Ararat Trading Company (out of business)
ENHANCED BUTTPACK
For a change I got first dibs on some items received from Ararat Trading. With an old buttpack that was starting to rip out around the edges, I immediately set my sights on an oversized camo model with a waterproof liner.
After I hauled out my ruck, removed the old buttpack and replaced it with the new one, I checked out the contents of my old one:
I reloaded the contents into the new buttpack, except for the carabiner, which I clipped next to my med kit in the web loop at one end. Realizing I had a lot of wasted space, I removed several small, seldom used but needed items from my LBV and put them in the buttpack. There was still enough room for 2-3 MRE's but I didn't want to overload and throw it off balance with the rest of my gear.
I used some paracord to tie the D-rings to my LBV. There were some bedroll straps which I removed (I carry that item on top of my ruck) though they'd be very handy for someone who wanted to go out with just web gear or an LBV and buttpack for a weekend hike.
I've tried it out a few times since and it's very sturdy! The woodland pattern blends in nicely with my BDU's and breaks up the sold OD my ruck and buttpack presented before. It's heavier than my old one but the LBV weight distribution makes that unnoticeable - the setup is as comfortable as ever.
Specifications:
On the Positive Side: I especially like the quick-release Fastex buckles, which make for much faster access! It's larger than standard-issue and seems to be as sturdy if not sturdier. The extra material in the lining and generous strap length makes it stuffable beyond the dimensions of the buttpack itself. ALICE clips were included.
On the Negative Side:Nothing I can think of except it's got that "new" look that I need to roll around in the dirt a few times to remove!
All in all, this is a quality product and an excellent replacement for my old standard mil-issue gear.
Warrior Woman