ILBE Pack Mods: Save Weight And Simplify - Preparedmind101
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- Preparedmind101 shows you how easy it is to mod your ILBE pack to save up to albs of weight and reduce all the unnecessary straps that hang all over it.
SHOP AND SUPPORT THROUGH THE AMAZON STORE:
www.preparedmin...
SUBSCRIBE: tinyurl.com/mdw...
FACEBOOK: / preparedmind101
GOOGLE+: plus.google.com...
TWITTER: / preparedmind101
INSTAGRAM: / preparedmind101
The Straps you removed were intended for "Compression of the load" making your gear tighter and reduce noise..., the rear flap you cut off was intended to support the Assault pack and or camel back. BBut to each his own. I'm an old school Marine, no strap or item goes unused.
Just got one used for crazy cheap and all the straps were folded and taped up neatly thank god
Agreed!
I just rolled my excess straps up and wrapped them in OD Green duct tape. As for the flap and lid, i use mine often, so I'll be keeping them. I prefer the versatility of the pack in original form, if i need to cut weight, I'll leave a piece of gear at home, or find lighter gear. 3 lbs is a drop in the ocean when rucking 60 lbs of bug out gear. That being said, to each their own, the pack does look cool with the mods.
I love the way it looks with the extra crap cut off u can really see the beauty of it now
Just a few things...not gonna hate on ya because I agree yours does look nice and clean and that loss of a pound or two is an advantage. 1) There are really only 4 buckles that are used in attaching the assault pack which isn't much. 2) The compression straps that are all over the ILBE are used for cinching down the load and keeping it tighter up against the body which if you have the max 120lbs in the pack the compression straps tightened down as far as they'll go do help in making the load more manageable and comfortable. 3) If you're lucky enough to get a pack that has the elastic strap keepers still in place you can clean up the straps pretty nicely and they make the straps far more manageable. 4) If you do have the elastic strap keepers or even roll the excess straps up and tape them they don't really cover the MOLLE webbing and run between the MOLLE rows. Generally if you're using the compression straps you run the straps over whatever pouch you have attached to the MOLLE. You can run them under the pouch but you can't really have the straps rolled up if you do that.
I wish the ILBE manual that is available online and sometimes comes with new ILBE packs would be more instructional.
Great video overall. Keep it up.
Preparedmind101, I know that your video is a year old but I did take off the extras in your video and made a rain cover to replace the heavy top as well. Mine is now 3lbs lighter which is huge. Also I left 2 compression straps on each side (top and bottom) for my rifle and axe. I am humping the Pacific Northwest Mts and weight really matters. Their ain't no rolling hills here.
I worked for a tactical gear mfg and we did many mods similiar to what you did. Look into replacing the top with a single sheet of Marpat that is coated on one side for a rain flap. I reused the fastex buckles that came off of the extra compression straps.
I am not hauling mortar rounds or granades so 4 compression straps per side is a bit of overkill (no pun intended)
Please excuse my ramblings you make great videos. Thank you for your good works.
Pac NorthWest?? Be cautious of BIGFOOT/SASQUATCH FOR REAL!!!
No military experience here and I just bought one of these. First impressions are that it's big, heavy, dusty and smells of sweat but it appears to offer quite a bit of versatility. My first thoughts on mods are to just remove the inner gear separator and the inner bag, both have clips and are removable. I also plan to give it a good washing to release the dirt, dust and residual sweat. No other plans until I put it through multiple excursions that will allow me get to know it better. My leaning is to leave it as it is. Great video, thanks!
Thanks for the upload! I EAS in Jan 2017, I'm "planning" a thru hike on the PCT. I have one of these packs, I was wondering if people trimmed their packs down by what you did. It's crazy how useful all those extra straps and buckles are when you're doing field ops and have to transition from an assault pack to main pack.
