Which is the most Comfortable? FILBE vs ILBE Military Rucksacks - Versus Ep2 

Luke- you have to keep in mind that the FILBE was designed to wear in conjunction with a Marine's full issue of body armor, which it does well. The ILBE was designed after an Arcteryx Bora which is a backpacking rig meant to be up against the body. I'm in the military and I can tell you that the more traditional Alice pack frames do better when wearing body armor with full size ESAPI plates. I also have an ILBE and a tactical tailor Recon ruck (similar to FILBE) and when I am in full kit the Recon is better. Just food for thought.

lets all appreciate brother Luke hiking 4 miles with 50+ pounds of gear just for the sake of viewers (and probably know which pack is better). Great video, keep up the great work, and thank you 🙏

I used both in the Marine Corps. The ilbe for me was far more comfortable. The filbe could carry more but I hated it. The plastic frame would break easily with all the weight we carried if you weren't careful. After a long hike or patrol you just want to throw the pack down, doing that you risk breaking the frame.

The FILBE is the improved version over the ILBE pack based on feedback from the marines. To be fair, I believe, had you properly adjusted the frame, the FILBE would have been the winner. I use to run with the large alice pack, fully loaded around 100 lbs, for (2) miles. Note: more of a trot after a short time doing the rucksack shuffle. I also owned the FILBE, and switched to the FILBE for my camping needs. Just my opinion based on many years of living from such a pack. Thank you for the video and your efforts, I really enjoy watching.

Great review, thanks for making the vid. Like some others have said, the FILBE is actually more comfortable with a plate carrier. ILBE slick is preferable all day long ( as you found out). Cheers.

Someone probably already mentioned it but try them both while wearing Esapis. From someone who has done it, FILBE all the way.

Consider too that the FILBE was also designed to be used when wearing a Armor System.

lets all appreciate brother Luke hiking 4 miles with 50+ pound gear just for us. Great video, keep up the great work, and thank you 🙏

Bravo Luke! Doing those back to back hikes up a hill with 50-60lbs load is tough. I usually carry 50-60lbs when I go backpacking so I know how you feel. Thanks for putting in the effort for a good review.

Thanks for your review, and efforts in doing this. I've been looking for something better than the MOLLE, and looks like I've found it, with your help. Thanks again!

The ILBE versus the Eberstock Battleship. They seem to be similar in shapes. But, you did look very comfortable when you tested the ILBE! Mike

Perfect timing. I have the ILBE already and was going to purchase the FILBE. I'll wait out, thx.

Hey Luke love your reviews and lil tips and tricks keep up the good work brother!

I have an ILBE with the assault pack and 3ltr bladder system. You can mold the aluminum strips (frameless supports) to fit you specifically. That said, I have an Eberlestock Skycrane 2 that I use for most applications. I’m glad I have both. Thanks for loading up and putting in the work for your VS.

hey luke. greetings from Greece..my choice would be ILBE vs dutch army large rucksack(lowe alpine saracen)..

Used a medium ALICE in my day. I purchased the ILBE to carry tools, hunting gear, and other irregular loads. I haven't cut off any straps or other features on the pack. In fact, I added a few accessory pouches (black) to the outside. I helped some friends on an elk hunt several years ago. Packed out portions of 3 elk from a steep canyon. The final hump was carrying an elk quarter from the bottom of that canyon. It was getting dark, and my buddy gave me a rear quarter. The ILBE and its adjustment allowed me to strap the load down, so it didn't move. Important since the hike also involved climbing some sections of rock. My knees won't tolerate that type of hike anymore.

Keep up the good work. I really dig your font. With Red and Black. Stands out, Clean and easy to see on the screen. For whatever thats worth..

Amazing versus! I have the ILBE and I can tell that is the best 70l rucksack that I own. I am not very tall and it is perfect for me. Great video and greetings from Spain!

you have convinced me guess I'm gonna buy the ilbe pack Be blessed and great video

Thank you for the significant effort it took to make this video. Liked, Subscribed, checking out your other videos.

thanks that looked like a lot of work I appreciate you for doing this I always enjoy watching your vedoes and reviews keep up with your great work wish you and yours all the very best my friend

Thank you so much for doing this test. Now I am confident which one is the right choice. I was about to buy one of these and was really confused which one is going to fit me the best because I am a buyer from the Middle East so it is really important to me. Now I have the answer to my question. Again, I really appreciate it. 👍👍

I respect your commitment, my man!

I use ilbe for years and it's just great, both literally and figuratively.

