Rucks!
 

Old habits die hard... I use to own the old ALICE pack, regular size and mountain size, or large recon size... whatever you prefer to call it. Anyway I finally broke down and got the Marine Corps issue MOLLE, and I invested some money in the EBERLESTOCK SKY CRANE pack. I love both of them! They are both excellent packs and they can both take a beating! I got the EBERLESTOCK SKYCRANE with the Built in and detachable riffle scabbard (Why did I get it?) Because I use to be a U.S. Marine Corps Marksmanship Instructor, The Covering Force Commander for F.A.S.T. Company Marines, and a D.M. (Designated Marksman) I carry my M-4 plus my Modified Springfield Armory Carlos Hathcock Addition M-14 (Or M-24 by Springfield Armory) w/scope in the rifle Scabbard. The Eberlestock line of Packs has a good variety of packs for what ever the mission might be. I know this may sound like I am trying to sell you on this product I can assure you I am not. I have packed all my extra ammo for both of my weapon systems plus all my needed essential gear in both packs and they have performed outstanding. But I really love my Eberlestock Pack. This guy has come up with some great innovations for load bearing Packs or Rucks. I am getting Older too so I have come to appreciate comfort and good quality lol! Below is the link. Be your own judge. If you are on a budget then go on Ebay and purchase a U.S. Marine Corps MOLLE Pack. Either way you will not be disappointed. In both packs I have packed them with two sets of BDU's (A set of Civillian Clothes because you never know), Four pairs of socks with shells, Four sets of under garments, Rain gear, and one set of light cold weather under garments (Just incase) 6-MRE's, Extra Camel Bak Filled with water, 100 extra rounds of Ammo for each weapon system, and other miscellaneous survival type items, tent, and sleep system. When you pack out this much gear it pays off to be as comfortable has possible. Physical Conditioning is Paramount! I also have a packing mule and horse to carry me and all my gear. But once they take a shit it's Hump your own gear time...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG0Vi...e=results_main

Just curious to know if their are any updated recommendations since most of this subject was covered in 2005?:munchin

For myself, I would go with Kifaru every time. They may cost more money and take a few weeks to reach you, but IMO, you can't find a better ruck out there. They have a wide variety of styles to meet your requirements, they have excellent pouches and other accessories and they use very good quality materials. They also have some top notch sleeping bags, woobies and other similar gear.

I've used their stuff for the last 4 deployments and can't recommend them more highly.

I took my highly modded ALICE large and left the MOLLE stuff home when I deployed to Iraq 2007 & 2010. I would do the same if I were to deploy today. YMMV.

Haven't taken any of the MOLLE stuff out of the plastic, had it since 2006. CIF won't let me turn it in...........

ALICE is still the go to 90% of the time.

However I found whilst conducting operations and wearing kit, the issued mystery ranch medium ruck was pretty hard to beat. I was meant to be worn over kit, so there were a great deal of things about it that make it more comfortable to wear.

As for a civilian ruck? Gregory every time.