Best Value Out There - USMC FILBE Assault Pack - Updated Long Term Review

[@teejay3510]

I wonder how many ladies out there have clued on to the fact that us guys have just as big of a problem with collecting bags as they do. I've got enough bags to take a scout troop camping.

[@28ny]

Most of what is on the market for men, to carry their stuff would be, in the past, regarded as a "purse" by women.

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

Just wait until one emasculates you and calls one of your bags an oversized glorified purse haha.

[@willong1000]

Thanks for the chuckle tee jay.

[@austinlee8769]

Bro foreal I have like 7 or 8 packs worth a little under 2 grand 😅

[@leobreton3819]

Gee, I'm glad you touched on this, I never thought of it. I own from a 20 liter day pack up to a 65 liter mountain pack and everything in between, but I do a lot of different outdoor activities and I quit driving over ten yrs ago. I have 2 bicycles, both have the bottom adjustable halves of crutches fixed to them so I can just strap whatever size pack I'm using for that days actives and off I go. Works fantastic, bet it even makes some of the ladies jealous!!!

[@robertsbushcraft]

This is my favorite pack. In fact, it's my "bug-out" bag and I love it. We have the entire FILBE system and it's bombproof. One tip about the plastic stiffener (insert), trim down the edges about 1/2" to keep the corners from cutting through the four corners of the pack. The two bottom corners are the most vulnerable. I also ran a piece of electrical tape around the entire edge of the stiffener to prevent cutting through the pack.

[@kenarcher2292]

Is the stiffener to big for the pack? Does the electrical tape protect the corners of the pack?

[@robertsbushcraft]

@@kenarcher2292 in my opinion it's just a little too snug at all four corners. Unless protected, the plastic will eventually wear through.

[@kenarcher2292]

@@robertsbushcraft Thank you for your response. I will take your advice and trim ( do you advise a sanding block) the stiffener, and put electrical tape around the outer edges. Is there a way to reinforce the shoulder straps where they attach to the pack.

[@robertsbushcraft]

@@kenarcher2292you can use duct tape as well as electrical tape. I used a pair of medical shears to cut the plastic and there was no need for sanding. Those shoulder straps are a bit harder to reinforce because of the way that they are sewn to the pack. So far I have not had any ripping or tearing there but I'm sure that's something I'll eventually end up dealing with.

[@1Splat]

I added denim patches inside the four corners for reinforcement. It's a pita getting them in but I used adhesive patches which worked well.

[@haydenblakeney8293]

Luke, this is going to sound odd, but thanks for bringing those gloves with you. I'm headed out for a trip this weekend and seeing them on your shoulder reminded me to pack mine lol.

[@ROMAN138]

It is really great to see gear revisited for an update. Please do more of these.

[@AudiaciousLife]

Marine vet here, loved this pack from my time in. It definitely was more comfortable than the IBLE pack (tho that wasnt too bad). loved the modularity and worked well for us. As for waterproofing, we were issued waterproofing bag liners for each pack, the assault, and main pack

[@hiei248]

I have used this in a 'professional' manner for 8 years, and I have missed the side pouches this whole time. Thanks for the review! Part of the reason I watch these is to hopefully learn something new, and you don't disappoint.

[@jj-ku4zu]

I watched your video when I was serving in the Self-Defense Forces and bought this bag. The result was amazing. I even bought the main pack as well. Now, even as a army reserve training, it's still working perfectly. Thank you for the excellent review video.

