Posted: 11/9/2008 1:54:31 PM EDT
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Is the Diplomat 3 Day Backpack worth buying? They seem like a good deal, but I can't find any reviews on it.
Diplomat 3 Day Backpack http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html Thanks |
| Trust me when I say this Spend the extra money and buy this. I used mine two times in Iraq when I was a machine gunner it held all my gear and a 1000 rds linked when I did foot patrol's! It's about 4 to 5 years old and still looks new. There are a lot of guys on here that will back me up on what I said about there packs. Also the nice extra is that it can hold a pistol in the back. |
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Trust me when I say this Spend the extra money and buy this. I used mine two times in Iraq when I was a machine gunner it held all my gear and a 1000 rds linked when I did foot patrol's! It's about 4 to 5 years old and still looks new. There are a lot of guys on here that will back me up on what I said about there packs. Also the nice extra is that it can hold a pistol in the back. +1 great pack! |
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I have also been looking into picking up a couple 3 day packs. I was looking at the Maxpedition Vulture II and the CamelBak BFM. I also like what I see from the Tactical Tailor backpack other than the fact that is the smallest in actual cu. in.
What’s the consensus between these 3 packs? |
| buddy of mine has a BFM, and it's a lot of backpack. Lots of nice internal pockets for keeping your stuff organized. I considered getting one as a replacement for my TT3 day pack but decided to go a whole different way with something much larger. The BFM would make a very good 3 day+ pack for most guys. |
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The Diplomat line of gear bags are light 600 Denier Nylon with the crusty plastic coating on the inside. I have some of their bags that I use for gear organizers and they work fairly well. For your main pack I would look for a better built pack. There are plenty of well made discounted packs on Sierra Trading Post and Campmor.
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If you are looking for an inexpensive, bulletproof backpack, then I would recommend this pack. It is indestructable.
SWEDISH 35L CORDURA PACK I have several of these and have kept them in my cars as a GHB or BOB. It is large enough to carry the essentials, nothing more. For $20 you can not buy a better backpack. Period. The loops in the back allow you to carry a folding shovel, ax or climbing pic. Upgrade the straps to ALICE straps and you are good to go. |
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I have also been looking into picking up a couple 3 day packs. I was looking at the Maxpedition Vulture II and the CamelBak BFM. I also like what I see from the Tactical Tailor backpack other than the fact that is the smallest in actual cu. in. What’s the consensus between these 3 packs? Maxpedition Vulture II a lot of guys in my company bought the BFM and had problems with them from the material tearing from the weight to zippers braking. I should post what mine looks like after 4 years of use from being in Iraq twice to being a diaper bag and my take everywhere pack it still looks new. |
| I just got a black one of those packs from LA police gear a couple of days ago. It seems to be an OK bag for the money but to me it seems lacking in the padding of the shoulder straps and back. Additionally the waist strap has no padding. The zippers and the fabric for the pack seem very sturdy, but I think I should have spent a little more and got something a little nicer. |
| I happened upon this thread looking for the same info; experiences with the fairly inexpensive 3-day pack from LA Police Gear. I have spent the extra amount for a 5.11 24-Rush pack and a Blackhawk 3-Day pack. However because of the low price, having a few extra packs for grab-and-go (it seems here in southern California every year the cops knock on my door and say "your neighborhood is on fire, GTFO") can come in handy. |
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ATS Tactical RAID Pack is a great one.
The coyote ones are a steal at $99, it's 199 for any other color. I easily fit 7 days worth of gear in mine when I was doing convoy security. (plus a couple of pouches on the outside). |
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For anypack that you planon using for real- not walking 1-3 miles in twice a year. a real BOB or backpacking ruck you need to get your TORSO sized and buy a pack that is with in your size range.
Then adjust it to your torso! You dont get size 5 shoes ifyour a 10 do you? packs are the same way! IMHO framed(external and internal) packs are the way to go with bobs due to the weights involved. |
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I've got a Camelback Motherlode, which is great quality.
I ordered a friend The Blackwater "Long Range Patrol Pack" from CDNN Investments a while back. It's discounted down to $99, which I think is a steal. The pack is rather heavy even empty, but is top quality. Made by Michael's of Oregon. Has a drawstring top with a foldover flap, two side pouches, and zipper access of everything stored in the bottom. It doesn't have any stupid obvious Blackwater logo on it anywhere other than a subtle paw stitched under the flap. http://www.cdnninvestments.com/lorapapanewb.html |
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Quoted: I'm not crazy about those frameless assault packs for hiking any serious distance with any serious weight. I have had a bunch and they are mostly pretty tough (but I don't have any of the chinese knock off ones) but I would not want to spend 10-15 miles+ lugging a lot of weight in one.For anypack that you planon using for real- not walking 1-3 miles in twice a year. a real BOB or backpacking ruck you need to get your TORSO sized and buy a pack that is with in your size range. Then adjust it to your torso! You dont get size 5 shoes ifyour a 10 do you? packs are the same way! IMHO framed(external and internal) packs are the way to go with bobs due to the weights involved. The 5.11 rush pack mentioned above does have a stiff insert, but it has no belt |
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Look at the Camelbak Motherload.
