ILBE Assault Pack Generation 2 Marpat Previously Issued [Misc.]

I ordered this along with the main pack that goes with it. If you're shopping for this backpack you probably already know this, but In case you don't; the assault pack is designed to attach to the back of the main pack. This is perfect for my needs as it allows me to pack everything I need for a day trip in the assault pack and in case I want to stay the night - all I need to do is strap the assault pack to the main pack, containing my shelter and sleeping gear and I'm good to go!The assault pack has a compartment for a hydration system (3 liters fit just fine) and plenty of room to fit everything you would need for a day in the woods: mess kit, cutting tools, food, fishing equipment and basic shelter for example.For me, the assault pack is basically my bug out bag and along with the main pack the set becomes a "start over pack" - I can fit everything I need to stay in the wild for weeks in this setup.The build quality is excellent and there's no doubt in my mind that this kit can take a serious beating! The fabric, zippers and buckles are all really heavy duty and it carries comfortably.I ordered mine from Blackstar Surplus, a previously issued / used pack, labeled as in "very good" condition and it definately is - this thing looks and feels like it's brand new! No tears, no broken buckles, no missing pieces, nothing. Simply perfect. The shipping almost amazed me the most: I live in Stockholm, Sweden and I recieved my package just 5 days after I ordered!If you're into hiking, bush crafting / survivalism or prepping like myself; do yourself a favor and order this excellent piece of gear right now - you won't regret it!

I wanted a bag I could take camping or on a day hike through the woods. I din't want to shell out the big bucks for name-brand backpacks, and I figured if the ILBE was good enough for the USMC to go to war with, it was probably good enough to carry my things into a state park.The materials are built of rugged stuff. My particular bag has trace signs of wear and tear, but nothing needed sewing/patching or replacement. There are more straps on this thing than you will likely ever need, but if you do, there they are. The buckles are a very tough and thick plastic. Fully loaded and fastened properly, this bag fits well and does not make you feel like you are about to topple over. There is also a pocket and small opening if you should wish to add a hydration pouch to the ensamble.If you want more room for more than a day trip into the woods, you should probably get this with the ILBE main pack - it attaches to it. I went ahead and ordered the main pack a few days after having this, not because this is a poor product, but because it is a good one and I know the whole thing will be marvelous together.The assault pack + main pack is just as good as any outdoor retailer's backpacking gear that you can pick up for $200-$300, but this is cheaper and literally battle tested.And for all you survivalists/preppers, the assault pack would make a fantastic BOB.

Bought from retailer ammocanman. This pack was listed as used, but appears to have been touched by only one set of human hands: mine. It doesn't smell, isn't distorted, and none of the various straps, buckled or expected wear points show any signs of use. It's either been cleaned incredibly well, or the USMC's idea of "used" involves sitting in shrink wrap in an armory until being sold off as surplus.Condition aside, this pack was everything I wanted and then some. The MOLLE surfaces on the back and sides allow for fairly impressive expandability, and it easily performs on the level of similar ~$200 civilian models. I put together a fairly small set of survival/camp/hiking equipment, and the only pieces that don't fit are my tent, blanket, and bedroll. The nature of the pack allows me to tie it all on if necessary, but for a half-day hike this size is ideal. For longer or more intense excursions out into the middle of nowhere, I would definitely want something larger.The hydration system is well devised and not particularly intrusive, though I've yet to truly run it through its paces. I can see a couple of choice areas that will get on my nerves after a few hours of lugging everything around, but when properly adjusted I hardly feel the weight of a full load.Also, it matches my hat.

The one I received was used and has a small hole at the front near the bottom which has been patched up. The hole on top where the tube of a water bladder gets through is slightly torn. The plastic back plate that came with the backpack is not the original one and didn't fit well. Other than that the backpack is in reasonably acceptable condition. I trimmed the plastic back plate and now it fits perfectly well. I also sew up the torned edges of the hole on top. All buckets and straps are in good working condition. The color of the camo pattern is slightly faded, but that is expected and actually makes the pack looks better. I have been using this back for almost 2 years now, as an overnight bag, for day trips, etc., and it is still in good working condition. It's a good bargain for the price I paid.

It was advertised as a "New" Gen 2 assault pack. But I received a lightly used gen 1 assault pack. I kept it because it fit my main ILBE pack, and at that time, they were extremely hard to find. I think I bought the last new ILBE Main pack, that was for sale on the internet. The Assault pack works fine. I just did not appreciate the misrepresentation in the advertising as a new Gen 2 assault pack. Especially for the price.