NI Patrol Pack

[Brown Bear]

I like the look of the Northern Ireland Patrol pack:

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop/army-surplus-uk/plce-army-webbing/new-genuine-army-issue-plce-patrol-414830.html

The 30 Lt capacity plus 2x 10 Lt pockets is enough for me for a few days in the wilds in summer (I'm a minimalist).

Has anyone used one? Is it a winner? I can't find a review anywhere.

[Mikey P]

Basic, no frills. Not particularly padded or comfortable so need to be packed with care. Pouches do not zip off (permanently attached). "Workmanlike" is probably best description.

[Northern Giant UK]

They are good strong packs but they are designed to go over webbing, also there isn't much adjustability in them.
There are a lot of good packs out there but I would have a look at highlander packs. .

http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shop/camping-outdoor/rucksacks/highlander.html

they're far more comfortable and adjustable also they come in capacities to suit most needs (I have the forces 88), for the kind of size your looking at the forces and nevis packs have a really good adjustable back system.

Hope it helps.

Kev

[SimonM]

I used to use one and echo what others have said...TBH, I'd go with a civvy pack with a better carry system as this is designed to be worn over belt kit, so it sits high on the back.

On the plus side, they are very well made and take a lot of abuse!

Simon

[Nat]

As Mikey P says, it's a basic stuff your kit in pack. There's nothing fancy about it, it's strong, will take a battering and designed to fit over webbing.
Nice pack actually

[Brown Bear]

Thanks chaps. Sounds like I need to try before I buy. I like a high pack position, but a lack of padding could be uncomfortable.

The lack of zips on side pockets appeals to me....less to go wrong.

[Nat]

It basically does what it says on the tin. Personally i rate them, they're basic and like you said, feck all to go wrong on it. You can chuck it, kick it, mistreat it and it'll still come back to you

[Native Nathan]

I have one, used when I has still serving and use it more now.

I Second what Nat said they are indestructible.

There is now waist belt really, and the padding is not the best, but it works

the side pockets can take a 58 patt water bottle.
there are snow locks on the main bag and on the 2 side pockets, don't think the side pockets are 10 litres though.

The bag itself if fairly shower proof but i always line it with a rubble bag.

[w00dsmoke]

I've used/brutalised mine since 2002 and it gets SERIOUSLY overloaded, thrown about and abused. I've stashed it in culverts for a couple of days, hung it up in trees, slid down muddy and scree slopes on my back on it and it still does it's job admirably. Highlander bags are like paper compared to these. They are comfortable although sweaty as there's no venting on your back but by heck they are the most rugged pack in that size money can buy. My only gripe is that they could do with a large pouch on the front as they are quite small. Get a genuine patrol pack not an imitation and you won't be disapointed. I payed £65 for mine all those years ago and I think mine will last for life. Well worth it. A German army foldamat stuffed down the back on the inside transforms it...

WS

[stevesteve]

Hi,

I have been using the Highlander TT Patrol pack for over a year now and it is not showing any signs of wear yet.

This was last Feb in the snow
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n71/stevestevephoto/Bushcraft/Highlander_TT.jpg
It takes a 1L flask in the side pocket, which I like.

Probably not as tough as the issue version but it'll do me and it comes in OG rather than DPM.

Cheers,
Steve

[TinkyPete]

The Issue item will last a long time as long as you don't crawl through razor wire or get it blown up but as that is pretty hard to do round here you should be safe with it. they do last a lifetime if the above is obeyed. I have had mine 5 years now and has suffered alot of abuse and it's great. the only ones I have seen that are better or more rugged cost alot more in the shops, Dragon supplies do a really good one and can be got in several different colours to and I like their design for having a basha pouch on it. But as my NI pack was free (with the job) I cann't fault it. :)