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Kettlebell Backpack for Rucking as part of SFG1 prep

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The Nail

Level 7 Valued Member
Hello,

Anybody have any recommendations for a rucking backpack?

I'm only going to be using it for rucking as part of my SFG1 prep. I'm not intending to do any multi-day hikes with it. I've got a $200 budget. It does need to fit over winter gear, as the weather gets nasty here in Chicagoland. Judging by Al's essay on rucking I linked below, I shouldn't need the rucksack to handle more than 50 pounds.

Rucking: What it is and how to do it

Thanks!
 
I used an old North face for a year with no issues. Just go cheap if you're only using it for a bit.
 
@pet'
do you own both?
The Predator looks really promising and is much cheaper than other rucks I have my eyes on (like the ones from 5.11).
The X Lite doesn't look like it's durable enough to hold 30-40lbs for 2-5 hours of rucking per week.
 
Hello,

@Kettlebelephant
I use the first one to go to work. Basically, I put in it my wet suit, water, food, book, etc... So these things are light and not sharp. The one I currently use is about 4 years now. It endures more than well. For little walks / hike it also gets the job done.

Predator is for rucking / hiking / travelling. I put heavier stuff in it. For instance, if I go to the forest for a while, I'll put (among other things): cooking stuffs, axe, knife, first aid kit, military shovel, back up shoes, etc...

I tested it with a 20kg bell for a 4 hour hike. Straps are thick so the weight does not "cut" blood flow in the arms, does not hurt shoulders on the long haul. They also absorb pace shocks very well, included on "irregular surfaces" such as rocks & debris, wood, etc... The belt helps very well to maintain the bag very stable (both vertical and horizontal movement if you have to move fast). The part in contact of your back is thick enough so you can put odd form objects (such as a bell) without being afraid of hurting your lower back / lumbar. Plus, it is a material which let air go inside and outside so this is very comfortable.

I also put in it different stuff, such as weight for diving, etc... no issues !

IMO this is an excellent backpack, not that expensive, very reliable.

Kind regards,

Pet'
 
Hello,

Anybody have any recommendations for a rucking backpack?

I'm only going to be using it for rucking as part of my SFG1 prep. I'm not intending to do any multi-day hikes with it. I've got a $200 budget. It does need to fit over winter gear, as the weather gets nasty here in Chicagoland. Judging by Al's essay on rucking I linked below, I shouldn't need the rucksack to handle more than 50 pounds.

Rucking: What it is and how to do it

Thanks!
Any of the major climbing pack manufacturers have a product that will meet your requirements. Lowe, Gregory, Arcteryx, Black Diamond, Mammut, Millet, Karrimor, Mountain Hardware...
However, unless you are a climber you have no need to spend $$$$ on a superlight pack. If your only concern is rucking, heavier is probably better because it means less you need to stuff it. You don't need fancy features. A comfortable suspension system and hip belt you do need.
Having spent 11 years in Chicagoland... I am well familiar with their winters. REI will have a decent selection that you can try on in the store (with weight), to see what fits best. Some of the staff may be knowledgeable about sizing (but not all). Plus REI has a generous return policy.
 
I’ll echo what @aciampa said:

Go to a surplus store and get a decent ALICE pack. Shouldn’t cost you more than $100 tops. Though I would pay more for a really good frame, one that isn’t bent or cracked.

-WF
 
I use the first one to go to work. Basically, I put in it my wet suit,

@pet' what do you do for a living/ From your profile pic i assumed you were a recreational diver (I used to be), but do you dive for a living?

BTW, following your suggestion I ordered a Predator pack... I ruck about twice a week, with about 20-30kg (depends on dstance/effort I plan for), done a LOT of kms with a regular light pack that is not ideal, so let's see how it holds up! Thanks for the suggestion!
 
Hello,

@ClaudeR
I am a recreational diver. I'd love diving for a living though... I love this contact with Nature and silence. The person next to me is my girlfriend. Otherwise, I do lots of free diving.

Predator is a good investment IMO ! Lots of folks I know ruck with it

Kind regards,

Pet'
 
@pet' I'm a ship surveyor and I have worked with a few professional divers during ship salvage operations. That's an scary job!
 
Hi @pet' ,

Got the predator 30 2 days ago, so far it feels very comfortable, and certainly very solid/well made! I'll put it through its paces in the coming weeks, but so far I am very happy with the price/value ratio!

Merci pour la recommendation!

Claude
 
Sandbags and filler material. Packs work best when they are full, and don't have a bunch of loose stuff floating around in them, or poking you.
 
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