Hi

I need a rugged backpack that could contain basic equipment for 3 days.

The pack must be rain-resistant, comfortable to wear, rugged (1000 cordura / ballistic nylon)and well designed with convenient access to most of the stored gear.

Design must have a military appearance (can be khaki,OD,tan or camouflage)

The backpack's signature must be of modest dimensions (carry-on aboard airliners)

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

+1 on Maxpedition for your stated needs. Very tough stuff.

goodness, go over and haunt Actiongear.com

Lots of stuff, including things named "BOB" and "3-day pack."

From personal experience / use I can recommend the Kelty MAP 3500, available from Amron International for $89 or $99 http://www.amronintl.com/products.cfm?root=92&sub=&catID=93&Ind=ALL&pageID=159 The 3500 is good for my 3 days, ymmv you might find it small depending on what you consider a 3 day load. It has proven to be an excellent pack over the past few years, I also use it as an almost every day daypack it hauls overnight and extended day provisions very well. I notice that its available now in 3 colors - ACU, black and foliage green, too bad my favorite was coyote brown. I imagine it would carry aboard airlines quite well. I own three - and I get no $ from Kelty or Amron for the recommendation, just a happy camper.

There are several other military style packs described and depicted in this thread - http://www.ar15.com/lite/topic.html?b=6&f=10&t=186483&page=1. Amron also sells other designs too, have a look there.

Lono, thanks for the link.

Too bad that Kelty isn't 3500ci like the name implies.

??

Who said anything about a 3500 cu in pack? Its ~1950 ci, as disclosed in the specs on the website. Still bigger than the ~1350 ci for the Maxpedition Falcon II. And 3500 ci would be cavernous for a 3 day pack (at least for one of mine).

+1 on Kelty Map 3500. I own and use two. One for a BOB, and one for deployments, travel (including carry-on), big day/overnights, etc. Here's the Kelty as my BOB setup.

Here's my previously posted review:
This one is worth a look. The big advantage is a real, functional, internal frame that transfers the load to the hips efficiently, meaning you can carry serious weight comfortably, if need be. However, it's volume is more like a large day pack. It is also very adjustable for size. It doesn't look too "tactical" and blends in like an ordinary day pack, especially the "civilian" colors. It's $100 with free shipping, which may be over budget, but it is listed elsewhere at over $170, and well worth it. I own two; one is for deployments, the other is my BOB/travel/day hiking pack, and I'm very happy with them after extended use. Kelty MAP 3500

* 1950 cubic inch volume
* 420d HD nylon Oxford mesh cover on back panel and shoulder strap
* 420 gram, 100% nylon Airmesh EVA foam in back panel and shoulder straps
* 500 denier nylon Kodra (1000d on ACU color!) construction, double stitched
* Internal suspension, two fit to form Light-Beam stay rods
* Panel loading pack, single large compartment 2 exterior zippered pockets
* Interior hydration pouch, supports up to 100 oz. bladder, 210d nylon ripstop
* Hydration port at top of pack allows for drink tube to be used over either shoulder.
* Hydration port has snap on top flap closure
* Exterior cargo pocket with fleece eyewear pocket and admin organizer pocket
* Side mesh pockets (fits 1 quart lexan water bottles each side)
* Waist belt (removable) with Scherer cinch system, with waist belt tuck-away feature
* Adjustable sternum strap
* Fully adjustable (removable/replaceable) shoulder straps

armageddon

The real answer to your question could be this: Find a really good survival store - the closest location to you. Even if you need to drive some distance - it will be worth it. I'm talking about a store that carries military, civilian and tactical equipment. The better quality military surplus stores will do that (forget the run-of-the-mill army surplus stores). Then handle the packs yourself, and try them on. For an item like a pack ... there is never any substitute for actually putting the real thing on your back. Otherwise you could be really frustrated when you go out into the field.

I recently bought a pack by Stansport that fits my needs pretty well. Their Canyon 75 pack is very tall compared to a lot of other backpacks. That allows you to stow gear that is long, without things poking out of the top of the pack. However - I'm not sure that this particular pack will meet all your needs ... it may not have enough volume. And it looks more like a conventional civilian pack.

Good luck!

Pete

+1. If the OP wants full 1000 denier cordura construction most outdoor sport/backpacking oriented packs are going to be out of the running.