Also, 2nd on why Marines didn't like this pack. There's a HUGE difference in hiking without a flak, rifle, radio, MOLLE's, Optics and unnecessary gear that you wouldn't use I.E. on a trail/backpacking trip. Even the packs we use now still suck cause you're still wearing front, back, and side sappi plates.
For anyone who says this pack is way to big or heavy for a thru hike may be wrong, I feel due to the fact that the material is damn near indestructible/ tear resistant and is a heavy load bearing it makes up for it. I've hiked with less than 40lbs with my current pack and it seriously felt like I was carrying pillows.
Thanks for video, can't wait to customize mine.
I got mine from Sam's when you did they first video on this pack. It was in the $50 dollar range, and the only thing wrong with it was a missing elastic band. I had a question about belt size and not only did I get a prompt reply by email, but I got a phone call to make sure I was satisfied. A1 customer service. I've seen the other video on mods and that guy cut off way too much. It looks like I'm stealing another one of your ideas. Thumbs up.
I got one from goodwill for $24.99 plus tax, right place right time. New, with tags sans assault pack.
I like the rucksack. Mine is abou 40lbs its doesnt hurt when you wear it but when you walk 10 miles with it it will wear you down
Those are great packs. Mine I got off ebay and it came with the assault pack. Had a few holes but they were patched up nicely.
those extra straps were to attach your assault pack as a system.
The ILBE is without a doubt a great pack. I went with the Eberlestock J107M "Dragonfly" coupled with a "Spike" Duffel bag attachment. This is my INCH bag. It provides a scalable pack 2500 up to 7800 cubic inches.(Built in Gun Scabbard and the top cover separates out to make a fanny pack. 43Kg when fully rigged) Depending upon how you rig and load it out. Although a pricey combo at $330.00. The ILBE is a great pack for the budget conscious. As usual Chris, another great video and thank you for your service.
I just picked up one the weekend at a flea market that looks to be in pretty good shape for $40. I came across this video by chance and now I'm gonna have to see what kind of straps I don't need... thank u sir
I have this Pack, and the recon Pack plus the assault pack and Corpsman Medic Pack all in new condition, I just couldn't come to cutting off bits, I just use a Civilian pack which is a lot lighter,
Enjoyed your video
Yeah, once you cut, there is no going back. I think my 1990's Gregory Palisades pack, fully packed, will fit inside this monster.
Well, interesting. I bought one of these off Sam's and didn't know you were buying from him. I bought one of the excellent ones and it was brand new. This guy is a solid shooter.
Probably doesn't need it but I also put a 40L dry bag in the main carry area. It can either fill the well, or it can be used for those things that should never get wet and the rest of the well for things that can. I started with the 55L and after I get a chance to try out both I will decide which is the better solution of the two.
I think it's really worth your time to check out.
Like your pack. I spent years coming up with a sleep system. Because of my location i settled on a USMC gore tex sleeping bag cover. Camo. I love it. I rely on my 3 layers of clothing. I can change out as needed. Ive been in pouring rain and snow. Its light and opens up alot of room. Its always taken care if me. I chose to use the room for other things. With proper bedding under me and a small fire. Im perfect. Lean 2 helps. I came across a USMC 1 man tent. It works. Im still trying to decide if it will be in my pack full time. Its great. It takes up almost no room. Keep up the great vids.
If you wanna go ultralight the ILBE is a BAD CHOICE. Get a Mystery Ranch terra80
Don't forget to take a lighter to the webbing after you cut it off so it wont fray, especially if it is near a seam! I usually mod a pack to my liking. Mostly I take the junk rope off of the zipper pulls and add real 550 cord and after I get it packed is when I mess w/ the straps if they need it. Thanks again Mr. Tanner!
i just rolled mine up and fastened down with the small stretch band thats on the straps unless you removed them too. id never take off straps , you never know if some day you may need them.
I don't know where you were ever finding those packs that cheap. Good for you, but I have never seen a complete one cheaper than $225.00, and that's on a good day.
