I'm looking for a basic backpack WITHOUT 27 separate compartments.... I would prefer something made out of a cordura type material.... the intended use is for a general grab and go EDC type bag, carry a change of clothes, some bare essentials. 500-1000 cu in would be plenty, I do not want or need a hip belt, velcro.... don't need it covered in molle attachments or a laptop sleeve or magnetic closures........ just a simple rugged bag with zippers that will last forever with maybe a front pocket or a couple side pouches for a water bottle.

Really wish mystery ranch or someone like that could make what I'm looking for..... something kind of like those old jansport backpacks but more rugged/heavy duty? Any ideas??? Thanks.

Tag

I don't have a use for that sort of pack, but if I did I would look at the HPG Junction Pack. I have some of their other products and the price/quality/design suit my needs.

https://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/3/ProductID/128

That one looks well built quality wise but waaaaay too many dohickies and straps, etc for what I am wanting.

There is a Dutch milsurp pack that might work for you.

They came in Woodland DPM, Desert DPM, OD Green, and Black. They were intended for soldiers who were wearing an LBE harness and belt, so they sit high on the back.

https://www.mountainridgegear.com/collections/pouches-pockets/products/cody-pack

That's as no frills as it gets.

Have you carried a pack with no belt compared to a pack with a belt?

Having the weight on your spine compared to having it on your hips makes a considerable difference.

I tried-on a few different packs at a sporting goods store and was amazed at the difference in fit between brands. Some so bad that if that was all I had I'd carry my things in a duffle-bag, others fit like a glove. Arc'teryx backpacks >worst fit to my body type, Osprey for the win for me.

Good luck finding what you want.

Use a MilSurp MOLLE II Assault Pack:



... $35 like new.

Heavy Cordura Nylon, tough as nails.

They come with about two pounds of jump straps, but you can cut those out.

Also has the high density foam and plastic sheet back protector.




GR

I can't imagine packing enough weight in a 500-1,000 cubic inch pack that it would make a difference.

check out the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault- 1000 cubic inches of no frills, just a bomber little pack

Jansport used to use 500 Cordura, but they are probably polyester now . Lifetime guarantee, soooo
IF you held onto one of your old J'S day packs, simply clean it with shampoo in your bath tub, rinse and hang dry. Get a number from the company and send it/ them back. Let me know what they sent you and how much it cost .
They treated me good.
I hope they treat you likewise and you get a replacement that will meet your needs.

Best regards,

Frank

In before strider!

LOL

Take a look at the Merlin from Seek Outside.

https://seekoutside.com/spectra-merlin-daypack-talon/


It is a stand alone daypack, about 1400 cu-in. Also it is a clip-on added bag to most Seek Outside packs.

I use it for a light daypack,





It can carry all of this no problem,

Silvertip shelter/pole/stakes
Helinox ground chair
1.5L Nalgene bottle
Stove/fuel
Binoculars





Clipped on to the Unaweep framed pack,

kifaru antero....

https://www.amazon.com/Unigear-Tactical-Backpacks-Military-Assault/dp/B07TV27YYP

https://www.ebay.com/b/tactical-ass...337590775&customid=&toolid=10001

Allen packs:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2342801391...msclkid=3153ad39dc0d1ed3b612cf99f56fbdef

ttps://www.amazon.com/stores/page/0E8D3EBE-8CCB-4CB5-A1E2-83476AE5AE66?ingress=2&visitId=80930807-d9c2-48f8-a1b9-60650c355333&ref_=ast_bln

They're just packs regardless of the fancy marketing label.

https://www.filson.com/bags-luggage/backpacks/dryden-backpack.html#sku=20152980-fco-000274966

Think I’m gonna go with this Filson…. A little pricey but Filson crap usually lasts forever…. This will be my go everywhere in the truck bag…. Carry a change of clothes…. Carry on, on flights…. Maybe day hunts around the pickup…. Not an actual “backpacking” pack…. Thank you for the suggestions.

I have available a Swiss Army "salt-and-pepper" steel/canvas/leather rucksack, circa 1951. It has one main sack and one small sack superimposed on main sack. Leather straps are satisfactory, but will be refreshed by leather treatment.

