Choosing The Right Assault Pack

[@joshe9286]

Hop's grasp of biology is stunning

[@crazykev5]

Pretty informative for a Lesbian.

[@joemo1033]

And sexy

[@GTFBITK]

​@@crazykev5lol

[@Meyer-gp7nq]

🤨

[@QUIROPTEROHOLLOW]

"It's a frog, innit?"

[@jimallen8238]

Dude, your video format and narration style is iconic. Somehow, your running monologue combined with loosely synchronized video content really works.

[@brandonschwertley2723]

Whatever bag you go with, actually pack it, actually hike with it. You will be surprised at how much 30-40-50 pounds feels as you move and gain elevation. Not to mention how much extra stuff you can put in there for no other reason than "I had room to spare" or "I thought I might need it" Recently started backpacking again after nearly 10 years of not doing it. I realized I needed more room for water, and I could go with less food. Alot less food actually. I also needed a lighter and more modern sleeping bag. weight equals more burnt energy and water, it also leads to slower paces and increased fatigue. This is very much one of those things you learn by doing. So just do something. Also ALICE pack is still a really good choice for a smaller ruck or large assault pack.

[@highdesertdrew1844]

The good idea fairy is your worst enemy when you are packing. I recently did a 4-day car camp. Of all the crap I took, the main thing I really needed was a rain jacket (it rained buckets), and I wish I brought my camp shower.

[@TheMrhoneycutt]

For sure. Over the years I've gotten down to about 25-35lbs for my backpacking/hiking stuff. An Assault pack with Ammo and such, I could see 60+lbs and you've gotta be able to go.

[@typorad]

I've done 2 major backpacking trips. First, I hiked 24 miles in a fairly flat trail in Michigan with about 65lbs on my pack and it was incredibly brutal. I was reading online that people burn through 3000+ calories per day and I planned on hiking for a week but cut it short, so I brought way way way too much food. For the first 12 miles I had to stop almost every 3/4 mile to take a break. Eventually I setup camp and walked back with nothing but my hydration pack with 3L of water and managed a fast pace; I completed the 12 miles in about 4 hours with no breaks. My second trip, I went to the Appalachian mountains and hiked with about 56lbs on my back, again planning for a week but heavily cutting back on the calories I carried. I was completely alone on this trip and had serious anxiety. Some of the locals offered me meth and were very insistent on giving me a ride both of which I refused. I discovered the anxiety killed my appetite and I was eating less than 1500 calories per day. I ended up cutting that trip short after 23.6 miles, but I didn't drop the weight off anywhere. My biggest lesson is you can afford to "starve" to reduce your weight. I think next time I go backpacking I'm going to use my mountain bike and add cargo racks.

[@highdesertdrew1844]

@@typorad If you look at a lot of through hikers, they're skinny AF because they don't really consume the kinda calories the average american does. At 56lbs, there's probably still a lot of weight you could shake out. Higher calorie foods, peanut butter, sausage, instant mashed potatoes, oatmeal. Go watch some of the thru-hiker food supply videos and you get an idea of what high calorie, low weight food looks like. Then again, maybe they are skinny because of the meth.

[@TheReenactorsGuide]

@@highdesertdrew1844having done various day hike and multi-day treks in the adirondack high peaks, I can on average cover 23 miles in 8-9 hours with a loaded pack. The golden rule is to not go over probably 35 pounds of DRY gear (not adding food or water) reliance on a sawyer filter along with a camelbak is usually the way to go water wise. However, my days on the trails i’ve burned upwards of 5000 cals for anywhere between 9-15 miles. With little to no calorie consumption between start and finish (on day rucks)

[@schizosaint777]

My bank account can’t sustain the brassfacts channel

[@BrassFacts]

sustain these nuts... or something... I'm sorry. ligma

[@jhutch1470]

Yeah, he's kinda like a used car salesman isn't he? Just kidding Brass. I love your vids. I am even looking at the medium MOLLE 2 on the Venture site.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

lol at brassfacts tbh consooming so many bags. just use the stuff that has already been tested, fielded, and vetted, and costs almost nothing like the usgi surplus assault packs. don't go for perfection, just work around its flaws.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

From a backpacking background the only difference between the gear you need for 3 days and staying in the woods indefinitely is food. The shelter, layers, and other necessary items are 35l of fixed cost. Everything else is just sustainment.

[@BrassFacts]

yep. Sorta. there are some other aspects. Like recon gear, base camp gear etc. As trips go on, usually setting up nicer hides/OPs etc. are more prevalent and that gear weighs a lot

[@Matt-xc6sp]

@@BrassFacts No doubt. I lived out your way in SLC during college and did a NOLS course in Wyoming for 40 days. Maybe do a video on tactical horse packing? That’s how we resupplied.

[@BrassFacts]

@@Matt-xc6sp we never got horses. Though we did have resupply for one trip via mules. But we weren't involved. They showed up, dropped off the gear. That's it

[@Two_Names]

I've recently picked up a Kuiu Divide 1500 as a way to leverage the same line of thought. Main commandment is for sleep system / shelter / first aid, etc, secondary compartment for quicker access and food, with the split space for stuff. From my conversations with Kuiu and my experience over two quicker 1hr test rucks, the bag really does wear shockingly well with up to 30lbs and the company folks said it can easy manage 40-45lbs.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

I agree. I’ve thru-hiked trails with a 40L pack and didn’t need to resupply until five days later, and that was through sub-freezing conditions and hot weather (upper 80°Fs) in the same trip. Just needed to change food and obviously filter water.

[@highdesertdrew1844]

I've been running a 35L dry bag, it's worked really well and kept my gear dry with this unusually wet year we've had in the southwest. Also it is great for my DayZ LARP.

[@ragingelch5042]

what gun are you larping dayz with? Trumpet?

