Thank you for two very helpful videos on the 5.11 Rush 72 and Kelty Falcon 4000 (now Kelty Falcon 66). I can confirm that the 5.11 Rush 72 fixed yoke, single stay, frame sheet and waist "belt" do not provide adaquate suspension and load distribution from off the shoulders and to the waist even for a 5' 10" 150 lb male carrying 30 lbs. The 5.11 Rush 72 is on it's way back to Amazon and the Kelty Falcon 66 is now on order. I found the 5.11 Rush 72 "1000d" material felt no more durable than the civilian Kelty 420d pack material and was not worth the added weight. The Rush 72 side pockets were difficult to zip completly closed with the zipper pull as the zipper rain flap got in the way. The narrowing of the side pockets contributed to poor zipper performance and was a limitation to loading long items such as a sheathed Buck Hoodlum. A squared off top on the pockets would help. The stuff pocket is a nice idea that fails if you try to use it with anything thicker than a light poncho and tarp. The Rush 72 already protrudes far off the wearer's back pushing the weight to the rear instead of up. Any weight in the external admin pocket or any bulk in the external stuff pocket only makes the Rush 72 even more unbalanced. Placing a typical bladder in the frame sheet pocket leaves too liitle water hose length due the routing path to the hydration ports. The benifits of the organization pockets in the admin pocket are somewhat diminished due to their layout that is limited by the bulk of the opposing side's pocket. Trying to organize your kit into someone else's pocket design almost always leaves you with unused or under utilized pockets that does not justify the extra weight of the pocket materials. Outdoor Research waterproof stuff sacks are lighter, cheaper, color coded and often more efficient than many pack designers good intentioned attempts at anticipating our pack organization needs. A 5.11 Rush 72 would make a nice truck bag that was never carried anywhere except into the house. Stuff it with some bulky light towels and sunscreen for a beach bag. It is too big to function as an EDC and unable to properly support the weight of the load needed for most 72 hour situations. After humping and climbing with 60+ lbs wearing an Eberlestock Operator G4 10 lb pack up mountain terrain, I am looking forward to seeing how the 6 lb Kelty Falcon 66 compares. It is already beating even the smaller Eberlestock packs in price. I will also do not intend to use a water bladder on the Falcon 66 and instead will molle a Maxpedition nalgene compatible RolyPoly dump pouch and a Maxpedition 6x6 padded pouch to the waist belt. The molle on the sides off the main pack body will be reserved for rifle and bow attachment.
Thank you Turnbull Outfitter, for your great comment...I was on the fence , with the choice of EDC bag ...5.11 Rush 72 Vs Maxpedition Vulture 2 .... *Vulture II* (specs) = 34 Liter / 21" Height / 16 Width / 8" Depth / Price 216$ Amazon. *5.11 Rush* (specs = 55 Liter / 23" Height / 14 Width / 9" depth/ Price 255$ Cabela's I did my research: on the size difference, 34 liters , width, height, depth, and pocket organization, ...but didn't even consider the shoulder strap comfort or zipper issues..thanks again for taking the time, to share your experience and thoughts...cheers 💪 😎 👍 I have decided to go with the Vulture II EDC
Great review! I have had both of these packs for 5-6 years and I have used them for Backpacking and as a SWAT Sniper. The RUSH 72 is great for throwing in the truck and limited hiking...but is terrible for long range recon or long hikes. The Kelty Falcon 4000 is the most versatile and the most comfortable if you are "Rucking" for any distance. I am going to buy another Falcon 4000 to store away in case Kelty quits making them or mine wears out...that is how much I love it!
This is a great pack. I bought it for Afghanistan and later hiked over 600+ miles of the AT with it. The mollie attachments are great. I also used this pack in Afghanistan and it held up to anything. Personally I have removed the top compartment and use the fold over top cover. The mollie attachment on the hip belt are great. The only thing I don't like about it is that there is no separate sleeping bag compartment.
Excellent Video. I found your video today after my pack was delivered today. Now I have some great ideas on how to pack it, and practice for the crisis!
My favorite part about the pack is that the detached fanny pack can be clipped up to the chest straps so that you could set it up as a full on chest rig / war belt combo.
