Backpack Review: USMC ILBE By Arc'teryx

[Bean Counter]

At this point we really aren't talking about the ability of the pack.  The pack is a viable option for someone for a 100 bucks, but IMO, there's better options out there in that price range. 

Why don't you write up a full review for us to read? Seems as though its easier and far more enjoyable to belittle on any other gear that isn't something you use, as if your self esteem is connected to what you use or more narcissistically, that everything you touch turns to gold. I don't care whether people carry a backpack at all--I just found this to be a good bargain and being that its almost exclusively available second hand, it didn't feel too overly commercialized for me to review it. Truth be told I was able to score mine for less than $50. If you're proud to spend lots of money on great gear--good for you. To each his own. This review and most of my style is geared (pardon the pun) towards spending less where practical and stuffing the rest into my retirement accounts 

We are talking about being called out for "tall tales."

Without trying to be overly confrontational, there's a contingent of people on the internet who have a mindset that if "they" can't do something, no one can.  The human body is capable of doing amazing things, and with proper training, dedication, and mental fortitude, you can achieve much more then you think is possible.

I agree that many people sell themselves short, especially those who watch too much t.v. and live a sedentary lifestyle. I don't suppose its impossible to carry 125 pounds of stuff 10-15 miles, but more importantly whether its a wise decision. Don't let me stand in your way. Maybe we'll dig up this post again in 20 years and see how its working out for ya. The risk of injury and long term degradation to your knee cartilage and back will catch up to you sooner rather than later if you make a long term habit out of it. There are even paradoxical internal health risks such as myocardial fibrosis or even sudden cardiac arrest example Alberto Salazar. I found it odd that he didn't discuss it much in his autobiography. I ran a few marathons back in college and the 200 mile Hood to Coast relay in 2007 just to check the box and say I've been there, done that... but doing that on a monthly basis as a few "hardcore" runners do is just foolish. History indicates that they will likely have a lower quality of health later on in life, not greater.

I'll say this Bean, you're more then welcome to come train with Scott and I (And occasionally Brock) any day of the week.  We'll load up 100 pounds for you and do and up and over and back on Mt Peak in Enumclaw, which comes out to 5.4 miles.  Keep up if you can.

Though if you want to do this, you're going to have to wait until Scott and I get back from Colorado next week from our scouting trip.

You don't want to be overly confrontational... you just want to challenge me to a hiking duel? 

I no longer live in Washington but rather the Southwest US. I can do 80-100 pounds for 5 miles.  Particularly on Washington's soft, tame trails. Perhaps not as fast as you but the mere fact that you want to make it a race speaks to your mentation in the discussion. Its going to be 107 here tomorrow and I'm going out scouting in the afternoon after church time. So I will reciprocate the invitation: how about you join me for a hike here after you're done in Colorado and we pet the various cacti you never knew existed. Good luck with your scouting trip.

Good day to all.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Look dude,

The only reason I even posted on this thread is because you called out my hunting partner on his statement.  You stated yourself that you could do 80 lbs for a mile, maybe two, not the review of the pack.  You made a statement that might be true for YOU concerning what YOU deem is an acceptable weight to be able to carry around in the backcountry, while FTF stated that for SOME people when talking packs, there's other things we look at.

Now you're totally capable of doing 100 lbs? 

Cool story.

I never challenged you to a duel, I was inviting you to see what you deem "impossible." 

I also think you're worrying about some pretty silly things in the health arena.  For the vast, vast majority of American's, what they eat during the average day is probably significantly more detrimental to there health then training for the back country. 

Never have I on any threads on Hunt-WA stated that you must have the best gear available.  Some guys come on here and state that budget isn't an issue, and so I recommend what I've experienced, and why.  Others I steer them in a different direction if I have an opinion on the issue.

I'm done with this thread, as I really don't feel like there's anything else to be gained other then two grown men arguing on the internet.  I hope you enjoy your pack, and good luck to you this season.

[Bean Counter]

Road access is good in most of NM and AZ. I've rarely been more than a mile or two from a road and have carried out all my hunting gear plus either quarters in the arms or carrying a dressed out deer with my buddy (two legs per hunter,etc). I think that conservatively/fairly estimated at 75-80 pounds each for my buddy and I. I've carried +/- the same amount solely on a pack for much longer distances. Enough detail?? I look forward to reading the details about your 15 mile trips with 125-130 pounds.

