Rucksack Backpack Assembly (ACU), Large

Typically made mil spec gear. This is a US ARMY issue rucksack backpack with all the quality mil spec snaps, buckles, straps, stitching and webbing which are are high-end. This bag is cavernous. There are more pockets and molle straps than I care to count. YouTube has several video reviews which detail the different uses for this bag. Make no mistake, if you want a big bag, this is it.The plastic frame is very light, well-formed, designed to carry the weight of the fabric and fits as it should, allowing the brunt of the weight to be distributed on the hips where it belongs. The padded straps on both shoulder and waist are thick and wide, very comfortable to handle.I purchased this bag for our Rim-to-Rim hike across the Grand Canyon next year. It will provide a stable platform for our gear, sleeping bag, tent, cooking gear, stove, fuel, food, tools, ammo, etc. I've done plenty of research both online and at the brick and mortar stores in search of the 'perfect' bag. The sleeping bag area can be closed-off from the main compartment keeping the sleeping gear clean and accessible. Normally, the sleeping bag is lashed to the bottom of the bag exposing it to the elements. There is also a wide rain shield which covers the top opening.A recent movie with Willem Defoe hunting the last Tasmanian Devil cat in New Zealand, (If I recall correctly) equipped him with a bag which was just the ticket I was looking for. I searched online for the brand, but after identifying it was unable to locate one. That lead to the military bags. A quick search on Amazon brought me to this one. Some checking on its merits and I was convinced.If you're looking for a LARGE bag which will hold what you need for when you need most of your gear (this is NOT a day pack) then this solid, well-built, well-desingned rucksack may be the answer. The seller was honest with the description of the bag having some wear, some dirt, and even one of our troop's name written on the side!If I lost this one - I wouldn't hesitate to get another!

A buddy of mine who was is ex-Army recommended this when I was complaining about how a lot of rucksacks just don't seem to have enough space for holding everything you might need. Those bag designers (and buyers) often are concerned only with water bladders and putting a few snacks in them, as if that's all one ever needs to carry? My buddy said it was way better than what he carried while serving, and I've seen/heard others with similar comments, so I went for this one. I wanted to get something that would last.Note: I see the product description has changed some since I bought mine, with a note about no side-pouches. Mine came from a Kentucky depot, and has the side compartments as seen in the picture.This thing is expensive, but it's definitely a good addition to your camping, hiking or 'bug-out' situation. I was surprised by how large it was, so I won't likely be riding the bike with this thing on my back, but in walking/hiking situations it's fine. It is strong and has ample room - felt like I could fit my toddler in there (was tempted). Good, strong zippers, tough shoulder straps and Molle-equipped for everything you would need to attach. The back frame support is sturdy as well.There is a lateral divider, about 2/3 down the ruck, with a zipper, so I was able to put a bed roll vertically with the divider only half-way zipped, and still have the two 'compartments' vertically divided otherwise. There are definitely a lot of options, regardless of what you have to haul.I got second-looks and positive comments when people saw it. It was tough to get on the bus with how much stuff I crammed into it, but I managed (stepped in sideways). It'd definitely be a concern if you were in areas with tight clearances.Though you can use merely the rucksack as-is, it's limiting what it is capable of providing. As with many platforms, you have to 'accessorize' once you get the base product. My advice is to get the various Molle clips (ie. Blackhawk or Tactical Gear), d-rings, carbiners and straps if you want to attach a bunch of Molle bags and other gear. You will likely want a quick-detachable med-kit sort of Molle bag as well. They're a good investment and will extend the options and capabilities of your ruck. I was able to attach things like a hand axe or a heavy flashlight with Tactical Gear's 'multipurpose fastener'.

My pack came in and I had to name it “The Behemoth-“ fittingly. This pack is simply massive. It is heavy, it is rugged. You can stow your life in this pack. It came a little dirty but in great shape. I took it on a 15 mile hike, and it was comfortable enough. So many possible add ons for molle and compression straps for tieing it down. If your thinking about this pack- just get it. For the money you won’t find a comparable pack that will be as durable as this one. 60 bucks gets you a rucksack that will probably outlast you. Leaders pocket pouch fits on the waist belt, good for maps.

In overall good shape, a bit dirty but not unreasonable. Has a name written in sharpie on one of the shoulder straps, whatever. Frame is good, all straps serviceable, and sustainment pouches were fine.The inside of the pack however, is nasty; the poly coating used for waterproofing the material is shot and completely broken down to the consistency of adhesive goo. Washing it a few times in hot water with a lot of detergent helped a lot. I also dyed the bag and straps in the washing machine (black rit dye really takes the edge off UCP, flattens it down to a grayish green) and I always use quite a bit of dish detergent and vinegar when I do that. It cleaned out okay, not perfect but for my purpose of this being a travel pack with emergency kit to go between vehicles and be reasonable to ruck out it's fine.