Now the Alice frame rucks are fine, lots of variability and products
out there for them. How ever, they don’t work real well with carry an
aid bag as well. There are the new army ruck were you can clip in your
aid bag to the back of your bag, but it puts the weight even further out
behind you acting as a fulcrum. So I wanted something that could be very
flexible, carry my aid bag well and put the weight straight down on my
hips. So in my search I found many good packs, but finally settled on
the Kelty 2850. The 2850 is their midrange ruck for the military. There
is a bigger and smaller one.
Pros
Multiple configurations (lid on or off, lid as fanny pack), MOLLE
great for changing it up for various loads. The top lid is great for
organizing you small items (socks, underwear, etc.). Plus I have added
two hydration bladders to the side via MOLLE and can use them for extra
storage or bladders.
Access is awesome! Go in through the top draw strings, use the lid,
or straight flap, or you can unzip a large zipper from the back of the
ruck for full access to the main compartment. This flap has plently of
room for storage of things like shirts, snivel gear, etc.
Pockets galore, all over, and well organized. You can easily organize
your gear into separate categories but still get to all of it with
little to no trouble.
I rock with a large Maxpedition butt pack (more to come on that) as
my medic bag. It easily fits on top or can be wrapped around the ruck,
making the weight go to my hips.
Comfort is high, waist band feels good, plus has MOLLE straps.
Comes with a dust/rain cover built into the bottom.
Cons
White! Seriously your going to make a “military” ruck and make the
inside of the back pad, shoulder straps, and kidney pad blaring white?
Tan is a good color, but I really wouldn’t have minded more options
like Mulit-Cam, etc. So in the end I actually camouflaged it up on my
own.
While the pack seems to really sturdy so far I did happen to brake a
clip already. But I think I accidentally stepped on it, so don’t take it
to seriously.
I have found that it could be, just a little bigger. But only
sometimes when I wish I could shove all my crap in one bag. Instead I
carry a small overflow bag/assault pack for that extra crap.
Bottom Line
This is a great ruck, now wouldn’t I say it’s the
best, but for me it has worked out well. Comfortable, versatile, and all
around well made ruck from a well known company
