Backpack Review: USMC ILBE By Arc'teryx

[Bean Counter]

Alright, fellow bargain hunters--listen up. If you've always wanted a nice, solid internal frame pack with all the heavy duty fixins' but don't want to shell out $400-800+, read on.

In recent years a slew of used military backpacks have been hitting the surplus stores and internet. You may have seen one of these. They were manufactured for the U.S. Marine Corps and most are in used condition. About 250,000 were made if I understand correct. Internal capacity is stated to 4,500cu with an addable "assault pack" that can add up to 1,500cu of capacity. More importantly, the backpack is designed to carry a mind boggling 120 pounds. For more versatility: molle webbing abounds on this pack, allowing attachments in which ever way you might want to access your gear in a hurry.





Shoulder straps and back padding are thick and robust. I carried 50 pound bags and blocks of salt up to 1/2 mile on my last scouting trip several times and the backpack definitely seemed to do the trick well. On the inside, a shelf can be formed to keep the weight up higher. It did not budge under the blocks and bags of salt. Zippers run along the outside of the pack which allow access to the main compartment, either above or below the shelf whether or not it is deployed.



The waist strap is somewhat basic but gets the job done well. Basic means not a lot of hocus pocus velcro straps for micro adjustments, it does not mean flimsy. This belt is SOLID.  I'm guessing this is standard for all internal frame backpacks but if not--it attaches directly to the two internal frame poles and is further secured by a heavy patch of velcro.



Rounding out the bottom of the pack, there is a mesh area. I'm not sure the purpose behind this design but if you're packing out meat it should allow for increased ventilation. Disappointingly, the bottom of the backpack isn't any further reinforced than the rest of the material. Don't get me wrong, the fabric all over the pack is solid but I would have liked to see some additional layers of cordura or rubber for my spastic hands to drop this pack onto rocks.



Moving to the outside of the pack, there is an external marsupial type pouch to add up to a 100oz water bladder. I am not used to this so I found the whole setup awkward. I have not attempted to use it in the field. Also my particular backpack did not have a little clip thingy to attach  your hydration hose to the shoulder straps, but I'm guessing that can be added if they all don't come with one.








Moving to the side of the pack, you'll find the ability to add a scoped rifle on either or both sides. In addition, there are nice handles with a comfortable, heavy duty rubber grip.



To top it all off, there is a lid that attaches by clasp and therefore can be completely removed if desired a drawstring enclosure below the lid allows for the main compartment to be tightened up. The lid is where we find the only smaller enclosure on the pack, which runs the entire size of the lid and is enclosed by a heavy duty zipper and again made easy to grasp with a gloved hand with that no nonsense rubber grip.



Buying guide & Recommendations: if you're on the fence about shelling out the bigger bucks for a new pack, I would definitely start with this one first. If you don't like it, you can always resell it. Since you're buying used to begin with you don't stand to loose too much money. FWIW, AFAIK, the Marines paid $600/ea for these. The biggest risk with this backpack is not whether it is up to the task or even whether you'll like it, its the wide variety of condition you might find the pack in. They range from gently used like the one I fortunately got my hands on, to some being heavily beaten and signs of wear from the fabric to the clasps. I would try to avoid such heavily used ones even at the cost of paying for the higher end ones out there. Expect to pay $100-200 for this bargain pack on [anti-gun] eBay. I would try to either get some sort of condition guarantee or return period when buying on eBay. if you can find it surplus then even better as you can go in and finger it yourself.

Read the full "about" http://ilbepack.com/about/

Links to the actual manual are here: http://ilbepack.com/category/manual/

Full disclosure:

• I own this backpack and I'm happy with it
• I have no financial interest in the sale of this pack or any of its competitors

You have question? You post long time...

[Fl0und3rz]

Great review.  I have been wondering about these.  Arc'teryx makes a solid product.  I have a 80 or 90 L pack and the belt, construction, suspension, etc. are no joke.  These seem a little more versatile with the molle webbing and ability to add a rifle to the side of the pack. 

