Bag advice needed

[dsn95]

Any advice on the following two bags I'm thinking about purchasing:

http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html

http://www.lapolicegear.com/tabaoutbag.html

Thanks

DSN

[Anthony]

I prefer backpacks over anything else, so I'd personally go with the pack.  Beware of the quality of that $30 pack...I think it's a knockoff.  If you plan on any heavy use it's wise to pay more for quality gear.  The only exception to that rule would be surplus military gear, most of which is cheap and heavy duty, especially old military packs.

What do you plan on using this new bag/pack for?

[dsn95]

Thanks for the quick response! I actually plan on buying both of them. The backpack mainly for day-hikes, and the smaller bag for when I'm on the field to lug around some light gear like GPS, maps, multitool, binoculars etc.. I'm a conservation student so I'm usually outdoors working. Most I'll use these bags for is an overnighter. I thought that they looked like a good pair together.

I do have a really tight budget though and I have to pay additional shipping, taxes etc. so the total price I pay will be closer to double the original price. I was hoping to get at least a years service from these bags, maybe using them a couple times a week. Where else do you suggest I look around for cheap yet decent quality bags like those? I'm not looking for the best quality bags though since I won't be able to afford them.

Thanks
DSN

[donvito]

http://www.specopsbrand.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductID=50 if you do a bit of searching you might find it at a cheaper price
This bag here is made by SpecOps Brand, top notch gear. It's a bit smaller, but might fit your needs.
Anthony gave a very good advice regarding mil surplus, you can pick up a used pack cheap.
Would military colors cause a problem in your country?
Good luck with your search and studies

[Anthony]

Check this out, the German Alpine Rucksack;
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=223043

Although it's sold out at that website, it has a good pic and description.  I think I paid $20 for mine and it's well built.  Even if you had to spend $50 to get one to you I think it's worth it.  Check ebay also for surplus rucksacks.

EDIT:
Check this out...TWO rucksacks for $20!
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/2-pk-used-italian-military-combat-rucksacks.aspx?a=605875

I don't have any experience with this specific model, but the price is right!

[glorn]

http://www.lapolicegear.com/tabaoutbag.html

This one has to be the Maratac like CountyComm sells. It is 100% identical, and I have not seen an identical Maratac knockoff.

If that is the case, I would say get it asap. A great bag. Holds a hell of a lot. Nicely built too. Lower denier than Maxpedition's 1000d, but might be around 800-600d, which is just fine for most people. Unless you plan on tossing it about a lot or really abusing/abrading it.
But even then, at that price it is hard to justify buying anything more expensive. I bought and EDCed that Maratac bag for a year and I loved it. My only complaint was that it was too big for me. Held too much.

Here is an EDC load out of one that will give you some idea of what it can carry: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29913300@N08/3740950863/in/set-72157613805972761/


Make sure if you do get one that you invest in a pair of US GI canteens for it. They fit the end pouches as if they were designed for each other, and of course they come in both OD or black, so you can get your color matched up. And while Nalgene bottle do fit there as well, they ride higher and are rounder, so they seem less sleek than the canteen does.

Happy shopping!

[newton9527]

So your gone 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Scalped

[Shane769]

Any advice on the following two bags I'm thinking about purchasing:

http://www.lapolicegear.com/diplomat-3-day-backpack1.html

I will never understand why guys like these strange packs... especially for dayhikes. A pack needs to breathe, which that backpanel never will; stabilize loads, which that does not seem to have the ability to do; hold gear efficiently; which means organization, including internal pockets, and more importantly bottle storage; and in my mind, should be a longer pack, not one that juts so far from your body. And that waist belt! BLECH! Most people think of a waist belt as useless, but that is because they think of these strap ones that offer no support. Look for something with a fairly wide padded belt that actually will transfer weight to your hips and take the load off your shoulders and back. It looks uncomfortable for longer hikes, looks like the bush will catch and mangle every little strap on it, and will never let you keep balance properly over your hips and ultimately your feet. I might be a bit over critical, but I have had a lot of bad packs for dayhiking, trust me.

[ari6126]

I have the LAPG bag. I'm able to fit a bunch in it too.

[nuphoria]

I have one of those LAPG bags on the way too - for £20 it didn't seem like too much of a risk.

I totally agree about good quality hiking packs though. I have used a few cheaper ones or ones without any kind of constructive back support and I would never go back to one again. I have a pretty decent Vaude Tofana 28l pack which has a frame allowing airflow, and lots of adjustable bits to fit it for your shape well. I'm not overly enamoured with the top loading design, but this one works great for me and easily holds two litre water bottles in each side or has the sleeve for hanging a bladder in.

It's this one if anyone wants to know more: http://www.ubergear.co.uk/Vaude-Tofana-28.html
you can pick them up for a fair bit cheaper too.

[ghost331]

I've enjoyed my time here at MT.O, but apparently my brand of spam, upset Mike's tummy

Bye