As a platoon RTO I'm pretty familiar with the assault pack. It's good when it's used as an ASSAULT pack (i.e. 24 hours of combat). If you are living out of it, use a large ruck, and if your combat tasks require more space and weight (m249 gunners, m240 crews, javelin/Carl Gustav guys, etc.), use the medium ruck as an assault pack because it has a frame, padding, waist belt etc.
Unfortunately the standard USGI assault pack is shit for radios (platoon RTO when I was in). Always better using the medium ruck or doing an aftermarket pack like mystery ranch.
Did you guys use the medium ruck? I've heard it wasn't put in use much but don't know why - availability? I've heard nothing but good things about it - 48L capacity and 60LB load max with the lightweight horseshoe frame. That's a capable pack! I ended up buying a few in UCP before the supply dried up in surplus stores. Now all the eBay guys are selling them for Mystery Ranch prices.
I think adding a few external pouches is pretty important with this pack. My preference is a GP / canteen pouch on each side and a waist pack on the bottom. I believe the sides can hold sustainment pouches even, if the smaller front compartment is full.
Actually the standard 'sustainment' packs with their 4 MOLLE straps will not fit correctly on the Army packs. The upper part of the pack is not wide enough and the pouch crosses the main compartment zipper. The canteen/GP pouches work well as do 200 rnd SAW and large IFAK pouches.
@@paul7754 ah, that makes sense. Even if you attach the sustainment pouch a little lower and let it hang below the bottom of the pack? I'll have to take a look. Admittedly I've never tried a sustainment pouch, I've always stuck with the GP canteen pouches.
@@apamburn Yeah take a look at it - that's what I did. Problem is the sustainment pouch has 4 'fixed' attachment points - not long straps and PALS loops to adjust for attachment like most MOLLE pouches have. Lots of options out there. Consider a MOLLE 'medium ruck' if you really need more room - it's my fav!
Never understood why the military desired 'Velcro' on backpack designs - it's so damn loud! I get it on mag pouches - think about it why you're reloading... The other 'big' thing the Army assault pack missed was MOLLE/PALS straps on the lower front - very useful for attaching say magazine or admin pouches. Marines got it right on the FILBE but hey they're Marines! It's a wonder the MOLLE II 'medium ruck' wasn't used more in the shorter infantry operations. It's much larger than the assault packs and rated for 60 lbs. - yet is much less bulky than the full size ruck.
My mom had an old heavy duty Singer sewing machine collecting dust. I had it checked over and set up for sewing heavy material. My plan is to start modifying things like this. Could it really be that hard to add molle straps to the lower pockets?
@@paultoth7853 No it's not. You can buy the 1 inch plastic buckles (they have a name - forgot) that have splits in them to attach to sewn loops like the little straps sewn on the pockets. (Whoops - thought we we're talking ALICE). Yeah - you'll have to sew on loop tabs for the MOLLE assault (3-day) pack. Sounds like your machine would work fine. Then you could put some duct tape over one side of the hook and loop (Velcro) to quiet things down. You know - a few guys started with just a sewing machine and a shop outside a military base and now some have empires in the pack and LBE industry! 👍
Excellent video! The USGI assault pack is one of my favorite pieces of military surplus equipment. But that comes with a caveat: so long as it's not overloaded. The plastic stiffener insert works really well with medium loads but it really isn't intended to carry heavy loads. Surely it's been misused in that regard, but a person looking to carry a very heavy load would be better served by something with an external frame or just a rigid internal frame.
I/my unit take that insert out. It's there to prevent rubbing of large solid items like radios. It really just gets in the way. Some keep the foam insert.
If you have any airforce digital tiger stripe backpack can you do o video on them. They had a issued 3 day assault pack and PX purchase 3 day assault pack all in that Uber cool ABU camouflage
Hey, thanks for the video. I have been a customer at your store, and have had nothing, but good experiences. Now, I get to sub to your TH-cam channel? Outstanding! I like your thinking, and philosophy on packing. I noticed the bag that you called your "creature comforts" bag. Do you sell that at your store? what kind is it, and where do I buy it at? It is perfect for what I want it for. Thank you!
Thanks for the support! We really appreciate it. As far as that bag, it's just a random one I've had for a bit. I think it's actually a repurposed sleeping mat bag, if I remember right.
