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Originally Posted by Hopeful_20
...SOF Ruck made by Balckhawk Industires... I have been torn between that, and an internal aluminum frame ALICE for doing some ruck training and camping...
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disclaimer:: The below is based solely on my experience as a student at SWC.
If your plan is to train with a ruck for a future shot at SFAS just buy a used large ruck and frame. Put 45lbs in it and move out. Its not just walking with weight on your back you are getting used to but also the way the ALICE pack rides on your shoulders and hips. Nothing else brings pain like the Green Tick. If you are not preping for a future shot at SFAS then by all means purchase what you want, but I would go with an internal frame.
I dont have an SOF ruck so I wont comment on them other than to say I dont buy ANYTHING made by BHI and know many people here who dont either. I want to buy once, not twice.
Kifaru makes great packs. I have both a Marauder and a Zulu and like them both equally well. I have had a few internal frame packs and like the Kifaru line the best. They are well designed comfortable and have a lifetime guarantee.
As for the addition of pockets to the outside being an "improvement;" to those individuals forced to use an ALICE pack the addition of external pockets is a VAST improvement over not having them. I have seen quite a few SF guys and students during my tenure here at SWC carrying modified ALICE packs with pockets sewn to every part of the alice body thats not covered by the frame. I had a few pockets added to mine prior to heading to PH-II and did quite a bit of running thru heavy foliage as well as unassing LMTV's and had no more of a problem with it than anyone of the guys struggling with their 100+ lb rucks without mod'd pockets. The only drawback I see to adding pockets is the more space you have the more you will pack.
As a matter of fact, both my Marauder and Zulu are covered with external pockets. Thats why the PALS are there; for the addidion of pockets as mission dictates.
HTH,
Crip