Kudos for sticking up for your buddy.

[SCRUBS]

At this point we really aren't talking about the ability of the pack.  The pack is a viable option for someone for a 100 bucks, but IMO, there's better options out there in that price range. 

I`d  be (maybe others as well)  interested in hearing what the better options would be in the $100 price range.  It`s nice to have options.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

At this point we really aren't talking about the ability of the pack.  The pack is a viable option for someone for a 100 bucks, but IMO, there's better options out there in that price range. 

I`d  be (maybe others as well)  interested in hearing what the better options would be in the $100 price range.  It`s nice to have options.

Here is the list FTF stated on another thread.

It's a pretty good stratification of packs according to prove range.

1. sleeper deals. packs like older dana's. arcteryx bora etc.
2. cheaper externals like the cabelas alaskan. relatively durable but not ideal for hunting with all the time
3. eberle, badlands, tenzing (if theyre even still around) and various packs one would find at rei.
all of this price range will have major tradeoffs. weight, durability, comfort with moderate loads and heavy loads. the first few gens of kuiu icons could possibly fit into here.
a newcomer category that i feel was previously a void in the market..
4. new kuiu's, exo. now the exo may end up proving itself to be a hell of a value and compete at the upper level, but i figure it here because of price and its shorts history for now. possibly some tradeoffs while still being a more budget conscious option. should expect very good comfort with all but HEAVY loads.
im not sure where to put mystery ranch. solid packs. too expensive for the lower classes, but IMO, too heavy to compete at the next level.
5. kifaru and stone glacier. utmost strength and comfort at even the heaviest of loads. either ultralight or very light for the features.

this is just my opinion. 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SCRUBS]

At this point we really aren't talking about the ability of the pack.  The pack is a viable option for someone for a 100 bucks, but IMO, there's better options out there in that price range. 

I`d  be (maybe others as well)  interested in hearing what the better options would be in the $100 price range.  It`s nice to have options.

Here is the list FTF stated on another thread.

It's a pretty good stratification of packs according to prove range.

1. sleeper deals. packs like older dana's. arcteryx bora etc.
2. cheaper externals like the cabelas alaskan. relatively durable but not ideal for hunting with all the time
3. eberle, badlands, tenzing (if theyre even still around) and various packs one would find at rei.
all of this price range will have major tradeoffs. weight, durability, comfort with moderate loads and heavy loads. the first few gens of kuiu icons could possibly fit into here.
a newcomer category that i feel was previously a void in the market..
4. new kuiu's, exo. now the exo may end up proving itself to be a hell of a value and compete at the upper level, but i figure it here because of price and its shorts history for now. possibly some tradeoffs while still being a more budget conscious option. should expect very good comfort with all but HEAVY loads.
im not sure where to put mystery ranch. solid packs. too expensive for the lower classes, but IMO, too heavy to compete at the next level.
5. kifaru and stone glacier. utmost strength and comfort at even the heaviest of loads. either ultralight or very light for the features.

this is just my opinion. 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you sir, I appreciate it.

[timberghost72]

Bringing this back. @Bean Counter I was wondering if you had an updated review of this pack after a few years of use and if you like it or not? I have been looking at these and it appears the current new ones now have load lifters on them.

[Magnum_Willys]

they weigh 8# empty ! Thats an extra 5# that could be a spotter and tripod compared to lighter options. 

[ctwiggs1]

Oh man what a few years experience will do

Silk is right and I was wrong about everything. 

I am 100% confident I can haul a deer or elk out with this pack.  I am 1000% certain I don't want to, and would rather with a higher end pack. 

Much love man and thanks for staying patient for those of us who honestly don't know.

[SilkOnTheDrySide]

Oh man what a few years experience will do

Silk is right and I was wrong about everything. 

I am 100% confident I can haul a deer or elk out with this pack.  I am 1000% certain I don't want to, and would rather with a higher end pack. 

Much love man and thanks for staying patient for those of us who honestly don't know.

I was a d*%^ a few years ago.

It's that time of year to start ramping up the training again!


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