I recall Matt's post re: the kifaru marauder and nepal. Also remember a post from Matt re: Kelty Map 3500. Currently in the market for a 72 hour bag that won't bust the budget. Would also prefer something that can be worn over web gear. Any suggestions? Any comparisons between the Kelty and the 2nd mortgage packs?

Thanks,

Gerry

I used to be disgusted. Now, I'm just amused.

Take a look at the Camelbak BFM. It's virtually the same size as the Marauder, and set up similarly.

The BFM is a great choice! Great quality and big enough for most people's 72 hour kits. You can see how much I carry in mine here web page . I still have room for more with all of that!

Another good choices are Tactical Tailor's a 3-Day + pack.

About the same size as the BMF is the SpecOps THE Pack. Set up a little differently, but it wasn't designed around a hydration bladder, for better or worse. I've examined a couple of them, and tried them on, and I like how it feels- I'm saving all the quarters I don't feed junk food machines until I can get one of my own. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

After getting rid of the Kifaru Marauder I ended up buying yet another pack hoping that it will be better than Kelty. I got TADs 2nd Gen FAST pack. After testing it around for about a month or so I have to tell you that Kelty is still winning. I'm back with Kelty and will not mess around with other packs anymore. You know my opinion on Marauder. And here's one on TADs: great pack but too small (had to expland it with additional pouches), hard to get to compartments, comfortable, few gizmos (like retractor hidden in the pocket compartment) but in the end not as good as Kelty. Map 3500 is very roomy with multi angle access options and maybe it doesn't have as much webbing as I want to it is a workhorse and a great bag that is not only comfortable but very well made.

I got a lot of complements on looks of TAD pack and Marauder. People love that tactical hardcore look but in the end all my coworkers begin to love the capacity and put functionality over looks.

Here are few pics of what I did to the TAD pack:


On the bottom I fitted a Kifaru pouch, another one went on the side and one more in the front. That gave it very tight capacity of maybe 3/4 of the kelty and it was impossible to get to. One thing I loved about TADs pack thou was the outside sleeve for a rifle/snowboard/laptop which made access to my computer fast but than it took me forever to get to the charger.

Go with the Kelty man.

I love the Blackbeard patch. Nice touch. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Matt,

Thanks.. Just what I was looking for.


Gerry