@@VentureSurplusdang, I missed it. Thanks for the reply. Are you getting any more in stock or was it just a one-off? How much $ were they when you had them?
Mostly. They've been out of issue for a very long time. We find "new" ones occasionally that have become trash just because they don't store very well over time.
@@ethantaylor5001 Problem with the repros is the grommets for using the poncho as a tarp/shelter. USGI contractor grommet spec legit but the repros pull out rather easily. If using as shelter isn't important (use a tarp) there are lots of options (Mil-Tec, Frogg Toggs, etc.) that are good ponchos. Rain suits are GI issue these days.
And finally, you can also take a USGI Camelback pack, unclip the shoulder straps, and strap it onto the back of this assault pack. The loops on top of the assault pack go through the d-rings on the shoulder straps of the Camelback, and the bottom of the straps clip into fastex buckles on the bottom of the assault pack.
@@VentureSurplus legit. Me too. 2001-2009. 25th ID after jump school. Afghanistan 04-05, ft Bragg A3/505th, then transitioned to 5-73d Cav. Iraq 06-07. Parachute injury wound up getting me med retired at E-6P. ROCK HARD BROTHER!!!!!
NO MOM I CAN'T COME GET A HOT POCKET RIGHT NOW VENTURE SURPLUS JUST RELEASED A NEW VIDEO GOD
MOM, THE MEATLOAF
Screw that! Press pause, rescue the hot pocket, u pause - What kind of basement operator are you?
*smirk😏
@@jmmartin7766 I'm the kind that keeps chicken nuggies in his pocket so I can make it through the vid without the hot pocket 🫡 🫡 🫡
#preparedness
Moms right.? GAwL!
As a platoon RTO I'm pretty familiar with the assault pack. It's good when it's used as an ASSAULT pack (i.e. 24 hours of combat). If you are living out of it, use a large ruck, and if your combat tasks require more space and weight (m249 gunners, m240 crews, javelin/Carl Gustav guys, etc.), use the medium ruck as an assault pack because it has a frame, padding, waist belt etc.
Unfortunately the standard USGI assault pack is shit for radios (platoon RTO when I was in). Always better using the medium ruck or doing an aftermarket pack like mystery ranch.
@@citizeninfantry Personally I find the assault pack works fine but I haven't compared it to the medium ruck
Did you guys use the medium ruck? I've heard it wasn't put in use much but don't know why - availability? I've heard nothing but good things about it - 48L capacity and 60LB load max with the lightweight horseshoe frame. That's a capable pack! I ended up buying a few in UCP before the supply dried up in surplus stores. Now all the eBay guys are selling them for Mystery Ranch prices.
Large as in MOLLE-2 .
Medium? As in ALICE or MOLLE-2?🤔
Another great breakdown. Thanks Lucas, and Venture Surplus.
Thanks! Appreciate the support a lot.
I just wanna know which pencil-necked designer made the shoulder straps like an inch apart where they connect to the top of the pack.
Moral of the story: get a larger pack if you’re carrying anything more than hopes, dreams, and that waifu pillow.
I think adding a few external pouches is pretty important with this pack. My preference is a GP / canteen pouch on each side and a waist pack on the bottom.
I believe the sides can hold sustainment pouches even, if the smaller front compartment is full.
Actually the standard 'sustainment' packs with their 4 MOLLE straps will not fit correctly on the Army packs. The upper part of the pack is not wide enough and the pouch crosses the main compartment zipper. The canteen/GP pouches work well as do 200 rnd SAW and large IFAK pouches.
@@paul7754 ah, that makes sense. Even if you attach the sustainment pouch a little lower and let it hang below the bottom of the pack? I'll have to take a look.
Admittedly I've never tried a sustainment pouch, I've always stuck with the GP canteen pouches.
@@apamburn Yeah take a look at it - that's what I did. Problem is the sustainment pouch has 4 'fixed' attachment points - not long straps and PALS loops to adjust for attachment like most MOLLE pouches have. Lots of options out there. Consider a MOLLE 'medium ruck' if you really need more room - it's my fav!
@@paul7754 oh right, I see exactly what you mean.
