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September 12, 2007
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Which backpacks are Marine Corps worthy?
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Naos 45 Backpack (courtesy, Arc’teryx)
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I am the project officer in charge of the design, development, and procurement of all
Individual Load Bearing Equipment for the United States Marine Corps. We’re currently
performing market research on backpacks with approximately 2,500 cubic inches of capacity.
Durability and comfort is top priority. I would like to purchase several different styles
of backpacks to study the best ideas out there. Which manufacturers and packs should I
consider?
— John
Quantico, Virginia
Do you have a question of your own?
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 You mean I have the chance to influence what our troops might use in the field in five
or ten years? A frightening thought, in a way. But I accept the challenge!
If I were to look at a range of packs in an effort to devise the perfect pack for today’s
military, here are the makes I would look at, and why:
Gregory: These packs offer an excellent blend of performance, price, and
durability. That company’s Maven pack is a little bigger than you mention (3,000 cubic
inches, $219), but it reflects much of the current thinking in a medium-sized pack.
gregorypacks.com
Osprey: For some really innovative design and a lot of comfort in a very
lightweight pack, look no further. Its packs feature a near-custom fit through a
heat-formable waist belt, and they have excellent back ventilation. The Aether 60 is a
good example, though, again, is a little bigger than what you specify (3,800 cubic
inches). It retails for $219. ospreypacks.com
Granite Gear: These are very tough packs that already have a faint air of
military readiness. And they’re also excellent load carriers, and very adaptable. Take a
look at the Precipice (2,800 cubic inches, $155). granitegear.com
Arc’teryx: What this company is doing may represent the future of
backpacks. It makes extensive use of thermal-forming, for instance, and in its Naos series
has pioneered packs that are fully welded, not sewn. This allows the creation of a pack
that is fully waterproof without the need for a pack cover or other add-on. But, the
technology is expensive. Get a Naos 45 (2,700 cubic inches, $400). arcteryx.com
GoLite: These guys are about the best around at making very light packs
that still meet real-world needs of durability and load-carrying ability. Buy the
Lite-Speed (3,000 cubic inches, $130). golite.com
The North Face: This company makes packs with lots of places to hang and
attach stuff, which could come in handy. Get a Big Shot (2,100 cubic inches, $89).
thenorthface.com
Marmot: At 7,000 cubic inches (with a $400 price tag), the Astralplane is
too big for your stated needs. But this pack, which can trace its evolutionary history to
the mid-1980s, has long set the standard for load-carrying ability. It’s a classic.
marmot.com
MontBell: This is what a stripped-down, minimalist pack that functions
extremely well looks like. Get the Alpine Pack 50 (3,000 cubic inches, $199). montbell.com
There are other packs and makers out there, of course. But these cover the absolute state
of the art in packs these days. You’re sure to get some terrific insights into what should
constitute the next generation of load-hauling gear for the military.
You’ve seen our picks for 2007 Gear of
the Year, and now the entire Outside Summer
Buyer’s Guide is online. Check out this year’s more than 400 must-have gear items,
including backpacks.
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