Got mine for very reasonable price (under $100) with assault pack, radio pack and Lid. Holds all my gear plus some. Love it!
Thanks for sharing this. When I was in the Corps we still had ALICE system and I was unfamiliar with the ILBE. When I saw the Marines already switched to FILBE I was like I have just wasted money on two ILBE packs. Thank you for clarifying why they switched.
The pack itself weighs 12lbs.. The new ones arent woodland but just coyote brown and build much like a Large Alice.
i got my whole ilbe, assault pack, hydration pack system, for 150 brand new.
fatdan172501 - where did you buy yours?
One Martini eBay
Thanks for this great video. I just got into hunting and i found this pack for $20 at a yard sale. This video helped on what straps i dont need since it has way to many
I use the flap to hold up my jacket. its pretty handy. I think 4 compression straps on each sides are overkill for civilian uses. if you are a neat freak just like Chris, you can go this way like he did. but all these straps make this pack so much versatile. I just dont wanna cut them out to save about 2 lbs and make it look tidy :(
I'd rather carry an extra 2 pounds of food and water than useless nylon, but it's your pack, do what you want. I trimmed my pack down more than he did.
wanna see that :)
the ilbe is the most comfortable rucksack ever made. far and above the molle2 or the god aweful alice. im a big fan of the ilbe system. at first i was apalled by your description of what you had done. but after watching, i realized for CIVILIAN use, what youve done to this pack is really ractical. a civilian has no need for a beavertail, if you do wear a helmet, you should prolly have it on anyhow and not in the beavertail. i think i might do the same.
The cover that you cut off only covers the pals webbing when in use otherwise roll it up out of the way and you can get to all the webbing. The part you cut off gives a great place to put a jacket . You talk about having so many places now to attach things but I don't see you attaching anything
If you want to keep it on your pack then keep it. Personally I did the same thing and cut mine off. I've had packs with that type of flap on them. I don't really care to use them and they add a few useless ounces of weight. Every bit counts. I'd rather carry a few extra ounces of food and water than a flap of nylon that I don't use. I just straps through the molle to carry my jacket, etc.
You need an Colt M4 strapped to that BAD BOY !!!
lol 20mike-mike!!!!! HANDS DOWN UR RIGHT!!!!!!!!!! That would look badass hang off there!!!
If you wanna go ultralight the ILBE is a BAD CHOICE. Get a Mystery Ranch terra80
So you cut off all the useful modular parts of the pack to “ save weight “ but added a panel of Velcro for you coolguy morale patches? Does that make any sense at all if you were actually doing this for a practical purpose?
The only thing I would change about the Military sleep system is change out the bivy for a Dutch single hoop bivy- it closes all the way, and the hoop keeps the bivy off your face. It's also made of Gortex, and you can install a sleep pad on the bottom... It's a MUCH better bivy!!
Couple questions for the Marines... How does the hydration system attach inside of the assault pack? Also, what are the the two buckles on the inside used for?
As for cutting off straps where the assault pack goes so you can attach things to the moly??? Why not just use the assault pack to carry the extra. When and where you decide to set up camp, detach the pack and now you have a scouting or a day pack..
Since you have cut the inner panel out. Take the radio pouch and sew the corners closed. Use some of the material from the panel and make a flap. Sew it on the top.
Use a couple of those straps for closures. Now you'll have another pouch to keep your food in. Makes it easy to remove and hang and keep the critter out of your pack.
WildBill
Congratulations! you saved 4 ounces of weight! You are going to regret cutting all that webbing off when you need it.
PREPAREDMIND101 I actually cut the suspension systen where they are stitched to the straps so they could provide more lift closer to my body. Idk what your opinion i is on this modification but I've noticed this has helped the balance tremendously
to bad you did not do a before and After?
Those straps were for strength. Now the weak point is the side zippers. Plus straps could be used as tournequets, lashing for shelter etc.
That's what A hank of 100 foot rolls of 550 paracord is for, cheap too!!