Do a 10 mile ruck in each one. Do them a week apart from one another so you're fresh on both rucks. That'll give you a better idea of which one performs better. I've used both and the alice. Now I use the alice above any of the others.

great review. this helps be decide for my next EDC pack.

I'm blown away that you hiked out like that. Just WOW.

I mounted the FILBE on a Särma TST RP80 frame, the pack rides higher and everything feels more connected. Comfortable with 80 lbs on a week long hike or just moving stuff around. Not the cheapest option, but way cheaper than buying something new with similar capabilities.

As a Marine, a typical daily combat loadout would be around 85 pounds, however that weight is NOT all in the pack, that 85 pounds includes our rifle, helmet, plate carrier, and loaded pack. When we do a full loadout for a long duration mission the 3-day assault pack would be clipped to the lid of the ruck sack, and in the desert at least one 3-liter hydration pouch would be attached to the outside of the ruck sack (typically I carried 2 hydration packs) plus the 3-liter bladder inside the assault pack. For those missions, when you are fully loaded for bear, we will typically be carrying between 150-175 pounds depending on which main weapon system you have and the required ammunition for said weapon system. Now that I am no longer in the military I am starting to get back into camping and backpacking, and I use the FILBE system with the same equipment that I used while in the Corps. It’s not the lightest equipment by any means, but it is built like a tank and you never have to worry about the gear failing you out on the trail so the additional weight is acceptable. My typical camping backpack loadout is actually heavier now than my typical combat loadout was as I now want my creature comforts included in there along with my normal military gear like my folding cot, folding solar panel, electric water filter/pump, redundant manual water filters, GPS receiver, satellite phone, HF/VHF/UHF radio, air mattress in addition to the accordion pad, folding table, collapsible toilet, freestanding shower/utility tent to be used as a head, etc. As they say, travel light, freeze at night.

Those test will keep a fellow in good shape. Thanks I was just comparing these as they are nice for lashing work tools, hard hat, coffee cup... & heavy construction items like drills & hammers.

My filbe is my go to winter bag and I have it loaded down. OHHHHH YEAHHHHH

Hi Luke, thanks for the valuable information, I was leaning towards the ILBE anyways and at least it's somewhat of a camo pattern. I hate the new Coyote (crap brown) equipment. I guess they chose that color since we are doing all our fighting in the desert now??? guess that color would be good if your trying not to be seen at the beach.. Would like to see the ILBE vs the ALICE Hellcat.

I have an ILBE and love it. For backpacking it is a bit too heavy for me and I went with the Osprey Atmos 65 AG. That is a wonderful pack. I'm still keeping the ILBE though.

Thanks for this! Would love to see the FILBE vs. ALICE.

I love my ILBE pack, had for 2 years and it always my first choice, just ordered a FILBE from the states as they are very rare here in the UK. Will let you know what I think of it. Great channel.

Awesome 👍. I would like to see you packout the ILBE since it won the test. Pack it up w/ your gear & video that too. Very cool packs

I used to ride freight trains with the ILBE. definitely the most comfortable pack i've owned out of dozens of different packs. I lived out of the thing for years my only complaint was the waist strap is bulky and annoying at times. the filbe definitely looks a little more awkward when worn, thanks for doing the test so i dont have to! :D

Luke, I'd really love to see your thoughts on a Hellcat Alice. I did that mod to mine and it really helped. I enjoy mine so much more now.

My Uncle was a Gunny and hated wearing body armor with the ILBE with an LBV or nothing on at all the ILBE was the most comfortable pack he used in the Marines even with 120+ pounds on it, the FILBE was less comfortable by itself but integrated well with body armor and was a shorter but fatter ruck so its all about personal preference

I like the ILBE w/ my ghillie suite. Slides right over no prob. Either way. Packs provide webbing for cover protection, keep ya hidden in plain sight. Love it.

The gen 2 ilbe keeps the load closer to your body. The weight is close and distributed upwards. The filbe the load is further outward on your back and you have to fight the feeling of being pulled backwards by gravity. That gives a feeling of "two steps faward and one step back" the more you add in the filbe,the further outward it sticks away from your back. With the ilbe the pack stays closer in to your body but the load is more upwards. But you can adjust the ilbe downwards when fully loaded to balance things to a sweet spot.

kudos my friend thanks for a very informative video on two of the best military packs ever made.

