Not into those sports, but I do use my bags regularly. The ruck is a large ALICE. I know those hold up. The belt pouch/fanny pack is Outdoor Gear and works well except for the belt- it loosens on its own. My EDC backpack isn't packed for anything more than what I need during a day. Usually I just carry lunch, my library book, Marcus Aurelius, toilet paper and my coffee jar o' stuff.

Same here. Partly for cost issues, buying a nice bag and preparedness gear is expensive so getting use out of it helps ease the cost. Sure you can buy cheap stuff but it helps to justify more expensive stuff if I get more use of it.
I found a modular pack so when just going on a simple bike ride I can remove two layers and have just a hydration bladder and psk and the additional gear is in the truck where is supplemets the get home gear. Then if going on a hike I can add on a layer or two.

On the same vein, I want to include accessories provided with our gear. I was going to start a new thread on this specific peeve of mine but feel it can be served here. It really bugs me to buy an expensive or important piece of gear and the extras are flimsy, low budget, fray easily and require additional out of funds by the purchaser.

The provided carry case for a SPOT2 is horribly weak. First time out on a run, it shredded apart and had I not heard it hit the ground would have lost it in the middle of the desert.

I am looking at buying a Dry Case brand soft sided waterproof case. It's clear, it has a lash point molded into the hard plastic top and I am almost positive the unit will work from inside it. So I'll be able to see the lights and press buttons w/o taking it out.

It will.

IIRC, Kifaru actually has a suspension system to place the load onto your hips where most of the popular ones like Maxpedition do not.

-john

Most reasonably large backpacks, 4000 cu in and up, will have a suspension system that transfers the load to the hips. This development traces back to the classic Kelty frame packs of the 1950s.

Maxpedition packs are essentially daypacks, adorned with a lot of MOLLE bling. The Vulture II, their largest, is listed at a mere 2810 cu in. At that volume hip transfer is not a big deal.

I picked up an Outdoor Products Skyline 8.0 backpack from Walmart. Originally, I got it because it was on sale and it looked decent. I threw it in my closet to use as a loaner.

I just tried it out yesterday. It's actually really nice for a day pack. I tried running with it, and it rode well. The waste strap distribute some weight onto the hips. Also, there's a removable aluminum frame that I just discovered.

I test my kit and bags almost every weekend and I can tell you that I have shelved many bags/packs or given them away over the years as after multiple field testings and outings, they did not suit my particular needs

Currently I have 3 non-used packs sitting in the corner that along with a Rubbermaid container of assorted kit will once again be donated to the local Boy Scout troop as there is always a few kids who need gear and cannot readily afford to purchase it.

Right now I have no less then 9 packs or bags that I use on a regular depending on destination, terrain, expected weather, number of days, kit selection taken etc.

That said, there is another pack on display at the the local gear store that is of great interest to me...