stereolithography t1_j1wwsmx wrote on December 28, 2022 at 12:24 AM

Recommendations from lowest to most expensive in price:

Standard issue military Alice Pack

Tactical Tailor MALICE pack

Mystery Ranch Rats pack (this would work for barbell plates but idk about rocks)

If you're using this for some training and that's it, I'd go Alice, else MALICE or Rats. I own a Rats pack and have jumped out of the back of a helicopter, with 120lbs on it, so can attest to it being able to carry the load, but also know guys that had the other 2 and they also had no issues. The Rats has the nicest frame, but if you aren't wearing it for 6+ hours at a time, then it's probably overkill.

Smoothlarryy OP t1_j1wyxqe wrote on December 28, 2022 at 12:40 AM

Thank you this has been my favorite answer so far! Yes this is just for training the bag stays on for about 30 min at a time I do calisthenics so it’s definitely not gonna be 6+ hours at a time. My last one held up for 4 months with about 108 pounds in it before the strap snapped from pull-ups so I will look into Alice , malice and Rats. Thanks again !

stereolithography t1_j1xf2ti wrote on December 28, 2022 at 2:43 AM

If you're just wearing it for 30 min, I'd go Alice Pack, but try to swing by a military surplus store and try one out before pulling the trigger to see how it fits. The folks that run those are usually chill and probably won't care if you load it up before trying it on, but I'd ask first lol. If you can find one, the older army packs, with metal frames, are the way to go. They can be better adjusted to fit your body and are bomb proof, but I've seen the newer plastic frame ones be put through tons of abuse

Smoothlarryy OP t1_j1xkgzw wrote on December 28, 2022 at 3:27 AM

I Didn’t even think of an military surplus store duh and There’s one pretty close to me so this is perfect. I’ll stop by there tomorrow and look for an Alice pack. Thank you so much !

MolVol t1_j1yeph1 wrote on December 28, 2022 at 8:50 AM

have you considered the weight vests? a friend of mine (she's tiny - about 5' tall, size zero) was training for a big mountain climb (in Pacific NWest).. she got a small vest, then also a large vest - wore them both and ran a few miles a day..... just thinking maybe you could wear a vest (or two), then if really ambitious backtop w/ weight as third layer.... the vests WILL stay on well, and if do this, won't stress a backback too much.

Quail-a-lot t1_j1xnhou wrote on December 28, 2022 at 3:51 AM

Oh geesh, for training hit up used sporting goods store and just chuck weights in there. Or water bladders. Your bag body will last a lot longer then.