REMOTE EQUIPMENT ALPHA 31 (2nd Production Run) | LONG TERM REVIEW

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

If you have any suggestions on bags or gear you would like to see reviewed, feel free to drop me a comment here. Or email me at [e-mail]

[@nrylanb]

Multicam black is in stock on remote equipment website and with a discount

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

@nrylanb Get those Black Friday deals!

[@dmschultzie]

Another great review. I also love the bag. It's easily one of my current top 5 favorites. Trying to find those pound cake pouches but can't find them. Do you have a link by chance? Thank you.

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

I don't think Eric has them on the Skinth Site. He normally lists the on Facebook. If you are in the Carryology or The Perfect Pack groups, he lists them there. You can probably email him through skinthsolutions.com/ and ask about them. They are such great pouches.

[@dmschultzie]

@@jeffgrantMEDIA are you talking about Eric Au? I bought his Swedgie for my Alpha31 and love it. Definitely check it out. It is a great addition to the A31. I am a member of both groups and with message Eric Au now. Thanks.

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

That would be the Eric I wall the Wizard.... He can probably whip you up some pound cakes in a hurry!

[@giuseppefasone6452]

Thank you for the review! 😊 Which one you prefer, this or grisetti? They are wery similar

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

Good question. Both great packs, but I would choose the RE Alpha over the Grisetti. As much as prefer the stretch front pocket of the Grisetti, the sausage pockets on the Alpha are well thought out and more usable than I had originally thought. I did have my Grisetti built up to resemble the Alpha, as at the time I didn't think these would ever be made again.

[@MrSobakaforte]

Interesting that your rolltop cinches loosen. I've used mine plenty stuffed full and nearly empty and haven't had any loosening

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

Are you accessing through the top top? Or the front clam shell? I suspect it’s just the webbing breaking in and not having the pack fully packed out. ThT little bit of play let’s it bounce just enough to loosen. Not enough to make me not want to use the bag though. It’s totally something I can live with.

[@kincheng6409]

may i ask about how to make a patch on backpack? where you buy the Accessories?

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

That is a patch panel from Skinth Solutions. I’m not sure if they are listed on the site. But you can find Eric on FB. If you need help, message Eric Au on FB.

[@goodbrothersbuffet]

What is the normal daypack that you're referring to in the video? 😊

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

Without going back and watching the whole video, I would guess I’m talking about something like a standard clamshell or half zip design. Something similar to like a GR1, or like a flow fold

[@goodbrothersbuffet]

@@jeffgrantMEDIA i see, appreciate it and thank you for the reply

[@TalZKazaz]

hello Jeff, great review as usual! im in debate between the remote equipment vs green room rainmaker 27L VS bogear spare? im looking for EDC, travel and transition bag for hiking and cycling. what do you think? thanks Jeff!

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

Thanks for watching and Solid question! I would say having used all 3 of these bags, and loving all 3 of these bags....the Alpha 31 would be the most versatile bag. being a rolltop, it is expandable for travel, and can shrink down really nice for EDC. The harness is great and would work well on the trail and on the go. But if I were to pick one bag of those 3, it would be the Spare Camel. That is the closest bag I have ever owned to my personal perfect pack. It is also my all time favorite pack. I have used it for travel, hiking, camping, travel, EDC, work.... damn near every application of a pack, I have used my Spare Camel for. The A19/BO Gear colab has one feature I wish my OG bag had, while having 2 I wish it did not have (which is why I paid a premium for the proto and did not buy the production version). If you can get an original Spare Camel, snag it in a heart beat. They are pricey, but amazing bags. The colab would be a sufficient alternative though.

[@TalZKazaz]

@@jeffgrantMEDIA thanks for your reply. I looked all over for bo gear original but no luck! I agree with your advice and will give a chance to bogear colab look as amazing bag. thanks again and keep the good work Jeff!

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

Try the Carryology FB page. They pop up from time to time.

[@TalZKazaz]

Thanks!

[@joeyvonny5146]

Have you used a Goruck gr2 before? If so which one would you choose? I know they’re two totally different bags but that’s the situation. I’m in right now.

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

I have not used the GR2, but I do have a 33l LR Rucker, which is the same thing without the laptop sleeve and SCARS mods most do to their GR2's. I do really love both bags. I have used both bags as an EDC. Both work great. But right now, if I had to choose one over the other, I would choose the Alpha 31. As of right now, the rolltop and dependability work great for me. The weather is crazy here in PA this year. For most of the winter it has been very mild, now the we are approaching spring on the calendar, here in PA we are in what we call Second Winter. And Second winter is more like real winter. I dress in layers a lot. It is in the 20's in the am when I leave for work. then in the 40's or 50's when I am leaving I pack out the am layers. So the rolltop works for me. I've also been selling a lot of stuff lately (chasing that minimalist lifestyle while constantly getting more bags!), so the rolltop helps to lug that stuff to work to pack up, then to drop it off and ship out. The GR2 or LR Rucker are also great bags, but right now, to me, they are less versatile. Though if I were thinking longevity, I would go with a 1000D bag over an EPX600 pack. I have no doubt the EPX600 will last for years. But it is still a "new" fabric in the bag world. So no one know how long it will last before it will de-laminate. I have cordura bags and ballistic nylon bags that are 15-20 years old or more. And they still work as they should. Not to say an Alpha 31 won't last that long (hell for the price it really should), but the material hasn't been around that long to test it out.

[@joeyvonny5146]

@@jeffgrantMEDIA thank you so much for the reply. I feel you about the weather. I live in Massachusetts. This time of year it can be 30 or 55 degrees. Thanks again

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

I know my response was a big long and rambling, but I hope it helps. But when in doubt, sell an organ and buy both!

[@ayva88]

Any idea whether the Side by Side Power Packer fits in the vertical pockets? Looking for something to maximize that space and the dimensions seem pretty spot on.

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

I haven’t tried it. It I’ll try to remember in the am to give it a shot.

[@WeiFinder]

@@jeffgrantMEDIA I think it'll fit, that's my plan. Did you try?

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

@@WeiFinder I’m guessing I didn’t remember. I actually was looking in my power packet last night for something. Let’s see if I can remember to check after this early morning run.

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

@@WeiFinder so I tempered to try this morning, but I forgot to comment. Yes it fits perfectly. You do have to put it into the top of the pocket first, as the pocket goes up and the zipper opens further to the bottom. But it does fit like a glove. Though the side by side is a terrible tech organizer. It has potential, but was not exacted properly. Mine is about 2 years old at this point. So they may have updated it. But I personally did not like it at all.

[@WeiFinder]

@@jeffgrantMEDIA mine is two years old also, it fits my needs nicely. I actually keep a backup phone in there too hehe

[@-p0op0o]

Hey Jeff, what is the other bag that you are currently hung up to, beside the alpha? :) curious to know!

[@jeffgrantMEDIA]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIubh3SBn6p1nc0 A19/ B.O. Gear Spare Camel 2.0 Proto bag. It’s basically one of the two features I wish the OG bag had. And well worth the cost to ship it over here from OZ.