rigid frame bug out bags???

[baddog12773]

HI! I was wondering if anyone could explain the pro's and cons of a rigid frame pack like an ALICE ruck sac over one with no frame? which is better for a bug out bag?thanks

[Sailor]

Depends on how heavy your load is. 80lbs in a ruck with no frame is going to hurt soon.

I like medium alices packs with no frame to be under 40lbs. But thats just me.

[INRanger]

I like the ALICE pack with frame. It's comfortable with load over distance or as comfortable as anything with load can be. One piece of advice though ALICE pack are quite large and can hold allot of gear. Resist the temptation, just because you have all that room does not mean you have to use it. Extra room is a GOOD thing, you never know what you might pick up later. Remember, every once counts.

[obijohn]

these posters are correct. using a frame allows for a heavier load. it also allows air circulation under the pack. it does, however, make the pack a bit harder to stuff in your vehicle. when i was humping a ruck, the frame was the first to go unless you had the radio. when it's all on your back, you learn pretty quickly what you do, or more importantly, what you do NOT need.

[052.5GT]

i'll chime in with my extra information/opinion. I agree with everyone above, but most people agree that a BOB is a 72 hour bag/kit. I cannot imagine needing to carry enough stuff for 72 hours to necessitate needing a frame. My current BOB configuration is running about 35lbs and i use a Camelback Motherload for it. It has a nice beefy waist belt so you can get the weight off your shoulders. I would suggest it to anyone looking for a 3 day bag.

[swatdoc]

The military have always been fans of the rigid frame approach. First with the Alice pack and later the Molle system. They have the advantage of being fairly stout and able to carry a fairly heavy load. I won't say comfort is their forte. The early Molle ruck frames were prone to breakage. The latest generation are supposedly better. However, I'm still a fan of the internal frame setup. Check out Kifaru's offerings. They are regarded among the best available.

[jeremy]

Frames are really only needed if you are going to be carrying heavy awkward loads, or if you will be doing vertical work. If you are not going to be doing either then a frame is not really necessary.

Internal frames have proven to be more comfortable and slightly more durable than external frames. The biggest advantage to an external frame is they are a little easier to maintain and repair.