The only downside is the lack of ability to add a holster to the belt via molle or other attachment mechanism such as the Eberle packs and others. 

I might still give them a look for the price.

[ctwiggs1]

That price is insanely good.  On Midwayusa.com for $80. 

I will probably end up buying 2 of these.  Thanks for the lead

Curtis

[Bean Counter]

No problem, Curtis. Let us know what your opinion is of it once you kick around with it a little.

[Bmcox86]

Is this the same one?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/916408/military-surplus-ilbe-rucksack-nylon-marpat

[ctwiggs1]

It's very similar to what I used in the army. Great price and I already know I will love it.

[Bean Counter]

Is this the same one?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/916408/military-surplus-ilbe-rucksack-nylon-marpat

Bmcox,

Yes, that is the same one. IDK where the name "Marpat" comes from. 

If I were doing that, and they allow returns, I would maybe buy two or three, keep the nicest one, and send the others back. Capitalize the shipping cost to yourself as a part of the backpack.

[JoeE]

Is this the same one?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/916408/military-surplus-ilbe-rucksack-nylon-marpat

Bmcox,

Yes, that is the same one. IDK where the name "Marpat" comes from. 

If I were doing that, and they allow returns, I would maybe buy two or three, keep the nicest one, and send the others back. Capitalize the shipping cost to yourself as a part of the backpack.

Marpat is the Marine Corps digital camo pattern. It stands for "Marine Pattern".

[Bean Counter]

 

[Stickerbush]

Looks like a steal to me, USMC is all I needed to hear! I've always been skeptical of paying big money for these back country packs the one I have used for several years backpacking and was 30 dollars brand new at the bag shop in Leavenworth. I'm sure if I had the money I would go high end though, but cheap options exist for the budget minded 

[Bean Counter]

   for Hernon

[lamrith]

Bean, Any update on how yours is doing?  have you had a chance to load it up real good with weight?

I have been skimming pack threads and many people talk about the importance of lift straps, I do not think this bag has those, but it spreads load over hips ok anyway?

Be nice to know it can handle packing out a Elk qtr, or maybe a deer out even if I can't..

[Bean Counter]

An uncut elk quarter aint' going in this bag--sorry to disappoint. Deer quarter maybe.

How much weight is it really practical to carry? I figure between the weight of the pack, trail cam, some water, and 50 pounds of salt, i'm easily at 65 pounds. Average adult male being some 180-200 pounds, that's about 1/3 body weight. At 10,000 foot elevation it seems like you're asking for it to hike around with 100 pounds. I have a few more scouting trips yet and may take another block or bag of salt. I'll try to capture a photo of it loaded up and on my back then.

[lamrith]

An uncut elk quarter aint' going in this bag--sorry to disappoint. Deer quarter maybe.

How much weight is it really practical to carry? I figure between the weight of the pack, trail cam, some water, and 50 pounds of salt, i'm easily at 65 pounds. Average adult male being some 180-200 pounds, that's about 1/3 body weight. At 10,000 foot elevation it seems like you're asking for it to hike around with 100 pounds. I have a few more scouting trips yet and may take another block or bag of salt. I'll try to capture a photo of it loaded up and on my back then.

I was referring to me not being in the shape I want to be yet, chances are a good bag will be able to haul heavy weight better than me at this point. 
But I think your 1st sentence covers the important part in that this is not a rig that could do duty as a meat hauler for elk very well.  And that is not a bad thing, as it was never designed with that use in mind and is still a great pack.

[fillthefreezer]

Average adult male being some 180-200 pounds, that's about 1/3 body weight. At 10,000 foot elevation it seems like you're asking for it to hike around with 100 pounds.

just keep in mind, for some people(me), and where and how they hunt, its imperative they be able to haul, well over 100lbs(for me its more like 70-80% of my body weight) for 5, 10, maybe 15 miles. others would never even consider it. all things to consider when talking packs...