If you wanna go ultralight don’t buy military surplus
i love my ilbe. got it cheap (for living in canada) because the guy put the metal stays in backwords.... so the pack was horrible feeling haha i just got it home flipped them around and was all yay. i like having all the straps on it especially the flap on it that covers the molle.
Hack job.....cut everything to attach items with off to be able to attach items to it. What sense is that? You essentially cut out the very nature of the ILBE, glad it works for you, doesn't work for me. I went further and added buckles, straps and molle to mine. Instead of trying to save weight, hit the gym amd make some muscle to carry rose fee extra ounces.
I got this pack and MMSS due in large part to your recommendation. I am glad I did. The mods you have done to your ILBE is a happy medium between the "strapocalypse" of the original and the almost too Spartan modifications of the of the web page you referred to. I will be modding one of my packs like this. Thanks for posting this and try not to pay attention to the whiners...
why you would want to attach another pack on to one this big, I do not know. Thanks! I have the same pack! I got it for fifty bucks!
If you have to start cutting your ilbe up, you are not prepared lmao. You don’t know how to use the ilbe if you think you could start stuff there before.
Well done. I am 6'4 and this is the 1st pack that EVER fit me as a military pack. I take minimal gear AND a rifle and pistol backpacking. I picked up my pack at a gun show for $65 in early 2014. Anybody know where I can get an L/XL waist belt ?? Mine came with a medium.
I ordered mine online. Some grunt had lengthened the pulls on the zippers and used a section of automotive hose slid on to use to get in the pack compartments easier. I left it that way if it helped him in Iraq or Afghanistan it would assist me as well.
swatnc That's how they come straight out of the plastic. I just left the tubing. They make for good, noticeable zipper pulls.
I like the tips on taking the right approach to making this pack a bit more practical. A lot of military guys hating the video because we're brain-washed to use things one way and one way only. When you live with this bag and live out of it for long periods of time you get stuck in your ways. Nobody can deny the fact this pack is strap-tacular as you said. Just very excessive amount of material which makes sense when you are providing a universal solution for hundreds of thousands of people to use the same exact pack but when you are a civilian you have the freedom to take your own approach which usually works better for YOU. Always been a fan! thanks for the video!
Ive been wanting to get one of those for a long time, for a large extended use pack, the largest pack i have now is a 5.11 rush 72, i think the ilbe is perfect for me, however I also ha e a video gear review of another pack ive been hoping that you can do for a long time , ide really like to see you do a video of the camelbak hawg military tactical series 500 cordora backpack.
I've wondered about the possibility of replacing the aluminum stays with carbon arrows on this pack. I don't know if it would work with this pack or not, but there probably would not be much sacrifice in comfort with, say, 50 lbs or less in the pack. Obviously with heavier loads the aluminum stays conformed to the contour of your back would be more comfortable. Just an idea. Kifaru does this on their ultra light frame.
Someone finally does a review on this pack and they are no longer available at Cheaper than Dirt. 2 months ago they had them for $89 bucks, now they have none. What a bummer!
Midway USA has em, I think for $80. They also have the v90 battleship if the ilbe isn't big enough....
cdawson198600 Thanks I'll check it out!
you don't have a guy... you have the internet
Great video thanks.
Nice review👍
Dude, it's MSS. Modular sleep system. Not "MMSS sleep system"
Chris you check our the newer version of this pack? The FIBLE
I know this is a seriously late addition in the comments... but, I never cared for the shoulder or waist straps. I use an eberlestock pack for hunting and needed to replace a broken buckle, I looked at their website and found they also sell their waist and shoulder straps separately. I bought them and with minimal effort, they fit my gen2 great and are far more comfortable for me. The price is better then the used replacement parts on ebay and for me are far more comfortable.
Just purchased this pack on ebay. I am afraid of cutting functionality off of it though. You needed to video your live process. Like your video overall. I am a hiker/bowhunter in GA...