[@highdesertdrew1844]

@@ragingelch5042 sawed off mosin with PSO

[@D.M.Luiz.]

What you should really be considering is what loot will you drop when the figurative bad guy gets you? Being practical is the way to go, but the funniest option is to carry a single nonsensical thing. Woman's underwear, an internet router, a single shoe. That way they will have something to talk about when they loot your body.

[@tackytrooper]

2 seasons of Seinfeld recorded onto Betamax cassettes.

[@D.M.Luiz.]

This man gets it

[@orcabolgsweetie2430]

Keychain of fingers

[@AmazingAce]

A single unformatted floppy disk.

[@L0wSkiller]

​@@AmazingAceyou have to make sure it has doctors-level handwriting in sharpie on it saying: "the CURE". If it leads them to their death you can pogchamp from your spectator POV

[@buff34x]

The FILBE has been my favorite pack system so far. I might be partial because that's what I am used to but I appreciated how tight the main pack stayed to my body because of how wide and short it was, allowing me to attach the assault pack on top of it instead of further away from my body like some other pack systems I've seen/tried. The FILBE assault pack really needs the kangaroo pouch on the top back molle section, and canteen pouches on the side to flourish in my opinion but that's also how we always needed it for our mission types. For a standard assault pack load out, ie what we always brought in it regardless of mission was: Poncho liner (woobie/jungle bad) and bivy sack, tarp, 2-3 skivvy rolls in water proof bags (undershirt, underwear, and a pair of socks rolled up tight), baby wipes, foot care items (mole skin, vaseline, powder, etc), one 3 liter camelbak bladder, 2 canteens, land nav gear (map markers, protractors, notebook), red lens head lamp, electrical or 100 mph tape, 1-2 MREs, spare batteries for NVGs and peq16s. Team leaders typically also carried a lensatic compass, the maps, spare signaling devices, and spare radio batteries. Point men/ nav men tended to buy wrist rockets out of pocket (Garmin wrist mounted gps) so they had spare batteries for that too. Automatic rifleman would keep 18-21 spare pmags in it. It was very common to bring a grid fleece (lightweight quarter zip) or silk layer frog top just incase a cold front came in depending on where we were. Who ever had the lightest bag would typically get assigned to carry spare snacks or mission specific gear so we could all move at a similar pace. When speed mattered like taking a building in MOUT the first team/buddy pair would run packless and take a foot hold in the building, then a following team/buddy pair would bring the packs back up to the lead group. Or more often for a large offensive, lead team/squad would drop packs in the first secure building and have only the camelbak, spare mags, and snacks in their cargo pockets until the end of day when they got swapped out to rest. I'm probably forgetting some things since it's been a while since I got out so may edit those in later.

[@waterdragon95]

For those looking for something similar to the Amp 24, the LBX titan lite is very similar. It doesn't have the edc type pockets/compartments/dividers. It's very barebones but allows ALOT of modularity. Loving mine so far!

[@ChadCooper03]

I recently got the Mystery Ranch Blitz 30. I think it makes a lot of sense for civilians in a smaller rucking or tactical assault style pack. It has an "A, B, C" outer pocket organization design with a main inner compartment. In my eyes, it's a modernized 2 day assault that has more organization, without having ALLL the organization that becomes too much, if that makes sense. Worth checking out. They have a 35 version too.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

Agree completely. Too much organization = bad.

[@ketononeill8898]

In this Episode, Bagfacts indeed secures the bag.

[@claypeterson8299]

I appreciate that Brass facts pays some respect to Nutn, he’s the OG

[@chris.t1629]

Our group landed on the ILBE pack system fielded during 2004-2011. The main ruck is 75L and the added 24 hour pack (24L) integrates into it well. It’s hard to pass on a pack system designed by Arcteryx and often affordable at around $100-$150 for the full system. My main EDC pack is a 40L REI Ruckpack and that works wonderfully in that 3-4 day range with the advantage of being urban friendly

[@BrassFacts]

I own a ILBE, those things are (were) a fucking steel. Lightly used on amazon, 100bucks. Great pack, though massively heavily.

[@chris.t1629]

Yes offerup still has the occasional gem around that price (especially if you’re near a USMC base). You touched on it but I love the idea of a larger system with an smaller integrated pack you can downsize to

[@lucasbfowler]

@@BrassFacts only heavy if you lack the will to cut what needs cut. Mine weighs 4lbs empty.

[@BrassFacts]

@@lucasbfowler Im talking about the empty weight of the bag.

[@lucasbfowler]

@@BrassFacts I am too. Its about 9lbs empty as issued, but if you cut all the useless junk off that the USMC required you can get it down to a quite respectable empty weight. You just need the courage.

[@Caligari87]

Love that you called out the knockoff flatpack; mines the "Krydex" brand. I went through this cycle of [backpack > duffel bag > sling bag > repeat] for EDC looking for the one that did right by me. Found the flatpack last year and I love it so much. I added some shotgun sling pads to the shoulder straps and it improved the comfort a lot.

[@compulsivegunbuyer]

Yes! a video to validate my eberlestock purchase.

[@BrassFacts]

I actually had a eberlestock little big top (or whatever it was called) and a ton of footage. But I'm completely potato, and forgot about it for this video. I hated it at the time because i wanted a ruck. But now that I'm all in on that large assaut pack, I kinda miss it.

[@spacelord7795]

I have the LBT 2657 ruck for winter gear. Basically a modern large Alice pack. I absolutely love it and will be taking it to deer camp this year. It gets crazy cold at our camp sometimes. -10F before windchill is not unheard of. So a ruck allows me to carry in the extra stuff I may need.

[@possumpatrol45]

You need a pack that's big enough to carry Nova on your back like Luke carried Yoda on Dagobah.