[@jupiterjunk]

2023 update prices... New... Hahaha!!! Yeah right!!! Grade 1... $120 - $130 IF you can find them Like New out of the factory case or may have only minor signs of use or storage marks. Grade 2... $79 - $99 What we call normal surplus. The gear is fully usable and shows normal signs of use and has a lot of life left. Some items may have stains, writing, color fading, small repairs, and or surface rust on them. Some items may contain frays or small holes that do not affect the gears performance. Grade 3... $39 - $49 This gear can still be used but had a rougher life. They show heavier stains and or may still have a hole or rip and can be repaired. Zippers and shoulder straps are intact. This is great as extra gear or as a great budget item

[@gewamser]

I bought one of these the first tine you reviewed them, and you are right, this has become my favorite EDC pack, and I have used mine for years now. After this vid, I finally ordered the assault pouch. I live in a wilderness area of the WI border with the UP Michigan, so this gets a workout. Thanks Luke

[@ghostape6481]

I’ve had mine for about 5 years. I used it daily as a remote forester in Michigan. This is an absolutely great piece of gear.

[@petermayonejr.3420]

Great detailed video/endorsement for this great assault pack! I have the Propper USMC APB03 in MARPAT "digital woodland" AP that is also a great pack. Also, the Eagle Industries USMC hydration carrier/pack that carries the 3-liter Camelbak bladder is excellent, too! I use that for day hikes and Mt. Biking.

[@old-moose]

WARNING! OLD FELLOW ALERT! I spent almost all my free time in my long ago youth hiking and camping in Oregon year around. My 1st pack is still my favorite pack. Its frame was Douglas fir limbs and rope. The main compartment was an old canvas laundry bag with 6 smaller compartments sewed around the outside made from the legs of blue jeans. All 7 compartments had a drawstring top closer. Over all this were 2 covers. The inside one was plastic to keep the rain out and outside one of canvas to protect the pack from everything else as well as holding it together. Underneath the covers was enough room store my tent (plastic sheet) and bed roll. Later when I was a teenager and was earning money, I preferred to use old faithful. I still have that pack even if I'm too old & inferm to walk around the block.

[@er5406]

Luke - These videos you make help me keep some sanity in these crazy times. Thanks brother. Strength and Honor.

[@wolfpack1966]

I've had mine for about 4 years I love it I highly recommend it I am a hunter a trapper a hiker a fisherman and I use this pack for everything it is very tough and durable love the ability to be able to customize it to fit what I need no matter what I'm doing I even bought one to use for my job I packed my tools food water everything with that one pack I love it I highly recommend it

[@militarygearjunkie2522]

Very well said review. I personally own this pack and it has been my favorite hiking, trekking pack for 4 season. I attached battle belt through the waist belt and it's even more comfortable with heavier loads by transferring weight onto my hips. You should try this mod if you own this pack!

[@CLBLATT]

The condition I put my pack through. Tore the top up pretty good from the back board inside. Some of the guy's in my unit. You would have your gear in the five and half ton. Gear get's tossed out, and with the back board sitting high up. Tore the hell out of it. I have done field repairs on the pack with glue, and water proof T-REX tape. Like the review!!

[@marcomcdowell8861]

Marine Corps: What do you mean that pack is comfortable? Also Marine Corps: Modify it for maximum back pain.

[@jaygibson5057]

True

[@notforgotten2798]

Do you know what the black bag of death is??

[@jaygibson5057]

@@notforgotten2798 No

[@richardcavalloro8355]

I purchased one after your first video. Love it. I added 2 surplus canteen pouches to the sides to carry water bottles

[@soulsocket7]

Great review. I picked up this same pack almost 4 years ago. Found it at a surplus store for $35, dusty but in excellent condition. Haven't bothered with the larger FILBE pack. I don't really have a use for it and love my ILBE main pack. I know it was shitty to try to use it with body armor and other equipment, but for a civilian pack that is bulletproof and can carry heavy loads comfortably, I'll take it over any other military pack. I do love the classics. I've got an A.L.I.C.E., M.O.L.L.E. and even a couple hybrids I put together with LRRP's and down east frames, but my go-to for backpacking heavy is the ILBE. Just my 2 cents. Great video

[@Pellagrah]

Yeah, that seems to be the consensus with a lot of marines I've talked to. The ILBE main pack is by far the most comfortable of all their ruck systems, but it performs really poorly when worn with body armor. That's precisely what makes it perfect for civilian use though. The only problem with the ILBE for civilian use is that it's more expensive and difficult to find than a FILBE/MOLLE II ruck.

