Great video, and I feel compelled to point out that there are (2) Variations of the USMC ILBE. Standard Type for almost every Marine, and then the RECON ILBE You have the Recon Assault pack, but there is a RECON Ruck that is 90 Liters with a full size Beaver tail as well as two MARPAT sustainment pouches that are egg-shaped. If that wasn’t enough, there are two generations each of standard and Recon. Experimental and Production. Experimental packs have black padding and trim Additional knowledge gem: The Recon/Corpsman Assault pack can fit 2x 18-packs of beer inside. Ask me how I know....
my assault pack goes with me everywhere. sewed shut the top antenna and water tube openings. removed the internal black plastic stiffener so its softer on back. cut off waist belt. bought a few for friends. they love them.
I used those back in the early 2000's. With all issued field gear you would be carrying 75 to 120 lbs. The main pack usually stays at camp the 3 day goes pretty much everywhere. I had used both the alice and the new ilbe. The ilbe is great for carrying lots of weight and gear when set up properly. I need to get my self one now. Great gear. You can find all that stuff no problem on the government surplus sight.
Have you used the Recon/Corpsman much? The shoulder straps have hardly any padding and are very prone to ripping. It is also designed to be mounted on top of a regular ILBE pack instead of the lid.
Hey Ken, this video stood out on my search page. We are rock fisherman from Sydney and have a huge fetish for well built 100L + Backpacks. We currently have had to get some made in China and ship them to Australia. This video was incredible to watch. Many thanks
Not many people know that the recon assault pack actually attaches where the lid goes. That is what the extra long beavertail is for - ciehub.info/equipment/loadbearing/ILBE.html. You can see it in the grainy picture showing the ILBE recon main pack with sustainment pouches on the side and Recon Assault pack on top.
I used to carry these exact same packs, they were alright. Heard the new ones are worse, and the old Alice packs are the best. The major drawbacks is having to get electrical tape to roll up the straps.
Personally I'm hiking the mountains with an Ospray Rook 65L(1,6KG), and 2 1Litre water bottles on my shoulder straps (counter ballast to the backpack). Also in front I wear a fanny pack with my G85. In the beginning my pack weighs in about 20 kg, and ~1,5 for camera and lenses. From what I've heard I think soldiers carry too much weight, destroying their joints and backs.
I love my ilbe pack I got it in 2013 use it for camping and hunting bought it for 100 bucks best investment ever now all I need is the 3 piece sleep system can’t find one
I grabbed a 64 liter pack thinking I needed the room and after lugging it around for a bit I decided I needed half the amount of gear that I had in it. Now I'm looking to only carry the 10 c's and their redundancies.
I hate to sound like an antagonist but...I think that outside the military, more people than not connect the recon packs that way. I have seen many people in the milsim, shooting sports, and outdoor sports communities with these packs and they were all connected where the assault packs go.
Dude I could tell it was you just by your voice and I'm jealous you got so many of these packs I just want one lol they are so kick ass quality I just want them all too
I’m currently trying to work out improvements on the old Alice pack, not so much that I need the thing but I guess it is the challenge, perhaps of a job unfinished from when I was in the service. I bought several of the Aarn backpacks from New Zealand. He has some really interesting designs and thoughts on carrying a load that are worth looking into.
I made the mistake of purchasing the pack without the shoulder straps and can't find them anywhere. Will the Molle 2 shoulder straps work, or do you know where I could purchase the "Propper" part? Never occurred to me that someone would sell a pack without shoulder straps. :(
@@KenTheoriaApophasis Well, is there a modification that will work, or specs to have one made, or anything? A comparable Arc'teryx part. Could you look on yours and give me a part number at least?
Never mind, I'm pretty sure I got it from a Marine Corps Supply Catalog: NSN 8465-01-515-8647 The first 11 numbers are the same for all components. The final 2 numbers are unique to the part.
@@Demosophist I assume you are referring to the shoulder straps on the ILBE main bag. Yes, Molle 2 straps will work. I upgraded my main ILBE to newer Molle 2 straps since they are wider and stronger than the standard ILBE straps.
Afternoon from a shitty little town on the eastern side of the UK. Brilliant video. Was sent this by a good friend from over your neck of the wood's and i too have to admit..... that i have a bit of a "bergen fetish" (need to start a group on crackbook or something hahaha 😂) May i ask if you have a link regarding "the guts" of the medic one please? I have a complete 65ltr, i got it cheap and then the belt + extra pouches for the sides just recently & the 3day jobbie (got reasably priced) both the ''dogs bollocks" and both well worth every penny spent. They are in my books the best for being comfy when load bearing (& ive rammed the 65 until it's nearly burst like a fat bird in leggings lol) Both id recommend to anyone if asked. Major problem with getting your hands on this type of kit over here is it's like chicken teeth and if you do manage to then it's heavy shipping price and a majorly shite (anyway to get your money) custom charge on top! Thank you again for clearing up this for me and i will definitely be marking you up as a notification for further videos.
That "camelback" looks like a Source, not a Camelback (yeah, I know people are using camelback as a general term for any hydration system/water bladder, but Camelback was the first company producing them in quantity; the Israeli company Source is the most innovative and reliable manufacturer today, and has been for the last decade)
Hmmm, my F-Stop Suhka and 400.00 worth of accessories seems like a waste now. Not really. For 8 years now my pack has literally been around the world in sun rain and mud. Still, thanks for sharing Ken. Here's to cost benefit. Piss off brother 🤗😉
