Dunno if any of yall are interested, but I favor the military versions of the camelbak... I'm either going to get the HAWG or the MULE (they don't make a blowfish one yet). Pockets are styled a little different (big improvement in my book), slightly larger capacities, MOLLE attach points, different strap assemblies, front-strap-mounted pockets, etc.

Pretty good prices too, considering.. (more than standard camelbaks, but still good prices):

Hawk: http://www.eagleindustries.com/ProdDisp.asp?PartNoID=482

Mule: http://www.eagleindustries.com/ProdDisp.asp?PartNoID=441

These look pretty nice, but even the Motherlode doesn't have the capacity as my Peak Bagger. Not that I NEED that much room.... but you never know when you might! (said while remembering a thread on the old board about what everyone carries in their pack)

Added note: I will say that the organization freak in me (a place for everything and everything in its place) likes the sound of "three cargo chambers complete with internal organizers for tools and small items" on the Motherlode. I hate being on the trail and having to dig for the camera or trade items or orange vest or compass.... just thinking about it get me all fidgetty (real word? ) !

I had condsidered buying a military issue MULE, but even though I'm looking to reduce my load, I didn't want to reduce it *that* much. I favor the commercial MULE for the multi-pocket organizational capacity, whereas the military MULE just had two compartments with no inner pockets or hooks...so I could have *two* pockets for my keys to sink to the bottom of.
The military MULE is also expensive as hell. My uncle works for an army surplus company, and even with his discount, the commercial MULE is much cheaper.

quote:

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Originally posted by gossamyrrh:
I had condsidered buying a military issue MULE, but even though I'm looking to reduce my load, I didn't want to reduce it *that* much. I favor the commercial MULE for the multi-pocket organizational capacity, whereas the military MULE just had two compartments with no inner pockets or hooks...so I could have *two* pockets for my keys to sink to the bottom of.
The military MULE is also expensive as hell. My uncle works for an army surplus company, and even with his discount, the commercial MULE is much cheaper.

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That, my dear lass, is where the MOLLE system comes into play. (Rest of comment is general, not directed towards Goss.)

You can add as many pockets/things as you so desire. Favorably enough, ALICE-style stuff still works with the MOLLE system, so you can go buckwild with outer pockets as you see just.

Goss is right though, the military versions are more expensive - I mentioned that previously.

Three things about them though that is causing me to purchase one: 1) different (easier, IMHO) design; 2) add-what-you-want-design of the MOLLE system and/or including ALICE retros; and finally 3) Stitching. Lots and lots and lots of it.

I didn't notice the stiching bit until I.. received as a gift... an army-issue 2L camelbak and then compared it to the "civilian" model at REI. They were not the same animal. Lineage, yes, but that's about it.

I am paying more, yes, but.. erm.. the units aren't exactly identical. Check 'em out if you can, if you're in the market.

Ok, i'm off my box now, except to say that the military versions are SUPPOSED to be of all USA mfgr, but that's that and I'm not going to go there.

I'm hell on everything...I could destroy it in no time flat! Slay will back me up on that!

What do you expect from a 10ft tall Steamrolling Bushwacker!

What is that? I've shopped these camelbaks a couple of times but I was unable to come to a decision about what I wanted. Do I want one with all of the loops on the outside or not? Do I want to get one with special grip straps? Do I need a big one or a little one? I'm not an over-nighter. Now, I don't know if I need a military one or not. The antenna ports sound cool. I like the organized pockets on the commercial version as well. Of course I don't have any ASIPS radios, or for that matter know what that is. And I'm not sure how to answer the firearm question. Is that where you would sling your Glock or is that a fitting for your AR-15 derivative?

Seriously, I'd like to hear how others have made this decison on what type of camelbak to buy.

Thanks,

I had a regular back-pack with 4 big pockets where everything just went to the bottom and I had to carry big bottles of water not only for me but D-A-P (dog-a-potamus) as well. The pockets were huge and could hold a lot of stuff, which also made it heavy as heck.

I now have the commercial MULE and I love it. I went through all the stuff from the old pack and thinned it out, keeping only essentials. Needless to say it didn't thin down much. I just don't carry ALL my tradegoods and extra clothing in the MULE (who needs to). With addition of a few biners, clips and pouches it is now organized and probably carries more of what I need than what I thought I should have and I still have a little extra room if need be.

Since I carry the bulk of my caching equipment in a storage container in my car, before hitting the trail I switch out gear according to what I may need ie, rope, multiple trade goods, power bars, wind shirt, towels, dog treats, etc. I haven't had to leave anything I needed behind so I guess its working fine. This system keeps me from carrying a pack thats loaded down with junk I don't need. The water capacity is important as well. I was not a big water drinker while hiking (the going-outside issue), I mainly carried it for D-A-P. Now I drink water(a little), so I need that capacity as well.

I guess it depends on what you want to carry, how important compartmentalization (that's a mouthful) is to you, and price.

The MULE is probably a little more pack than I need, but I really like it.

Slay pegged it: Get what you're comfortable with. That's the bottom line.

As for ALICE/MOLLE:

For whomever asked - ALICE and MOLLE are military terms for the "backpacks" USA soldiers (marines & army in particular, shout-outs to some navy and air force units) carry every day.

ALICE: All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment pack

Meaning: "Backpack" of varying size in use since the VietNam conflict. Basically, a pack that could range in carrying weight from 10-85lbs, but often loaded out to 110-150lbs, uncomfortably. Thankfully a way of the past, since the new unit is...

MOLLE: MOdular Lightweight Loadcarrying Equipment

Meaning: New rig, more comfortable, ability to add more stuff at will, etc. The term "modular" works well for this pack. Still propogating through the services, as it was only introduced formally in 1995-1996. Some military folx still use the older ALICE on principal.

Translation: The military knows whats going on when it comes to carrying stuff. This system works, as far as I can tell.

My usage:

ALICE: My rap equipment is secured on a circa-1970 full ALICE rig, including frame and hardpoints. Comfortable enough with rope bag(s) slung and full gearload, but I coulnd't imagine having this thing strapped to my back for a long (15-50 mile) hike. Or several hikes. Nuh-uh. Glad I wasn't there.

MOLLE: Only limited experience with this setup. However, it's more agreeable. hardpoints or not, can attach stuff in modules, pretty cool. I also like the fact that some (most) of my old ALICE equipment (ammo, canteen, pockets, et al), attaches pretty well without major modifcations.

I tend to look at both military and civilian applications of packs - both learn from the other. Sometimes, the tech passes both ways, which is why I'm looking at the "military" versions of the Camelback system(s).

For the record, I've never served in the military, but keep abreast of what's going on as far as gear goes - and also know where my friends are stationed/going to be stationed.

If you ever catch me in "North Face" gear, please sedate me, unless i'm hanging upside-down on the east-face of K2, in which case just cut the damned rope and end my misery.