L-TOP - Evolution of a Tactical Pack

[@bodie463]

Ever since I pulled the trigger on a Mystery Ranch I wont look back, best there is.

[@leandrobustos7522]

Dude great review especially with the added attachmo

[@MarilynMonroeFamily]

Great update! I'll check out the "stick-it" attachment, I didn't know about that...

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

It seems to be the sleekest way to add helmet carry capabilities to their packs, though I don't currently have a helmet, so I can't test it out yet. Glad you enjoyed the video; at MWS we strive to provide personalized training services both with our paid courses and free online content, so I wanted to get an update up as soon as possible and go more in depth.

[@shanen457]

As an old fart that doesn't get out much anymore but still likes to hunt and camp in the backwoods of Montana, I have to carry a lot more stuff than I like and I keep trying to figure out what might work best for me, especially when my 20 something son goes with me and forgets to bring anything of actual use in the mountains. I have never been able to afford all of the latest fancy gadgets (like this pack you are showing), although I clearly see the benefits of them, and tend to use old military surplus stuff (I love my ditty bag and ALICE pack), I really like the idea of these packs that open into a shelf. When building a two or three day bushwhacker camp, having some sort of a shelf or tabletop is a major bonus.

[@RavenRedwood]

Speaking of weight distribution; over the years I've found that wearing an assault/day pack containing 35-45% of total equipment weight on my chest has been an optimal load configuration. I'm surprised I don't see it more often! A full size plate carrier hasn't been a fitment issue either, just have to empty all pouches on the chest. In this way I can have a relatively large (30-50L) day pack in addition to the main 100-140L ruck. For long distances the equal weight balance makes a massive difference in comfort. At the end of the day when I drop gear my back and knees are still good to work and aren't aching in the morning. The only "downside" so far has been having to move gear back into the main ruck when traversing difficult terrain, as the front pack impairs my vision of the ground I'm walking on and so has to be compressed. Just because I have two packs doesn't necessarily mean I carry more weight; it's just distributed better, so if I need to move everything into one it's not a problem at all. $0.02 I've always wanted a ruck with a rifle scabbard like yours. Looks convenient!

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

A big part of equipment selection is finding what works for you, and then training with it to hone it in. With my system, my plate carrier provides an adequate counterbalance, and is even better when I'm also running a chest rig. I've already had one knee surgery, so I also try to make things as easy on my knees as possible, but my strategy is in trying to lighten my equipment overall. The rifle scabbard is a big part of why I bought the Overload, but honestly I tend to throw my rifle in the canteen pouch. It's more accessible that way than using the Overload shelf and keeps the center of gravity closer to me than when the rifle is between the pack and the pack frame.

[@RavenRedwood]

@@Modern_Warrior_School For sure. The last time I had x-rays they told me my knees were pretty messed up from carrying too much weight for many years, so getting lighter is some kind of ethereal, eventual goal. It's tricky to do in winter when I need so much extra crap. I laughed when I saw the photo of the daypack strapped to the outside cause I did the same thing and it was horrible hah! Now I don't even put pouches on the outside of rucks for the same reason. So there's a significant enough gap in the overload space to push the pack uncomfortably far away? I guess I was thinking of an Eberlestock that had the scabbard integrated with the frame. What's the Overload supposed to be used for? AT rockets or radio equipment? Or just whatever random junk they feel like making you schlep around. I've seen a similar design for hunting, although much smaller.

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

Sorry for the late reply, for some reason YT marked your comment as potential spam, but I manually approved it. When it comes to using the Overload shelf as intended, I guess it all comes down to how you pack your ruck. As long as the item being carried is heavier than the contents of the ruck, it should balance well, but even with just a rifle, the center of gravity change is quite noticeable. Mystery Ranch states the purpose of the shelf is for "bulky overloads" like mortars, pelican cases, and Crew Served Weapons. These may be heavy enough to warrant using the overload shelf, but not a

[@davidleonard1813]

