Best CADPAT small pack?
 

Hey all. I'm a reservist, but no matter how hard I beg, I just cannot get a small pack issued to me. I'm sick of having to take my ruck for a simple overnighter when there's no need to bring the valise, and I'm looking for something close to the small pack, on the aftermarket front.

I looked at a few on-line, but some look like crap, and some aren't even CADPAT! If I can find something even reasonably close to the real small pack, I am allowed to bring it on exercises and courses.

I have found these ones:

The "Alamar" pack from CP Gear:

http://www.cpgear.com/StoreBox/pack/5017_0.htm


The small pack (third one down) from CQMS:

http://cqmsltd.com/Web_Pages/backpac...bags_page_.htm


and the Avenger from Soldier-Gear:

http://www.soldier-gear.ca/store/ind...products_id=86

I am kind of leaning toward the Avenger, because I know their CADPAT pattern is identical to the real CADPAT - they make the nametapes for our uniforms. It's also, like, 1/3 the price of the other packs, and unlike the CQMS pack they have it in stock. I know the outer pouches aren't removable, but I don't really care too much about that.


Any of you guys own any of these packs? Any input? My first concern is that the pattern is close enough to real CADPAT that I won't catch any flack for it. My other consen is that whichever pack I get won't fall apart right away.

I'd rather not pay close to $200 for this piece of kit, because you just know that the day after it arrives, I'll get issued a real small pack for free :confused:. If the Avenger is a decent pack I think that's the one I'll buy.

I've been to Soldier Gear. They sell rubbish to paintballers. Like with most things, you get what you pay for. Set your bar higher than $45.

Years ago I picked up the Alamar from CPgear. It's an alright pack, but the shoulder straps were off to me. Not very adjustable, and the metal buckles on them sucked.

CQMS one looks just like the issued small pack. Can't say much else.

Kind of surprised they won't let you take a non-cadpat pack with you on courses/exercises. All units/squadrons I've been with never made a big deal out of it, as long as doesn't stick out and isn't just plain ridiculous.

I did CAP with a OD green TT 3-day pack. If they won't issue you the Small Pack what do they expect you to use on Ex, the nuke bag? As for going on course, it's not a big deal.

My options are either "any" CADPAT pack reasonably close in size to the small pack (if I can find one), a duffel (no thanks), or my old-school ruck (also no thanks). My ruck and I have complicated relationship.

I emailed CQMS for more details on their small pack system. I didn't factor this in, but they're in Alberta, so less tax. That's a plus.

Tactical Tailor 3-day assault pack in CADPAT:

https://dstactical.com/product_info....roducts_id=545

+$20 for CADPAT, but TT has an excellent reputation for quality.

AR version here, just picture it in TW:
https://dstactical.com/product_info....roducts_id=544

If you need Cadpat go with TT. They are a good company. But if you can use a solI'd colour then I suggest camalbak or 5.11 rush series. I have both a 5.11 rush 24 and a 72. I used the 72 overseas and it is an awesome bag.

Also since you are going to use it a s feld kit dont go cheap.

The Small Pack, IMO, does NOT live up to the hype. Don't waste your money on buying the real thing. Don't waste your 45 bucks on the avenger, a couple buddies of mine have it and the straps wear out in no time at all. Don't spend your money on the CPGear one either.

Go for either the TT 3-Day Pack or the Eagle Industries 3-Day Pack. If you're going to spend money on kit, make sure its genuine and has a life time warranty.

The only times i've ever gone out with my small pack are when we've been told "no gucci kit allowed" other than that, I leave that POS small pack at home and deploy with my EI 3 day bag. The choice is yours and yours alone, but I would strongly recommend something with great product reviews and backed by a life time warranty, no questions asked.

After looking at these packs I found that my small pack is a clone of the Avenger Smallpack, yet I payed $60 for it. :(

Well, the pack I got that looks identical to that is good, but to be truthful I don't use it much, so I don't really have any imput for your decision, guess I just started circle time. :)

TAG only made 30 I believe.
I still have mine kicking alive and well, never heard of anyone else even owning one.

Combat Rucksack
http://www.surpluspontrouge.com/fr/c...ital-canadien/

Patrol Backpack type B
http://www.surpluspontrouge.com/fr/c...ital-canadien/

Rucksack (CDN ARMY) really big
http://www.surpluspontrouge.com/fr/c...ital-canadien/

Compact Modular Style Assult Pack
http://www.surpluspontrouge.com/fr/c...ital-canadien/

Ive been in the market for a replacement BOB

This is the criteria ive been looking at
1) Large Capacity
2) Large External Pouches (for things like water bottles etc)
3) Internal Organization (I dont want a single large pouch to dig through to get something small on the bottom)
4) Molle Expandability
5) Comfort for long term carrying (Im expecting at least 3 days) (Comfortable straps + waist strap)
6) Molle Waist Belt/Strap for more pouches + holster
7) Cadpat or OD

So far, the CP Gear Alamar #1 is the one that meets the above criteria best for me

1) It has 50L Capacity
2) It has 2 large external pouches
3) I can put inserts inside the large pouch to organize it
4) Molle Straps on the back
5) Comfortable Shoulder Straps and Waist Strap
6) No molle waist strap but Im sure I can add a padding layer with molle strapping on it
7) Cadpat or OD Availiablity

Unless I can find a better one, Ill probobly end up picking this up.
Rifle would be slung on shoulder, sidearm in a holster attached to the molle waist belt/strap.
One or two 3/2 pouches on the waist strap for ammunition, the rest would be in a compartment inside the bag
AFAIK, Radio pouches will be attached to the back molle strapping, an EOD for food + basic supplies such as lighter, compass etc etc will be on the waist strap.

Wow, thanks Dark. Exactly what I was looking for and needing for as well. Hard to find something that will accommodate everything, but I think you hit the nail on the head with that list.

Just wondering, does that pack come with a compartment for the hydration pack?

No Problem.

Not to my knowledge, the pictures on CP Gear's site arnt very good to show internal layout.

I would assume (due to the raincover scrunch) that there is no hydration sack pouch.

However, all it takes to add one is about 2sq/ft of Cadpat Cordura and a punch to add a hole for the hose to go through.