Best backpack for hiker/camper/survivalist?

Question

What's the best backpack for a survivalist? I've been hearing an ALICE pack - http://i18.tinypic.com/2vayu76.jpg - is the way to go, but what do you think? I'm looking for something spacious, durable, and comfortable (and hopefully cheap).

Answer 1

the answer is that their is no correct answer. but i went with a large alice pack from Majorsurplusandsurvival.com for about $50, I have herd it called a Ranger ruck at one time or another but not by them. if you are unhappy with the lack of padding you can alwas buy the Alice Pack Suspension System from
Pack Masters

Answer 2

Greetings - Patrick here from footprintsdownunder - I have to recommend the Sea to Summit range of Ruck Sacks the Mountain Expedition Alpine is my own personal ruck sack after over 5 years of Backpacking and a new purchase that took me 2 weeks and countless brands and allot of experience in what is good. This is it.

I have just written an article on buying a new backpack url below

Also this is way affordable I paid $480 for mine it has already seen snow, dust, coaches and hitch hiking, it is the most comfortable Back pack I have ever owned and the toughest.

Full specs..........

Monster sized mountain pack designed for Ski Mountaineering or big approaches. With side zip access and versatile alpine racking system for any alpine hardware. Strippable and highly compressible.
Fabric 450d Ripstop Polyester, Kodra 600d
Colour Red / Black
Size XS/S, M, L
Capacity 95lt+, 100lt+, 105lt+
Harness Synchro-FORM Hi-Load TPS
Weight 2.75kg, 2.85kg, 2.95kg

Mountain Expedition

This special, new addition to the WE pack range for 2004 is configured for big mountaineering expeditions and extended ski traverses. When loads need to be carried into remote base camps or up to high altitude camps the capacity, comfort and features of this pack make it the ideal choice. Once these jobs are done it can be compressed down and tooled up for more technical ascents.

Our previous range included the Alpine Expedition, a rugged, high volume canvas pack fitted out for use in the hills. The bag capacity (more than the Karijini) also made it a popular choice amongst serious bushwalkers. In replacing this with the Mountain Expedition we've paid strict attention to alpine use. Immediately apparent is the change to a 450 denier high tenacity ripstop polyester (PU back coated). This fabric, 30% lighter than canvas, is tough and abrasion resistant but the additional advantages lie in snow repellency and the yarn's low water retention when soaked. Add a lightweight, seam-sealed, dry liner bag (use one with ANY backpack in the wet) and the Mountain Expedition is reliable for the worst, wettest weather (we report from recent experience with our pre-production samples). We have also chosen a tighter weave, lower denier Kodra for the reinforcing layers. The base of the bag has a 5mm layer of closed-cell foam sandwiched between fabric layers. This simple, lightweight feature dramatically improves abrasion resistance.

Now let's look at the features in detail:

The pack bag, working with the 'floating' top cover, has an enormous capacity. You don't have to use it but there are times when it's better to pack eveything inside and not dangle it on the outside (mostly, in our opinion). Instead of the ususal 'lightweight' throat with twin drawcords we have extended the bag fabric high to a single drawcord / roll top option combination. We've used this system personally for some years now and prefer it. Overall there's no weight penalty and it's long enough to use as a chest high bivi bag if you don't make it. Discard the top cover (which doubles as a bum bag - see below) and the rolled down top secures with the main top cover straps.

When you're staked out on steep snow ramp or a narrow ledge and need to extract or stuff away a clothing layer (or something else) direct access into the pack bag is a god-send. The Mountain Expedition has a long, heavy-duty coated zip on the right side of the pack bag, behind the compression straps. OK, you can't get through the liner bag but, at altitude, you probably won't be using one. The triple side compression straps are circular (you get a 2:1 force advantage), tilted, removeable (and able to be used for any number of emergencies) and, finally, now work on side carriers so webbing has been eliminated from main bag seams. The compression strap geometry is designed to work best on a relatively empty pack bag. The bottom straps draw up the base, and so on upwards.

Hip side stabiliser anchor buckles have been integrated with the double layer bottom side pocket spiders - which serve multiple functions. They accept snow stakes or the tails of skis carried high). Apertures are provided so skis can be mounted lower with tails inclined backwards so as to not smash into you're calves. Towards the back the 'spiders' run out into a pocket for a snow shovel blade. (Use the back panel shockcord tail to grab the shaft). Notice the reinforced webbing loops across the side bottom pockets. Use them as temporary holsters or attachment points.

The back panel of the pack includes a number of useful features. Ice tool holsters are built-in each side of the simple, pleated, abrasion resistant back pocket. The open top is secured by a combination of the long, vertical over-the-bag compression strap and the adjustable tension shockcord web. Drain openings are provided each side at the bottom. Use this pocket for your skins.

The generous top cover has been given a new look and extra features: look-up head clearance has been improved by scalloping the top pocket, the cover can be easily extended upwards when really absurd loads need to be carried, it can be removed to work as a twin compartment, fully equipped BUM BAG and the top 'camera' pocket has more useful capacity. In place of the Alpine Expedition's map pocket there is now a substantial, expanding pocket hanging inside, directly under the outside top pocket. This takes bulky items when the top cover is carried as a bum bag.

The Mountain Expedition has everything needed for load carrying on big expeditions. Our Synchro-FORM harness system is more than equal to the load potential of the big bag. (The short-comings of poorly engineered frame and harness systems are rapidly exposed when loads increase). The comprehensive compression system makes the Mountain Expedition just as suitable for less ambitious trips. Choose it anytime you need 50 litres or more.

Answer 3

Try shopping at REI or Mel Cottons

Answer 4

check out www.mec.ca.
I have had several different brands. Quality to price ratio MEC can't be beat.

Answer 5

I guess it's OK if you just gotta have that military feel and you're just using it for day hiking. I like this one better: http://www.rei.com/product/48111576.htm

Answer 6

Always buy what is comfortable and affordable for you.