Hey, what he did works for him, I dont disagree or agree, as a marine vet I will tell you, I never cut any straps or buckles off, reason being is, they have extras that can attach, theres recon sustenance packs, 3 day assault pack, corpsmen med pack, inner bladder attachment, and you never know if youll buy or need them in the future, so I would just tape them up, unless you know for a fact you will not beusing any of the "accessory" packs
Based on your military experience what is the best tape, Paul? I havent cut mine.
duct tape (some battle buddies used electric tape) , camo is what I use, u only need like a strip, roll up the straps (oval shape) wrap a 1/2" - 1" wide strip 2 times and you should be good
Thanks! I will try that. I appreciate you responding. God Bless
Yeah no problem, if you dont like it or it doesnt work for you, theres always cutting em off lol
I got one at a yard sale for free but it needs some work anybody know where I can get some used Stomach strap I don't know what it's called
do you still got the hook up for that bag? definitely interested.. and great video.. thx
+Roli A. Google "hilltop survival". But I haven't talked to him in a long long time
I did this to my ilbe, much better for everyday backpacking, more user friendly, and I also dropped around 2 lbs from my pack weight. Good video, thanx.
Hey sir, nice way to lighten the load. Some of the straps like you said have their use (tent, mortar rounds,etc) but if you don't need them why suffer the weight? Ounces equal pounds and grunt mathematics says 100lbs - 10lbs= happy grunt. For the rubber siding, you can find some relief in removing it, I personally wouldn't because it's a good barrier if you have you rifle of something else with knobby sides that can chaff and tear the main pack causing a blow out. Also, that little roll up flap in the front serves well for the base and hold for a hydration system to rest in. Crap part is that your straw usually isn't but just long enough to reach (way to think that one through Marine Corps). All in all though sir, I'm sure that most of the Marines that I served with would've done the same if they knew CIF wouldn't make hem pay full cost for a new one as they checked out of their command. Thank you for the tips.
>take off excess weight
>keeps patches on it
aye ok m8
I'd like to get one of these with the mods already done. Is there a way to do that?
Love your vids man. What's your day job? Full time TH-cam?
I got mine for 50
By me in Germany I must pay 560$ but not new how many must you pay in USA for this really cool backpack ?
Roughly $100 to $120 US dollars. You can sometimes find them for less.
Great video.
I don't want to carry stuff....I have two sons and a brother - they'll carry my stuff. LOL, j/k. I'm a grandma, and our family is prepared for just about anything, but I don't have a good pack yet.
Thanks for the info, I do like the clean look of your pack.
Good ideas. Hey Chris, have you ever come across a pack system that is modular? By that I mean 2 or 3 packs that are specifically designed to zip or tie together. I was brainstorming recently and thought it might be cool if you could turn a ghb/car pack into a bob just by adding another pack to it instead of having unnecessary redundancy. And you could have a winter module to add to another pack.
I guess it'd be too hard to add a zipper for sleep system access
Chris, left a review on your winter tent camping trio and subbed your channel. If you by "Any Slim Chance" have a contact or know where I can get the bag you're demoing here in brand new condition, I would greatly appreciate your help in obtaining one? I broke my neck in 3-places, suffering paralysis from the neck down. 10 years and 7000-hours of therapy later I got back 90% arms & hands, but remain 70-100% paralyzed from chest down. This size or smaller would work with short distance, my bug out bag, or even on wheelchair. Let me know and thanks for great videos.
Bill~
I have been looking at this pack for a long time. I think the thing that is holding me back at this point is the idea that I live in the city and if I had to hike out of town that pack would make me stand out like a sore thumb. I would like to hear what you think.
The back pack color is really irrelevant. It's not uncommon to see camo packs now days, so a camo bag I believe is not that big of an issue. If you want to blend in, its your clothing that will cover that. I highly recommend OD green or Tan so you can get military grade gear without sticking out as much. I use Kerrimore SF bags for this purpose. Lastly you can always use a rain cover over your bag to camouflage it if needed.
