Just picked up in the mail the 511 rush 72 pac. It is sweet. I have not had the chance of taking it out in the feild yet. Just drooling over it while i fill it up.
http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Bags-Backpacks/Backpacks/RUSH-72-Backpack.html
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Looks great... congrats.. can you maybe post a few pics once you get it stocked?
I just ordered two new BOB's myself! Maxpedition Falcon II's . I was going to buy them here in canada but they were going for around 200 -250 a piece from what i saw. From the states with the lowered price plus coupon codes they publicly advertise, I was able to get 2 of them plus shipping for roughly 270$ 😀 Here is the link for the site,plus a link for the BOB's i ordered. Good tactical gear site, plus some misc. accessories also. though the bag above does have nicer dimensions hehe.
Online Store Link
http://www.opsgear.com
Again as for every link i put up, I hope someone, if only one person finds the link/links useful! 😉
Are most people going with a military/tactical style bag for their BOB? I haven't really tried them on, but they look so much heavier than a technical style backpack from a place like MEC. Thoughts?
I've always been a little suspicious about using military (or military-looking) equipment for bugging out.
You don't want your equipment to shout: "I'm a prepper! I carry lots of goodies that you didn't think to get in time! Please rob me!"
Watch Survival Doc's video "What not to wear when bugging out": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvnD7O_9ehM
We've bought a few of those at Canadian Tire: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/Camping/Backpacks/PRDOVR~0766029P/Ridgeway+by+Kelty+Backpack%2C+44+L.jsp?locale=en
It definitely isn't a hardcore backpacking / hiking model... But IMO it's worth the price they're asking for it.
It could've had better side pockets (and more external & internal pockets in general)... But otherwise - seems quite sturdy, has the aluminum spine, rain cover, various attachment options, adjustable suspension and waist belt, can be divided into bottom & top spaces (with separate access) or used as a single volume, hydration bladder pocket with drinking pipe opening in the external shell.
I took it for a test run with my full BOB content while camping... Quite satisfactory.
I've always been a little suspicious about using military (or military-looking) equipment for bugging out.
You don't want your equipment to shout: "I'm a prepper! I carry lots of goodies that you didn't think to get in time! Please rob me!"
Watch Survival Doc's video "What not to wear when bugging out": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvnD7O_9ehMWe've bought a few of those at Canadian Tire: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/Camping/Backpacks/PRDOVR~0766029P/Ridgeway+by+Kelty+Backpack%2C+44+L.jsp?locale=en
It definitely isn't a hardcore backpacking / hiking model... But IMO it's worth the price they're asking for it.
It could've had better side pockets (and more external & internal pockets in general)... But otherwise - seems quite sturdy, has the aluminum spine, rain cover, various attachment options, adjustable suspension and waist belt, can be divided into bottom & top spaces (with separate access) or used as a single volume, hydration bladder pocket with drinking pipe opening in the external shell.
I took it for a test run with my full BOB content while camping... Quite satisfactory.
Do your self a favor, strip the bag off of the frame and replace all the rivets, with self crimping nuts and bolts. In the long run these rivets will pop. OR make sure that you carry the size of bolt that you would need to replace it, when it fails. Most military frames are welded, and today, I would be surprised if I didn’t see a few military packs out on the street. And if you can afford to have an expensive looking civie pack, when bugging out, then you would be more susceptible to being robbed then someone toting a pack that looks like it came out of a war surplus. Mind you now, I would probably look more like a grizzled miner, with the stuff that I would be toting, Damn, I need a mule. 😉 
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
if you can afford to have an expensive looking civie pack
Frankly speaking, it's quite crappy looking, not expensive...
But I see your point. We should roll a little in some mud (with all our equipment), to make ourselves less conspicuous 😈
A simple solution to the "military" type packs.. surplus or wannabe.... get or make a pack cover in a solid earth tone... green, brown... with an elastic edge or drawstring that will fit snugly over your pack. It will camoflage the camoflage and add an extra layer of weather resistance to it.
Yup!
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."