[@mgfatherofthreemarcus7933]

I purchased 2 long ago because of your review!! Thanks man. I'll love your videos man.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Thank you very much brother, hope you are doing well. - Luke

[@theodorebennett7938]

100% correect. This pack should cost no more than $40 delivered to your door. Worth every penny so use the savings to buy ammo.

[@traxxas328]

Can’t find anything in half decent shape for less than double that price now in 2024

[@kram4771]

Love this pack Luke, it is my go to pack as well. I just call it assault pack, bought it after watching another one of your reviews of the pack. Use it several times a week and it is tough. Added the assault pouch, an IFAK on one side, a rip away pouch for CC on the other side, and an admin pouch on the lower pocket molle for access to other items. I have put this through some rugged use and it wipes off and looks new. Have one of your ODGR wolf patches on the admin pouch. AWESOME!

[@casper3130]

I bought several of these along with the Main Ruck Pack back years ago in new condition for under $100 each and figured I'd have them for the family or sell them in the future and make double if not triple my money back. I use one of the Main and Assault Packs for hiking and camping which still look new as the day I got them and have 3 vacuumed sealed in bags. Hard to get out of that one is none two is one and three is enough LOL

[@byronbrasher8118]

So happy you’re ok. We once came upon a black cloud across the highway that looked like smoke from a fire, by the time we got to it, something hit our windshield that sounded like gun shots. The rain was so bad we tried to pull over but couldn’t even see the soft shoulder. By the time we got to a little town to stop we saw big white balls the size of tennis balls that were actually hail. Our RV was a little dented but we were safe and had a great weekend camping.

[@felixconlon7049]

After seeing your review, I bought one from an eBay auction. It arrived today in OUTSTANDING condition. Can't wait to start using it.

[@DeffoZappo]

I got one a while ago at an army surplus store and it's now been to Africa for a year and living out on the streets in California for a year as well as surviving in the mountains for a year

[@HistoryOnTheLoose]

Nice looking pack. I'm willing to give it a try. I'm a confirmed ALICE guy, both with and without the frame. It will take some powerful convincing for me to change.

[@funyunmaker3182]

Love mine added two meal pouches to mine plenty of room for an overnight trip. Great video Luke.

[@kellywatkins6409]

I picked up the entire pack unissued in the plastic and with all tags. Fully loaded it's the most comfortable of all my packs. The assualt pack that you are reviewing is made to attach to the top of the filbe main bag. I've heard that the Marines loaded these up to around a hundred pounds. It's a beast for sure. If you do find the main pack and want to purchase ask if it has the revised shoulder straps.

[@ytbenavraham9553]

I went out to buy one yesterday. It was $525.00. I had to pass on it. I bought another Mollle II. I have two with Outdoorsmans Atlas Trainer. I bought another molle II and it's amazing. Very happy. I have to save a bit more to get one. I have Rhabdomyolysis and trying to recover

[@Stewart0494]

I just picked up one of these packs! Excellent product for the price. Fit my needs perfectly.

[@adamsmith2758]

These came out for Infantry Marines the month I got out of the Corps, I think it's about time I finally got one. I also really like it's predecessor, the ILBE pack, which was also a ruck/daypack combo in woodland digital camo, thr color was awful imo, but the combination of the two packs were great

[@monkeylovemagic3339]

Love my ILBE it's bulletproof. I shred regular weight/strength packs in the bush. USMC gear is tough.

[@jasonleavitt1289]

I really enjoy all your tactical reviews. Hope you enjoyed your trip to Utah

[@TheMrhoneycutt]

Your videos have helped me decide on picking up its mother pack for my winter gear. My only complaint is the color, I wish M81 was still viable.

[@panzerabwerkanone]

M81 still viable just not available. If you can, find the rather rare CFP-90 pack in M81 camo.

