9 thoughts on “What’s In Your Buttpack?”

  1. I always liked the Army buttpack, but I feel like it’s a bit too small. I would rather have a slightly larger pack so I can fit in a few more things. And pockets, so I can have a dedicated 1st aid pocket, food pocket, and water filter pocket so those things aren’t all floating around the main pocket when I want them.
    I went with this: https://shop.foxoutdoor.com/ProductDetails.aspx?tagid=30&cscid=8&citemno=54-260 It’s nothing fancy, but it works for me.
    The top pocket is great for miscellaneous items and underneath the flap is an admin pocket. One lifesaver I keep on top and use over and over is a pocket bellows. If you never saw one, check it out: https://www.amazon.com/Epiphany-Outdoor-Gear-Pocket-Bellows/dp/B07QT2RGQZ
    These things will save your lungs from overexertion starting a fire and your face from getting smoked in the process.
    IRL, the buttpack looks a bit oversized, but it doesn’t feel like a burden to me. It’s big enough to carry a variety of stuff, just small enough to still not be a backpack. And it means your belt is uncluttered, because most of the stuff you want to carry is already in 1 place.
    I pair it with a pistol belt+battle belt for the padding and molle real estate and a pair of H-strap suspenders. You can wear it without, but the pack will tend to ride low. I don’t mind it-I feel better having it and it doesn’t interfere with movement. Since it’s riding low back there, you have no issues with pairing it with a backpack or a camelbak.
    The one issue I’m fixing is water. I started off putting a steel water bottle inside the pack, but I’m upgrading it with separate pouches for water bottles. I noticed in the article, we both like this:https://www.amazon.com/LOVOUS-Military-Tactical-Outdoor-Activities/dp/B01CQOQREA/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=molle+water+bottle&qid=1595941928&sr=8-7 It’s a no-name molle water bottle pouch with space to carry up to a 32oz bottle. Search around, and you can find them for about $8-$9 in a variety of colors. They’re useful little pouches.
    I installed a serpa holster and mag pouch on the front portion of the belt on either side of the buckle. I’m a righty, but due to the way the belt rides, I feel more comfortable with the pistol mounted just to the left of the buckle.
    For lighting, I keep a head lamp looped through the webbing on the H suspenders.

    It’s simple, light, and easy to adjust to the trip and it’s always good to have. I’ve taken it hiking, fishing in the back country, to the desert, to the mountains, even to my firepit. I never leave home without it. If you’ve ever taken your kid out hiking and had him suddenly melt down for no reason, it works wonders to produce an energy bar out out of nowhere for him to munch on, protecting your sanity and the serenity you were searching for in the first place.

  2. Not to slight the post – it’s a good option for those folks it and situations it fits. However, I opted to stop using the butt pack (even the newer woodland version) years and years ago because it’s too small for a mission support pack. I figure if I have to carry some things, I’d rather have what I might need if things become….difficult. For that, I prefer 3 days packs instead of the butt pack. The buttpack is too small for my 15 pound pack list of survival – continue the mission list. Without going into precise detail, some of the items are: Tarp shelter, rain pants, steel canteen cup, instant coffee, fire and the means to start it quickly, several days of rations, hygiene items, water purifier, extra socks & t-shirts, 2 sided hone, and other misc items. If weather is a factor, a woodbine and a goretex bivy bag.

    I like the FILBE and MOLLE II ‘assault’ or ‘3 day’ packs. Both can take an accessory pouch or two as METT-C indicates, and I can strap a shared tool on with no trouble. Not heavy enough to slow me down or tire me out too quickly; not light enough to annoy me by bumping against my butt while moving, which, besides size, was my major compaint. The FILBE and MOLLE III are very balanced when all straps secured properly and can work well with just about any harness/chest rig set up.

    Others mileage may vary.

    1. Agreed-I like to be able to drop everything but weapons and ammo, if you will. Having a small assault pack that can be dropped if needed has worked very well for me. I do have a British-style belt kit with two smaller pouches in lieu of a buttpack, with the intention of adding items as needed to them. Otherwise, the belt holds mags, knife, water, bleeder kit. Great for patrolling on foot.

  3. Total agreement.
    As a young Marine in the jungles of Oki and P.I., stateside and Europe, we carried a poncho/poncho liner, C-Rats, and smokes, maybe a sweater/field jacket in our WW2 issued haversack, chow arrived every day or two by vehicles in MCI boxes. I can’t travel that light in the high altitude mtn’s of Wyoming. I used the Army issue buttpack as did many Marines, but just too small for today’s loads.

    I’ve also taken a liking to the USMC ILBE assault pack, one hangs in my Jeep for everyday use, also tried the MOLLE assault pack and wish to hell we’d had them 40+ yrs ago. Fantastic packs for carrying your essential gear. Adding a MRE sustainment pouch to either helps extend the capacity too.

  4. And the best way to find out if this stuff works is to pack it, and then try it out, several times. Ask me how I know. Fail now, and disappoint yourself now, rather than later, when as our darker brethren say, shit gets real.

  5. BTW-What I’ve been using so far was a steel (Ozark Trail?) water bottle I got at wally. It happens to mate well with the folding handle steel cup wally also sells. They fit well, don’t rattle, and you can cook in the cup quickly with an esbit-type stove. Great little combo.

  6. The ACU butt pack I got in Iraq is larger than the old canvas ones.
    Gloves
    Wool hat
    Socks
    Face paint
    Life straw, spare
    Some grub
    550
    Mylar blanket
    Spare batteries

    Think that’s it. I agree the assault pack is better, holds more, drop at last rally point before going in.

    One size doesn’t ALWAYS fit.
    Plan your dive, dive your plan

    Cavguy

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