Something most people don't know about this pack, along with being able to use the lid for a fanny pack...you can also attach the lid on the shoulder straps while you are wearing the pack and it becomes a chest pack. Load it right and it evens out the load by carrying some of the weight in the front!
Having a molle compatible water bottle pouch is definitely a plus. But if you want, you can extend the 2 top straps of the lid, and shorten the 2 bottom ones. That way, the lid can ride right on the admin pouch, and you can have your water bottles there. you can weave the straps through the loops if you want a snug fit, but I just let the loose.
hell of a high speed review! it is soooo refreshing to hear a reviewer talking without 800 "ummms & uhhhhs." love the message on the t-shirt, too! God Bless ya! subbed...
Your sleeping system will still be half of the main pack if you carry it inside, a normal sleeping system is about 20L-25L and that pack is 66L with the top attachment which should be about 24L if its the same as the Kelty Eagle. That means its about a 43-50L main compartment so about half of that would be sleeping system. If I wanted my sleep system internal I'd go with a 75L or more. With the mid opening on the Kelty Eagle throwing in a sleep system for quickly getting out of dodge is probably faster or just as fast than external bungee cord attachments, the Eagle goes down to 100L without the top pouch and side pouches. With an external sleep system the pack load out will not be the size it looks without it, I like streamlined
I'm struggling for a bag now. I'm 6'4", 280 LBS, and between torso sizing and compartmentalization which limits the main compartment size for what I need to carry, i'm going nuts!!!
If want to carry a light loadout, any day pack would be just fine. When your loadout gets a bit heavy, It's very very important to get a backpack with a good lumbar support, especially for your torso length. Anything else can be changed or arranged with just a little thinking.
I got in trouble for trading out my issued ruck sack for one of these while I served in the corp so someone somewhere in 2nd marine division has a super nice super comfy $600 American made falcon ruck.
A good review of this pack. I've been looking for a medium pack and I love Kelty this looks good but there is one thing I've never seen addressed, what are those female buckles attached to the sternum straps for? atb Opal
Excellent review, especially the torso discussion, really helped me get off the fence between the different pack designs (I'm 6'4, 21" torso..). Have you found any pouches/accessories that match the somewhat unique Kelty Coyote color?
Hey Thanks for watching. I have added the Condor MA77 pouch actually matched really nice. I have added 2 of those on the waist belt. So I guess Condor pouches if you found that coyote would be close.
To the comment below I've been also struggling with a bag right now . I've been looking at kelty ! I'm 5 5 120 pounds average strength . This back pack looks tempting
Quick question on the pack! Now I'm 5'6 150 pounds (Athletic Fit) will this pack be too much for me, too big, or can I make this happen? I think the pack is awesome and am definitely interested in it but hate that I can't try it on me. Thanks!
I agree with everybody else, best falcon 66/4000 review yet. I was stuck between the red cloud 90 and falcon 66 but I think I night go with this one...to bad it doesn't unzip from the bottom. Quick question, it seems like it but is this pack big enough for a 4 night backpacking trip?
Samuel Rivera Hey, It really depends what you are trying to pack in it. If you are packing fairly light i would say you could make 4 days. it is very roomy.
+Doug Freeman Hey thanks for the comment. A fish gaff is used to hold a fish mouth open while taking out a hook. It works great for sticking in your water bottle and holding over a fire.
I'm 5'6 150 lbs, would this be an ideal pack for my height? Definitely love this pack but don't know whether to purchase it or not solely for this reason.
GearNut23 Hey. Thanks for the question. It has a torso adjustment from 16 to 21 inches. So really just depends on your torso. You can TH-cam how to measure your torso. I would say if you are in that range of 16-21 you are gonna love it. Thanks for watching
thats interesting that the rush 72 doesnt work for you. im 6'3" 190# and i think the rush 72 fits me great. on multiday hikes i have about 42#-43# loadout and i am yet to feel like im fatigued by its dimensions. To each their own, but i agree the kelty is an awesome bag
+Jesse Hernandez The problem with the rush 72, the maxpedition falcon, vanquest 27 (which i own) are that they become very back heavy when they get loaded. They are not tall like the Kelty - which is more like a hiking bag. Those bags will keep the load closer to your back beacuse they are higher/taller, and thus the backheavy problem is a lesser issue. Im only 6 feet, but I greatly prefer traditional hiking bags over "tactical" ones, what I like about Kelty 4000 is that it seems like they combine both, and thats awsome.
