Why Scotchgard? Is that a real waterproofing agent? I have used Nikwax spray waterproofing before, to reasonable success. In any case, I use a heavy duty plastic clear bag as a liner and my down sleeping bag gets it's own "plastic bag-inside-the-stuff sack" routine. Never had wet or damp down in my life -- "knock-on-wood".

There is mostly a threat of dampness spreading from the moisture inside the clear bag so I separate any damp clothing from the rest with another stuff sack.

I just got a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon and I'm pretty impressed with it so far. Built like a tank.

duckear, which one? From hunting or the military line? What modules/pouches? How do you have it set up? Regards, Jim

I would also think that a rifle in a backpack is just an extra useless 5 pounds. In your arms is much more useful!

Re Martinfocazio Thoughts on Packs and bags

I must agree with you there finding the best pack is very hard task indeed. You have not specified the capacity required therefore but I am assuming something around 30-50 Litres. The following from the Karrimor Sabre and Delta range are excellent. They are robust and are very good quality kit with Mil spec additions which may be useful. They are actually very comfortable in use also. They also are available in a Black and British DPM.
You maybe interested in the Karrimor Delta 35



or for a more versatile pack you may be interested in the Karrimor Sabre 45



The last image shows that additional PLCE compatible 12.5 litre pouches can be added giving an extra 25 litres.



Sabre 45 in DPM

To see the whole range click here

Additional dry bags designed to fit the whole range are also available although for complete waterproof dry bags I would probably go for the range made by Ortlieb.
Hope this helps.

I have a Kifaru Express and an E&E that I take on and off the Express depending on what I'm using it for. I love it, and the E&E is a must have and worth every penny, I sometimes use it by itself. Definitely not cheap, but it's probably the last pack I'll buy. It's a bit heavy, but as comfortable as any pack I've carried.

When I bought it, it was a toss up between the Express and the Marauder. I like the simplicity of the Marauded where one zipper opens up the whole bag. In the end I went with the Express because I thought it would raise less scrutiny when going through an airport. I use it as carry on and can keep most of my essentials with me.

The toughest bags I have are old. Really old. But they've lasted and still seem to have almost infinite life left in them.

A small duffle, maybe 10" diameter by 14" long, made by Kelty. At least 25 years old.

A "Klettersack", made by Wilderness Experience, also more than a quarter century old.

The only new bag I have that feels as solid is a Deuter Futura 32. Actually this thing is just about bomb-proof. I guess I'd have to say it betters the bags I mentioned above. The bags above are extremely basic. In contrast, the Deuter is pretty high-end technical. It's maybe a bit large for warm weather day hikes, but perfect for warm weather overnighters or cold weather day hikes. But the thing is so dang comfortable that I end up taking it on most warm day hikes anyway. The Air Comfort system is wonderful. There are some detailed reviews of this bag at:

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/...%20Futura%2032/