Great review again. I have had both packs and I agree the ILBE seems better for me. I have been told that men under about 5' 10" to 6' in height think the ILBE fits better. It's a height thing. I like the ILBE because it's not as wide so It doesn't snag on tree branches when in the woods.

thanks for the job you do

Luke, great test! But, you're using the ILBE Gen 1 pack. The Gen 2 has a better airflow around your back and is a bit more adjustable. I also think the hipbelt on the Gen 2 is more comfortable. You can tell them apart by the coloring of the inside of the hipbelt, the buckles and back panel. On Gen 1 they're black, and on Gen 2 they're tan. IMHO, Gen 2 is more comfortable than Gen 1. Haven't tried the FILBE. Although I'm looking at as much lightweight gear as I can for a thru attempt of the PCT, I'm still considering the ILBE Gen 2 simply because of it's comfort level in carrying heavy loads. And I'm only looking at it for the desert section where I may have to carry as much as 7 liters of water at any one time. My base load will be around 12 - 14 lbs., but total load could reach 40 - 45 with water/food. Don't necessarily want to do that with a Zpacks Arc Haul or Osprey Exos 48. Still up in the air about it. Thanks for the comparison! Cheers! DonP

You crack me up sometimes. When you do the "versus". I laughed! But seriously a good comparison for sure. I don't own either of these packs but do own a medium and a large Alice. I'd like to know how the Alice compares to the ILBE.

Your video helped me make my choice Thank

See how the Alice stacks up to both of those packs thanks again love all the good content

the reason the Marine corps created the tan backpack the FILbe system was because the ilbe while even though it was a bomb-proof pack. It wasn't that easy to use with body armor.so the FILbe is designed for that purpose.without body Armor the ilbe is the better pack for hiking and general civilian purposes

Just seeing this, Campbell from Jamaica just saying great n awesome,,thanks for the info

I have the ILBE pack... very much love the pack. In fact, I can't believe how comfortable a 55 lbs. pack actually feels. Having said that... My next pack will be much lighter... I may go clear to the other end of the spectrum and do one of the Z-packs.

Sweet, was looking forward to seeing this

Thanks for your time to do there's video's. Have you thought about the winner pack vs the army Molly 2 rucksack? Issued back around 2007 ?

My main winter pack is the ILBE. Carries a ton.

I love my ILBE pack, so much I bought the 3 day pack also. I got the wife the FILBE 3 day pack. I have not used it but I can say one thing it doesnt seem built nearly as tough.

I`ve never tryed the FILBE, but I love my ILBE, it`s so confortable, fatly paded... It`s great for heavy loads.

Nice comparison

Doesn't matter.... Either one will out last and suffice anyone with training ;) Thumbs up... I subbed

i own the ilbe pack and i love it. just make you you shop around for a good price some places are way overpriced

Now brother Luke while enroute to your coordinates, I strongly urge you to sprinkle some ninja fight scenes on this next hike of yours. nunchucks and all. (next episode)? BTW awesome job and keep up those reviews!

Great vid the FLIBE reminds me of the Alice pack large. I personally go with kifaru but I have to take out a small loan behind my girls back just to get the EMR lol.

nice! I think both are great although I've never had them in the same proximity to do a Vs. I'd like to see Danner Vs Lowa or Cordura comfort test. That would be interesting to see.

thanks so mish for going through this. Definitely a step above any review I have seen on YT. I have the ILBE but have been considering getting the FILBE, that and the ALICE large. I am getting mixed signals about the FILBE. You stated that the ILBE has a better carry. I see, in the comments below, thatt a lot of people like the comfort of the Filbe better. Any ideas? Again, thanks for going through this. You kinow, you could probably qualify for the SAS. They do the same thing in their qualification protocol. Get to hang from buildings and stuff. : )

Hey Luke! I would like to see ILBE vs KAJKA75. I have the same experience with the FILBE. Great Pack, i will not get rid of too, but the load swings and bounces around like if you are carrying an angry dwarf. I know the gap to your back is for the body armor (what caused problems with the ILBE) but in a civillian use every pack which stays closer to your back is better. Greetings Chris

I have both packs as well. I like the ILBE, but i use it to pack out deer in meat sacks now. I would prefer the ILBE if the sleep compartment was separate, but I hate the "one large opening" . If i cinch up my FILBE, it rides just fine, but you for sure can't leave it loose and flopping(as with any pack).

excellent quality video, great wear review. good info. awesome. id like to see a french army tent vs snugpak 2 vid. or gerber e-tool vs russian titanium e-tool. or usgi sleep system vs usmc sleep system.

