Military Backpacks - If its Good Enough For Our Boys its Good Enough For Me

The military has always been famous for developing great gear and military backpacks are no exception.  Backpacks have become an integral part of many peoples lives.  They use them for work or play and have a variety of needs.  Anything from carrying baby stuff to high tech equipment.  Weather it be on the trail or in the city a backpack is a great way to carry everything you need.  When it comes to military backpacks specifically there are a couple of things to consider.  

First you can get a top quality military backpack for a great price from an army surplus store.  The military makes huge surpluses of gear every year and quickly replaces last years model with something new and improved.  If you need a great bag for just about anything getting one from a military surplus store is a great way to save a few bucks.  I know a Scout master who outfitted his whole troop with top quality military backpacks for $8 each.  These same bags could have easily cost $100 plus dollars from a sporting goods store.

When getting a military backpack look at the intended use and realize that they split their packs up into categories of assault packs, day packs and and a full pack.  Each has specific uses so one may fit whatever you need better than another.

Assault packs are usually made for a specific purpose like carrying radio equipment or ammunition.  They are small and light weight and made to fit closely and move with the body in numerous situations.  They are appropriately made for assault type activities high could be high action and intensity and demand maximum functionality and efficiency.  These packs can be used for just about anything with some modifications.

The day packs are a pretty self explanatory category.  Made for carrying gear on a day to day activity.  These are good for short trips on the trail or as school bags.  They are highly durable and usually have fairly good organization systems.  Day packs are for the most part utilitarian.  They are not very stylized but the military style has grown in popularity in the last couple of years.

Full packs are great for the trail.  Military backpacks of this type are often external frame.  Meaning that the supporting frame is on the outside of the pack.  This usually makes the pack lighter and gives you the ability to tie and lash gear to the outside of the pack.  These packs can be used for multi day hiking trips or mountain climbing.  As usual they are highly utilitarian and very functional.  You can usually find these for a much better price than a comparably sized outdoor expedition pack.

Most manufactures including the military are moving away from the external frame backpacks because internal frame backpacks allow for more stability.  The load is held closer to the body and can be better balanced.  Ergonomics should be a huge consideration when choosing any type of backpack because the comfort of your pack can make a huge difference in your enjoyment of an activity.

Check your local army surplus store for the latest military backpacks and you will certainly be impressed with the quality and functionality of modern military products.