Please check out my Bugout videos on the channel KnifeHQ, and the Urban Bugout video my friend Paul did. It covers some really good points on this topic. I say get the bag you want, then buy a Civ, and Mil, water proof bag cover.
TJack What I meant by standing out is you look military and so if going through a check station you are more likely to be checked than someone with say a purple or blue pack. You are also more likely to be expected to be carrying weapons.
Well if you are carrying weapons and you're licensed to do so its not an issue. If whomever is looking for weapons then everyone gets systematically checked and you're not going to get a gun through so I'm thinking it's not something to worry about. However there are other ways to carry a rifle and stuff without alerting say a gang that has set up a checkpoint.
TJack You are alerting whomever just by looking military. You draw attention to yourself. I am only referring to checkpoints trying to get out of the city. This is not just my thoughts. I have heard many experts over the last year say this same thing. One idea says have a regular pack say blue and then a camo tire cover or a rain cover that you could put over it in the woods. Look at the blue or purple etc as urban camo. All of this is based on a bug out situation. I prefer to stay in but if it becomes necessary.
Wow he destroys this pack 😂🤣
I'm still trying to find one
I just ordered mine off ebay
I also cut off, 2 of 4 strips with the buckles on each side, for me 2 compression staps are enough for me and my use. Still love it. I think the patch panel is cool and makes it individual, becouse its yours. Thera are thousands of ILBE out there!
Who really cares about 2 or three lbs. if the pack weighs 80 lbs. loaded.
Which would you rather have? two or three pounds of food and water or two or three pounds of nylon webbing and material that you don't use and you have to carry around while hiking miles.
do you have to do anything to the strap cut ends
+dwayne sybesma They are nylon webbing so if you don't heat the ends with a lighter flame enough to melt the fibers together then they will unravel.
what would I have to do to the radio pouch when I remove it
If you aren't going to use it then do whatever you want to it. Sell it maybe? I'm sure one of these guys who likes to carry lots of extra webbing and material to make their pack "more versatile" would drool over a near useless radio pouch.
Where can I buy one of these new
I have watched tnis video a few times. It's purpose to reduce weight of the pack but his reasons for reducing weight are very muddled. His REAL gripe is the aesthetics. He complains about its looks in the video in the order of twenty times. He also complains that features get in the way of pals webbing but doesn't understand that they can be stowed out of the way or do not interfere with his stated goals of attaching pouches ect.
The real kicker occurs at 10:44
"...but since it is such a good load bearing pack you don't notice that weight".
So the purpose of this was to butcher a good pack because you think it weighs too much then end with the above quote???
You're really looking hard, huh? Lol
PREPAREDMIND101
From the name if your youtube channel it sounds like you are preparing for extreme situations where being flexible and having options are important. So reducing the utility of the pack is a good idea? If your stated goal was to improve its looks OK, if was to modify it for a thru-hike OK, if one wants to use for a SHTF event scenario then reducing its versatility is not good advice.
But otherwise good videos.
Everything is subjective. No one person can tell another what is best for them. I removed the excess I did not need or want and it worked fine for me until I passed it on to someone else that needed it.
Got the link to the ILBE modification page or video that led you to these mods?
No, but I'll look for it. I think it was some prepare-for-zombies type page. I'll ask the guy the showed it to me.
www.zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=102898&p=2537408&hilit=Ilbe+mods#p2537408
Go there for the trimming off of the ILBE.
PREPAREDMIND101 D Slag Thanks for that! Also, with no modification 4 Nalgene bottles fit in the radio pouch (discovered that as I was digging through my gear trying to find things that fit in them) Cheers!
you call it nonsense but it was made for military and it suited their needs, not the needs to civilians for survival or bushcraft
And yet they got rid of it because it didn't work for them. So it was only half suited.