Interesting gear. I'm not sure about the DD change. Depends on styles needs are. If you constantly move 2x2 is fine. But if it's a bit rainy and sitting in one spot, I like to string the 3x3 up as a dry camp area clothes line dry kit under. No man is constantly moving and often a day or 2 layup is needed. Your lid pack reminds me of the Brit PLCE pack side pouches into daypack. I tailored 2 of those onto a Alice pack. Same result large and daypack in one. I've never laid eyes on a mystery ranch in real life. I use Berghaus. Same problem you have. Pack has to lay against a log to stay upright. Look up a GSR gas mask case. This I Molle to rear of pack. I keep light stuff. Either rain gear or cooked brews ramen noodle. Accessible meal coffee gear light stuff so it doesn't upset the balance. Shelter seat pad backpack pad to put it on any possibility. Its added weight for a bonus.The bonus is this. Your pack will now sit up on its base help shoulder straps out of grass etc

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

Thanks for watching, and leaving such a detailed comment. I certainly like my DD 3x3, but most of the time, it's huge for just me. I won't be getting rid of it anytime soon, but I've done a lot of ultralight backpacking with a 1 person Big Agnes tent, and taken zero days where I couldn't even sit up in the tent. So I've learned to be comfortable in a smaller, minimalist shelter. I think the 2x2 would be the perfect fit for how I use my gear, but the only way to find out is by thoroughly testing it. Except for the sake of the video, I usually don't even try to stand my pack upright, but lay it face down, straps up, on the ground. This way no debris gets on the straps or back panel, and I often even sit on the pack like this when I'm taking a rest. I'll certainly look into the gas mask pouch, but I generally like to run my pack pretty slick now to prevent pouches from getting caught on branches and allow me to sit in (deep) chairs without taking off the pack. Thanks again for commenting. It's feedback from people like you that allows our community to grow and learn together.

[@davidleonard1813]

@@Modern_Warrior_School yes I hear you on how you lay your pack. Never seen a Mystery Ranch but heard only one complaint that straps belt will pick up every seed bit of debris etcetera. I hear you on keeping it slick. I have a Karrimor45 lt. I don't use side pouches just the gas mask one so it sits up. I cheat for a seat. Weight is little I carry a cheap 3 legged instant fold out stool like $5 from Kmart. Weight always an issue but I take few luxury items. I find that easy sit reach into pack and gsr case to as I cook. I do cook too I find similar Weight space I can have a good hot meal lol

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

I totally get that. I don't keep my kit ultralight any more. I allow for more luxuries than I used to (especially if I'm just hiking or hunting), but still keep pretty weight conscious. Especially since my knee surgery a few years ago, every ounce I save saves me some pain. Speaking of cooking though, I'll be posting a video and accompanying article on cooking in the field in the near future. Things like cinnamon rolls, breads, casseroles, stir fries and other hearty meals. I like making some of the more classic backpacker foods too like GORP, tuna mac, etc, but nothing brings up morale quite like a good hot, meal.

[@davidleonard1813]

@@Modern_Warrior_School absolutely it can be the worst day a hot decent meal it's all good. Food equals morale and performance the next day

[@damhammergoshdammer1464]

That's one big bag. I get for hiking but dang 😆

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

It is quite a large pack, but its certainly not for hiking - its my combat pack. My hiking bag on the other hand is roughly a third the size and a quarter of the weight.

[@ironteacup2569]

Good stuff make more videos!!

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

Thanks, I certainly will. Trying to post at least one new video every 2-3 weeks in addition to our biweekly articles on our site. I'm still learning about the videography and editing side of things, but I'm definitely excited to make more entertaining and educational content.

[@ironteacup2569]

@@Modern_Warrior_School systems are what I like. its the reasons or the wisdom of use that makes me watch gear/load out videos.

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

@@ironteacup2569 Same here. I've been trying out different packs and set ups for 8 years now and get pretty passionate about my kit and the methodology behind it. I'll be rolling out some more gear videos in the near future with a similar format, where I discuss why I went with what I did, and what's yet to come. And if there's anything specific you want me to cover, or go more in depth with, let me know and I'll be sure to cover it.

[@ianslaby5703]

How much ammo do you carry? We seem to have a different philosophies when it comes to this. I see it as desirable to have a MINIMUM of 6 magazines (+1 in the rifle) quickly accessible. The idea of having to drop my pack in the middle of a dangerous situation to pull out extra magazines makes me physically ill. If you're very concerned about weight maybe carry bandoliers in your pack with ammo on stripper clips to allow for rapid topping up of your magazines. Brent0331 did a video on combat resupply years ago that covers it. I heard somewhere that some generations of pmag don't work with this system, all of mine seem to work fine, but I would always double check.

