Air Force duffles?

[Scott Brady]

Aviator Kit Bag
Attachment 85463
Military surplus stores, or knock offs available on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Plus-En.../dp/B000KZJ7NQ

Nice find and quite reasonable.

When I was active duty, we had several bags that served different purposes. Being a composite wing, I needed to have them packed at all time ready for deployment. The B and C bags were pretty easy to live with, being side loading. They were OD green bags I believe called aviators and were used to carry cold weather gear and other specialty equipment.

[NothingClever]

These bags are OK if you don't have to haul anything anywhere. If you're simply storing stuff inside a vehicle or going from a building to a vehicle in a matter of feet or you have carts or ATVs / UTVs to haul your gear and never foresee a need to have to walk anywhere with your gear, then the Air Force bags are fine.

However, if you don't have those conditions and have to walk anywhere, these bags suck because you end up with a bulky bag (potentially heavy) that can only be carried by hand (i.e, no shoulder straps) or by heaving it up onto your back and holding each strap with a hand on either side of your neck (much like we do when we pack parachutes into these bags after a jump).

I have endless availability of these bags and I'd rather spend the dosh on the TNF duffle bag with the built in shoulder straps. Expensive, yes, but imminently more waterproof and entirely more portable walking any distance and up flights of stairs, etc and won't go out of style like the "tacti-cool" nature of black wheels and MOLLE gear seat covers, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc.

[TangoBlue]

These bags are OK if you don't have to haul anything anywhere.

My thoughts exactly. Really a PITA if you have to hump them any distance, which I normally did. Certainly not water-resistant and do have a tendency to mildew once wet (the cotton variant). The newer nylon material is better, but still, it's merely an organizational solution for allocating bulky gear to sit in a ready status on a shelf for deployment. Mine sit today on a shelf in the basement with gear I have no use for now. Way too many superior solutions available on the market IMHO. But enjoy if you like it...

[Squatchout]

Lots of good feedback. I got a chance to take a better look at my buds bag today. It is the kit bag that most are talking about with a flap over the zipper.
It's a nice bag but a little bigger than I thought. More bag than I need. About 1/2-2/3 that size would be better. It would be a great bag for light stuff like loose coats and such. He uses it to carry his mountain bike helmet, clothes and other loose gear in the car. I'm not super concerned about the carry factor. I'm just looking at storage duffles. That's why I'm looking at cheap stuff. If I was going to carry it far I would drop the big bucks for a couple of "Duluth Pack" canoes packs in waxed canvas. They make some sweet gear. What can I say. I love the smell of canvas after it has been properly cured with campfire smoke!

My searching and your comments has lead me to several ideas. I used to backpack alot. Not so much anymore. I'm now doing a lot of 4 wheel camping and some canoe camping. Which of course leads to carring more stuff. I'm working on whittling that back down. I'm constantly re-evaluating how and what I pack. I'm trying to find a good balance between enjoying the comforts of truck camping without getting burdoned by "stuff" or long set up + tear down times. I've used some plastic storage boxes of several types. While good for certain things I don't want crushed. Like bread and chips. They are bulky and not very versatile. I also have found that a lot of stuff in a big bag or box leads to a mess after a couple of days. I'd rather have smaller bags or smaller bags in a large bag. Things like a bag with my stove and coffee pot and and such. Just grab one bag that has everything I need to make coffee or to cook a quick hot lunch and nothing more. The lunch stuff itself could be in a seperate bag.

Good point on the mildew. I grew up in a wet area. I learned a long time ago to not store wet stuff period. For the most part that is non-issue with my gear these days.

[TangoBlue]

Some of your desired attributes are mine too. I use bags too, but for items that can be crushed with out fear of damage.

My solution for my truck are 2 "footlockers," made of lightweight, blow-molded plastic (commonly called Hardigg cases) with wheels; other sizes are available. The only effort involved is picking them up or removing them from truck bed height. Although bulky they are easily moved because of the wheels and handles on all sides, slide easily in the bed, nesting, watertight, lockable, just the right height for sitting, and keep all my gear unmolested. One case for camping gear (cot, sleeping bags, lanterns, etc.) the other for stove, cooking gear, spices, cleaning gear, and miscellaneous items; each has 2 removable inset trays that can be re-purposed for other missions such as bathing or washing dishes.

Cleaning is a snap and putting the cases away is painless; I usually just PM and restock the contents and I'm already packed for the next trip instead of having gear spread out all over the place. I also use smaller cases for repair parts and fluids (aluminum AMAL can) and 2 large MTM plastic ammo bins for easy access, dated food items. I also have an ARB 47 QT fridge that takes up some of that truck bed footprint as you slowly put this load together in your head.

Sorry no really good pics but you can see the 2 of them stacked at the entrance of the Oz Tent, below.

[AFSOC]

Agree with most everyones comments on the duffel. I don't like dragging them very far either and it's way too easy to load to the gills and end up 75 or more lbs...sucks humping that through tent city. One of the things I do, is to use them to over pack smaller bags or gear already separated functionally. To me it's frustrating to lash down a tarp, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and rain gear separately when they will all fit together inside a single duffel. One strap through the handles and your load is secure.

I would never say these bags are the be all, end all transport solution but their durability, flexibility and affordability lend them to a myriad of uses. I have used them extensively throughout my USAF career and have come to rely on them even today.

[buckshot500]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/

[joseph.l.dantonio]

parachute bag

[JDaPP]

What he said. I have been issued a couple of these and everytime I take one with me and have to take it through the airport I immediately regret my decision. I only use them for storage of items I have no intention of moving.

These bags are OK if you don't have to haul anything anywhere. If you're simply storing stuff inside a vehicle or going from a building to a vehicle in a matter of feet or you have carts or ATVs / UTVs to haul your gear and never foresee a need to have to walk anywhere with your gear, then the Air Force bags are fine.

However, if you don't have those conditions and have to walk anywhere, these bags suck because you end up with a bulky bag (potentially heavy) that can only be carried by hand (i.e, no shoulder straps) or by heaving it up onto your back and holding each strap with a hand on either side of your neck (much like we do when we pack parachutes into these bags after a jump).

I have endless availability of these bags and I'd rather spend the dosh on the TNF duffle bag with the built in shoulder straps. Expensive, yes, but imminently more waterproof and entirely more portable walking any distance and up flights of stairs, etc and won't go out of style like the "tacti-cool" nature of black wheels and MOLLE gear seat covers, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc.

[Ramjet]

Try GoRuck. They make some high quality stuff right here in the USA. Www.goruck.com