Cool vid Luke! I wanted to ask you to do a vs/comparison video of the ilbe and the bora 80-95 by Arcteryx. Due to it being modeled after they design, it would be fascinating to see your take on the products. I have two ilbe main rucks and one assault pack, but I’ve been dying to get a average 80-95 bora civilian pack. It would help me alot to see your comparison.

Hello Luke, I enjoy your reviews on the out door gear and when you also include you family, how about doing a review on the Italian Army Vegetato Rucksack along with the British Universal Bergen EMC Rucksack versus the FILBE and the ILBE, I think it would be a good review. Thanks for all the reviews. Tony VanDeventer.

Luke, I would like to see you go out near a stream. Set up a tarp shelter. Set up a comfortable camp. Relax near the fire. Maybe smoke a cigar and chill out for the night or two. Cook some good chow and just relax.

Hey great review, British Berghan Vs FILBE

Luke, this is precisely why I suggested a comparison between the Savotta Large and the ILBE. Shape and size are similar as well as overall popularity. YEs, I AM leaning towards the Savotta L but every time I see anotehr video touting the ILBE's capabilities I keep getting pulled in another direction. Worth a thought at the very least... Bill Doyle in Upr Grnwd Lk, NJ

I wanna see a winter bushcraft video with the filbe and a diamond brand 2 man combat tent

The filbe is just a copy of the then current molle ruck but with the paratrooper frame. Mystery ranch didn't give much input in the suspension design, just the bag. The military just doesn't get that they need to have a taller frame to help get that weight off of there shoulders/spine and carry it more on the hips. A simple taller frame and shoulder strap load lifter system would have saved the backs of many of our service members.

awesome video Luke, would love to see you do another versus on the ILBE and the Alice pack with the Hellcat upgrades (the molle shoulder straps, molle waist belt and the mss carrier)

That was a great comparison. Hope you do more in the future. Civilian vs Military packs would be fun. The Bora vs the ILBE pack would be interesting. Mt. BORA is the highest mountain in Idaho. It's near McKay Idaho. You can climb it without technical gear, a hike, on a trail. Quite fun but steep in places. McKay is a fun town, small but I love it, and has a grocery store, restaurants, and motels, or, stay at the campground at the base of Bora. All in all, a good experience.

I would like to see you compare the older Molle ii rifleman pack (woodland camo, with sleep system carrier) vs the newer single unit Molle ii large rucksack (acu or ocp with integrated sleep compartment)

You should do a review of the Molle 2 rucksack. I’ve seen your preview and I’ve seen other reviews of it and people are impressed but sadly they’re not as in depth as I would like to see.

Great video. You should post some links to the products in the VS videos

FILBE is a joy to hump with your flak or plate carrier on. you can actually get the waist strap synched and everything pulled tight by yourself and find that sweet spot center of gravity. the ILBE and old interceptor flak jacket was a miserable combination to hump. with that said, when marines are carrying this pack, we always have our day pack (backpack) strapped to this main pack. the ILBE did that very well and you could pull the flaps over it and tighten it down nice and neat. the FILBE we'd just clip the daypack on the top and i remember being underwhelmed with it overall.

I have the ilbe.. its great for medium loads but a pain to just grab one item out of like the middle or bottom. I've had it up to like 72 lb and that's the maximum amount of camping gear I could fit in it. I'm not talking guns or severely dense items just like camping gear. It is one of the most comfortable packs I've ever used. All that being said I did order the filbe cuz I do need more room for all the squishy stuff that I just could not get into the ilbe for winter camping.

Try putting a different frame on the flibe ruck. So many soldiers customize it. They either put the Alice frame on it or the tactical tailor malice frame. I have 3 filbe rucks and one of them I use the tactical tailor malice frame and I cudnt believe it when I felt how amazingly sturdy and solid and ultra comfort it is now. I also put on this filbe the tactical tailor shoulder straps and tactical tailor waist belt. It's a whole new beast!!! It is sooo comfortable and handles a load as I cud hardly believe. The malice frame is a new take on the Alice frame which most soldiers usually get..the malice. It's lighter stronger and more ergonomic. And the shoulder straps and waist belt by tactical tailor is a dream. I built all 3 filbes of mine from scratch buying the pieces brand new and assembling them myself..but.my tactical tailor filbe is beyond any and all expectations. Thankyou for reading.!

