Great info & pics Matt.

I have always had the same reservations about the military-oriented gear: weight. I know, they need durability. But there is a flippin' limit, people. A pack that size weighing 8 lbs empty? Insane.

I think the military mindset is "I'm carrying 85lbs of stuff plus ammo, what's another couple pounds?". They don't seem to understand the SERIOUS performance penalty that extra weight invokes.

Am I saying they should carry their gear in a 3.2 ounce sil-nylon totebag? Of course not. But the heavy-as-hell trend set by Kifaru and Maxpedition is ridiculous IMO.