkabilly]

I think I paid $130 or so from Lightfighter Tactical? I could be wrong it was a year ago.

[jthuang]

Stubbygear.com has the Motherlode for $139. It was previously on sale for closer to $100. :(

Lightfighter.com has it for $135 (includes shipping).

LPS Tactical.com has the BHI "equivalent" Cyclone at $120 (includes shipping).

Not affiliated with any of the above. I have the BHI Cyclone and a CamelBak HAWG -- both nice units.

Justin

[BenW]

Whatever happened to the "sack tied to the end of a stick" bug-out bag?

:neener:

[CAP]

Sweet Skunk. I just bought a Cloud Walker model today for the wife's b'day.
I can't wait to use - uh borrow it. :uhoh:

[jthuang]

Resurrecting an old thread ...

I'm thinking about a Camelbak Motherlode as a daypack. Requirements are ~2,000 cu in capacity, hydration-system compatible and REMOVABLE waist belt. The HydraStorm Cyclone meets all the above EXCEPT for the waist belt part ... you can't get the belt off because the "compression straps" cannot be removed from the belt.

I couldn't find anything on the CB website that said whether the waist belt was removable ... any comments from Motherlode users? Thanks,

Justin

[Skunkabilly]

Nope, waist strap isn't removable....

[hksw]

That looks like the older version Motherlode. The newer iteration, IIRC, only has one (large) external compartment and the overall internal displacement is bigger, up to 2145 ci.

Still waiting for my Jansport Revelation 45 from C&C.

[jthuang]

Thanks, Skunk. I might have to take a knife to the compression straps on a HydraStorm Cyclone to make this work. :(

[Skunkabilly]

What I ended up doing was using the clip on the waist strap and clipping it around the back compression straps to keep it out of the way. Not pretty, but it works

[jthuang]

Yeah, I have done that with my HAWG's waist belt but that's much easier as it is not padded and the Fastex locks go flush against the back of the pack when the straps are tightened all the way down.

I wish I had a CB dealer local to me so I could see one in person and see if I can make it work. :(

[Moparmike]

How easy is it to attach a Kabar sheath to the sholder straps? It seems like a good location.

[incursion]

You still don't have body armor! :neener:

[Skunkabilly]

Incursion...brag brag brag brag... :D

Mopar, you can use 550 cord to get the sheath (if it has the little hole-lets) and then tie the hole-lets to the plastic ring that the mouthpiece goes thru. I did this w/ my Strider for a while but didn't like how that if I ditched my pack, my knife is gone, too.

[OEF_VET]

I too like my Motherlode. I bought it while I was in Kosovo, and have carried it from there to Afghanistan, JRTC, many FTX's, and just about everywhere in between. When in the field, a normal load would consist of a ASIP radio, a PLGR, binos, poncho liner, spare socks, spare batteries, 2-3 MRE's, spare handmike, weapons cleaning kit, FM-6-30 (FO's bible), and a significant amount of pogie bait.

The waist strap can be annoying though. But, the bag makes a great assault pack or overnight bag. It's also small enough to fit into an airplane overhead compartment or under the seat, as long as you don't try to stuff the kitchen sink into it.

Frank

[jthuang]

Yeah, I am kinda bummed that I'm not going to be able to buy the Motherlode. With HydraStorm stuff being made overseas (not sure if made in Vietnam), I'd prefer Camelbak stuff. That being said, I own both HS and CB products and have never had any quality issues with either.

I like having a hydration-compatible daypack for hiking but also for riding to the gym at night. I have a rather small-framed mountain bike and two Kryptonite U-locks for securing my bike ... needless to say, two MTB U-locks will not fit on any lock mount on a 16" frame. So my pack has to hold two U-locks, towel, MP3 player, headphones, padlock, water bottle, writing pad, and other gym gear ... making a daypack (~2,000 cu in) the perfect fit.

Anyway, the waist belt gets in the way when biking ... I guess that's why most cyclists use the bare-bones type hydration systems like the CB Stealth or HS Vector. I think I'm settled on the following pack, which is the Kelty Velocity daypack:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=27994815&prmenbr=226

Hydration-system compatible and "stowable" waist belt. It doesn't come with a hydration kit but I already have several units that I can transplant into this one. And it's about 1/2 the price of a CB or HS unit.

Justin

[CAP]

My Camelbak Trailblazer was the ticket this summer at Disney. The family used me as a pack mule, but it did save a bunch o' $ on drinks and food.
I'm sold on 'em. :D

[TacticalSquirrel]

jthuang, My Camelback HAWG is made in the Phillipines, so I think either is going to be made in Asia.

[jthuang]

TacSquirrel: thanks for your note. I am kinda puzzled ... I was under the impression that all Camelbak Maximum Gear (as opposed to the regular line) is now made by Eagle Industries out of Missouri. Is your HAWG from the Maximum Gear line, or from the "regular" line?

Justin

[TacticalSquirrel]

Mines Maximum Gear, and it's the military version from Camelback with the PALS attachments on it. I didn't know Eagle was supposed to be making any of it. I just got it this summer too, so it's new.

[jthuang]

Hmm, I'll have to re-check my facts. Perhaps I mis-read the announcement on Eagle's website which says "US Distributor CamelBak® MaxGear™ Hydration Systems" ... "distributor" does not mean "manufacturer". Thanks,

Justin

[Futo Inu]

"Hurry the heck up in there, I just drank 1.5 gallons of water!!!"

LMAO

[Skunkabilly]

Futo:
"Hurry the heck up in there, I just drank 1.5 gallons of water!!!"
Like this?
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=200656