Pack. Suggestions?

[Juicemachine]

Okay, so This christmas, my mom wants to get me a new pack, being that she likes my old pack so much, and will get it if I get a new one. I'm trying to keep the price ~$100, and I want good, RS gear, as I plan on using this pack for a long time. Currently, I'm debating between the Eagle A-III and the SOTech Go Bag Extended or regular length.

I like the A-III because of the larger capacity, Eagle's reputation (I'd trust anything from them 100%), the cargo straps, for carrying sleeping bag/bedroll/etc, and the multitude of accessories available for it, plus the fact that the carrying method for the go bag seems like it'd be annoying over long distances.
The Go Bag call out to me because it's small, and quick to grab and go (be great for a bug out bag, go to hell pack, etc), because of it's many pockets, allowing for better organization of gear, and the fact that the extended version has an insert that'll let me carry a broken down rifle if need be.

I was also playing with the idea of taking 2 go bags, attaching them together longways, with MALICE clips and a piece of Cordura with webbing on both sides, and using it as a backpack, though that'd come later, in the future.

Thoughts? Ideas? Things I haven't thought about? Other options?

Thanks in advance for the input.

[Variable]

What need/purpose will the bag fulfill? Both options you've put forth are quality products, but they fulfill different purposes.

[Juicemachine]

It'll be pretty much everything except for a school pack (until my Jansport fails, that is). I plan on using it to tote gear and guns to/from games (I have this thing where I like bringing only one bag with me wherever I go), for hiking/backpacking, or if I need a bag for just going around town (part of the reason I wouldn't get the MOLLE version of the A-III).

[Variable]

Then get the 3-day pack. Give a little more thought to the concept of a "go-bag" before you just start buying shit to go in one because all the tacti-cool kids have them.

[Arbiter]

I have the Condor urban assault go pack and its nice carries everything I need and has MOLLE to add to it if needed. Great pack well built! I take it everywhere with me!!

[Steve]

The SO-Techg bags are pretty small. Something like 2 feet tall, but about 6" or so in diameter in the main pouch.

I guess the main question is, what are you looking to do with the pack?

If you are looking for a bailout bag, small works. The bailout, or E&E bag is that small chunk of baggage that you grab when the world around you goes to shit. Basically, this is just a bag for a little food and water, some snivel gear, spare bullets, and basic trauma gear. I have a couple of these for bailout bags.

3-day packs work well for actually hauling intermediate loads. I'm currently using a Rush 72 from 5.11 for my main 3-day pack, and love it. Blackhawk makes good bags, but they are pretty expensive. Eberlestock makes phenominal bags, but you pay for them. I did find an Eberlestock Gunslinger on sale for 180. Wish that had been an option a few months ago

Specialty bagpacks are out there too if you have something in particular in mind. I run a Blackhawk specops medical bag for my first reponse bag (which mainly carries basic first aid and the stuff to move a wounded guy, and the stuff to mark a basic LZ). Blackhawk also makes breaching backpacks (covet.). So, if you have special purpose stuff, there is probably somebody making one designed for it.

One of the "newer" concepts are Denied Area packs. Basically, tactical packs designed to look like civilian bags. I know TAD Gear makes a line of them, and there are some other ones on the market. If you are concerned about looking too tactical, check them out.

Edit: I will admit to outrageous prejudice. To the best of my knowledge, I have never owned a bag (or anything, really) made by condor. Or UTG. And I'm bloody well not likely to. The OP specifically states that he is looking for Real Steel quality. And that ain't Condor.

[Juicemachine]

Thanks for the input. You're right about the Go-Bag being a different concept, Tim, I guess I just hadn't really thought about how small they are. I think I'm gonna go with the Eagle pack, there's an old-school Marine issue one on Ebay for like $30 shipped.

That brings a question: how has Eagle changed the design for the A-III packs over the years? If I get an older one, will it have fewer features, or different materials/quality? I'm kinda skeptical of a $115 pack going for $30.

[mossy]

LBT and TT makes Identical packs... and the LBT ones used to be issued to Rangers.

[Juicemachine]

LBT and TT makes Identical packs... and the LBT ones used to be issued to Rangers.

Not really sure how that has any bearing at all. If I could afford London Bridge stuff, I'd do it.

[mossy]

Sorry I meant to say you could try there stuff too.

[Juicemachine]

Yeah, I hears you. TT makes a nice 3 day pack, but I like the features on the Eagle pack better, and I trust Eagle a little more (plus, the 3 day pack with the extras on it, to allow for extra stuff to be carried and sleeping pads/bags/etc to be put on the outside is $200).

[mossy]

they're on sale right now I think... And LBT is only $170 for there MOLLE Version.

[danneskjold]

LBT's price on just about everything is outrageous.

I have a TT 3-day pack and its a great pack, have had Eagle ones and they are great as well. I would go with the 3 day pack over the SOTech go bags as the SOTech ones wont carry books real well..

[Juicemachine]

Awesome. Thanks to you all for the advice. I just won an auction on an old Eagle A-III, it was Marine issue, OD, with EGA on the front. Doesn't come with the cargo straps, but I have some I'll throw on there. $$36 shipped. Yay for saving $80.