[@SandyRavaged]

Winning comment lol

[@Horseysauce]

One surplus accessory that ive found useful for getting a sleep system onto a pack without taking up the entire pack is the MOLLE II waist pack. It'll clip into any bag with molle rows on the bottom of it. It is big enough to store a temperate climate sleeping bag and pad easily without taking any space whatsoever from the main compartment. Its awesome for the bulky but not heavy things you often need to bring along

[@DZ4295DBW]

Or go towards a lightweight bag like a Kelty. You don't need the entire MSS for everything lol

[@TheMrhoneycutt]

Surplus FTW. I use my waist pack for my Ranger Roll. Awesome little piece of kit.

[@DZ4295DBW]

@@TheMrhoneycutt waist pack? Do you mean a butt pack? Lol

[@stephenurban9880]

@@DZ4295DBW It's not the old butt pack. Iirc the molle waist pack was designed to carry a MOPP suit.

[@snakebite210]

Brassfacts Friday 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@SandyRavaged]

You’d be surprised how many caprisuns fit in a camelback 3L reservoir lol

[@BrassFacts]

oh shit. it's time for caprisun gaming

[@darthhodges]

For reference the backpacks your parents bought you for school would be rated at 25 to 30 liters of capacity. That's how small the little 10L assault pack is. My wife has gone through phases with a larger purse. Also, it occurs to me that if you're making a 2DAP or even a 3DAP the only reason not to buy a bag from Walmart is durability. How hard can you yank on those straps before they come off the bag? How much weight can you put in it before the stitching on the bottom fails? Will the material handle walking through brush? How long until the zipper breaks? You probably don't need an expensive bag. But I doubt a $20 Walmart bag will survive more than one use. Don't be like BrassFacts, shop around and get the best deal on something good enough for your use case.

[@semperanticusphotography3749]

Make fun as needed... but I'm a fan of the 5.11 packs I used them in Iraq and AFG and for fun stuff back home. The Rush 24 is a nice size for light 2-3 day stuff, the Rush 72 was good for 5-7 days in most regards. I add a MOAB that can clip onto those if i need some expansion with something detachable. They aren't perfect, other packs have better features, but I've got the stuff, I know the durability and how to maximize the space and attachment points and I'm too cheap to replace them.

[@welderdude1]

I've been running a 1 day Karrymore pack that has been quite good. I found out about the brand while looking to replace my previous Vaude pack. YKK zippers and real MOLE with lots of options. I've been happy with the strap system. I've hiked with it over 12,000' and didn't regret the setup.

[@doublepiedavid8908]

Personally I have a FILBE, and it’s a great rucksack, especially for the money, but it goes wide instead of tall, and I’m actually thinner than the frame, so it occasionally snags on brush. At the same time, it’s easier to shoot with because of its chode-like qualities and it’s also easier for me to run and climb in then similar taller bags

[@jurpo6]

Bro check it out. Filbe bag on a metal alice frame. Fits like a glove and eliminates the shitty filbe frame. Very easy to find aftermarket straps.

[@ExtremelyAverageMan]

Glad I got mine, ArmyNavyOutdoors had a sale on them for $50 a couple months back. Awesome piece of gear.

[@doublepiedavid8908]

@@ExtremelyAverageMan damn, I got mine for $100 and I still had to sew a patch on the bottom

[@DZ4295DBW]

Be aggressive with the compression straps. But you can get an Alice frame and toss the FILBE bag on it. However you will need to use really strong zip ties in certain spots. Also if you don't wanna replace the frame, Platatac makes 1606/Alice compatible pads that are very well priced.

[@doublepiedavid8908]

@@DZ4295DBW I actually like how the Filbe frame feels, and it actually fits over my flatpack that I primarily use as a hydration pack. My only issue is it’s wide enough to bump into things

[@philliplopez1501]

+1 for the large ALICE. These things are insanely durable. With some modification, extra pouches, replacement hip pad, etc. They quickly become the ultimate pack. Before picking a civillian style high backpack...put your helmet on...now go prone. Before picking the Molle madness try putting one together. Then go ahead and buy a replacement frame now...the one you have is about to break. Others i have tried relied on zippers that ultimately blow out. Some rattle. Some have straps that flail all about and get caught on everything. Some are genuinely good bags, but, are simply too small as you realize you are going to be out in the bush longer than you realized. Lastly come the 3 day assualt bags. Can't say enough good about them. But they are best utilized as emergency-ditch bags. Meaning one for medical, comms, extra ammo/smoke,etc. Best use case is in-conjunction with vehicles and day missions. All that said, over 20 years the best pack i ever had was my ALICE. Best of luck, Phil

[@protectpersevere2030]

I have an AWS version of eagle yote and it’s awesome for short duration shenanigans especially in hot weather with the ability stow your sweat helmet. Also have both medium and large alice. I love the ability to cinch packs down and also strap unconventional items to the pack. The spur similar to the medium alice are super versatile like you said as they can shrink to almost assault pack size but can stretch to colder months are bigger shenanigans

[@andrewbain5510]

I use a Mystery Ranch SATL for my LAP/3DAP and the AWS Assault Pack for whatever assault packs are for.

[@Goldenwithaleash]

I’m just here to support Nova. That said, I’m a big fan of Mystery Ranch packs.

[@homerj109]

You should try the USGI medium rucksack, it can float right between assault pack and ruck and you can scale it up with side pouches.

[@BrassFacts]

yah, friend has one. It's neat for sure.very purpose built

[@nathan-ls8yw]

@@BrassFactssecond that with the amap 3 from agilite gear

[@EndoftheBlock7224]

Difficult to find but it's pretty nice

[@TALIZ0RAH]

In my Army experience, as a Scout, the issued assault pack was too small for optics, batteries and ammunition we had to carry on top of sustainment. The medium ruck was big enough that I could carry those and have that little bit extra room for cold or wet weather gear, sustainment or whatever else the mission dictated. It is a terrible ruck in my opinion if your only goal is speed and distance in a given amount of time. Very uncomfortable, but incredibly durable.