Any "YOKE SYSTEM" have to RIDE LOW; the way you set it on your back is "Simply Wrong" (i bet you "feel it uncomfortable"). The "second molle loop" on the shoulder strap (where you do have the "chest strap"), is "just above your nipples", - I DO HAVE IT ON MY NECK (with the chest strap on the last MOLLE loop) -; just to give you an idea (I am 5,9 ft tall). I have seen so many people do that mistake; to set it like a classic style "mountaineer backpack". Correct way to set the YOKE: 1 Tight the compression straps 2 put the backpack on, with the YOKE COMPLETELY LOSE 3 bend forward 45 degree, let the pack sit "just over your but"; then set the yoke "just a bit tighter on that position" 4 optional - set the hip belt Enjoy...
Thank you for two very helpful videos on the 5.11 Rush 72 and Kelty Falcon 4000 (now Kelty Falcon 66). I can confirm that the 5.11 Rush 72 fixed yoke, single stay, frame sheet and waist "belt" do not provide adaquate suspension and load distribution from off the shoulders and to the waist even for a 5' 10" 150 lb male carrying 30 lbs. The 5.11 Rush 72 is on it's way back to Amazon and the Kelty Falcon 66 is now on order. I found the 5.11 Rush 72 "1000d" material felt no more durable than the civilian Kelty 420d pack material and was not worth the added weight. The Rush 72 side pockets were difficult to zip completly closed with the zipper pull as the zipper rain flap got in the way. The narrowing of the side pockets contributed to poor zipper performance and was a limitation to loading long items such as a sheathed Buck Hoodlum. A squared off top on the pockets would help. The stuff pocket is a nice idea that fails if you try to use it with anything thicker than a light poncho and tarp. The Rush 72 already protrudes far off the wearer's back pushing the weight to the rear instead of up. Any weight in the external admin pocket or any bulk in the external stuff pocket only makes the Rush 72 even more unbalanced. Placing a typical bladder in the frame sheet pocket leaves too liitle water hose length due the routing path to the hydration ports. The benifits of the organization pockets in the admin pocket are somewhat diminished due to their layout that is limited by the bulk of the opposing side's pocket. Trying to organize your kit into someone else's pocket design almost always leaves you with unused or under utilized pockets that does not justify the extra weight of the pocket materials. Outdoor Research waterproof stuff sacks are lighter, cheaper, color coded and often more efficient than many pack designers good intentioned attempts at anticipating our pack organization needs. A 5.11 Rush 72 would make a nice truck bag that was never carried anywhere except into the house. Stuff it with some bulky light towels and sunscreen for a beach bag. It is too big to function as an EDC and unable to properly support the weight of the load needed for most 72 hour situations. After humping and climbing with 60+ lbs wearing an Eberlestock Operator G4 10 lb pack up mountain terrain, I am looking forward to seeing how the 6 lb Kelty Falcon 66 compares. It is already beating even the smaller Eberlestock packs in price. I will also do not intend to use a water bladder on the Falcon 66 and instead will molle a Maxpedition nalgene compatible RolyPoly dump pouch and a Maxpedition 6x6 padded pouch to the waist belt. The molle on the sides off the main pack body will be reserved for rifle and bow attachment.
Thanks for watching and for the nice insight, i hope people read your comment.
Thank you Turnbull Outfitter, for your great comment...I was on the fence , with the choice of EDC bag ...5.11 Rush 72 Vs Maxpedition Vulture 2 ....
*Vulture II* (specs) = 34 Liter / 21" Height / 16 Width / 8" Depth / Price 216$ Amazon.
