Coleman and Jansport are both starting to but serious entry-level packs on the market. I've been happily surprised by what I've heard about them. Coleman is going through Walmart, and I've heard that Jansport may be retailing thiers through Target (I don't have one around to me, so I'm not sure). I know Jansport is in the Campor catalog.
Personally, I mouted a medium ALICE on a civilian external frame pack, and use that when I feel that the situation is such that I may have to bug out. I have space for my ditch kit on the frame above the pack, space for my sleeping bag below the bag and on the frame, and a bunch of paracord wrapped around the frame to make it more comfortable (3x35', 3x50'). Plans are to put an inexpensive hydration blader between the pack and my spine, as the frame curves.
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-IronRaven
When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.