[@woodsrunnersepa]

The medium molle 2 with the u shaped frame?

[@dericmattheis7649]

Eberlestock makes great modular bags that can be added to or taken away from, depending on your purpose....I Love them.

[@ThePaintballer1994]

Me being a Marine I've got a special place in my heart for the FILBE assault bag. The main pack, ehhhhhhh it gets the job done. I have the bag itself without the frame and I'm planning on getting an external one to add to it because I've heard good things about that concept. Good video. Keep 'em coming.

[@mikewazofski6155]

Hey man. Really enjoying your content. Would love to see more on the PDW concept. Specifically more on the USW-G and/or/vs Recover Tactical 20/20 chassis. Those seem to be the two dominant choices at this time.

[@lazylobster31]

If you need a backer for the Camelbak pack, I'd recommend the Bundeswehr folding sleeping mat. I have one in most of my packs and it works wonders as a backer and can be somewhat useful as an additional protective ground layer for your sleep system. However it's far from comfortable on it's own.

[@AlexHaile-t1c]

Coming back to this video after some time, and I'm not sure if I already commented on this before, but here it goes... If your favorite pack has trouble with not being tight-enough (meaning when not fully-packed it hangs loose and flops around a lot, and even when halfway stuffed it flops around) you can use shock cord (elastic cord) weaved around the exterior to take up slack when not full. Some assault pack manufacturers already do this to one extent or another, but I usually only see it on medium to small packs. It works fine on larger ones as well. I recommend just starting off with a criss-cross weave through the molle straps on the back, not the sides. If you do the sides there's a chance your cord will cover a zipper and then you'll have difficulty completely unzipping something. That may not be an issue for you, especially if you're only usually packing soft or small items. You can also do it in two sections. On my largest pack I have two criss-cross sections on either flank. The key is to have the pack fully stuffed till it's as expanded as it could ever be, then weave the cord through (this also makes it easier to see what you're doing) and then tighten the cord down till it's as taught as can be without the end caps coming off. That way you get maximum tension when packed full, but also maximum tension as items are removed. From then on, you pack won't flop around when not fully stuffed. You can also use this criss-cross cord section to quickly store flat items, like a radio antenna or maps or whatever else.

[@Ayattar55]

I manage with three 75l, 25l and 10l. 75l, compressed to 50-60l for three days or more in warm season... Or with fully extended chimney for camping capabilities in winter/low temp. So it fits inflatable mat, winter sleeping bag, extra fleece etc. Equipment that guarantees comfort in freezing temperatures alone fills half the backpack. 25l for 24/48h, with tarp, hammock and warm season sleeping bag. If I need a bit more space, I use straps to attach externally + I can mount side pouches (with water, so they empty first) and if it's enough, just compress it. 10l just for water, food, spare socks and rain protection. And it usually goes inside the 75 big guy if I'm camping and want to hike out. Helmet always in external helmet holder This matches pretty well :)

[@RhulkActual]

Speaking of sleep systems in sustainment packs, I’d like to hear you talk more about your philosophy when it comes to sleep systems/shelter in a small team environment

[@aaronsarquist3382]

Same! Need help here

[@misfitlife3091]

Think basics ur not camping so unless needed get rid of the tent look up prepared airman for a better understanding on sleep systems and weight vs needs

[@stillpist]

I have a 1 man snugpak ionosphere tent. It's small, low profile, olive drab and is pretty light weight all things considered. I researched the hell out of tents and it seemed to the the best option by far. You could get away with a tarp and some cord if you want to cut down on bulk and weight since you really need a sleeping pad and bag above all. I went with a US army issue thermarest pad and a snugpak 23 degree bag and a separate fleece liner that I can use by itself for warmer conditions. Along with cooking supplies, ammo, freezedried food ect everything fits in my 60l pack except for tent and pad which i strap to the bottom of my pack. I recommend a non tactical looking hiking pack in muted/drab colors so that you don't stick out like a sore thumb and are also a lot more comfortable on long distance journeys as opposed to like a 5.11 pack or whatever.

[@misfitlife3091]

@@stillpist I was looking at that one myself is it roomier than it looks and what about temp ratings and whats your thoughts on bags any recommendations in the 40-60 range

[@stillpist]

@misfitlife3091 I'll recommend the snugpak softie elite 1 which I think is rated at 40 degrees and above. The one I have is the elite 3 in coyote brown and it's really comfy and warm. Compression sack it comes in is too notch too. It's my first quality bag so I can't comment on how much better it is compared to other bags in that price range but I know that military guys on deployment use their tents and bags quite often. Material is definitely tougher than standard bags you find out there too.

[@M.H.D.actual]

The LAP/ medium ruck/ mountain ruck is the GOAT for most civilian applications, and I found that my eberlestock fac track is way more comfortable with body armor as well. Winter time though, I definitely have to transition to a large ruck with an assault pack stashed inside. Currently running a CFP90 with an aftermarket external frame rigged up from a hunting pack. The Molle II rucksack we were issued gets the job done but they aren't the greatest thing out there. The UCP versions can be color dyed to make them usable though, very cheap.

[@wampyr88]

Tfw I went on a 12 mile hike with my crye jpc, ronin belt and a rush 72 mostly at max load. I'm 5'6 and 135 lbs...

[@CutlassOutdoors]

I can't believe those girls just walked by and didn't say anything about that dope Black Beard flag patch. What do women even want?

[@BrassFacts]

:shrug: Bitches, am i rite?

