I.L.B.E Pro Mods, no hack-job mods!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 มี.ค. 2018
- My mods to my ILBE to increase its capacity to carry more gear. No hack-job-mods here. If your considering cutting out the nature of what makes the ILBE what it is.......DONT! Instead go hit the gym to make up for those few ounces you'll cut off of it.
I bought the two sustainment pouches off of ebay a few years ago for mine. I also got a radio pouch and took it apart, and used the largest piece from it as a re-enforcement on the bottom of the pack, by cutting it in the shape of the bottom and gluing it on the outer bottom. It works really well.
I agree with the other commenters. I was lucky to get this pack before they went way up in price, and I bought it for all the reasons they butcher it. The sleeves on the side are perfect for securing my longer axes, bows, rifles, etc. The PALS webbing is perfect for when you need to lash something weird to it. And the rubber hose on the zipper pulls? It's FANTASTIC when the weather is cold or rainy, gives a quick, easy grip, no fumbling.
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
I agree, if you want a lighter version of the ILBE, just get the Arcteryx Bora 80...basically the same pack, civilian version.
I recently picked up an ILBE and after using a Army issued Alice pack (both medium and large) while assigned at Ft. Bragg and in participating on numerous deployments and airborne operations, for a few years, the ILBE reigns superior.
I think I saw that video where the dude cut off ALL the PALS webbing. I was like WHY!?!?!?
Added the ILBE Recon sustainment pouches to mine. Another great accessory to add to great ruck.
Prolly PreparedMind101 who hacked off all his straps. Bad idea. I loaded my ILBE for a week solo in the mountains of New Mexico one winter, and I was very happy that I retained all my straps. Its a killer pack. By the way, those side 'grab handles" are primarily for mounting your pack. Lay your pack face down with the waist belt farthest from your body and the lid up against your knees. The waist belt will be pointing up. Stick your hands through the shoulder straps, grab the side handles and just flip the entire pack up and over your head, onto your back. The shoulder straps will automatically slide up your arms and onto your shoulders, and all you need to to is fasten your waist belt and sternum strap. Presto. In five seconds your pack is on, locked and ready to move out.
I agree. Only added accessory (non-issue) pockets. This pack really saved us on an elk hunt. Carried a rear quarter out in the dark up a steep canyon.
The hipbelt and shoulder straps he replaced them with were made by Hill People Gear in Colorado. Probably some of the best USA made gear next to Kifaru. You don't need thick belts and straps for a pack to be comfortable. In fact, sometimes they are superior to thicker ones. They are not flimsy or junk at all.
It's better to focus on losing 5lbs of body weight than going through all that trouble to ruin a great pack. The cheaper nylon packs aren't waterproof, and the even lighter cuben fiber ones only last one through hike or two. Cuben fiber is also weak against abrasion, so attempting to bushwhack with it will surely do some damage. Everything is a tradeoff, and personally I prefer the pack to be durable since it carries everything. Save the weight on what you put in it.
I've got the bigger Ilbe Recon version that has rows of molle all down the back of the pack plus what they call the tail that buckles to the back of it which is also covered in molle webbing. So pouch attachment and lashing point possibilities is only limited to your imagination. I also have 4 of the recon sustainment pouches and 2 custom made ones. I luckily got all this stuff back a few years ago when they weren't as hard to find and as expensive as they are now.
I agree with that analysis ! When I go camping and hiking I'll use the pack fit for the mission. I have the ILBE and a medium Alice and a large Alice, so whatever trip I'm planning I grab the pack I'll need. carry on !
Beautifully said brother thankyou for saying it 100% truth!!
I agree. The versatility of having the molle available out weighs the pack stripped of them. Some people complain about the straps because they do not bob up all the straps and get them organized.
I totally agree. I own an ilbe and I would never strip all the straps. They far out weigh the benefits of having them to cut them off to save 2 pounds. If a grown man can't handle 2 pounds of extra weight then he needs to just get a different pack altogether. The strapping is one of the main reasons for getting this pack in the first place. The people that remove it probably quickly wish they hadn't after they have to start adding straps back to attach things they need. Thanks for the video. I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks its a huge mistake. Keep up the great work bro.
If I did not have a water proof rain cover, I would consider adding two to three (small) drain hole grommets to the bottom. I would like the bottom to have had a leather wear panel like the Swiss mountain ruck sack. Other wise leave well enough alone. Plus if I leave it as stock and I decide to sell it retains it's value. I counted four ILBE packs in my gear closet with only one ILBE assault pack. Beware the after market lids they are not as durable nor as good of a fit as the real (issued) lid cover. They are of the knock of marpat pattern/color and the buckles are of a shiny darker brown color. Like the ILBE assault pack the real ILBE lids are getting expensive.
Extend your ILBE VOLUME by attaching an ILBE hydration packs on the both sides of the ILBE
If they want to save weight, Lowe Expedition is the origina design, it doesn't have as many attachment points and is made lighter weight.
ILBE stands for Improved Load Bearing.........what's the "E" stand for? Equipment?