Backpacks - any recomendations for basic travel type pack?

Variable

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Hey, going on a trip and don't want to pull all the crap out of my range packs so i want to buy a new backpack. And I thought a few of you may have some ideas. I would like to be able to add a ballistic plate to it. So it has to have a place for that. It needs to be waterproof or have a water proof compartment. Size wise not huge, something to pack books, clothes and accessories but should be expandable, if needed. I want something that doesn't scream "this dude has a gun." So i am thinking low profile. Anyone have any experience with some good packs that fit this criteria?

V
 
What's your price? A Goruck GR1 has a laptop compartment that can fit plates and is waterproof, it's 26 liters. Although they have exterior molle, you can get non-tactical colors. They have a less expensive 25 liter pack called the Rucker, and it has an internal sleeve against the back which can also hold plates. But most good brands which have laptop compartments should fit your request...Osprey, Arc'teryx, Gregory....
 
What's your price? A Goruck GR1 has a laptop compartment that can fit plates and is waterproof, it's 26 liters. Although they have exterior molle, you can get non-tactical colors. They have a less expensive 25 liter pack called the Rucker, and it has an internal sleeve against the back which can also hold plates. But most good brands which have laptop compartments should fit your request...Osprey, Arc'teryx, Gregory....

It would be a very low use pack, i already have dedicated packs for most things i do. BUT I don't mind spending money on something that is awesome. I have several Arcteryx jackets so a matching back pack could be interesting. GoRuck i think are a bit overpriced. I know they are good packs, but they are the current "must have" packs so they are priced at a premium. Hell they appear to be more than Artceryx, which is considered high end.
 
100% best luck with Oakley sale items. as one example. I have 5 oakley bags now. 3 range bags, 1 work bag and 1 travel. All are anti-tactical

https://www.oakley.com/en-us/product/921425?variant=190645516162

Well those are priced to sell huh? Only thing is i don't get to see an inside look at them. These are so cheap it is worth a shot. If i don't end up liking it i can give it one of my boys. They get all the gear i don't end up liking. Interesting.
 
5.11 always has deals. GoRuck is basically 5.11 IMO

https://www.511tactical.com/sale/bags-packs.html

If you plan to use the pack, or subject it to any rigor, they are not even in the same ballpark qualitatively. GR is definitely more expensive, but you also buy the peace of mind that it's 100% warrantied for life. 5.11 ain't bad; I have a RUSH 48. But not the same. I bought a GR for deployment, it crapped the bed because of overuse; I sent them pics, they sent me a new one and sent the old one back for repair. They couldn't repair it, so they told me to keep the new one.

@Variable I also have Arc'teryx. For travel I use the GR (I also use the GR for working out). It's not a 'camping' or 'back country' type of pack like some of the others. If you are looking for low-use, then you are fine spending the money on less expensive; I am sure other brands suit your needs just as well. I think the key is finding something with a laptop compartment or inner sleeve (hydration sleeve?) that can fit a plate.

Generally not a huge fan of 5.11. I guess it's fine for most use. I like the RUSH 24 OK, but it collects dust unless one of the kids use it. It's held up OK.
 
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'basic travel type pack'

FWIW I bought my son an Ogio backpack and put a ProTech III rifle rated plate in it and it lasted all thru high school. It's called a 'laptop' compartment.
 
My travel backpack for the last few years has been a Marmot 'gunnison' daypack. Its held up very well, and its sturdy and comfortable. It has an internal sleeve for a laptop, and several easily accessed pockets for smaller items. I've taken it on several cross country flights, and dozens of interstate road trips. (its also good for gun shows, and it hauls cast bullets surprisingly well)

My only complaint is that it doesn't have a built in pocket capable of holding a 1L Nalgene bottle, but I'm sure it could be added as an accessory.
 
You need to look at Vertx packs, sounds like they would fit all your needs. There is also a company that makes soft armor inserts specifically for Vertx packs.
 
I saw Vertx packs on a 2020 shot show videos. Check the boxes for EDC bags. Surprisingly no mention of it being water proof. I pretty much require that. Sometimes i train in the rain and the pack has to keep my gear dry.
Anyway, choices, choices, you guys are not helping me get any work done. But it is my birthday and i am working, maybe ill buy myself something nice.
 
I saw Vertx packs on a 2020 shot show videos. Check the boxes for EDC bags. Surprisingly no mention of it being water proof. I pretty much require that. Sometimes i train in the rain and the pack has to keep my gear dry.
Anyway, choices, choices, you guys are not helping me get any work done. But it is my birthday and i am working, maybe ill buy myself something nice.

You're not really going to find a bag totally waterproof. That's what the holes in the bottom of MOLLE and ALICE packs were for. For water to get out when submerged. Put your clothes in dry gear bags inside the pack, and spray the pack with camp spray. Maybe get one of those waterproof pelican cases for your tech stuff. You could put a backpack cover over it like hikers do but yeah I wouldn't let that make or break your decision. It's like asking for a waterproof wallet instead of putting it in a ziplock bag for the waterpark.
 
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Well those are priced to sell huh? Only thing is i don't get to see an inside look at them. These are so cheap it is worth a shot. If i don't end up liking it i can give it one of my boys. They get all the gear i don't end up liking. Interesting.

Oakley has a lot of options, thats just one.

In this topic is a lot of "tactical" style bags. I try to avoid all of them for public use.
 