[@TheMrhoneycutt]

@@panzerabwerkanone I actually had a CFP-90 a few years ago before my house burned down. It was a behemoth! Absolutely swallowed my big winter bag and wool Blanket.

[@hardstones17]

Weeeew another pack review! I am about to get myself a new pack, the DG-16 from Crossfire. 85L of ruck ready to go! They have some neat packs that you may want to check out!

[@tonkabear2369]

You opened those zippers like a man who means business. 😆

[@tonkabear2369]

@@AggyGoesOutdoors 😂

[@domenickdecocco3343]

Bought one on eBay about 3 months back. Had to make a few repairs but for $35 it was well worth the buy.

[@creephead762]

I got mine at a pawn shop for $60, it's been my edc car bag for a few years. It's my favorite bag.

[@Hayyothhakodesh]

I bought a new one a year ago on ebay that came with the assault pouch. Only one seller on the whole internet was selling one and he charged me!!! Brand new mint condition I paid 350$ but it made me soooo happy!! I only buy new when it come to military packs. I own 3 filbes and one filbe I modified all with tactical tailor mods. I own 3 ilbes. Basically I own 37 packs all brand new and it makes me like I said soo very happy. I've never bought used. I need mint condition in the plastic!! But paying 350$ for.the assault pack filbe... was a it but I guess if kifaru or mystery ranch two companies I love but thay wud charge 400 to 450...at 350 I didn't mind..well worth it. I.decked out a custom filbeine up. And tactical tailor modified filbe and a mystery ranch internal frame put on a filbe. It's fun!!!!

[@mariastevens6406]

That frame sheet is a godsend. Mine is a molle patrol pack but it has one and wow does it save my back for overnighters when I pack it.

[@WilliamStout27]

Thanks Luke, been watching you use it so I went and got one on ebay and ordered an extra pouch S & H

[@chevelless7261]

Great review...its a great back pack for almost any time...Freedom for all people...

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Strength and Honor Chevelle! - Luke

[@papajeff5486]

Better than my ol’ ALICE pack. I hated that POS. It was only about utility. Comfort never. Thanks, Luke. Texas

[@donnoack7033]

I bought one after your first review, love the pack.

[@pmichael3442]

Would be nice to see a comparison between this pack and the Maxpedition Falcon III.

[@0xscoopta]

got mine for $20 bucks, it’s a little beat up but it works great. added a couple canteen pouches, e tool pouch and a sustainment pouch. i want to get that pouch you have tho

[@YABUKIJOE2077]

20? Did it include the stiffener

[@codyjames1952]

I got one of the them and i'm very happy i have 2 sustainment pouch's and 1 hydration pouch on the back i used the pals webbing on the secondary pouck in this pouch i have my woobies & a ponchos, the pack works very good ,

[@auroraborealisknives4019]

I got mine new and pretty cheap.... Nearly 10 yeara ago. I love that pack

[@DigIntoGaming]

Idk why but this video looks like your standing in front of a well lit green screen with a vibrant forest background lol

[@micahhollingsworth]

I immediately two seconds into the video went into the comments to see if anyone else noticed it was green screened lmao

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

hahaha It really does; the Green Tunnel of the NC Mountains. :D - Luke

[@TheIndyspace]

@@TheOutdoorGearReview , Regular Reality seems hyper-real next to the limitations of mere 'special effects'. LOL. Some guys just need to back away from their keyboards and get out a bit more... 😜👍

[@stvnbryan5542]

It's 'FILBE'. Saying each letter takes to long. You are correct, for $50 it is a good pack. You would have to spend considerably more to get something comparable from Mystery Ranch or Eberlestock. Semper Fi.

[@brnrecluse2946]

I call it the Filbe. I love mine. I substituted the assault pouch for a Molle coyote tan waist pack. Works for me!