They got rid of them because the war in the middle east needs a lighter bag so that soldiers can carry their equipment throughout the seasons regardless of weather and the there is more US operating bases that allow the soldiers to carry smaller packs during their deployment
DAM RIGHT USCOMMANDO!!!!!! TYSM FOR SAYN THAT!!1 MOMO CIVILIANS!!!
Hi Chris
Mark......
We talked about packs last time we communicated.
Found it.........
This is a awesome video, and the pack is now on my list. You did good about weight reduction on this pack, although myself I would opt for the assault pack attachments for equipment and main pack for quartered down game...laughing....Jerky Chris..??
Looks good and like the pack LOGO.....
Can I use this pack for everyday use for work / get home bag / edc
You might get some funny looks but its definitely do-able
For everyday carry it's big. Get the assault pack or something that size.
Do you respond to questions by email and if so where send them? Thanks!
I'm going to take a closer look at my ILBEs to see what I can get rid of. I saw the post on a forum about a guy tearing off most of the stuff, but I don't agree with him. I used the bottom compression strap today. I bought 5,000 175SMK bullets and 500 62gr MK318 bullets at the gun show and put them in the ruck to get them to my car. By my calculations, I had 130+ pounds in the ruck today. I put it on my shoulders with the side compression straps tight and the load was extremely low in the ruck. By tightening up the bottom compression straps, the load was no longer like somebody hitting me in the ass with a sledgehammer with each stride. I won't be cutting those off! Also I love the lid. I always have stuff in the lid! ALWAYS!
Excellent advice! Thank you!
The pack is not that complicated. Learn to roll your extra straps and secure with green or coyote duck tape. You can remove it later if you need it. If you take the time to learn about the pack you will understand why everything i there. I have actually added more buckles to attach the recon panel. And screw ultra light train to carry the extra load!!! Don't be a wuss
+Anthony Shell ....OR I can just do whatever I F***ing want to do. Since I'm not an active duty Marine, I don't NEED all that extra nonsense. I like it the way it is.
okay lol? How did he not "take the time to learn about the pack" when he probably sat down for an hour or two customizing it to HIS needs. I can't think of any situation in the civilian backpacking/camping world where I would need to attach an assault pack to the back..... maybe in a time of war or zombie apocalypse. The pack already has a huge volume capacity so when you say "train to carry the extra load" makes me think one, you're camping in extreme luxury or two, you don't know how to pack a pack. Not trying to insult your intelligence, but it's not being a wuss, it's using your brain. Ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain.
I have been backpacking and trekking for 35+years in some of the most remote places on the planet. Some of them on purpose and some courtesy of Uncle Sam. So yes I do carry extra especially when I know I am not being supported from the rear. Yes I know how to pack a pack and have been doing so far longer than you have been alive.
Anthony Shell I respect that, and the fact that you need the extra accessories the pack offers for what YOU need it for. I, however, or possibly the man who made the video, will not need all what the pack offers for our needs. Just my two cents man. But hey, you're right, I'm only 23 years old and know nothing.
Instead of cutting weight off his pack, he should by cutting a little weight off of himself.
It's a whole lot easier to call it what we call it. The "ill-b".
It is very apparent that you were not in the military, if you were you never carried a back pack for any length of time, You would know why there is so many straps and know what to do with them. What you do is not what everybody needs to do, just because you say so.
+Leo Lion Reign in your feelings there, Mr. Sensitive. This video isn't for active duty Marines (who don't even use those pack anymore).
Jesus Leo, what's with the angst. I think he did clean it up and make it a bit more user friendly. I don't think anyone is going to carry 120 lbs of gear in it. I need it to be light, or at least as light as I can make it. I think he did a great job doing just that. Take a pill or maybe have a brew and relax my friend.
What you do is not what he or anyone else needs to do either. If painting it pink and cutting off all the straps makes the ruck more useful for him, then deal with it.