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

Depending on the situation, I generally keep 2-3 mags on my chest and 1-2 on my belt, with an additional 6 in my pack. I'm planning on going over my second line gear and philosophy behind it in a separate video, but the main reasons I have for carrying fewer magazines are that I don't have much room on my body to carry additional magazines without impacting freedom of movement and that my primary role in my group is communications - not kicking in doors. Also, my preferred trousers have two rifle mag pouches in each cargo pocket, so I can keep up to 9 mags on my person (and I always leave extra room in my pack for more food, water, and ammo) if the situation dictates it.

[@ianslaby5703]

@@Modern_Warrior_School That seems like a good loadout. I forgot to consider belt gear and pants pockets as i just use a chest rig. I was not talking about door-kicking, that's a topic i have no experience with and it's a situation I would rather avoid. Leaving extra room for flexibility is excellent. What kind of coms do you run? is it a larger HF radio or an ht? I am only beginning to learn about coms myself.

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

I'm planning on getting a couple new radios this year, but for now I'm using a Wouxon KG-UV9D+ as my primary HT. While I've been using it for years, and am pretty happy with it, I'll be replacing it with a Yeasu VX-6R and make the Wouxon a backup that I could pass to someone else if necessary. For an HF, I'll be picking up a Yeasu 817 for a manpack style rig. While I don't plan on rucking the 817, I want to have that capability, plus the self-contained manpack form factor will allow it to be used as either a mobile or base station as well. The HackRF One with the Portapack is also on my shopping list this year to give me a field portable SDR for wide-band scanning.

[@Op4Grunt0311]

That flecktarn is the shiiiiiiiit bro

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

Thanks, I'm glad someone else appreciates the pattern. For the winter/fall in my environment, it tends to work well, but I'll likely be transitioning to ATACS AU in the near future.

[@Op4Grunt0311]

@@Modern_Warrior_School where are you guys based out of?

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

​@@Op4Grunt0311South Carolina, though we plan to offer courses across the country within the next couple years as we are currently in the process of obtaining a business loan for expansion purposes.

[@stevenladrig9592]

If you would ranger roll your clothes you could probably use two sets

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

I used to ranger roll my clothing, but due to the dimensions of my dry sack, it left too much dead space and wouldn't fit in my pack as well. In the summer, there's more room in my pack as I use a smaller sleeping bag and don't need thermal layers, so I do keep a second set of clothes for when I sweat through my first set. But when I thru-hike, I often go months with only the clothes I'm wearing plus a spare set in the pack, so clothing takes a back seat to other sustainment gear in this pack.

[@NHamel123]

Water filter?

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

I'm currently using a Sawyer water filter (the regular size, not the mini or micro). Its not and end-all solution, and I do also carry chlorine tablets, but being cheap and convenient to use, its generally my go-to. They can freeze though, so if you are in a colder climate, you may want to keep it in your sleeping bag at night to prevent it from being damaged by the cold.

[@NHamel123]

2 liters for a week? Tucked into your pack?

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

I live in a very wet area, and can generally find multiple places to fill up my bottles within a quarter mile. I will be adding an additional bladder to my day pack, but will be keeping it empty except in cases when I need to "plus up" on water, such as if I'm traveling through a dry area.

[@bryanfaulkenburg462]

Those ration bars are so nasty tasting and very dry. I have tried a few different brands all were very hard to swallow without a sip of some type of drink to take out the dryness.

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

They are quite dry, and bland to say the least, but they are intended to be a last resort option should I exhaust the rest of my supplies, and don't require cooking. I'll be doing a video soon on what kind of food I carry in the field, and how I prepare them, but it was out of scope for this one.

[@camoman132]

Hey, I don't usually do this but I just wanted to reach out and let you know how much I enjoy your stuff, because of you I'm going to be getting this pack so I'm selling my filbe and trying to sell my medium alice and my brit plce web gear, I know you love some good sustainment stuff from what it seems so if you need anything got a video please reach out and I'll send you my email or however you'd like to get ahold me.

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

Thanks for watching and reaching out. I'm definitely pretty interested in sustainment gear, and had a collection of over 30 packs before I had to downsize. If you want to contact me directly, feel free to shoot me an email at [e-mail]