Adventure Sports

What are the differences between military-style backpacks and commercial backpacks for hiking/trekking?

Hi guys,

Anyone knows what is the major differences between military-style backpacks as sold at Army Surplus stores, compared to those commonly sold at sporting goods stores for hiking/ trekking/ mountaineering?

Any special design considerations/features/functionalities for military style field packs?

btw, just to add to my discussion, if I intend to use a military-style backpack (perhaps better ones such as Blackhawk) for my overseas travel, any tip on locking it up or securing it?

I notice that some backpack compartments are secured using the black plastic snap-on clips, which obviously cannot be locked up using padlocks like typical luggage cases.

What are some techniques that backpackers use to secure their backpacks from theft and insertion of illegal items by smugglers perhaps at hotel/airport/custom?

Any comments welcome.

The military backpacks are made of heavier materials to stand up to lots of dragging, tossing and unusual wear. For the average backpacker or traveler this is usually overkill. They’re also designed to be cost effective and so are unlikely to be made of the latest, lightest, strongest materials. If you’re backpacking or traveling and have the money a lighter ‘pack is always preferable to a heavy one. They’re also overpriced. Taking all those things into consideration I have written off military gear for backpacking ever since I began backpacking.

As for traveling, it’s best to buy a duffel bag to carry your backpack, to keep the straps and everything out of the way. If you’re really paranoid there’s a steel mesh backpack cover that will prevent slashing robberies.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=9433

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=2292825

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