It's my favorite pack and I am a packfiend. I have and have had a LOT of packs. Camelbak -Motherload -BFM (sold) -Snobound -MULE -Transformer Arc'Teryx Borea (freaking awesome ski mountaineering pack) GoLite Speed (great for adventure racing and 14ers) Pine Ridge travel pack (sold) Gregory Endurance Some marine recon pack I had and sold More... For an everyday pack I can use for hiking, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, 14ers I like the Motherload. If it was TEOTWAWKI and I had to leave on foot, skis, snowshoes or bike and had to live out of the pack until I died I'd take my Borea. |
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For anypack that you planon using for real- not walking 1-3 miles in twice a year. a real BOB or backpacking ruck you need to get your TORSO sized and buy a pack that is with in your size range. Then adjust it to your torso! You dont get size 5 shoes if your a 10 do you? packs are the same way! IMHO framed(external and internal) packs are the way to go with bobs due to the weights involved. What internal frame pack (made in America) Do you recommend? Mike |
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Quoted: Probably a potato sack tied to a frame made out of sticks held together with 550 cord with a dead, water filled, possum for a bladderQuoted: For anypack that you planon using for real- not walking 1-3 miles in twice a year. a real BOB or backpacking ruck you need to get your TORSO sized and buy a pack that is with in your size range. Then adjust it to your torso! You dont get size 5 shoes if your a 10 do you? packs are the same way! IMHO framed(external and internal) packs are the way to go with bobs due to the weights involved. What internal frame pack (made in America) Do you recommend? Mike  |
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Probably a potato sack tied to a frame made out of sticks held together with 550 cord with a dead, water filled, possum for a bladderQuoted:
For anypack that you planon using for real- not walking 1-3 miles in twice a year. a real BOB or backpacking ruck you need to get your TORSO sized and buy a pack that is with in your size range. Then adjust it to your torso! You dont get size 5 shoes if your a 10 do you? packs are the same way! IMHO framed(external and internal) packs are the way to go with bobs due to the weights involved. What internal frame pack (made in America) Do you recommend? Mike
well thats a premeptive strike right there 
actually. civy pack wise id say kelty,gergory/dana, osprey,northface. mil style- kifaru- yes i admit it onlybecuase their larger packs have a good frame set up(like a traditional internal framed civy pack) but they are heavy ,cost alot, and cost alot. plus the kool aid theygive you with thepack contains an addictive narcotic tactiocain mil surplus- cpf90,molle ruck with frame and med alice. |
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Protus, have you seen any of the Mystery Ranch packs? your trolling now,trying to bait me out  
LOL yes i have "seen" them but not played with one. I didnt add them and reason was becuase i consider dana/gergory/mountainsmith about the same in qaultiy. but have heard some good reviews on the MR packs. Right now ive been hearing Osprey is the way to go in civy packs from alot of hikers. And the one i finger banged for a bit was NICE. im to cheap so my kelty is my 4+ day internal pack(in till it wears out) and the rest is day pack crap 2-3 days aka- med alice, 3day packs( i wont name any brands here to keep you guys guessing )
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Nah you and me are like Spiderman and the Hulk, we're mostly on the same side but the readers want to see us fight every 6th or 7th issue Mystery Ranch is the new pack du jour on Lightfighter, probably Eggroll will like something different in the Spring and everyone will want that. My wife has complained that she thinks the custom Kifaru Scout I had made for her is too heavy. I have checked her phone and e-mail from messages from you, but I sill have my suspicions.I see a LOT of Osprey packs among the skinny, young kind of yuppy hiker crowd in the northeast. Unlike some of the people with 80 pound bug out bags or the Raid packs with 47 different matching pouches I suspect that you actually go outside sometimes. |
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Nah you and me are like Spiderman and the Hulk, we're mostly on the same side but the readers want to see us fight every 6th or 7th issue
Mystery Ranch is the new pack du jour on Lightfighter, probably Eggroll will like something different in the Spring and everyone will want that. My wife has complained that she thinks the custom Kifaru Scout I had made for her is too heavy. I have checked her phone and e-mail from messages from you, but I sill have my suspicions.