[@earlshaner4441]

Thank you brother for sharing your thoughts and adventures and hi from Syracuse NY

[@kingkooper7522]

Hey there, yer filbe as in filby,use a similar pack 40ltr made by british company kombat u.k,almost based on that pack,just all round zip instead of molle side panel,still molle all round plus built in top pouch. Good value not quite as well made but for the money around 40 quid.....or 57 u.s dollars. Comes in 3 colours......really like the ease of knowing where each item is in what pouch or area,i added two pouches ,one either side of pack for water bottles,u.s canteens fit a treat,also of ebay. Filbe packs over hear off the chart expensive so really good alternative. Peace.

[@xSkyflow]

Yep, this pack is awesome! I bought it first 5 year ago and then I understood that I need all filbe system which I completed)))

[@codyjames1952]

First thing thank you for the video and i have a ILBE back pack & the ILBE Assault pack i like the look of FILBE Assault pack and thinking of getting one .

[@tonycardall7334]

It looks like a good pack, I have a similar British army one in black with side and back bags attached on the webbing. Mine is very comfortable and holds about 40l.

[@giovaniarroyo9122]

I was able to find one in the middle of South Central LA brand new with assault pouch brand new! Only payed 25$ for it made it nice because I didn’t have to use my own CIF while deployed or at work!

[@JS-lv5pn]

Paid 75 without stiffener but it was near mint ill get the rest of the addons and these packs are hard to find nice now.

[@michaelkenny5739]

Just got mine a few months ago for $20. It had to small rips in the top from the plastic liner. Still need the pouch. It's definitely better than the ilbe .

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Good review, thanks for showing us, take care.

[@georgelaurie3587]

I like the size if this pack I dont have one but I do have a med sized alice pack and it's never let me down and I've had it for a very long time.. but it's always good to see what's out there cause I know my pack won't last forever but it seems to be trying to do it's best to last and I always say take care of ur gear and it will take care of you thanx luke

[@Doug-e]

We Marines don't usually Name the pack they always just call it F.I.L.B. And that pack was one of the most comfortable ones I ever had.. I still have my old A.L.I.C.E Pack and 782 gear. They are a little salty looking now though..

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

Kinda wish I saw this before buying the Molle 2....I love the thing but my GOD is it a monster. I got it as a bug out pack, but if I actually had to hump a few miles with it and say 50 pounds I would be in trouble with my age and prior back issues. This one is lighter and WAY cheaper.

[@apocosy]

I've used both, decent pack, but I'll stick with my alice pack.

[@a45456565]

Thank you Luke😺

[@crispysocksss]

I found one brand new for $40 on Facebook. It came with a hydration pouch too. I love living next to a military base

[@thomasprodell2918]

Already have one. Love your channel. God Bless.

[@StallionOutdoor]

Hey Luke! Love the Pack and the whole System. I own it aswell. Love the hydration carrier too. Would be awesome to see some more FILBE Videos here. The old videos are there yes... but updated versions of the whole system would be fine :) Greetings

[@DemonChicken316]

~$50+ shipping mind you. So realistically closer to 80+ without major damage.

[@TheOutdoorGearReview]

Some sellers charge shipping while others don't, that's the nature of ordering online. Cheers. - Luke

[@cyberskooma0001]

Even if shipping is charged, 30 dollars to ship a backpack is not a realistic estimate lol.

[@panzerabwerkanone]

Still ahead of anything by Mystery Ranch or Eberlestock for that price.

[@DemonChicken316]

@@panzerabwerkanone oh definitely, not arguing anything about the pack. I'm simply saying you're not getting a Great condition filbe assault pack for $50

[@mcoppock214]

Great review Luke.

[@GolfRemoEchoGolf2]

These and the British packs are awesome

[@notimetobri]

What're the British ones to look out for?

