Close-Fitting Backpack Suggestions

[thebikingengineer]

I've been looking for a medium-sized backpack (~25L) for travel and day hikes. I've been eyeing various Goruck backpacks (Radio Ruck and GR1 specifically) and love the idea of them, but they're staggeringly expensive. I like the fact that these packs sit close to your back without the use of a hip belt (which I find just gets in the way with any small pack). I'm also a fan of the 1000+ denier construction (lasts forever) and the MOLLE (hugely flexible packing). I've looked at some of the other tactical-style packs and found that they were around twice as thick. I hate being the guy with the big-ass backpack and would like to get away from that.

Does anyone have any recommendations, or should I just pull the trigger on the Goruck?

[Groat]

If you're not quite set on the military styling, I'd suggest you look at Timbuk2 bags? They sell a number of backpacks, most of which are made from a ballistic nylon material that will last forever. The bags sit quite close to your back, as the company started out selling bags to cyclists who need stability on a bike. None of their bags have MOLLE, but you should be able to find something with the rest of your wants for $100 to $120 (perhaps less if you buy it on another retailer.)

[MrMurphy]

Mystery Ranch and Kifaru. Far better than Goruck, and actually worth the price.

Also look at the ATS RAID in civilian colors (black, grey ,etc) as well as many others.

If MOLLE is not necessary, check out www.rei.com and North Face, REI brand and a few other packs, many will fill your needs.

[thebikingengineer]

Groat: Those Timbuk2 bags look nice. A little lighter material than I was looking for, and no MOLLE (as you pointed out), but other than that not bad.

Mr. Murphy: Those bags are way bigger than I was hoping for (and still quite expensive). I'm sure they would do the job, but I hate having a bag sticking a foot off of my back when I'm walking around. If I were looking to grab a SHTF bag those would be an awesome choice, but they're a little much for me at this point.

What sells me on the Gorucks is that they have a more subtle tactical look. A lot of the bags I've looked at were so busy, with compression straps and pockets and belts everywhere, that I feel like you'd get a lot of second looks if you walked around with them.

I like the idea of MOLLE so that you can transform your pack into whatever you need it to be for that day. Going on a quick business trip? Pull all of your pouches off and the MOLLE holds pens and things. A long business trip? Have a couple of pouches loaded up with chargers, writing equipment, measurement devices, a dopp kit, etc, and bring it with you as your second carry on (clothes in the rolling suitcase). Want to go hiking for a while? Strap the big fixed blade sheath to your MOLLE and a couple of pouches for your first aid kit, water purification, food, etc, you're good to go.

I'm an engineer so I can get pretty OCD about packing if I put my mind to it. I like the idea of modular pouches so I don't overpack the main compartment, I just grab the pouches I need, strap them in, and go.

[djh]

I would check out Deuter and other firms that offer bikepacks. They are, by nature, quite minimalist and tend to fit very close. You may even be able to find a larger model from Camelbak.

[Teflon_Synapses]

Check out 511's rush series backpacks. I have the rush 12 and love.

[thebikingengineer]

I was looking at the 5.11 Rush 12. About how far does it sit off the back?

[MASSDRIVER]

I use this Maxped Falcon 2 for just about everything, including 3 nights out hunting or bushcraft.
It will squeeze way down to just a couple of inches, or blow out for a lot of storage. I use the dump pouches for expendables and just roll them up when used, or great for putting a rabbit or bird in.
Best small pack I have ever had for versatility. Stays cool, unlike those Goruck packs. Those suckers are HOT in the summer.

Brent.

[thebikingengineer]

That I will have to check out, thank you Brent.

Also, to every other manufacturer out there, this is how your website should look (information-wise). After checking it out I have no questions about dimensions, setup, or anything of the sort.

[MrMurphy]

MOLLE may be modular, but it is NOT quick.

ATS also makes/made the Cobra, basically a mini-RAID for those type purposes.

Look up REI's Trail 25 or Deuter's ACT 32. Both are minimalist packs that do well.

The full size ATS RAID, having lived out of one for 3 years (literally) in it's basic form, is not that big. You can add on and expand it, mine has a claymore pouch and a few others attached for more storage, but the basic pack itself fits as carryon luggage.