[@thedownwardmachine]

My urban loadout is an original 5.11 Covrt18, low-profile but very versatile. Got a large IIIa tombstone at 1.5 lb, good for running from robbers but not mass shooters, might upgrade, but the weight and coverage is hard to beat. Have a bunch of IFAK items plus multitool, headlamp, and so on. If you carry a firearm but not an IFAK, you aren't worried about safety, you crave exerting power. Also electrolytes (what plants crave) and 600 calories of simple food. Plus lots of odds and ends (gloves, Buff, earplugs, pens, Chapstick, medicines, and on and on). All this coming in under 10 lbs, and it goes with me everywhere and no one knows what it is, it's my portable problem solver. Despite all the crap, it still has tons of room but stays compact the rest of the time.

[@whatroad5652]

i spent the money on a Eberlestock G4 operator bag. its massive but i love it. i like got it down to 40 pounds with full gear. i working on a tool kit for it so i can fix our stuff in the field and so forth.

[@Woodland_Warrior]

Currently planning for a 3 day 2 night FTX with about 10-12 dudes in the MI upper peninsula in late December, working with a Mystery Ranch Komodo Dragon. Very tight fit but making it work, could definitely be better off with something a bit bigger lol. Good video as always.

[@shockwave6213]

Nothing beats the classic ALICE pack design imo. Everything I need immediately is right on the outside, in the outside pockets or strapped onto the lashing points. The ALICE Pack is designed to compress with cinch straps. The large pack even has a set of outside pockets for 6 extra mags.. Extra clothes and sleep system are kept inside in dry bags. A shelter system (tarp, ground padding and rope) is kept in a waist bag slung underneath the pack on the dedicated points. An extra bonus is that the Medium ALICE pack can be used without the frame if you want. And that's my assault pack. And the biggest advantage? No zippers. If a zipper pops off the track, its fucked. Sure, you can quick fix it by snipping below the zipper, putting it back on, then sewing a zipper stop in, but that's a bitch to do. Especially when a busted buckle (carry a baggie of replacement buckles) on my buckle modded ALICE pack takes 2 minutes or less to swap.

[@Detteyo]

These videos are like the subway surfer family guy shorts to me. Roblox at 10 fps on my laptop and Hops rant/prep vids.

[@raptordc5]

All great info! I'm in love with any and all Hillpeoplegear packs! Most comfortable packs on the market.

[@danielmattera4298]

Bro... Sustainment is needed in a home invasion? I need some snicky snacks while I wait for the police to take my report..

[@BrassFacts]

touche.

[@BringerOfD]

Mystery Ranch Crew Cab. Infinitely scalable. Can be compressed down to basically a day bag, or open it up and shove dry bags into it. More of a cross between a ruck and a pack board in concept. Sadly I think it's also discontinued.

[@daynuhbraps]

Always strapped the day pack to the top of a ruck. Ruck carries the camp, day pack for recon. Works pretty well with a chest rig. Plate carrier can go in the ruck if you have one 🤙

[@DZ4295DBW]

If you've got a crye carrier, Mayflower AP or AVS1000 are the goat. If you want to carry Belted ammo, 40mm and maybe some water/food. TradesMan is solid for that. Plus you can have quivers for a Hooly, strip charges and a little scabbard to use with the compression straps for a LAW/RPG-22 AT/AP weapon.

[@JamesMartin-bu8yu]

Only thing I don't like about the assault packs on the market, is a lot of them lack sufficient hip straps/pads that transfer the weight of the load you're carrying onto your hips. This is a big deal, especially if your shoulders are already bearing a load from a plate carrier or chest rig. That's why my "assault pack" is usually a green/tan/brown hiking pack, or a hunting pack. They have WAY better hip support than dedicated military style assault packs.

[@yeahsteeeve]

The background music always makes me feel like I'm listening to the main menu of a post apocalyptic survival game.

[@bass779]

Most Marines I know pronounce it "fill-bee"

[@jacobhesington6725]

Sorting gear in to categories with acronyms tickles my brain

[@sudo_actual]

I'd like to hear more of Hop's thoughts on bugs.

[@jeffb5781]

Love your sense of humor. Comment about gray man - "Dude you're wearing a rifle with kit..let's not kid ourselves." I laughed out loud while enjoying a bourbon at the end of the day. I love your deep dive into subjects. Thank you for the excellent content.

[@mikekraut7643]

You can make that flat pack easy to take off with some buckles, straps, and a bit of ingenuity

[@johnritchie1846]

Ive had a couple bags that had the "beach ball" problem. ive found a hard plastic mudflap from a heavy truck works great. cut to size for the bag and if worried about weight use a 2" hole saw to remove materiall without losing rigidity.

[@unclefreedom213]

I'm a huge fan of the 2DAP but for EDC use for tactical stuff it would be the Switchblade. for 3 day I'm a fan of the rush 24 or Redwing 30 or even big trick. for 4 day the Eberlestock Kite, or team Elk from them or FacTrac. Ruck is my Tactical Tailor Malice or Large Alice for modern stuff would be the Eberlestock Warhammer/little brother or kelty coyote 80

[@Balltilifall]

Ngl the music makes the videos like 10x better but I still love em regardless !!!

[@diegoflores3408]

Im a big fan of the old school alice pack since theyre cheap($75), highly customizable especially if your capable of sewing, stiffer frame then the polymer dogshit the military uses now where you need to repair it with sticks and ducktape, and ir already had mag pouches and three small pouches on the outside.

[@jurpo6]

Buy a FILBE bag without the frame for cheap and put it on your alice frame.

[@Bender_B._Rodriguez]

Make it still with a pistol rated panel.

