Several months ago I loaned my Hi Tec Magma to one of the guys I worked with. Despite asking for it to be returned numerous times he always had an excuse so I went over to retrieve it. It looked liked it had been through a war. All the gear was gone, including the sawback machete, sternum pouch gear pockets an camp knife on the straps. The extra straps I had had sewn on for gear were chewed off and shredded. He admitted that he had torn it up on a few hikes, then his kids had played with it several times, doing more damage,Finally his dogs had got ahold of it and had it for at least a week. Now I need a new pack. The only things I had really liked about the Magma was that I could put two hydration units in the inside pocket and that it had two outer mesh water bottle pockets. It was too shallow to hold much gear, let alone survival items and only had the one compartment and one outside pocket. It had been a gift so it was special to me however.
Now I'm looking for one that will let me carry 2 2 liter systems, 2 water bottle pockets, a compartment for clothing and basic survival gear, large main compartment and multiple outside pockets. Price range no more than $50.
Any suggestions?

Don't loan out your gear.

Yeah. I learned that lesson the hard way. Now I won't cover his shifts, supply alibis to his wife or shoot for him when he has to requalify next month.

I purchased a Forclaz 37 Ultralight Hiking Backpack a few weeks ago.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/forclaz-37-ultralight-backpack-id_8243267.html

I am quite happy with it so far. It is in the ultralight weight class for its capacity and has an internal frame for around 900 gms.

I don't know if you can get them in the USA though.

Keep an eye on Woot.com for some good deals on decent gear. You never know what they will have, but sometimes they have what you need.

No affiliation.

I have a very nice Gregory, smaller than medium but larger than small that is well organized. I have seen a newer model like it on sale before for around $60. I have had it for almost 20 years, used the hell out of it, and it has held up.

I am not familiar with the pack you had,but there are lots of fine models of all sizes out there. Some are pretty expensive (Arc'teryx) but in general they are worth the money. I would go to a good outdoor store (a likely choice is REI) and get fitted. I have carried good Gregory packs,like Montanero. I have Mountainsmith and Lowe packs, still in service,that are more than twenty years old. I bought an Arc'teryx in 1991, used it daily and hard until I retired ten years later. The current archaeologist is still using it, and it still looks good.

Any of the good pack brands should give you decades of satisfactory service. Just remember,fit is everything!

Just noticed your price stipulation...Your best best would be an REI brand, although I would recommend spending whatever it takes to get a satisfactory pack. You will be glad in the years to come - voice of experience talking.....

REI Traverse might work. Don't have one but it seems to be a decent daypack.

Not being familiar with the Magma, i am not sure what size you are looking for...I find something with around 60 liters (3500 +/- cu in) is pretty versatile, especially if it can be compressed for smaller loads. Something that size will carry plenty on gear intensive outings, and can serve capably on overnights and short backpacks.

The REI packs are quite good.They are pretty much bombproof, as is their guarantee.

When I hear Daypack and a $50 price point I think something a bit smaller.

Not sure exactly what you are looking for, but for your price range it is hard to beat LA Police Gear's packs.

They are heavy but they are very durable and are "tactical" packs for whatever that is worth. Very similar to my Maxpedition packs at a much better price point.

3 Day Pack

I have one of these and the webbing allowed me to attach 2 bottle holder pouches as well, so it would then meet your water carrying capabilities. It is a 2500 ish in^3 pack, so it holds quite a bit. They also sell a 3000 ish in^3 pack for about $50.

I have gotten quite a bit of good use out of mine and it still looks brand new. I don't think my kids could even scratch it.

Good luck in your search!

Greg

Seconded. I have this one and it's very durable.

Lots of interesting choices here, thanks for all suggestions and links. Now I just have to look through them and find what suits me and my needs. I like the MOLLE strapping and the versatility on the one pack.
Thanks everyone.

I highly recommend the North Face Recon backpack. It fits your specs and is very well designed and built. I have had mine about 5 years now, and I still love it.

http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/s...0GOLD%20RIPSTOP

It lists for $99, but you can get it on Amazon for $59.40. Ok, it is $10 more than your requirement, but I think it is well worth it (and I paid $89 for mine). I have had a number of packs over the years, and nothing was even close to this.

The Recon is an awesome pack.

Tree
Interesting. Looks like a good pack. The $50 was a guidline to help people respond to my request for information. I had left some wiggle room in the price. Thanks for the tip and the link!

+1 on the North Face Recon or the Surge. Surge is the same chassis, with more compartments/ organization.

Kelty MAP 3500, http://www.amronintl.com/kelty-map-3500-three-day-assault-pack.html. I have 3 of them, nice bags. $99-149 depending on sales and colors and where you buy.

Acropolis5
I'll check it out. Thanks

Lono
Great looking pack but it's $100 more than my baseline price. I allowed some wiggle room but not that much.
Thanks for the information and the link.