FILBE was coming into service just after I got out bit from what buddies and other Marines have said is the frame had lots of issues. It would flex and bend under a heavy load and during cold weather/arctic training it would crack. Also heard the FILBE frame consistently cracks at certain "stress points". These are all claims from other people and my own research and not based on my personal experience with FILBE so take it for what it's worth. My main experience is with ALICE & ILBE. I have a large ALICE modified by Tactical Tailor and it's fantastic! In my opinion ALICE is queen... light, durable and with so many after market mods/upgrades out there it can be built to whatever your heart desires. ILBE was good as long as you didn't wear body armor. With armor on ILBE didn't sit right against the body and I felt it moved around a bit too much. If you're "slick" then ILBE was a great fitting pack and, when adjusted correctly, was incredibly comfortable when carrying heavy loads. For a civilian hiking/camping pack I'd recommend the ILBE but add the FILBE sustainment pouches for extra & external storage. For the military/preper/tactical minded individuals I'd go with ALICE. If I had to deploy or serve again I'd use ALICE.

Glad I have my 2 B.OB.s, an ILBE with assault pack attached and 5.11 Rush 72 for my "regular sized" pack. I make full use of MOLLE, compression straps, and I use compression sacks (Brit mil surp, they make great ones) inside my backpacks. How about comparing the new Army ruck with the IBLE ?

could see it in your face when you had the ILBE on, I recently ordered a Polish 80 liter military pack

Warrior assault systems x300 pack you should check out excellent quality and is a tier 1 product also Blackhawk packs highly recommended

You did a comparison video however could you do a molle 2 vs filbe or make a post about it? I'm inquiring about getting one.

Oh hey one more thing, you made a couple vids on the ICS tent, one was a brief settup video and the other was a short overnight adventure. I would like to see another overnight adventure featuring that tent :-) I ask because I have the tent and have yet to be able to use it. I bought it brand new along with a brand new ECWS sleeping bag and bivy

the shell of a turtle is its skin, if you make a hole in the shell you would see organs, not the body, the shell and the rest is the body they arent separated in any way. I know in the cartoons the turtle leaves the shell but in reality there isnt a body inside the shell, you can simply search turtle anatomy and look at images and see, its cool. Thanks for the video

During my time in service I wore the filbe pack. I have no idea how many miles I have hiked with it but definitely a lot, I had heard great things about the ilbe, I wish that Pack could be brought back into the service, It's a great pack however it is not designed to be worn with body armor and I have tested this with a full combat loadout it is extremely uncomfortable to wear with kit. I have both packs one for conditioning, the other for enjoying life. I agree with your assessment of comfort.

you looked more comfortable walking in the ilbe great test

Yeah: some say the Filbe has the gap to better accomodate body armor & all said, non-battle use, the gen 2 Arctaryx was nice. I have one on the way...hard to find the shoulder straps though. A good episode might be "what workd with the ilbe" say a hip belt from elsewhere with pockets or shoulder straps that work. Maybe some other brand. I saw some folks strap these sprayer harnesses on them.

Nice video! I'd be nice if you could review THE UAP from Specops.

I LOVE my ILBE 1st Gen.. eBay $90..my gear is still on the heavy side so this pack really allows me the comfort you describe.. sometimes I end up trail running with a pack around 60lb and it does indeed hug to your body and almost become an extension of you.. great video luke... this is an awesome comparison.. i hope to make videos like yours sometime.. so cool.. donation coming soon!

I would like to see a Cannae Legion vs Maxpedition Tiburon (or riftcore) showdown. This is a classic case of David vs. Goliath (in terms of brand recognition).

Luke, how would you compare the Large MOLLE II and the ILBE? Is the ILBE still more comfortable? Thanks!

Yeah we totally have everything on the packing list. No need to weigh my pack

I would love to get an FILBE. I hiked with one in training and miss it. So many of them had cracked frames only recently learned theres an upggrade made for it.

I would like to see the sleep system VS for each one and how they are meant to be carried with or in there pack

How about a pack similar to the ILBE that has zippers that open the front of the pack all the way up so you can get to everything from the front or the top? Thanks again for all of your content!

The filbe has also had some updates. The frames that come on the filbe have been known to crack in the cold. It is ALL PLASTIC. It also can flex and bend, and then lose its shape/ become more flimsy after extended use. The Marine Corps has started to issue a newer frame (still plastic) which doesn’t lose its rigidity after a constant flex. I’ve used the filbe for quite some time, WITH the standard frame and I haven’t had any issues really. However, One of my frames did break in Parris island. Overall, the filbe is a great pack, and it is huge.