Questions relating to militia purpose field gear

[young patriot 152]

I know i posted this is survival, but this is a little closer to a field gear forum. So, heres the deal. I am newer to the militia movement, those of you i talk to know this.  So this is basically where i can ask questions about gear and stuff i need to pick up. All i have is a gun, 2 15 round mags, (its a 40 s&w sub-2000), A woodland BDU top, and a small amount of food separated from my groceries. I will be posting questions here every so often, and anyone else can if they are in the same boat as me. Being in the 18-25 year old range and not having a freaking clue. Thank you, and stay free.

[young patriot 152]

Here is my first question. I am on sportsmans guide, and i am looking for a rucksack, or a militiaman survival pack if you will. I see a 3 day assault pack thats well priced, but below it i see a military surplus duffel for half the price, and it has shoulder straps. Im broke as all get out but have some extra money. Should i go for the more expensive assault pack, or would the duffel be sufficient? Are they for different things or is one just a more modern iteration of the other? 

[LetFreedomRing 5,754]

47 minutes ago, young patriot said:

Here is my first question. I am on sportsmans guide, and i am looking for a rucksack, or a militiaman survival pack if you will. I see a 3 day assault pack thats well priced, but below it i see a military surplus duffel for half the price, and it has shoulder straps. Im broke as all get out but have some extra money. Should i go for the more expensive assault pack, or would the duffel be sufficient? Are they for different things or is one just a more modern iteration of the other? 

I'm big on compromising for most utility and getting the most bang for the buck.  Duffle bags are just big cloth trunks to store extra stuff you don't use as often and you can't hump them very far even with the straps.  They just aren't made for carrying long distances comfortably.  3 day assault packs are nice but limited in what you can carry and expensive for the size.  Economic compromise, a medium sized surplus Alice Pack.  You can get more in it than a 3 day assault pack, plus much more comfortable to hump than a duffle bag.  

 

https://www.armysurplusworld.com/us-gi-military-surplus-used-woodland-camo-medium-alice-pack

 

 

 

 

[John Last 570]

When somebody says "duffel" I picture a cylindrical bag, nowadays with 2 shoulder straps, like a backpack. Trust me these are horrible to carry... at least get something with a "flat side" to go against your back.  Duffels were made primarily for storage, not for carrying.  There are literally dozens upon dozens of backpack choices available. 

 

The first thing to do is figure out what you want to use the pack for:  3-day patrol, 2-week bug out, leaving home forever, etc.  Military surplus is good quality gear at reasonable prices, but brand-name gear can be really sophisticated and more comfortable (price will reflect this).   Design technology changes over time, so a WWII, 1944 German rucksack (good in it's day) won't be as functional as a 3-day molle assault pack.  I had a French rucksack once with a steel frame, and the pack/frame alone weighed over 8 lbs... way too much.  Modular systems are good, as you can add additional capacity to the bag as needed.  If you don't have the money now, save up and get a good bag.  Better to spend money once, than waste funds on a bag you can't or  won't use... trust me on this too.

 

Personally speaking, I use a US 3-day assault pack.  I can add a fanny pack, sleep bag stuff sack, and other pouches if needed.  I also have a shoulder "gym" type bag that can carry optional gear, ammo, food etc. (my own re-supply), but drop if necessary.  Last I checked, a functional, used 3-day pack could be had all day long for about $35.- delivered.

 

 

[young patriot 152]

thank you both for the insight. I suppose getting the duffel alone would suck. Ill look into the options you suggested and see what i like for the price. 

[John Last 570]

20 minutes ago, young patriot said:

thank you both for the insight. I suppose getting the duffel alone would suck. Ill look into the options you suggested and see what i like for the price. 

If you're pinching pennies, there's lots of Boy Scout packs on ebay with a "best offer" on them.  You'll certainly want something more suitable (versatile) in future, but as a bare minimum to put food, a poncho and dry socks into, they'll do.

[RevRifleman 1,512]

If I were in your position I would just find an inexpensive book bag at the local thrift shop in black or grey - if you don't have an old book bag floating around already.  I know it isn't as exciting... but... you don't have anything to put in the more expensive bag.  

 

I'd recommend using the limited funds you have for more ammo, mags, and perhaps  load bearing vest with mag pouches for your setup.  

 

That being said you can find used surplus UCP assault packs for a decent price.  I mostly lean on my light assault packs (1-2 days) as weight and maneuverability are things to consider when you start talking about ammo, rifle, plates, plate carrier, clothing, water... you get the point.  

 

That's my opinion.  Other opinions above are also good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[VTConcernedCitizen 302]

On 12/2/2019 at 9:40 PM, young patriot said:

Here is my first question. I am on sportsmans guide, and i am looking for a rucksack, or a militiaman survival pack if you will. I see a 3 day assault pack thats well priced, but below it i see a military surplus duffel for half the price, and it has shoulder straps. Im broke as all get out but have some extra money. Should i go for the more expensive assault pack, or would the duffel be sufficient? Are they for different things or is one just a more modern iteration of the other? 

youve gotten lots of great advice here

 

I say if you havent already get a molle rifleman ruck

 

its large sized, comfortable to hump and will last forever

 

remember you are not just buying gear, you are building a system

[young patriot 152]

15 hours ago, VTConcernedCitizen said:

youve gotten lots of great advice here

 

I say if you havent already get a molle rifleman ruck

 

its large sized, comfortable to hump and will last forever

 

remember you are not just buying gear, you are building a system

thank you, i will look into it. and yes, everyone here is very helpful.

[Clay86 6]

As stated above the duffel bag is a no go. My govt issued duffel has been moved to laundry duty when I travel. 
 

I would suggest going to the hunting department at Walmart or Academy. When Hunting season starts coming to an end they tend to put a lot of rucksacks/backpacks on sale. I managed to get a Marine type camo pattern SOG for $30 at Walmart. Very comfortable and tons of pockets for storage. I routinely use it for training and has held up very well for the past 5 or so years. 

[Bergmeister 45]

Years ago I did a lot of backpacking--frames and that sort of thing.  You do not want that.  You probably could benefit from a soft, small pack designed for 24-72 hour use.  I got one of these.

 

https://www.ebay.com/i/223122832027?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=223122832027&targetid=474173424629&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9031645&poi=&campaignid=6469750549&mkgroupid=79220335322&rlsatarget=pla-474173424629&abcId=1141176&merchantid=6296724&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkbSc0eni5QIVCMRkCh39SAnpEAQYAyABEgIuMvD_BwE

 

The Russians used these packs through two world wars.  They are simple but you have to learn how to tie them (plenty of help on youtube).  I waterproofed mine with wax which I overdid.  They are cheap and comfortable to wear.  Russian gear is great, not fancy but always works.