Fighting Load Carrier trumps backpack?

[NCLivingBrit]

So, I recently bought a mess of different mostly MOLLE II bits off Fleabay. I had a MOLLE II large ruck and wanted the assault pack, ended up also getting an FLC and some other stuff to fill in some holes in the stuff I had on hand.

Turns out I apparently don't 100% need the backpack. I was planning on using the stuff for camping etc and I got everything I needed for a minimalist couple of days in the woods on the FLC and in a couple of sustainment pouches and the butt pack that ride out of the way over my rump. It also carries better than any pack I've ever worn, leaves me with a lot more freedom of movement and distributes the weight better. I even have a firearm and mags on there.

Also, if I still need more stuff, I can throw the assault pack on with less load in it and save my old bones some aching. I wish I had thought of this before! I may have to do one of these with AK mags, basic food, water and shelter on it.

 

[Lawless]

I agree. Small assault pack with essentials.

 

[NCLivingBrit]

I agree. Small assault pack with essentials.

I've already got the essentials in the FLC load. Fire, water and filtration gear to get more, food, shelter, rain gear, light, every damn thing. The pack will get bulkier blanket if I need one and extra food and that's about it.

May as well stuff the pack with beers and porno lol

 

[Lawless]

Guess it all depends on what you are wanting to solve with the assault pack. I have a chest rig with mags (Glock and AR), IFAK and radio. It fits very flatly against me and is compact and comfortable. The small pack has 2 water bottles, some food, space blanket and other various things. For us, all of this is a grab and go kit for when the AntiFa or zombies come.

If I was going on a long patrol, everything changes.

 

[NCLivingBrit]

Guess it all depends on what you are wanting to solve with the assault pack. I have a chest rig with mags (Glock and AR), IFAK and radio. It fits very flatly against me and is compact and comfortable. The small pack has 2 water bottles, some food, space blanket and other various things. For us, all of this is a grab and go kit for when the AntiFa or zombies come.

If I was going on a long patrol, everything changes.

This was more to carry some essentials on body rather than in the pack and I kept tinkering with it until everything that would have gone in the pack was already on me.

But I like it so much (and have apparently slimmed down to where the US Army stuff fits me again) that I think I'm going to do one with ammo and basics for grab and go.

 

[NCLivingBrit]

Well the last couple of bits came in today, so here's some shitty pics.



Got every damn thing on here. Water, sharps (Two Moras, multitool, folding saw), fire kit and seperate fatwood stick/tinder boxes/candle, med kit, hand sanitizer, monocular/rangefinder, flashlight, GPS, digital camera, cellphone, firearm and spare mags. If I'm going somewhere I can't take the pistol, I can swap the holster our for a carrier for my Tramontina Hunter's Axe or Cold Steel Trail Hawk.

Back view has shelter tarp and necessary cordage, my USGI poncho (also makes an excellent shelter), woobie and a currently empty butt pack for my food load. Yes, this pic is appalling. I took it over my shoulder blind with the front facing camera, I'm amazed I even got the stuff in shot.



Main difference between this and a back pack is this is comfortable, easy to get on and off fully loaded and I can bend, lean, kneel and stretch and do anything my old fat arse could do before without being off balance, even with that badonkadonk pouch setup in back.

I'm sold. I may add the assault pack for carrying my hammock setup and extra comfort items like more blankets, large bug net, booze and food..... But everything I NEED is right there on my walrus looking self, where I can't lose it. I can even zipper this up if I don't stack pouches right on the zipper, but since it gives me a little more freedom of movement to use the buckles, I ran those suckers right to the edge. Must be some big ol' boys in the Army.

I've got another one coming for a grab and go setup. That one will be heavy on ammo with some basic comfort items (poncho, water, Scho-ka-kola, maybe some stripped MREs) and have a decent FAK with an emphasis on stopping blood loss.