Item being reviewed: REI UL 45 BACKPACK
Description of item: 45 Litre Backpack. Purchased to replace ATS/Lightfighter RAID for a BOB/Backpacking/Hiking pack.
Description of review tests:
Hike in the following conditions:
Distance: 3.45 miles
Time: Around 55 minutes.
Conditions: 28 degrees. 90% humidity. Fog.
Time: 1930 to 2020 hours Mountain Std. Time.
Terrain: Mixed suburban to country. Pavement and mud.
I had my EDC on as well as the Backpack with my AR in my hands.
EDC
Pros: Civy looking Backpack in Lo-Pro Colors. Has wasitbelt and it rides above the belt - Holster and mag pouches are acsesible.
Cons: Not MOLLE - I can only put stuff in it without modding the pack.
Best Uses: Lo-pro BOB. Overnight hiking - lightweight backpacking.
Duration Used: So far just a month. Will be used heavy this summer.
Where purchased: REI in Boise. They are closing this pack out so It might still be available.
Cost:
Rating: (1 through 5, 5 being best) This is a 4 out of 5 stars.
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Here is the LONG review I typed up:
For a BOB Ive been using the Lightfighter/ATS RAID pack for a while. While its not given me any problems I have been looking for something a little less military. I wanted something in lo profile colors with a waist belt and that was slightly narrower. So after researching backpacks for a while I finally purchased the REI UL 45. No longer available on the website as its being closed out. You might be able to pick one up at an REI in person.
Color wise the REI UL blends in pretty well. The material is slightly noisy as it is water resistant. I dont think that durability will be a problem as REI packs have been used for a long time.
The pack was very comfortable with this load out. I didnt have any problems with the weight or how it reacted with some short sprints. The waist belt on this pack ran up above my belt and the gear attached to my belt. A slightly lower riding holster might be required for ease of draw and definitely an OWB holster is required.
Contents of Pack:
Navigation/Survival:
Garmin eTrex Legend CX
Deluxe Survival Kit
http://www.sawtac.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,221/category_id,9/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,30/ S.O.L. Pak -
http://www.sawtac.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,163/category_id,9/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,30/ Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight .7
AMK Moleskin
AMK Glacier Gel
Bic Lighter
MRE Matches
Weapons related:
1x Glock 17 mag with 16 rounds of Corbon 125gr +p JHP (Blackhawk CQC)
1x PMAG with 28 rounds of Black Hills 68gr HP.
1x PMAG with 28 rounds Black Hills 68gr HP in Bladetech Tek-lock pouch.
Clothing:
Arctyerx Covert Cardigan full zip with hood. Grey Green.
Woolrich Elite LW khaki pants.
1x hiking socks.
TAG Green Shemagh
Black Diamond fleece Gloves
Black T-shirt looses enough for CC with OWB holster if CC is necessary.
Food:
4oz package of Beef Jerky
3oz Chicken Flavor Pasta and Sauce Package
2 oz Instant Mashed Potatoes
7oz Backpackers Pantry Lasagna
4x Assorted Granola Bars
4x Cliff Bars
Gear:
Jetboil PCS with stabilizer for fuel can
REI Spork (on Jetboil sleeve)
MSR Miniworks EX
Misc:
AA and AAA batteries
Surefire 123A batteries
Camera
Wrigleys 5 gum
6 Buzz Bites caffeine juiced chocolate candies.
32oz Nalgene Bottle
50 Ft. 550 cord.
What I need to do:
Replace the Nalgene with a water bag like the MSR Dromedary or Platypus bladder. Probably will go the route of the MSR bag since it will interface with my MSR bladder. The main reason Im still using the Nalgene is the interface capabilities with the Filter. Reasoning is that the Nalgene will slosh when not full.
Pictured is how this pack looks compared to Multicam, Ranger Green, and some well-worn Woolrich Elite Green pants.