Do you know of anywhere for good deals on this pack?
ebay, craigslist, and military surplus stores sell them
This bag was meant for one reason, Combat and urban/Jungle Assault. What many Doomsday Bug out folks fail to realize and exercise it that Human Nature especially in men is to stand and defend what they have funded most of their lives. In reality most men and women who leave home will be found dead within a 10 mile radius of their homes regardless of the disaster they encounter. Men today have become sedentary and wives refuse to "obey" or listen to their husbands much less were they taught by their husbands to follow their lead. 90% of combat capable males today are armchair warriors. They couldn't fight anything not on a TV screen and women - if there's a sale at Walmart; the apocalypse will have to be postponed until the following day. Great Video, I guess civilians love to tamper with perfection. But thats what life is really about. Making what you find unique really your own.
{Info} buy ilbe....7 damn times within 25 seconds.. I'm out...
The weight reduction isn't worth the diminished capacity. IMHO. Good video,something to think about though. Cheers
I agree
+Patriotalliance I don't really see any diminished capacity. Sure, I guess if you plan on snapping on the assault pack then leave it alone, but I don't want or need to carry an assault pack on top of my regular full size ruck. I'm not going into battle so it makes no sense to me. Also, my ILBE pack has four compression/equipment straps on each side. I don't need that many. And I really don't have a use for that panel on the front, so that can go along with the five buckles and straps that are there.
Trimming this down just makes it a more simple pack. The weight savings is not that big of a deal to me, but I really have no use for all the extra crap so it needs to get lost. But that's just my own usage. If you want the extra straps then no problem, but I don't want to carry stuff around that I don't use.
Great video and I couldn't agree more about all the straps, flaps, pockets on top of pockets and once you put some thing in a pocket, the rest are so tight that they're useless to hold anything but a sheet of paper and on and on. Same thing with all these smaller pouches, a couple loops, and a pocket or two on the inside and call it good, and keep the weight and price DOWN. I'd rather carry gear weight than material weight in a pack that will never be used.
you just totally butchered the pack to save 1LB?
If by "butchered" you mean "remove a ton of completely unnecessary material to make it better and more user friendly", then, Yes.
I agree. he tells us that "we don't need it"... no, maybe he doesn't need it, but I'd rather not hack up my pack. get rid of your morale patch and other crap if you want to save weight
+PREPAREDMIND101 Hey dude, fyi... the side pouch/sleeves are designed for each Marine to carry two additional mortar rounds. So unless youre gonna carry some mortar rounds for bushcraft camping, all the extra shit is totally usless! Good vid, I might actually get one of these myself now.
+yendorimus I agree with you, it seems counter-productive.
I use the side compression straps on one side to strap in a rifle (buttstock in the lower cup) and their buckles allow for quick removal. On the other side I carry my axe and poles and find the straps just as useful. The back panel rolls up out of the way and snaps in place if you want to use the PALS webbing on the face, but I often use the flap for carrying wet gear and sometimes a water bladder. I also don't have any issues with the straps flopping around, because I roll them up and use the elastic strap retainers to keep it tidy.
I'm not going to criticize Chris for doing what he wants with his gear, but when he said, "...not needed for your's and my purposes" I found that to be just a tad presumptuous. I simply could not carry what I want to without the parts he removed and would find his modifications utterly useless. I'd really analyze what you're wanting to carry before cuttings straps off like this.
+Vilemirth I took off the roll up panel and the middle compression straps on each side. My rifle DD 300blk does nicely with the top and bottom straps. Also my camping Axe is secured with the top and bottom strap on the other side. I also replace the top with a single sheet of water proof Marpat. My weight loss was just over 3 lbs. I use a para cord loop to hook on my sandals then I get them wet crossing creeks off of the Molle Webbing.
I just turned 60 and I can do have weight limits. Oh to be a young pup.
What if there was a way to attach the pack to an external frame.
where's the going off video? lol
The modded pack is cool but the first thing I cut off mine was the rubber hose over the carry handle
first!