[@diegoflores3408]

@kevinhart46 look if 7lbs is the difference between having a piece of polymer that will breaks from just normal use so be it. It is a LRP pack not some just run of the mill 48 ass pack. Then heaven forbid you stack it with more then 60lbs which is pretty easy with water because remember a gallon is 8lbs and your going to want to carry a decent amount of it, not to mention ammo in loaded magazines. Ounces = LBs, LBs= Pain and it'll be a hell of a lot more painful if your lifeline (the ruck) breaks mid trek.

[@diegoflores3408]

@@Bender_B._Rodriguez that's just a waste of space inside the ruck and doesn't give structure to the sack so now your pretty much stuck with a Jansport backpack but with a heavy ass plate trying to mimic what would be a frame

[@diegoflores3408]

@@jurpo6 now that's some thinking, homebrew rucks are the go to after you find what you like. I don't mind the old school sack with 2 sewn on sustainment pouches on the side and a machine gun ammo pouch on the lid. I just change out the older school waist band for a new school one since that allows more weight to go on my waist/legs

[@PreppedScots]

If you’re able to but I doubt will, take a wee look at the PRI 45ltr day/radio pack, single compartment with a 2 pockets in the lid and pockets on the sides, however the pack was designed to accept PLCE kit so it can take rocket pouches, medical bags, etc etc, because it’s PLCE it can also be zipped together greatly reducing the size of the bag The civilian version is the karrimor SF predator patrol 45, practically the same bag but comes with a wee waist belt also Kombat U.K. make a knockoff of the bag which also accepts PLCE but I would avoid that one tbh

[@_Art.Vandelay]

You ever mess around with Hill People Gear packs? Even though they’re more for backcountry hiking/hunting, I like to use mine in the context of a 3 day pack.

[@Melanie-Shea]

Full winter kit for two people can be split between two people caring 20 L bags each, at 15 pounds each, that includes fuel and food and the pack itself. One person takes the tent. The other person takes the stove. Both people have sleeping bags and pads. Plus all personal clothing and items. I wouldn’t want to go above that as the baseline except for adding more food and fuel. Should leave you a nice margin for your other stuff considering I doubt people are running 20 L packs. Going above 30 to 35 pounds will put a hit on your mobility though. I’ve carried 125 pound packs for days on end in the rain and snow, sure you can move decently fast with a 60 pound pack, but you can truly be athletic in your movement beneath 30 lbs, ideally 25 lbs.

[@poolee77]

I have in ascending order of size: camlebak mule, m81 Molle 2 patrol pack(patrol not assault), Agilite AMAP 3, medium Alice with frame and molle sleep system pouch.

[@darthtater110]

My MR Komodo Dragon has done me well for a few years now, and their warranty/customer service is good enough for me to not worry about training with it. It's kind of in between the 3DAP and LAPs in terms of capability, and at about the same weight of a 3DAP. I can carry about 45-50 pounds comfortably inside it as long as I didn't just randomly throw stuff in, and actually pay attention to how the weight is positioned within it. I kinda wish they'd bring back the padded waist belts though. The new ones without them are fine, but the old ones felt a lot more secure and comfortable.

[@mtnbound2764]

i also have a bag problem, thank you for your emotional support.

[@misterio10gre]

to be fair in a SHTF situation I think I'll be too risky to commit going away from your main safehouse for longer than a night. I understand recon of the area is important, but most groups wouldn't have the man power to sustainably do so for long periods of time

[@kerbalairforce8802]

Imagine sending your guarddog scout sniper guy to the edge of your territory to hide in a spider hole and watch an intersection for vehicles. Better to do that job on a 2 or 3 day rotation instead of hiking a well worn daily trail to it.

[@jamesharding3459]

​@@kerbalairforce8802 I don't think that's realistic in the vast majority of cases, in any urban or semi-urban area, you're in full of the world as soon as you step outside your front door. I think it’s more likely to only move out for very specific tasks that needed to happen - like going out to help a neighbor, resupply water/food, or seek medical attention. Of course, in a “world is ending” SHTF situation, that all goes out the window. But that’s a bit beyond what I consider reasonable to expect.

[@timunderbakke8756]

@@jamesharding3459I mean, if you’re in an urban environment then a lot of this goes out the window. You’re not going to be backpacking and carrying long guns out on patrol etc. This is more for those who either already got out of the city or who will do so shortly after the “event” whatever it is

[@jamesharding3459]

@@timunderbakke8756 Maybe. I can think of several situations where I might want to be out and about (granted, mostly at night) in an urban/suburban environment where this would be valid - I just wouldn’t be sitting static. But again, caveat: I don’t assume an end of the world situation. My expectations are oriented towards something like Katrina or a very severe earthquake, since that’s what I consider to be the worst case scenario that’s actually realistic.

[@MochiMoose]

In terms of SHTF, he basically covered the use for each and what you’ll need, you just have to really think about the scenario, the mission, the environment, and the personnel you have with you. Some places are super hot and dry, so you need a ton of water, therefore a larger pack just to go the same distance as somewhere else that has moderate temperatures and access to lots of water, over the same distance. Some places have big elevation changes, and plenty of water, but you’re going to move a lot slower to go the same distance as someone who lives somewhere else that’s relatively flat. Account for your conditions, account for how far you need to go, how fast you can feasibly travel in those conditions with the weight you’ll be carrying to necessarily make it there, or make it there AND back if you’re doing a resupply. Also account for how much room in your pack you need and the extra weight you’ll be carrying back if it is a resupply. I would strongly suggest, and I need to do this myself, setting up caches along primary, backup and contingency routes to either your bugout location, or to where you expect you will be able to resupply, if getting there takes multiple days. That way, you can travel extra light heading there, resupply, and only use your cache’s in between to sustain. How far you’re going, the distance between cache’s and how much weight you plan to carry back will dictate how much you need to stash at each cache. Maybe you need it to get there AND to get back. Maybe you only need it to get back. Maybe you are going somewhere for some other purpose and plan to resupply your caches on the way back… etc etc. Doesn’t hurt to have all of them and just load them out or switch gear between them (duplicates and triplicates of everything can get expensive), as needed for all the conditions you’re considering. I find a scalable 30-40 liter pack is the best all around though. I use a Savotta Jaakari M and scale up as needed but the Mystery Ranch 3DAP, Eberlestock G2 Gunslinger and Lo Drag II are also some good ones.

