The commo ruck.

[krax]

So I just finished the SFQC and have a deployment right around the corner and had a question for the 18E's here that I'll also ask of my senior:

Is there a rucksack/backpack on the market right now that you would consider ideal (or close to it) for an 18E, and/or what would your ideal commo ruck look like?

[Ret10Echo]

Mission orientation, equipement and operationa environment will determine what is "best". The seniors where you are heading will have the best advice.

I lived by the larger-is-better. How else are you going to carry 125 pounds of light-weight gear.

I still have my modified large Alice-pack.

Extra pockets added all around. Claymore pocket over-top of the smaller snap pockets to fit an antenna kit or small pc...small pockets were used to carry smaller items (assorted connectors, solder pen etc) if anything came out of the small pocket, they ended up in the larger one.

Had additional medium sized pockets sewn in next to the claymore-sized pockets.

Extra zipper pockets on the sides. One side long enough for a SATCOM antenna, the other shorter to allow a 2 quart or something else to hang.
Added FASTEC buckles to all other pouches and an assault bag clip into the main straps (so it sat on top of everything else).

Team SOP will drive the train on some things.

[abu thor]

blackhawk and tactical taylor both make good rucks. Where are you going...? In iraq, i dont think you'll be doing to much ruck marching...other places...perhaps you will. Try and get issued the gear you want before you spend your own money on it
ABU THOR

[krax]

I used the BHI SOF ruck for Sage and I liked it, but wanted to see if there's something cool I don't even know about out there that would be better.

[Surgicalcric]

...but have you looked at Kifaru's offerings? I got a ZXR a couple months ago and its the "cat's meow" in both size and comfort. They are a bit pricey but I think its worth the money personally.

The biggest problem I find with the ALICE is the lack of a suspension. On that note, Mystery Ranch makes a frame/suspension that fits the ALICE and makes it much more comfortable.

Crip

[krax]

Dude, I'm a gear queer and no cheapskate, but Kifaru's prices are out there. Maybe during/after this deployment I can swing it, but not right now. The price of the ZXR or EMR (the two I really like from them) makes Camelbak/Mystery Ranch and Arc'teryx look reasonable, especially since Kifaru offers no military discount that I'm aware of and the others do.

I think one of the nicer internal frame packs set up with just the right MOLLE pockets would be great. I've got a Norrona that carries weight well, but lacks organization, so the search continues.

[x SF med]

Remember - everyone on the Team has to know where all the common/crossloaded gear is - hence using common equipment on the Team - one guy with a pack nobody else knows can create issues if the SHTF. Just my .02, YMMV

[bubba]

As for the ruck, depends on the mission. If you are going to be living out of the thing then yes, something along the lines of the recce ruck that london bridge puts out has done me wonders. For convoy ops I just carry a kick ruck with some spare batteries, an av 2055 with mbiter adapter (s) and crazy 10 or kyk, along with standard licky-chewies, med kit and bullets. Your TS will give guidance on what he wants, and if there aint an established SOP, earn your paycheck and establish one. Just my 2 cents, have a good un'

[Para]

You need to look at what your operational enviornment is going to be. Dropping a couple hundred on a ruck that will be thrown into the back of a GMV for its lifespan doesn't make much sense. I have a Kifaru ZXR w/ XTL which I use more at home then I do deployed. Although, the times I have used it runnin' the hills in the ghan packing radios, optics and kit, I would have wanted nothing else.

[krax]

Thanks everyone for your help so far. I've found some Camelbak/Mystery Ranch packs on sale at LA Police Gear, and their prices may be the determining factor.

[blue02hd]

I concurr with Bubba on the smaller is better. Besides, the vehicles are normally wired for comms unless you are using rentals, and you will not be packing like you did in "The Sage". You will not be living out of your ruck, so try to stay stream lined and fast. Imagine entering a door frame that is half of the normal size we have in the states, and you may understand what I am getting at. If you are doing convoy ops, pack your radio and leave it positioned in the vehicle so you can grab and go in a moment. A spare Satcom ant and connectors is a must. I used to operate my comms from my "bug out" bag, and had very fews issues. I packed it in the door, or directly behind my seat where it only took a one arm reach to grab it and ditch the vehicle. You HAVE to stay fast on your feet. Your team will also have to know exactly where it is and how to operate it, so keep your packing "simple stupid".

I have no doubt that your senior will square you away with any Team SOP's, but just remember, you aren't the first 18E to crack this code, so listen to what the team says before reinventing the wheel.

I wouldn't spend your own money yet, a good 18C can help you get what you need if it is not already in place.

Hope this helped.

[krax]

Great advice. I've got a couple of assault packs that I've aquired over time that I think will fill the "go-ruck/kick-ruck/bug-out" role.

I bent the fuck out of a helmet NODs mount on one of those door frames before (Yes, it was a "pain in the neck"; Beat you to it.) and have no intention of going through one with an actual ruck on.

blue02hd, para, PM sent.

[Aoresteen]

If you decide on an ALICE (and your 18Z says it's ok) get the RTO zipper mod from Tactical Tailoring. I have it and it works well.

Got to admitt though that I've only used it to pull out my FT 817 HAM radio used to monitor some out of band freqs as here in the ITO you don't live out of a ruck as others have said. 80% of our coms are done DPN/IRAQNA/Thuraya/Iridium phones. Or if we are near a FOB voip/NIPR. Radios are vehicle mounted. Based on your team mission you might need a satcom rig. Your team will fill you in.

[Swamp]

Here's a decent ruck...I use it with the PRC-117. It works well....my .02

General Features


MOLLE webbing attachment system on exterior pockets

Large main compartment will hold a variety of radios,secured by side release buckle straps, as well as two BA-5590’s in individual pouches

Padded bottom protects contents from damage received from lowering line impact

Vertical hydration system pockets on either side of radio provide cushioning for jump ops

Three ports on pack top with hook and loop flaps for handset,antenna, hydration system

Internal frame constructed of stiff plastic sheeting and two aluminum stiffening bars

Heavily padded, adjustable shoulder pads, sternum strap, and fiber optic channels

Heavily padded, adjustable waist strap with Alice webbing is removable and can be used as an equipment carrying belt

Reinforced carry handle on top of pack for lowering line

Side release buckle compression straps compact load and support zippers

Grommetted drain holes on bottom

[Swamp]

Guess this would help..forgot to mention it was a London bridge ruck