I see a LOT of Osprey packs among the skinny, young kind of yuppy hiker crowd in the northeast. Unlike some of the people with 80 pound bug out bags or the Raid packs with 47 different matching pouches I suspect that you actually go outside sometimes.
yeah ive seen them talk about em over there. Justnever really personally handled one yet. The ones i have seen look HUGE size wise( similar to the larger kelty military rucks. But imho that seems to be on par with most military packs to small or to big with no middle ground, enter in the same attitude and ideas put into production when it comes to comfort and design. Reason why most 3 day packs really do suck besides holding your layred gera,medical and assorted crap ( 20-25lbs max) . The ospreys have been a big over this way from what ive heard ( yes mostly younger AT style hikers and some folks down here ive talked with). Im a kelty guy myself, but the one osprey i messed with was nice. Personally if there was a 3800-4500 ci subded pack with LIMITED molle attachments aka- on top flap/cover /bottom i would more than likely look into it if it did not weigh over 5lbs empty! Ive looked at the early Dana mil packs and would like to snag one butthe CI size is what keeps me away. Right now my 4500ci kelty( od and black) is to big for summer months and just right for winter loads. The main issue with the packs is the abilty to work with your line 2 gear. Its easy for most as they run all hsld chest rigs etc, add a vest or LBE/LBV and it gets dicey on prper fit etc on the civy packs i think. i was thinking more along the lines of punisher vs wolverine
as to the wife...it aint me thats callin..i swear but if you smell moldy nylon when you wake up she may have a med alice in the closet she is messing with when you aint looking 
eta: i have been making good use of a fancy 3 day pack of well known name sake when i hunt it doesnt do bad, but suck with rifle slings and to be honest, its mostly fluffy stay warm gear,water,trail camera and other small junk. there aint enough pouches for it lol |
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Has anyone ever used a Hilary brand backpack? I picked up two of these from Goodwill (appeared new or maybe used once) for $10 each. They are hiking style backpacks with external aluminum frames.
One is dark green and the other is bright yellow (and came with a belt). Definitely not tactical, but plan on using them for BOB's. I have two small children so travelling great distances on foot would be the LAST option. |
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Has anyone ever used a Hilary brand backpack? I picked up two of these from Goodwill (appeared new or maybe used once) for $10 each. They are hiking style backpacks with external aluminum frames. One is dark green and the other is bright yellow (and came with a belt). Definitely not tactical, but plan on using them for BOB's. I have two small children so travelling great distances on foot would be the LAST option. If they are like what i used years ago these are older style externals. poor padding, metal slides and buckles etc right? they willwork, you can upgrade the hip belts for sure, and there should be some adjustments onthe straps ( you'll see cotter pin style set ups holding them in) Most externals are still like this. the good thing is they are an external pack and well will hold alot of gear a but not feel as heavy as its hould. for example. 40 lbs in a 3 day tacticool pack- heavy 40 lbs in an alice pack- heavy, but good, 10 miles later da suck 40lbs internal frame, good, not bad 40lbs in a external frame pack - "wow this 20 lbs is light.." 
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I'll just throw my .02 in this thread and reccomend that anyone thinking of purchasing a new pack w/ the purpose of carrying it on your back loaded w/ gear for 3 days, should really go to a store and check it out, try it on w/ weight in it and see how it fits you.
As our Floridian SF brother mentioned, they most certainly are made for different torso sizes amongst models. Places like EMS or REI will help "fit' a pack for you. FWIW, I'm partial to internal frame packs w/ waist straps. I have an EMS brand "Long Trail" that extends to 4300 cu in, though I've never had to fully extend it, even 3 days in snowy winter hiking carrying a carhart jacket in my pack! I'm actually planning on getting something smaller for winter soon (I have a 2700 Cu in for summer). But, as always, YMMV. Also the folks at stores like that can school you on the finer points of packing a "3 day pack" so your neck, back, and knees won't hate you
Things to look for if you Don't go to a reputable store to buy a new pack: Padding on the kidney areas of the waist strap Reinforced internal frame sleeve for larger packs (over 3000 cu in) Cinching all over Narrow pack, i.e. doesn't stick out the sides of your back; if you look "top heavy" you'll probably feel like it to 
Other things to keep in mind: Pack your heavy stuff closer to the bottom of the pack. Keep your rain gear and first aid kit easily accessible (closer to the top or in separate compartment) Always keep your internal frame pack cinched tight. If the contents of your bag are shifting while walking, that puts more stress on your joints. When putting your pack on, tighten the waist strap first, so as the majority of the packs weight rests on your hips. Adjust shoulder and sternum straps to match; not too lose, not too tight. FWIW, Speed |
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Has anyone ever used a Hilary brand backpack? I picked up two of these from Goodwill (appeared new or maybe used once) for $10 each. They are hiking style backpacks with external aluminum frames. One is dark green and the other is bright yellow (and came with a belt). Definitely not tactical, but plan on using them for BOB's. I have two small children so travelling great distances on foot would be the LAST option. If they are like what i used years ago these are older style externals. poor padding, metal slides and buckles etc right? they willwork, you can upgrade the hip belts for sure, and there should be some adjustments onthe straps ( you'll see cotter pin style set ups holding them in) Most externals are still like this. the good thing is they are an external pack and well will hold alot of gear a but not feel as heavy as its hould. for example. 40 lbs in a 3 day tacticool pack- heavy 40 lbs in an alice pack- heavy, but good, 10 miles later da suck 40lbs internal frame, good, not bad 40lbs in a external frame pack - "wow this 20 lbs is light.."