You're not really going to find a bag totally waterproof. That's what the holes in the bottom of MOLLE and ALICE packs were for. For water to get out when submerged. Put your clothes in dry gear bags inside the pack, and spray the pack with camp spray. Maybe get one of those waterproof pelican cases for your tech stuff. You could put a backpack cover over it like hikers do but yeah I wouldn't let that make or break your decision. It's like asking for a waterproof wallet instead of putting it in a ziplock bag for the waterpark.

Maybe, but i have several packs that have a waterproof bag built in, so i know they exist. If i am hiking i put everything in zip lock bags that will fit. But again, that's not what i am talking about.
 
I bought a CambelBak Urban Assault XL about 7 years or so ago. Maybe 9.
I used it through 4 years of college, and since MANY times, including almost every vacation.
Still holds up perfectly

That said, for what youre discussing, the standard 'urban assault' will fit the bill
It's just black, not molle or random straps etc. Good organization and a place to put a plate if you felt the need.

Saw an XL at the GSO gun show recently for 40 and was VERY tempted, but I dont need a 2nd of the exact same
 
I'll add one more thing when looking at packs - ones with the bright interior fabrics are really nice.
Im not saying it makes it nicer, just a nice feature. Makes it a little easier to see everything in your pack. I love it
 
https://guarddog-security.com/proshield-smart-grey
This one isn't tactical, has a USB backup power source in it, and has a ballistic panel sewn in. I use one for my get home bag in my car. Holds everything from a change of clothes to granola and ammo to water filters.
 
'basic travel type pack'

FWIW I bought my son an Ogio backpack and put a ProTech III rifle rated plate in it and it lasted all thru high school. It's called a 'laptop' compartment.
This is what I came to post. I had an Ogio bag last me 11yr including college and plenty of travel, before it began looking a little too rough to use for work. I’ll spend $100-150 on an Ogio bag without second thought because I’m confident it’ll survive long term daily use.

The laptop sleeve would be perfect for a ballistic panel and their bags don’t look at all tactical. In fact, people in airports usually bring up golf if they comment about my bag.

I also highly recommend their roller bags. I like my Ogio much more than my Tumi that is 6x the price.
 
I think the VertX bag is the one.

Solid choice, which model are you looking at? You can normally find them a good bit cheaper than on their site but if you do order from them the code “Garandthumb” should get your 25% off.
 
Wow, whoda thunk there would be so much about a backpack?

Me, I'd go to Walmart and check out theirs in the sporting goods area, or pretty much any store which carries backpacks.

Most backpacks today have a laptop section in it, where laptops/tablets slide in right next to the part that fits up to your back when worn. And they all have all kinds of options with respect to pockets, sections, etc.

As for waterproof...I'd only trust that so far in the first place. But some ZipLock Freezer Bags in appropriate sizes and use those for what you need protected.
 
Hey, going on a trip and don't want to pull all the crap out of my range packs so i want to buy a new backpack. And I thought a few of you may have some ideas. I would like to be able to add a ballistic plate to it. So it has to have a place for that. It needs to be waterproof or have a water proof compartment. Size wise not huge, something to pack books, clothes and accessories but should be expandable, if needed. I want something that doesn't scream "this dude has a gun." So i am thinking low profile. Anyone have any experience with some good packs that fit this criteria?

V

Kelty Redwing series

32, 44 or 50

I have all 3 and have used all 3. Got no complaints.

If you look at the site and the pics don't show you what you need to see, lemme know and I'll snap some photos for you.
 
Didn't you know tactical and cammy were an IN thing right now? There's so much fake tactical, pseudo-military stuff aroung now, I don't think many can tell the difference from the real thing. That said... You know Arc'teryx designed the ILBE Marine packs, right? These (3-day assault pack) can be had surplus. Built solid. OK, Marpat might be too much.
s-l400.jpg


How about the upgraded version, the Arcteryx LEAF in basic black.
opplanet-arcteryx-leaf-assault-pack-45-black-17725-blk-main.jpg

https://shop.opticsplanet.com/arc-t...xBfNmNxhkFXRmOKVFGGUItRkOOcvLIaxoClc8QAvD_BwE
 
Arcteryx is going to make nice stuff. There are a bunch of good packs out there for sure, i have looked at all the packs mentioned and I think any of them would be good. The Gamut however is for gun centric people and doesn't look super tactical. Now i just need a PDW for it.
 
upload_2020-2-27_10-45-50.png
When I was backpacking a lot, I used Mountainsmith stuff. Pretty well made and lightweight. There are many options when you search Sierra Trading Post. Just a thought to throw in the ring for those reading this thread.
 
I like MR, a lot. But if people think Goruck is overpriced, they will lose their sh** over MR.

Mystery ranch Robo Flip is not crazily priced and it looks slick. Their big packs are super pricey. IMHO they need to say made in the USA to pay top dollar. So that led me to see there is something called Berry compliant this means its made in the US.

You guys are opening my eyes to all sorts of brand i have never even heard of.
 
Mystery ranch Robo Flip is not crazily priced and it looks slick. Their big packs are super pricey. IMHO they need to say made in the USA to pay top dollar. So that led me to see there is something called Berry compliant this means its made in the US.

You guys are opening my eyes to all sorts of brand i have never even heard of.

Berry Compliance is an older DOD law for American-made COTS products primarily, but can be for anything DOD-procured.

The reason American-made is pricier is usually (but not always) because scaling is more expensive in the US; the same widget (or pack) with the exact same specs and materials can be made, cheaper outside the US. It would cost MR more to make the pack here; the exact, same pack made in XXXX will be half or 2/3 the price at a fraction of the cost.

Regarding MR specifically, I don't have any experience with their smaller packs, just the bigger ones. I would presume MR quality is the same across the board regardless of pack size.
 
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