I've been meaning to get my hands on a medium ruck, I'll probably take your advice 😂
Never understood why the military desired 'Velcro' on backpack designs - it's so damn loud! I get it on mag pouches - think about it why you're reloading... The other 'big' thing the Army assault pack missed was MOLLE/PALS straps on the lower front - very useful for attaching say magazine or admin pouches. Marines got it right on the FILBE but hey they're Marines! It's a wonder the MOLLE II 'medium ruck' wasn't used more in the shorter infantry operations. It's much larger than the assault packs and rated for 60 lbs. - yet is much less bulky than the full size ruck.
My mom had an old heavy duty Singer sewing machine collecting dust. I had it checked over and set up for sewing heavy material. My plan is to start modifying things like this. Could it really be that hard to add molle straps to the lower pockets?
@@paultoth7853 No it's not. You can buy the 1 inch plastic buckles (they have a name - forgot) that have splits in them to attach to sewn loops like the little straps sewn on the pockets. (Whoops - thought we we're talking ALICE). Yeah - you'll have to sew on loop tabs for the MOLLE assault (3-day) pack. Sounds like your machine would work fine. Then you could put some duct tape over one side of the hook and loop (Velcro) to quiet things down. You know - a few guys started with just a sewing machine and a shop outside a military base and now some have empires in the pack and LBE industry! 👍
Excellent video! The USGI assault pack is one of my favorite pieces of military surplus equipment.
But that comes with a caveat: so long as it's not overloaded. The plastic stiffener insert works really well with medium loads but it really isn't intended to carry heavy loads. Surely it's been misused in that regard, but a person looking to carry a very heavy load would be better served by something with an external frame or just a rigid internal frame.
I/my unit take that insert out. It's there to prevent rubbing of large solid items like radios. It really just gets in the way. Some keep the foam insert.
This is Excellent
That kelty MAP 3500, I wish it was still available
They're out there. I had to cut out a whole 2 min bit where I rambled about them. I think there is one website that still carries them.
@@VentureSurplus Interesting, I’d like to know what that website is in particular
Amron International
How do you like the army assault pack compared to the usmc assault pack?
If you have any airforce digital tiger stripe backpack can you do o video on them.
They had a issued 3 day assault pack and PX purchase 3 day assault pack all in that Uber cool ABU camouflage
Hey, thanks for the video. I have been a customer at your store, and have had nothing, but good experiences. Now, I get to sub to your TH-cam channel? Outstanding! I like your thinking, and philosophy on packing. I noticed the bag that you called your "creature comforts" bag. Do you sell that at your store? what kind is it, and where do I buy it at? It is perfect for what I want it for. Thank you!
Thanks for the support! We really appreciate it. As far as that bag, it's just a random one I've had for a bit. I think it's actually a repurposed sleeping mat bag, if I remember right.
My go-to Kelty is the MAP 3500.
What jacket are you wearing at the 9:03 mark? Looks nice
Mil-Tec Summer Anorak. They'll be up next week!
@@VentureSurplusdang, I missed it. Thanks for the reply.
Are you getting any more in stock or was it just a one-off?
How much $ were they when you had them?
those Kelty MAP 3500's are GOATed and it's a shame they don't make them anymore
They really are.
Are the days of new genuine surplus woodland ponchos over? I can only find junk reproductions.
Mostly. They've been out of issue for a very long time. We find "new" ones occasionally that have become trash just because they don't store very well over time.
@VentureSurplus whats the best reproduction then?
@@ethantaylor5001 Problem with the repros is the grommets for using the poncho as a tarp/shelter. USGI contractor grommet spec legit but the repros pull out rather easily. If using as shelter isn't important (use a tarp) there are lots of options (Mil-Tec, Frogg Toggs, etc.) that are good ponchos. Rain suits are GI issue these days.
And finally, you can also take a USGI Camelback pack, unclip the shoulder straps, and strap it onto the back of this assault pack.
The loops on top of the assault pack go through the d-rings on the shoulder straps of the Camelback, and the bottom of the straps clip into fastex buckles on the bottom of the assault pack.
real
I wonder if he was a 13F?
I was.
@@VentureSurplus legit. Me too. 2001-2009. 25th ID after jump school. Afghanistan 04-05, ft Bragg A3/505th, then transitioned to 5-73d Cav. Iraq 06-07. Parachute injury wound up getting me med retired at E-6P. ROCK HARD BROTHER!!!!!
THE WOOBIE! 🙌
You forgot the Jeep, OOPS, HUMMER.
No! You Can't give him a hummer🦄
All that is what we normally carry
Nah you want the USMC one