Thanks, Protus! That's exactly what I've got. I'll look around for the hip belts you mentioned. |
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Has anyone ever used a Hilary brand backpack? I picked up two of these from Goodwill (appeared new or maybe used once) for $10 each. They are hiking style backpacks with external aluminum frames. One is dark green and the other is bright yellow (and came with a belt). Definitely not tactical, but plan on using them for BOB's. I have two small children so travelling great distances on foot would be the LAST option. If they are like what i used years ago these are older style externals. poor padding, metal slides and buckles etc right? they willwork, you can upgrade the hip belts for sure, and there should be some adjustments onthe straps ( you'll see cotter pin style set ups holding them in) Most externals are still like this. the good thing is they are an external pack and well will hold alot of gear a but not feel as heavy as its hould. for example. 40 lbs in a 3 day tacticool pack- heavy 40 lbs in an alice pack- heavy, but good, 10 miles later da suck 40lbs internal frame, good, not bad 40lbs in a external frame pack - "wow this 20 lbs is light.."
Thanks, Protus! That's exactly what I've got. I'll look around for the hip belts you mentioned. the shoulders can be replaced as well. the newer externals still use the cotter pin set up so just buy what looks good to you. I think kelty makes some good replacements. preolly get the lower end trekker one s or check REI or Campmor for the parts. The weak points are some seams on those older packs so watch how full you pack em. but they will work zero issue with a few simple up grades. good luck |
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Other things to keep in mind: Pack your heavy stuff closer to the bottom of the pack. Can you expand on your thoughts here? This advice is contrary to just about everything I've ever read/heard/tried about proper packing. Packing would be a lot easier if I could keep all the heavy shit at the bottom of the pack.
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Other things to keep in mind: Pack your heavy stuff closer to the bottom of the pack. Can you expand on your thoughts here? This advice is contrary to just about everything I've ever read/heard/tried about proper packing. Packing would be a lot easier if I could keep all the heavy shit at the bottom of the pack.
depends on the pack used. IMHO. heavy stuff goes down the spine, no matter what style pack. fluffy junk around it. for example. external frame pack. food,heavy gear. middle and center to back. internal frame pack- all heavy gear gets centered down the spine and close to the back,fluffy shit around it ,under it. simliar to the external but more down the spine per say. External lets you fudge it by letting stuff ride high.pushin the frame/hip pad to your hips. no frame... try not to pack heavy shit
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Other things to keep in mind: Pack your heavy stuff closer to the bottom of the pack. Can you expand on your thoughts here? This advice is contrary to just about everything I've ever read/heard/tried about proper packing. Packing would be a lot easier if I could keep all the heavy shit at the bottom of the pack.
Sure, although I'm curious as to where you may have read anything contradictory? Heavier things on the bottom so the weight is placed closer to your hips and "pulls" less on the shoulder straps. Thats been my experience; too much weight toward the top and you feel more wobbly; thus more pressure on your knees and ankles as your lower body tries to keep you balanced. It's all about the balance
Speed |
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Other things to keep in mind: Pack your heavy stuff closer to the bottom of the pack. Can you expand on your thoughts here? This advice is contrary to just about everything I've ever read/heard/tried about proper packing. Packing would be a lot easier if I could keep all the heavy shit at the bottom of the pack.
