I'm headed out to the VA Wing Group 3 Emergency Services Bivouac this coming weekend and will get the opportunity to test out some new gear. I picked up a Milspec Level III Assault Pack for my 24 hr gear. I added a molle radio pouch, gear pouch, a Velcro nametape, and reflective strip. I'm replacing my medium alice pack. All the 24 hr gear fits with room to spare.
I'll post a complete review after next weekend.
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If it's the same as mine -- 5.11 Field pack -- with camel bladder. (I bought mine from US-CAV and took it to Iraq with everything for a month -- minus food and water of course) I've used mine for a couple of years. It was expensive but a hide saver and you can take a load. Then once at Mission Base can easily download it into a good 48-72 hour pack. Enjoy it -- great piece of gear!
I returned yesterday from the VA Wing Group 3 Emergency Services Bivouac and the Milspec Level III Assault Pack performed well. I attached 2 Alice style canteens to each side of the pack, and hung a compass pouch and GPS from each strap. The pack balanced well on my back and I had no trouble walking the trails, going off trail, doing minor climbing, etc. I had plenty of room to attach a radio pouch to my chest. For both the day and night mission, no issues.
If anyone is interested, here's where I got it: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=389655
That 'rig from "Sportsman" is a copy of the Maxpedition Falcon II backpack ($ 129.99). Hope it holds up since my experience from imported "spin-off's" hasn't been good! That "Y-yoke" lock-down feature is copyrighted by the Maxpedition folks in Palos Verdes, CA.
Best regards,