[@newschwarz]

I know you'll probably not read this, but I personally like the old German daypack, the "Jägerrucksack" The back panel doubles as your sleeping pad and the top has 4 Da Rings to attach your sleeping bag in the bivy bag with straps The pouches on the outside can hold specific 1 liter bottles and you can put a spade on the outside too Then you have like 20 to 30 liters on the inside and it sits high enough to sit on the buttpack of your LBE It doesn't have any molle on it, but it doesn't really need it in my opinion They are also cheap, at least in Germany Heim still makes them I believe, but since I'm European I don't know how or where to get them in America

[@BrassFacts]

Hi, I read it. I have something similar with the spur, which is a modern alice.

[@BlackBladeGroM]

I wish you made this video a year ago. Over a year of monthly training outings I went through a bunch of wildlly different LBE configs. Started with a 100L patrol ruck that had me bowing down to every overhanging branch and fiddling with straps to keep all my stuff from bouncing around the half-empty internal volume. Then tried to pad out my 2DAP (5.11 All Hazards Prime) with two 5L PALS-attached side pouches and cram all my stuff into half-opening compartments and org pockets. That also sucked. Eventually landed on the LAP concept, same as you. Got myself a W I D E assault pack in the ~50L range, with a huge main compartment, two big pockets large enough for downrange utilities and extended medkit respectively and four 2L side pockets for camping stuff like boiler stove or tarp+lines. The thing is exactly as wide as my shoulders when fully loaded and the main compartment comfortably fits a 5L water bottle laying sideways, amongst other things. We'll see if it will carry me through the winter, but the pack is stable and comfortable enough that I can do some CQB with it in summer.

[@ericferguson9989]

My Condor backpack is the Assault Bag I have at home. I've used it for years

[@y.e.kahunakalash]

Venture Surplus is an awesome shop. (Based Venture Surplus enjoyer.)

[@DIYDad1]

You know what's seriously underrated with backpacks these days? Hip belts. Big thiccc padded hip belts. If I'm doing any amount of hiking the load transfer to your hips is where it's at for comfort. Beyond that I just like pretty traditional hiking backpacks, they are more discrete than the tacticool molle panels everywhere, there's a problem with too much organization and too many pockets where stuff just gets lost in all the flaps and pockets and bs I just stuff everything into a couple of zip loc bags in the top and I'm done.

[@LowQuatsSquats7529]

Sounds like the Austrian KAZ03 Alpine pack fits all of the requirements for all of the styles of packs as it's able to remove sections of the pack to reduce it's overall size or expand up to accommodate more with the ability to add expander pouches to the outside of the pack. all while having an internal frame system.

[@toddinfl]

In a hot environment the large Alice pack is perfect because of the distance between the actual pack and your back which has air flow so it doesn't get sweaty. 62 liters isn't that big.

[@IronPhysik]

taking your liter vs days figure I just noticed that you can create a rule of thumb with it for every hour your operate needs to last, add 1L of volume 10h OP = 10L pack 24h OP = 24L pack 72h OP = 72L pack and so on its obviously no perfect (as many rules of thumb) but it works

[@The_Assassin_of_The_Gray]

When we were first issued MOLLE rucks in 2005, we had serious doubts about them, since you absolutely *_NEEDED_* the manual to put it together as it was counter-intuitive compared to the ALICE pack There was a ruckmarch every Wednesday and each Wednesday at a minimum one MOLLE frame broke Only, instead of taking this as field data, they just blamed Soldiers for "not taking care of their equipment" . . . a lot of rucks broke in combat too and there were very few replacements Years later, when I transferred to the National Guard, they were out of MOLLE rucks, so I snatched up an ALICE. Some time later, the Specialist from Supply found me and asked, "Hey Sarn't, we got more MOLLE rucks, you wanna finally trade your ALICE in?" Thank you Specialist, but "Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full."

[@BrassFacts]

interesting, thanks for the insight.

[@The_Assassin_of_The_Gray]

@@BrassFacts Using *_PLASTIC_* for the most critical, load-bearing part of a Rube Goldberg rucksack - the frame - is a real Rocket Surgeon and Brain Scientist moment In addition, Airborne flat-out said "No!", as the MOLLE ruck was not Jump-Worthy For me, "Not Jump-Worthy" means "Not Mission Capable"

[@agaith4797]

i highly. highly. highly recommend you look into pemmican over MREs. it is shelf stable for years, and is over 3300 calories per pound. more than DOUBLE an MRE for calorie density.

[@Apeman_Actual]

Love your videos and how you tackle the philosophies behind different ideas and ways of doing things. You open up folks minds to ways of thinking they probably hadn’t considered unless they’d served. TL;DR You’re doing good shit man, keep it up!

[@professionalamateur6169]

With my back being in pain with mild use, I don't want a heavy pack on my back. I would like to bring a little hiking trailer/ wagon so I could carry everything I needed (and maybe extra water, ammo, etc.) without putting my back through hell. I would also have a backpack with a few essential things if I needed to ditch my trailer.

[@VoodooBrown]

Let’s not overlook the usgi standard issue small assault pack and the usgi medium ruck, both are excellent and battle proven.

[@raullemurs]

I hated my assault pack

[@VoodooBrown]

I can only speak on the current generation ocp pack with molle, I loved it

[@schubur]

I really want to see a sleep system video, sleeping bag, tent, hammock, tarp, ect for SHTF. It would be a fun video to watch.