Sure, although I'm curious as to where you may have read anything contradictory? Heavier things on the bottom so the weight is placed closer to your hips and "pulls" less on the shoulder straps. Thats been my experience; too much weight toward the top and you feel more wobbly; thus more pressure on your knees and ankles as your lower body tries to keep you balanced. It's all about the balance
Speed Thanks - My points of reference include the ol' Boy Scout handbook, Boy Scout Field Book ('84 version), various backpacking books & internet articles/discussions, and even the little tags/pamphets that came with the two Kelty packs I have. All of these references generally recommend to keep the heaviest items close to your back and higher up in the pack, medium weight items away from the back and down low, and the lighter items close to the back and low and/or high and away from the back. Small items (FAK, poncho/rain gear, twine/paracord, small tools, etc) generally reside in the smaller exterior pockets of the pack. Packing as such, in theory at least, helps to properly distribute the weight keeping your center of gravity in check. The weight should be transferred to your hips regardless, assuming you've got a decent, properly adjusted suspension/frame. I'm far from an expert on the subject, myself. Just doing a quick Google search on the subject, I found two contradictory articles (one recommending packing heavy low, one recommending heavy high) as well as one in between (recommending packing heavy in the middle). In the end, when it comes down to it, I reckon YMMV based on your equipment, body type, and personal experience. |
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Other things to keep in mind: Pack your heavy stuff closer to the bottom of the pack. Can you expand on your thoughts here? This advice is contrary to just about everything I've ever read/heard/tried about proper packing. Packing would be a lot easier if I could keep all the heavy shit at the bottom of the pack.
Sure, although I'm curious as to where you may have read anything contradictory? Heavier things on the bottom so the weight is placed closer to your hips and "pulls" less on the shoulder straps. Thats been my experience; too much weight toward the top and you feel more wobbly; thus more pressure on your knees and ankles as your lower body tries to keep you balanced. It's all about the balance
Speed Thanks - My points of reference include the ol' Boy Scout handbook, Boy Scout Field Book ('84 version), various backpacking books & internet articles/discussions, and even the little tags/pamphets that came with the two Kelty packs I have. All of these references generally recommend to keep the heaviest items close to your back and higher up in the pack, medium weight items away from the back and down low, and the lighter items close to the back and low and/or high and away from the back. Small items (FAK, poncho/rain gear, twine/paracord, small tools, etc) generally reside in the smaller exterior pockets of the pack. Packing as such, in theory at least, helps to properly distribute the weight keeping your center of gravity in check. The weight should be transferred to your hips regardless, assuming you've got a decent, properly adjusted suspension/frame. I'm far from an expert on the subject, myself. Just doing a quick Google search on the subject, I found two contradictory articles (one recommending packing heavy low, one recommending heavy high) as well as one in between (recommending packing heavy in the middle). In the end, when it comes down to it, I reckon YMMV based on your equipment, body type, and personal experience. Damn you have been doin your homework! lol. I remeber reading about keeping the heavier items close to your back, and obviously you want the weight somewhat equal (don't want to lean to one side) but really, modern internal frame packs are somewhat narrow; my tent being one of the heaviest/bulky items will be aginst my back simply because of it's size; sleeping bag in bottom compartment, that leaves water as the heaviest item left, which will be against the back w/ a camelback setup or tight against the sides using nalgene compartments. My water filter and cooking supplies get packed low because they are heavir; rests closer to the hips. I think we are all corect, you protus, myself in that the weight should be distributed evenly and where the bulk rests on the hips. People are built different and packs are different too...guess you just have to try what works best for ya 
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If your really want some backpack advise, you need to talk to Waldo or someone who has packed over 10 miles a day more than once or twice. You probably know why I don't post in these threads
OK, I'll cave. My newest pack is a GoLite Quest. It fits my needs well and cuts a lot of weight. Having humped it a few times on some trips, I can't see any downside to it compared to the Gregory that I was using in the past. Just my .02 |
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If your really want some backpack advise, you need to talk to Waldo or someone who has packed over 10 miles a day more than once or twice. Hey now I resemble that seeing as I'm one of the few people on this board who actually ever go backpacking w/ Waldo 
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Except for maybe seeing TJ with one I haven't seen an external frame in the wild for some time. I think my old one from Scouts got thrown out  I see they are pretty cheap now.
I can't imagine lugging 40 pounds in something like an Eagle A3 for 10-15 miles  makes you really wonder if they ever do get used that far
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If your really want some backpack advise, you need to talk to Waldo or someone who has packed over 10 miles a day more than once or twice. Hey now I resemble that seeing as I'm one of the few people on this board who actually ever go backpacking w/ Waldo
Speed Yea but your young and in good shape doesn't matter what kind of pack you use you could carry a tow sack. I gotta quit fooling about on the interweb my wife turned off the alarm this morning so i missed the morning hunt. I'll be taking my badlands pack with me cause its so comfy
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