Thread: Rucksacks
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Old 03-31-2005, 15:48   #13
Razor
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Colorado Springs
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Para, you're referring to the CFP-90, a good idea gone very bad with the addition of a crappy suspension system (the adjustable plastic track) and construction by the lowest bidder. The size was good for a cold weather ruck, as it could hold all your high bulk/low weight snivel gear, but guys would fill it up with dense, heavy items (like batteries, ammo, pyro, etc) and the suspension would inevitably fail, or pockets would rip out because they were only single-stitched.

The SPEAR ruck by Gregory was issued after I got out, so I don't have first-hand experience, but the feeback I've heard from guys that used it was almost unanimously negative. Its damned heavy even before you put anything in it (over 16lbs IIRC), has straps everywhere that are difficult to manage, and is really wide at the bottom. Most of the guys I know that had 'em keep 'em in a box at home. On the upside, its issued, so there's no out-of-pocket costs to you.

Kifarus are expensive, for sure, but the quality is incredible. I've had the chance to look closely at just about everything they offer, and I've not been disappointed a single time. The suspension system works very, very well at tranferring the load to your hips/legs. On the flip side, this means you need to keep your waist clear of gear on belts and such, which may not work with your set up. This, however, is true of all internal frame rucks, so it may not be a big issue for you as you already have experience with civilian versions.

Again, I don't have experience with MOLLE rucks, but the prevailing feedback is that the first generation ruck frames were far too fragile for military use. The second generation frame is supposedly much stronger. There is also supposed to be a new bag issued that is a single, large compartment (similar to the lg ALICE) vice the separate gear/sleeping bag set up currently in use. I don't know when these improvements will become issue items, but I believe the new frame is currently being sold by Eagle on their website.
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