*5.11 Rush* (specs = 55 Liter / 23" Height / 14 Width / 9" depth/ Price 255$ Cabela's
I did my research: on the size difference, 34 liters , width, height, depth, and pocket organization, ...but didn't even consider the shoulder strap comfort or zipper issues..thanks again for taking the time, to share your experience and thoughts...cheers 💪 😎 👍
I have decided to go with the Vulture II EDC
Great review! I have had both of these packs for 5-6 years and I have used them for Backpacking and as a SWAT Sniper. The RUSH 72 is great for throwing in the truck and limited hiking...but is terrible for long range recon or long hikes. The Kelty Falcon 4000 is the most versatile and the most comfortable if you are "Rucking" for any distance. I am going to buy another Falcon 4000 to store away in case Kelty quits making them or mine wears out...that is how much I love it!
This is a great pack. I bought it for Afghanistan and later hiked over 600+ miles of the AT with it. The mollie attachments are great. I also used this pack in Afghanistan and it held up to anything. Personally I have removed the top compartment and use the fold over top cover. The mollie attachment on the hip belt are great. The only thing I don't like about it is that there is no separate sleeping bag compartment.
Excellent Video. I found your video today after my pack was delivered today. Now I have some great ideas on how to pack it, and practice for the crisis!
My favorite part about the pack is that the detached fanny pack can be clipped up to the chest straps so that you could set it up as a full on chest rig / war belt combo.
Something most people don't know about this pack, along with being able to use the lid for a fanny pack...you can also attach the lid on the shoulder straps while you are wearing the pack and it becomes a chest pack. Load it right and it evens out the load by carrying some of the weight in the front!
Having a molle compatible water bottle pouch is definitely a plus. But if you want, you can extend the 2 top straps of the lid, and shorten the 2 bottom ones. That way, the lid can ride right on the admin pouch, and you can have your water bottles there. you can weave the straps through the loops if you want a snug fit, but I just let the loose.
hell of a high speed review! it is soooo refreshing to hear a reviewer talking without 800 "ummms & uhhhhs." love the message on the t-shirt, too! God Bless ya! subbed...
Thanks for watching
I watched a couple of reviews on this pack and yours has sold me on it! Great review! Thanks!
I'm 5ft 11in and the rush 72 fits me perfectly
Awesome review...Bought a kelty 4000 after watching this....Love it....Thanks
Best review I've seen on this pack. Love to see an update video if you have made additions/changes to extra pouches. Thanks.
Your sleeping system will still be half of the main pack if you carry it inside, a normal sleeping system is about 20L-25L and that pack is 66L with the top attachment which should be about 24L if its the same as the Kelty Eagle. That means its about a 43-50L main compartment so about half of that would be sleeping system. If I wanted my sleep system internal I'd go with a 75L or more. With the mid opening on the Kelty Eagle throwing in a sleep system for quickly getting out of dodge is probably faster or just as fast than external bungee cord attachments, the Eagle goes down to 100L without the top pouch and side pouches. With an external sleep system the pack load out will not be the size it looks without it, I like streamlined
Great down to earth review of stuff, I will sub. now, thanks very much for your time and straight fwd. approach!!! -- Canada here- new B'crafter.
I'm struggling for a bag now.
I'm 6'4", 280 LBS, and between torso sizing and compartmentalization which limits the main compartment size for what I need to carry, i'm going nuts!!!
If want to carry a light loadout, any day pack would be just fine. When your loadout gets a bit heavy, It's very very important to get a backpack with a good lumbar support, especially for your torso length. Anything else can be changed or arranged with just a little thinking.
Excellent review! Thank you 🙏
Solid review....may be getting one soon
I got in trouble for trading out my issued ruck sack for one of these while I served in the corp so someone somewhere in 2nd marine division has a super nice super comfy $600 American made falcon ruck.
i wish they would make it in a less tactical, but still kind of camoflauge color. maybe a faint green or even OD
A good review of this pack. I've been looking for a medium pack and I love Kelty this looks good but there is one thing I've never seen addressed, what are those female buckles attached to the sternum straps for? atb Opal
You can connect the lid to those buckles. Make a chest rig. Great setup by kelty!
The two zipper pockets in front of lid fit a 32 oz nalgene bottle in each side and that is what it is designed for.
Wondering how it is on long hikes? Good suspension or stick with my FILBE?
