Anyone use these in bwca? With both sustainability packs its 5000 cu inches of space. How do those that use them like them? Similar to a #3 Duluth pack? Price is right…

I'm of the Alice generation. By the time these packs came around I was a civ employee of the military and buying my own packs to deploy with. I went with a Kifaru. They(General Issue Molle Packs) did not have a very good reputation. Frames broke far too often from everything from parachute jumps to just hung on the side of a vehicle. They really were designed during a time when no one was really walking with heavy loads.

I freely admit I'm biased, and go the extra mile to not take anything tactical with me to the woods anymore. Well, I do have one patch sewn on my Frost River pack from my military days.

If I had no way of carrying gear, and the price was in the 25 dollar range I might get one, but not otherwise.

CoachWalleye74: "Anyone use these in bwca? With both sustainability packs its 5000 cu inches of space. How do those that use them like them? Similar to a #3 Duluth pack? Price is right…"

Looks like the Large MOLLE II will fit a blue barrel.

I use an Alice Pack as a day pack that includes my fishing tackle. I tend to bring too much fishing tackle...

I think modern purpose built portage packs are worth the money. Most of my gear goes into them whereas I relegate the Alice Pack to a day pack. I also use it is a fishing back pack closer to home as well.

I plan to use these packs for additional group members that don't have packs but come with us on trips now and again. Also have a couple 13 yr olds coming now that a smaller pack could help with from a weight/size ratio aspect. We end up with so much loose stuff or small items when portaging and it takes so much extra time/effort. Additionally, plan to use these to throw gear together for local ice fishing and boat fishing trips.

Looks like Bombinbrian posted this picture of how they might be loaded in a canoe.

Looks like the packs are stuffed to the gills but certainly are up to the task.

Wow, I’m famous now…

We’ve used them for years. I like that they sit in the canoe well, but they weigh10lbs a piece. We’re actually trying Granite Gear pack’s this year.

And yes you can put a lot in them

bombinbrian: "
We’ve used them for years. I like that they sit in the canoe well, but they weigh10lbs a piece. We’re actually trying Granite Gear pack’s this year.

And yes you can put a lot in them "

Is that a helinox cot on the side of one of the ruck sacks in the photo?

What kind of side pockets are you using on the ruck sack?

I'd be interested to hear your opinion of the GG vs ruck sack.

I think one of the big benefits is all the grab handles on the portage packs. Makes it easier to load and unload from the canoe.

-rdg

rdgbwca: "

bombinbrian: "
We’ve used them for years. I like that they sit in the canoe well, but they weigh10lbs a piece. We’re actually trying Granite Gear pack’s this year.


And yes you can put a lot in them "

Is that a helinox cot on the side of one of the ruck sacks in the photo?


What kind of side pockets are you using on the ruck sack?


I'd be interested to hear your opinion of the GG vs ruck sack.


I think one of the big benefits is all the grab handles on the portage packs. Makes it easier to load and unload from the canoe.


-rdg"

We have a Helinox cot, but I don’t remember if it was on that trip. We just use the sustainment pouches on the sides which will fit most mats and even our 3 man tent.

We started using them for two reasons, 1. The price and 2. I personally like a frame on my pack, just seems to make it more comfortable for me.

That being said, we have a Chinook Chemun pack that we all can live with that was a good blend of packs. As I get older I am getting more into what things weigh and lightening my load. 6lbs in just the pack is a lot anymore

I have one of these MOLLE II packs and have used it on several trips. As mentioned, they are heavy (10 lbs) but if you are base camping or if the people using them are young and less weight concerned, they are great packs. My 24 yo son uses this pack now.

For me personally, I have changed over to a CCS Pioneer pack. I have 5 CCS packs now. 2 Pioneer, 30L barrel pack (used without the barrel sometimes), a Ruck, and a Buchcrafter. I bought all of them used.

rdgbwca: "

bombinbrian: "
We’ve used them for years. I like that they sit in the canoe well, but they weigh10lbs a piece. We’re actually trying Granite Gear pack’s this year.


And yes you can put a lot in them "

Is that a helinox cot on the side of one of the ruck sacks in the photo?


What kind of side pockets are you using on the ruck sack?


I'd be interested to hear your opinion of the GG vs ruck sack.


I think one of the big benefits is all the grab handles on the portage packs. Makes it easier to load and unload from the canoe.


-rdg"

Just got out of the BW… we took a Granite Gear Traditional 4 and a Quetico pack this year after taking the Molle ll rucksacks for years. Here’s my thoughts

Between the two GG packs, I liked the Quetico better. I like the straps up top that help hold the load close to you without seeming to want to pull you backwards.

Because of the room and the softness of the packs, I found them difficult to pack, although I was looking forward to carrying bags, clothes tents, pads and such in them. After packing before we went and moving camp several times while there, I prefer the Molle ll packs to the GG. This is not a negative on e GG packs as they are well built solid packs, just not the feel that I am looking for. I’ll add the extra 6lbs and take my rucks and maybe a Quetico, but the Traditional 4 won’t make another trip with me.

CoachWalleye74: "Anyone use these in bwca? With both sustainability packs its 5000 cu inches of space. How do those that use them like them? Similar to a #3 Duluth pack? Price is right…"

The price was even better when I didn’t need a frame. :-)

I bought the bag to pair with an NRS Paragon Pack harness that I already own. The bag arrived from Sportsman’s Guide in new condition for very cheap money.

I have a waterproof 115 liter pack from SealLine that is my primary pack. The Molle II will be used for clunky stuff and/or wild game packing. I’m impressed with the bag construction.