Hi everyone! I could really use your insight and guidance in selecting a base pack that would hold up to 120lbs. This would be my pack in the event my family of 4 needed to evade rapidly. I've always favored the ILBE Marine Corps pack, but wanted to tap into the vast knowledge of this team. Thanks in advance for your time and guidance!
Here's mine: Backpacks | Survival Monkey Forums I also have a ILBE USMC (Propper-Arcteryx) pack. I love it. Another of my favorites, along a higher price line, is the Tasmanian Tiger. Currently, I am using this (German Military version) and it suits me very well. Of course, I bought mine locally (new) for a trade, and it is in German Flektarn camo. My all time favorite is the Webtex PLCE I linked above. Best pack ever made in my opinion. British PLCE (Webtex): Tasmanian Tiger: USMC ILBE: All of these will suit you very well. Also, the Kifaru line and the Kelty packs will suit heavier loads. 120 lbs. is a lot of weight for any single pack...I suggest splitting that up between the party. A bag for each person.
Have to agree with Brokor. 120 lbs is not for a single person's walking load, not even an NFL offensive lineman. Even if not intended for carry (as for heaving into a pickup or car) it's a lot to ask. Split it into at least two parts, three is better. But if you must have it in one load, use a pack frame and bundle it into separate bags. Long term, overnight, and immediate access bundles make some sense.
I suggest that anyone load their pack as they desire and then do a 5 mile hike in a timed manner. Try just 1 mile per hour with your load and this will come close, in my world, of what you can do in a stealthy escape hike. If it works then double your trip till you find your limits. Do this for 5 days running and then you will have a close load limit. Rain, snow, night, being chased all affect what you can carry long term and in a safe manner. I did such a trip when deciding I needed to be able to get from point A to pont B. The trip was 40 miles and I had a set of high voltage lines and maps as guides day or night. I stayed off roads and along concealed fence lines, below ridges and out of sight of people. I found the best I could average was 5 miles a day, I made the trip in 6 days and was wasted at the end. Pack starting weight was 40lbs and water was gathered along the way. No fires and in the spring and mostly at pre sunrise to 2 hours after sunrise and at sunset hours. No, I would not attempt this now. Burrow in and stay low profile for me at this time in my life.
As the others said here, split the load up according to each of your 4 family members abilities. If you have to evade rapidly I would look at a three day supply of provisions at most and keep the weight as light as you can for the Go Bag. Performing escape & evade actions, the last thing you will want is to have to haul more than 60 to 75 pounds including your water to be effective on a forced movement through rough terrain, climbing fences and staying stealthy. Consider your routes that you may travel in advance, with the weight you think you can carry and see how it works.... Also, consider cache of supplies at designated lay-over or BOL... to re-supply. Many of us here have had to carry 120bls in a ruck... and I will attest that you will go nowhere far or very fast with that on your back, even in the best of shape in general. You are inviting injury which will compromise the team in the time of need. Just a thought.....
I'm learning the same thing in tests around the local terrain! My mind is still 24, but I'm 41 now and my body makes sure I don't forget!!! I'll definitely split the weight in a staggered manner - highest to lowest from myself to my youngest boy. Again, thank you Sir!
Roger that, Yard Dart! I've been training with various weights and the hip flexors are screaming at me! Will follow the vast guidance here and break packs down based on individual ability of family members!
Thank you Sir! Will apply your guidance and test staggered loads with all family members. I can't thank you enough for the various pack recommendations!!!
Thanks Ghrit! Agreed - it's not the same in the civilian world, but you're spot on...we'll move no faster than the biggest constraint. Thank you for your time and help!!!
I'm truly grateful to find this site and a team of like-minded participants! I'm glad to learn, based on your feedback, that I'm not the only one seeking to "stay ready." Finally found my 'home' here among the survivalmonkey family!!!
I agree spread the load but there are other things you can do in addition to that. Evaluate the contents of your pack. Is everything necessary?Canned goods, if you have any, should be replaced with dry packaged if possible. You may be able to find smaller and more light weight tools to do the same jobs as others in your pack.
I have always favored the ALICE pack. But why 120lbs? Did you do a layout and weigh it all or was it a best guess? If the 120 lbs is a validated weight (laid out and weighed), then I recommend re-evaluating what you plan to carry by finding alternative items which may be multipurpose. If something only has one purpose, replace it with something that is multipurpose. Agree with the others to share the load as best as you can.
Use a wagon, if you can't lose some weight. Let the wheels carry the load. Tractor supply has large open mesh types with pneumatic tires.
I have one, very similar, from Sears. Be advised that when loaded they will be top heavy, and side to side will be unstable on rough ground due to narrow wheel gauge.
that would be why I suggested one from Tractor Supply I believe they have a wider wheelbase. we used to from time to time to transport dogs and dog gear, without any problems. they are made to handle moving trees and large objects
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