[@GolfRemoEchoGolf2]

@@notimetobri I guess they call it Bergan..they were at Sportsmans Guide fairly cheap..its a bigger ruck though..something you could live out of on a long term basis

[@BinManSays87]

I love army packs because they are made to last and no one's fighting in forests for the most part so a good MTP camo version are all ways easy to find and mostly they've only been through basic training so they're in nearly new condition plus I know you can get a frontier stove and Polish lavvu in a UK Bergen just and that load out weighed in at 27.6kg and I know they're rated to carry more..... I so need some pouches for it though even years later though

[@karlmadsen3179]

Good review and now let's see if I can find one. My hunting pack is getting worn and needs replacement.

[@luvzmoveez]

Luke, hope you don't mind me saying, but you would make an excellent fire chief at any fire station with your outdoor experience. Also, it seems like any community would be missing out on your extensive outdoor experience and leadership skills. Have you ever thought of such a carreer change? The pay is excellent and the benefits would give you a secure retirement for your future advanced years.** Your energy level is off the scale for such an in demand job, and you would have no problem qualifying and fitting into such a job once a city committee observes your KZbin following. Just my opinion but I think any community would be stupid not to snap you up to serve the U.S. public. That's just my two cents.

[@joshwebb4442]

Good review! I prefer the ILBE to the FILBE but now I almost want a FILBE too 😂

[@adventurousamerica7851]

love my pack, got mine while I was serving, REt. Sgt major USMC. will be hitting the Missouri river in about three weeks, three months from Three Forks, Montana to st. Louis Missouri

[@canadafree2087]

US military, especially Marine, has the best surplus as you are getting name brand hiking companies making this gear. I am trying to find a larger pack around 3# but no more than #4, so this is not an option for me. I love their clothing system and us civies get to pick what options we want and leave the rest.

[@izzy4ya]

Truthfully... It amazes me how civilians have more access to our good quality gear than us....

[@titanpreparedness]

How well does it carry on longer hikes with weight in it? Awesome review. Great looking product

[@scottsummers6357]

Dude, it's a fill-be, always was, always will-be!!!;-)

[@ivanbok193]

Super video! I applauded for CZK 50.00 👏👏

[@CampingwithSamBananas]

Looks nifty! Any clue why it's called an assault pack? Does it have something to do with the type of missions it was designed for?

[@panzerabwerkanone]

I don't have a FILBE yet but My MOLLE three day assault pack has been my shooting range bag for ten years now.

[@runningman1156]

I hope its a good one, just ordered one grade 2 for about 75.00 bucks thats with shipping. We will see

[@AntphanyL]

Damn tried looking for this pack after your video. all the sites i checked that shipped to canada are charging 40-70$ for shipping

[@dironahlquist8159]

Love this pack but the only problem is how the shoulder straps are attached to the pack itself. Very easy to pull out of the seams. Really needs some reinforcement stitched in for security

[@mark53123able]

Ive been looking at these on eBay. I found a new unissued filbe main rucksack on eBay. That was a great find.

[@GBHanny8]

What backpack replaced the FILBE? Thanks.

[@PatrickKniesler]

How many mm thick is the HDPE? Replacement sheets can be bought at a good price, but I'd like to know the thickness of that sheet. Hoping you get beck but i know you're busy!

[@roughneckactual2646]

We just call it the assault pack in the MC

[@chandler789]

dying to see the review of filbe main pack again.

[@YABUKIJOE2077]

Expeditionary navy gets it too. Hated to let it go at the cif

[@CowboyCree63]

In the Marine Corps, we call it FILBE, not the individual letters, and this pack is known as day pack or assault bag

[@Big-Government-Is-The-Problem]

seems like a great value for day hikes and some camping, but its probably not the best option for 1k+ mile thru hikes. its a bit heavy for thru hikes probably.

[@doomleika]

excellent review

[@azuremain]

I have one in new condition and confirm the things said in this review.

[@ericjudd9603]

Thanks luke👍

[@JoshSmith-du1sw]

Just got mine!!

[@DaeganJones]

I miss the Woodland Marpat but that looks nice.

[@joeygoguen1525]

You should do a review on the US SKRAM bag.