Hello, I'm lookng for recommendations for a new backpack. The pack will mainly be used for weekend camping and hiking but it would be nice if the pack could hold enough gear for slightly longer excursions as well.
I've looked at a lot of 'backpacking' type packs and so far none of them have appealed to me. They tend to come in somewhat loud colors and are often a lot bigger than I need.
I'm looking for something that has a more subdued or 'military' type appearance, and the ability to add and remove pouches is a a definitely plus (MOLLE or PALS I guess). I would also prefer it to be compatible with a camelback reservoir or similar.
I've been looking at some of the maxpedition packs as they seem to offer a good mix of quality construction, features, and decent price. As this pack will only see use 3-4 times a year, I cant really justify spending $300 on a pack. I'm looking to keep the price of the pack at around $125 or below if possible.
Any recommendations? If you need any more info, feel free to ask. Thanks in advance.

Take a look at the J-Tech backpacks over at the equipment exchange they have a nice selection.  

Other wise you may want to look at a CFP 90 type pack.

If money wasn't an issue I'd say go with a Kifaru, but they cost a pretty penny.  

I did a quick Froogle search in the $100 to $125 range and found these.

Kelty Grizzly

Jansport Sortie

CFP-90 GI Style

High Sierra® Internal Frame Pack, Mossy Oak®

Kelty Bison 3000 Camouflage Backpack

Kelty Coyote 4750 Internal Frame Backpack

Kelty - Camouflage Cougar Internal-Frame Backpack

JANSPORT Indio, Internal Frame Pack, 3100 cu in Capacity

MORAINE 3600, GREEN CHILI/CHARCOAL

Deuter Futura 38 AC - Internal Frame Backpack

By the time I post this, someone will have probably suggested a Becker A-III Pack or Blackhawk's version.  The MSRPs are over $125, but I bet you can find them for less than that.

Thanks for the input guys. The Becker and the Blackhawk version look promising. Anyone have any opinions on the Maxpedition packs? I'm specifically looking at the Condor 2, Falcon 2, and Vulture 2.

At the risk of getting flamed by the Becker lovers, IMO you can get a much better suspension (that will carry more weight comfortably) for the same money.  The Kelty and Deuter internal frame packs are great examples.  I'm not a Becker hater, BTW.

Granite Gear www.granitegear.com makes some great packs.  My general purpose pack is a Nimbus Ozone.  It only weighs 3 1/2 pounds the way I have it set up (long wide shoulder straps and the XL belt from their Light series) but I have carried 65 pounds in it as comfortably as 65 pounds can be carried.  I only have good things to say about it, but they start at around $150.  You could get their Vapor Trail for around $125, though.

If you must have a tacticool pack, then check these out:

www.johnbullclothing.com/karrimor.asp?offset=0

www.johnbullclothing.com/karrimor.asp?offset=10

www.johnbullclothing.com/karrimor.asp?offset=20

This is my favorite:

I have both the Maxpedition Condor II and Vulture II in Khaki. Plenty of room and nicely divided compartments. I added a Proteus Waist pack to the back of the Condor II for some added space and 2 USGI Canteen covers to the lower side Pals webbing with Mal Clips.

I have a smaller Maxpedition waist pouch for FRS radio, compass, folding knife, matches, flash light and I forget what else to fit over the waist strap of either. I then picked up a larger waist pouch and stuffed it full of about anything one could need 1st aid wise short of an op room.

In time I plan to have a couple 6x14x3.5 pouches made to attach on the side Pals webbing and a claymore size pouch for the back of the Vulture II. With the extra pouched I should have between the 2800 CI (stock pack) to over 3500 CI in a nice compact size.

Karsten

the cfp90 is a good cheap pack.  for backpacking types, look at lowe alpine or gregory.  

thanks for the link essayons.  was looking at the karrimors a while back, but could not find a place that would ship to the us.  $50 shipping though.

Thanks again guys. Can anyone talk me out of the Maxpedition Condor2? The price is right, and it has all the PALS, plus the hydration compatibility. The only thing that I'm somewhat concerned about is the size of the pack itself, it does look a bit small. l

Quoted: Thanks again guys. Can anyone talk me out of the Maxpedition Condor2? The price is right, and it has all the PALS, plus the hydration compatibility. The only thing that I'm somewhat concerned about is the size of the pack itself, it does look a bit small. l

The Condor II is not that much less than the Vulture II. The Condor comes in at 1950 CI  where the Vulture II is 2810 CI without adding additional pouches/waist bags.

You can always pack less in the Vulture II but you aren't gonna get any more in the Condor no matter how hard you try.

Karsten

Quoted: Quoted: Thanks again guys. Can anyone talk me out of the Maxpedition Condor2? The price is right, and it has all the PALS, plus the hydration compatibility. The only thing that I'm somewhat concerned about is the size of the pack itself, it does look a bit small. l The Condor II is not that much less than the Vulture II. The Condor comes in at 1950 CI  where the Vulture II is 2810 CI without adding additional pouches/waist bags. You can always pack less in the Vulture II but you aren't gonna get any more in the Condor no matter how hard you try. Karsten

Damn good point.

Bump because I'm considering a Maxpedition Vulture II for a GHB/BOB and occasional hiking pack.  The original post is asking exactly what I'm interested in.  Trying to learn all I can before committing.

I had a maxpedition vulture pack, for what you describe it will serve you well.  The only thing I didn't like about it was the relative lack of molle attachment points.  For your purposes it should do you well, but if you dedicated it to a combat/bob ruck, you will want more attachment points....

I use a lightfighter raid pack now.

Quoted: Thanks again guys. Can anyone talk me out of the Maxpedition Condor2? The price is right, and it has all the PALS, plus the hydration compatibility. The only thing that I'm somewhat concerned about is the size of the pack itself, it does look a bit small. l

I just ordered the condor from Lapolicegear last night for $75 , thats on close out though so if you want it for that I'd hurry.  They also have the flacon, vulture, and proteus on closeout as well.

been looking for a backpack thanks for info and links!!!

Bare in mind the Condor, Vulture and Falcon packs had a 1st and 2nd Generation pack.

The Condor II, Vulture II have added Pal's webbing for more attaching points and a few other features as well.

Karsten