[@timunderbakke8756]

I’ve got one massive ruck type so far. I was a moron in my early days wanting all the capability but now I think I need a 3DAP to cover my bases. No mountains here, but winter sucks bad. Definitely going to visit venture surplus next payday

[@A8vscRrabbit]

Great video. Thought provoking. I prefer a assault bag for my uses and physical build (5'7"/150lbs). I prefer speed over armor and sustainability.

[@prorace_type_r]

There is this german brand, MilTec, that sells a very popular assault pack for 40 bucks. I don't know if it sells in the US, but I use it and it's great. Now, it's cheap for a reason, it's polyester, not nylon, and I don't know if that's automatically a no-no for some people, but for civilian mountain use it might be enough.

[@jhutch1470]

I'm looking at the medium MOLLE 2 ruck sack. I might not have to fill it up, then I can compress it down a bit. I like because it is supposed to fit over a plate carrier. I can also MOLLE my E-tool, sheers, and folding saw to the outside. Oh, I can also use my helmet carrying thing attached to the outside. Shit, now I'm carrying too much.

[@nerdyhustle]

Awesome breakdown! Love the insight, and you had me chuckling. Subscribed!

[@gulasd3025]

Great video as always. I really enjoy your breakdown and analysis. I've been running my gear for a while but this gives me a better understanding and ideas on how to use it better.

[@Gingercattleman]

I think i got one of the very last Cannae pros before the website shut down.

[@BrassFacts]

RARE

[@davidleonard1813]

Short term day or 5 dayish. Ive heard peanut butter jerky etc. The best calories and pretty filling too i find is oats. They are light but not so calorific. Oats to fill, standard any flavour brand bodybuilder weight gain powder you're good to go

[@NDMO2468]

Ever making a video breaking down your hybrid chest rig setup, or setups you've done in the past?

[@BrassFacts]

the video is done, it will release soonish

[@DanDannyDanielleBob]

A few philosophy questions: 1. What are your thoughts on something like the ecwcs system in place of a big sleep system? 2. What about hunting rucks? They are built to expand, take a lot of weight. I am specifically thinking about the ones with the meat shelf type system. Theoretically all your tactical gear could be strapped in there when not in use. I am considering this setup but $700+ for something with no examples online is a tough pill. 3. How should kit be paired up? Ex: told myself i would not buy more gats until each one had a chest rig or holster etc. So as I work down the list, if I hesitate to spend the cash to set it up then i know that one is either a recreational safe queen or should probably be sold to add new capability. But how far to go? Should every long arm have a 3DAP, or just be considered a recreational item? I noticed that I can put together a lot of basics on just spare stuff i moved on from but some major gaps are still present. Ex: i have a small collection of multi tools but only 1x water filer setup to spread across...

[@BrassFacts]

1. depends how cold and op tempo. Generally, no you need a real bag, or at least a bivy. 2. Sure, Though I find they're honestly to big. These things have like a 150L overstuff capability. 3. I can't answer that for you, that's a personal. Personally for me, I think a bag is critical kit. But I also think if a grown adult doesn't already own a pack in some form, generally it means their life style probably pretty sedentary. prepping is a journey, you'll never be finished. Do field/camping trips. It'll quickly show you want you need now, and what can wait for later.

[@willmurphy-qj9vd]

If you like the assault + size bag I highly recommend the mystery ranch SATLs you can find them for a very reasonable price on the surplus market. I would even be down to send you mine for a review.

[@mr.stotruppen8724]

I prefer to size up and pack down when it comes to bags. Having the extra space is a godsend when you don't have time to perfectly cinch down everything and perfectly arrange it all in a game of ruck Tetris and have to dump your shit in and leave ASAP. Leaves space for the inevitable extra bullshit you'll find out you need to bring last minute.

[@NaterTaterOutdoors]

The Cannae Pro gear Phalanx is for GØÄTŚ

[@typicalnpc7757]

Honestly I’m just gathering all of the gear I can legally own from the usmc. I’m trained with all of it so I don’t have to worry about completely new systems and millsurp is relatively affordable.

[@Xp200dr-gj8lz]

Serious question Ever give any consideration to Dyneema based packs? I own a few Mystery Ranch, Eberlestock packs but also have Hyperlite and ZPacks. Unless you are strapping a heavy rifle to the pack those are very capable. My 3-5 day load out for cold weather in the mountains is 22-28lbs depending on how cold and how much food I need. The packs will shave 4-5lbs off your pack weight alone. Then a look at UL alternatives for shelter, sleep system (thermarest neoair xtherm, enlightened equipment quilt) your base weight will be down over 8lbs easy and all compress like a champ. Easy fits into a 55 liter pack with sawyer squeeze, cnoc bag, 1 nalgene, jet boil, etc.

[@BrassFacts]

im way to brutal on my gear for that. But yeah friend has one, they're super cool

[@johnnybagofdoughnuts4193]

I think the ALICE pack- Medium comes pretty close to filling the Assault pack/Rucksack divide.

[@chazc933]

The AMP24 is the best bag. I can't believe 5.11 discontinued it.

[@BrassFacts]

right?

[@chazc933]

I've had to resort to tacswap for em.

[@shrubjr893]

I love your channel man, I mean it. Constructive criticism: you missed the very best packs in the world; Hill People Gear and Kifaru. HPG is def my preferred. Go buy yourself a Decker Frame with a compliment of bags. Yes, they are expensive. But, you will literally never need anything else for anything. Also if you end up needing to haul something you didnt expect, you'll be GTG!

[@charlesl5226]

I’ve got an old USMC “ass” pack but the lack of pockets make it only a good bag for rock climbing. I’ve got a cheaper Ross 12/24hr day style bag that fits good on my “overt” set up. But I want the MR 3day and an Alice to finish out my “needs”.