You might like the Camelbak BFM, seems similar to the Rush 72.
great review, thanks for your effort!
Excellent review, especially the torso discussion, really helped me get off the fence between the different pack designs (I'm 6'4, 21" torso..). Have you found any pouches/accessories that match the somewhat unique Kelty Coyote color?
Hey Thanks for watching. I have added the Condor MA77 pouch actually matched really nice. I have added 2 of those on the waist belt. So I guess Condor pouches if you found that coyote would be close.
equatorbushcraft good to hear, already had one on order...
To the comment below I've been also struggling with a bag right now . I've been looking at kelty ! I'm 5 5 120 pounds average strength . This back pack looks tempting
Quick question on the pack! Now I'm 5'6 150 pounds (Athletic Fit) will this pack be too much for me, too big, or can I make this happen? I think the pack is awesome and am definitely interested in it but hate that I can't try it on me. Thanks!
I agree with everybody else, best falcon 66/4000 review yet. I was stuck between the red cloud 90 and falcon 66 but I think I night go with this one...to bad it doesn't unzip from the bottom. Quick question, it seems like it but is this pack big enough for a 4 night backpacking trip?
Samuel Rivera Hey, It really depends what you are trying to pack in it. If you are packing fairly light i would say you could make 4 days. it is very roomy.
equatorbushcraft thanks
I sold my redcloud for this pack
Still like the bag? What length of trips have you taken?
Hey. I love the bag. For me it is my favorite. I have only taken it on trips that are a few hours but i carry it with enough for 24 hours.
Great review. Thanks.
Can those Metal braces be removed for air travel? If not, that bag is worthless for me at least.
Why. Would I be able to travel with this as a carry on. Never flew before.
+TruGunna yes
i have that same problem with waist belts, im 6 2
i like the kelty. now can the sternum, or chest strap be adjusted up or down? and hey what is a fish gaff?
and i sure like the thicker padded hip belt on that kelty.
+Doug Freeman Hey thanks for the comment. A fish gaff is used to hold a fish mouth open while taking out a hook. It works great for sticking in your water bottle and holding over a fire.
I'm 5'6 150 lbs, would this be an ideal pack for my height? Definitely love this pack but don't know whether to purchase it or not solely for this reason.
GearNut23 Hey. Thanks for the question. It has a torso adjustment from 16 to 21 inches. So really just depends on your torso. You can TH-cam how to measure your torso. I would say if you are in that range of 16-21 you are gonna love it. Thanks for watching
thats interesting that the rush 72 doesnt work for you. im 6'3" 190# and i think the rush 72 fits me great. on multiday hikes i have about 42#-43# loadout and i am yet to feel like im fatigued by its dimensions. To each their own, but i agree the kelty is an awesome bag
+Jesse Hernandez The problem with the rush 72, the maxpedition falcon, vanquest 27 (which i own) are that they become very back heavy when they get loaded. They are not tall like the Kelty - which is more like a hiking bag. Those bags will keep the load closer to your back beacuse they are higher/taller, and thus the backheavy problem is a lesser issue. Im only 6 feet, but I greatly prefer traditional hiking bags over "tactical" ones, what I like about Kelty 4000 is that it seems like they combine both, and thats awsome.
***** then that is YOUR problem. Like i said im 6'3" and the Rush 72 fits me just fine fully loaded. To each their own
Jesse Hernandez
Calm down mate, no need to get upset.
Any "YOKE SYSTEM" have to RIDE LOW; the way you set it on your back is "Simply Wrong" (i bet you "feel it uncomfortable").
The "second molle loop" on the shoulder strap (where you do have the "chest strap"), is "just above your nipples", - I DO HAVE IT ON MY NECK (with the chest strap on the last MOLLE loop) -; just to give you an idea (I am 5,9 ft tall).
I have seen so many people do that mistake; to set it like a classic style "mountaineer backpack".
Correct way to set the YOKE:
1 Tight the compression straps
2 put the backpack on, with the YOKE COMPLETELY LOSE
3 bend forward 45 degree, let the pack sit "just over your but"; then set the yoke "just a bit tighter on that position"
4 optional - set the hip belt
Enjoy...