I have photographs available. Please note: bomb proof Swiss salt-and-pepper steel-frame ruck sacks are not inexpensive.

I like the looks of that first Amazon link. Seems useful and at a great price too.

Shane,

I’ve owned and used a bunch of SO gear, and used to recommend them at every opportunity. Based on my recent dealings with their CS, however, I can no longer do so. I’ll be looking at other alternatives for future packs and shelters. Just a FYI for anybody interested.

I use some filson stuff too, but for your backpack needs I'd use an alice or molle and be done with it.

That's kind of disappointing hearing their CS has slipped. I've accumulated a lot of their gear over the last several years.

I had a Camp Trails back pack in high school and college...

that pack has been to both ends of the Appalachian Trail in Maine and Georgia.. and everything in between....all 1100 miles of it..

in scouts in the 60s, I was a hiking fool and so were the troops I was in, and then same with the troop I was a Scout Master in during College..

got my son one just like it when he went thru scouts....2001 to 2012.. still got that one around here in the closet or shed...

I ve always had great CS with Seek outside. wonder what happened?

I have in the past, as well, but the most recent debacle has me a little disenchanted.

I started a warranty claim about 10 months ago, and have sent many emails and made many phone calls, and just today got a resolution to 1 of the 2 problems I had. The second problem will go unresolved. Communication and product support have ranged from underwhelming to very disappointing.

I have an old version...much older version...of the London Bay Trading Company's 3 day assault pack. It's made out of a very heavy condura material. I can't say what the current versions are made out of. The one use is very simple and very strong. I took the light belt of of it for how I use it now. I use it every day..... The one below is a newer version and a little different design. I've not used one of the later versions but for toughness, the one I have would be hard to beat.

https://lbtinc.com/collections/apks/products/1476a?variant=13181689167915

Don't laugh till you try it. But for what you want to do pick up one of these for $30 at Cabelas. Many of the packs out there weigh more empty than the weight of the contents you put in them. This is under 9 oz empty. I bought the green with red trim and find myself using it more than the others. And I have several to choose from that cost considerably more.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/ascend-dash-720-lightweight-backpack

I have 2 of their packs one of is the Umlindi that I absolutely love. It's borderline hair big for EDC but will cinch down smaller if needed. I like the ability to add pockets for added organization of space, but the straps are handy to roll up a jacket, attach a tripod, any awkward items etc. Their shoulder straps are where it shines though it distributes weight better than any pack I've had.

Tactical Tailor makes some basic 1 or 2 compartment packs.

Made in USA to boot.

Superb pack for light loads.

Great for winter or desert environments.

DWR treatment on fabric in contact with your back eliminates sweat absorption.

Easily dyed if desired.

If the OP hasn't bought one already check out Frost River.
Made in the USA!

That sucks to hear. There are plenty of good shelter options IMO, but Seek Outside packs are pretty unique. I'm not sure what would be similar - wrap around hipbelt, vertically rigid frame with the right kind of flexibility. None of the packs with hipbelts that come out like wings from the side of the lumbar pad (Kifaru, Stone Glacier, HPG) are as comfortable for me.

I agree. It’s pretty disappointing. I was a pretty big SO fan and proponent, but my enthusiasm has subsided after dealing with these warranty issues.

DWR'd pack material facing the back.

Added layer of rectangular concealment mesh 10 inches wide, seamed and folded in half. The top doubled mesh is folded 2 or 3", partly inserted into the back sleeve and velcro'd inside.

Velcro lower corners on pack material facing your back/kidney.

Sewed sleeve through both layers of mesh 4 inches from bottom (at fold) to accept 4" x12" x 1/4" piece of foam.

More comfortable for heavier loads. Mesh is not directly in contact with the pack. More velcro contact points can give you added lift and better ventilation as well as evaporation.

A small covered foam pad attached to the waist band and to the thin shoulder straps looks feasible for heavy loads.

Crafted the shoulder strap pad wrap around. Like a BP cuff. Adds ~10lb comfortable carry weight.

Added fanny pack, med pack and mag bandolier.

You can get a lot of stuff into this pack if you Ranger roll any clothing.

Removing the two white webbing pieces reduces weight just over 4 oz.