Sandpiper of California Bugout Backpack

Don't let the looks fool you. It looks military like with the PALS webbing but it's not MIL-SPEC, however that's not to say it's a bad bag. I've been using this bag as my "everything" bag since 2005, when I saw them at FT. Benning. The size can't be beat. At nearly 3200 cubic inches (fully expanded) it's hard to beat. I use it daily for work, going on weekend trips, grocery shopping, playing air soft and it can serve as a bug out bag. I've used one in Iraq and it worked well for carrying some gear to different FOBs and it worked well on ground patrol missions. However you don't won't to load it down with say 50 pounds of gear or anything usually heavy because at that weight it seems to tear the inside up, and it can become very uncomfortable quickly at that weight. This bag is well organized, and very versatile. Keep in mind I'm reviewing the black version. The ACU is made of Codura nylon so that one is much stronger, but I still wouldn't want it for "hardcore" use. The ACU one has better nylon, but it still uses the cheap plastic buckles for a bed roll, the PALS attachment can't hold heavy items very well (I have two grimlocks and a pad lock on mine, and it shows signs of wear) and the metal shoulder straps that connect to the base D rings can break, as happened on my 2nd pack (I've owned three of these so far.

Overall for size, price and versatility it can't be beat. But if your looking for something more durable, or stronger look maybe to the ACU version or for a different pack all together.

I was issued this bag for a recent deployment. Day one of being on the ground, the shoulder strap's stitching came completely unraveled. At the time, I had a uniform and a pair of boots in the bag. Nothing else. I had to make due by knotting the strap so I could use the backpack. It's sad that my knot was actually stronger than the factory stitching for a bag that's supposed to be used in the field carrying MUCH HEAVIER items than a uniform and a pair of boots.

I emailed SOC customer service a month ago and have yet to receive anything back from them in response...not even an automated email saying they've received my inquiry and will get back to me.

Shoddy product and sub-par customer service. They should be ashamed of themselves for putting this crap into the hands of troops deploying.

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Versatile bag for weekend trips and/or as a bug-out bag, etc...

I have used it for a number of different purposes and find it to be a good all-around pack. Shopping around can save you money on this pack!

Pros:

Strong zippers with quiet zipper pulls.

Rugged 600 denier (inside-coated) cordura.

Clothing straps inside main compartment for use as a clothing bag.

Duffel handle on top and side/ optional shoulder strap attachment plastic D-rings.

(2) front zippered compartments with multiple organizational pouches inside.

Chest straps

compression straps on side.

Extension zipper for an additional 4" more space for main compartment if needed.

Waist Belt with optional hideaway pouch.

Shoulder straps can be tucked away and zippered shut if using as duffel

Reasonably priced

comfortable with light loads

removable inside metal stays

Cons:

Shoulder adjustment straps would be nice.

Probably not mil. spec.

minimal padding on waist belt (for light loads this is a plus, as it tucks away and keeps it less bulky)

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This review is for the BLACK version of the bag...

I've had two of these bags and, on each one, the nylon has failed right where the top strap is sewn onto the bag. I just noticed the failure in the second bag about a week ago and was hoping that it would last just a couple of more months. But it has progressed to the point where I think I will need to replace it soon. I think that the most I have in the bag is 15 pounds, but apparently that is too much for it.

Now, this bag does hold quite a bit of stuff, so if you can get one that doesn't tear, you should be all set.

I don't know if the construction standards are different between the black and other versions, but I will not be purchasing one of these bags again.

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I bought this backpack as a bugout bag. Coincidentally, it arrived just before I went on a Venturing (Boy Scouts) backpacking campout so I used my new backpack. This bag was able to hold everything with ease and was even comfortable on my back. All of this gear fit in the bag (with exception of the air mat, which I strapped to the outside): 0 degree bag, backpacking tent, self inflating air mat, 4 freeze dried meals and a backpacker's coffee brewer pouch, 4 cup stainless pot for cooking in, 1 backpack stove and 1 can of fuel, camping pillow, 1 set rain gear, 1 field jacket liner (I wear under the rain gear to keep me plenty warm), 1 book, 2 Pr socks, First aid kit, Katadyn mini, 100 Ft paracord, 1 bottle bug spray, 1 bottle sub screen, 3 ltr water bladder, backpacker's towel, filled the very front pocket with accessories like lighter, multi tool, water purify pills, knife sharpener, car keys, cell phone, etc.

The only thing I'm not really crazy about was the placement of the water bladder pouch under the shoulder straps. I thought for sure it would cause my bladder to pop being pressed between the weight of the pack and my back, but nope it even did that well. There is absolutely nothing flimsy about this pack. I love it!

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