So, I picked up this little military load bearing type vest for free, and thought it would make a great little day pack. Can get all kinds of little essentials for a day in the woods in it! What do ya think? Thought it cleaned up quite nicely.

 

LOOKS GOOD AND THE PRICE WAS GOOD.  

Ya, it was in a real ugly state when I got it. Couldn't tell if it was green/brown or black it was so dirty! I put it in the tub last night, scrubbed the heck out of it with a brush, warm soapy water, rinsed and hung it to dry. This was the outcome.

Looks good.  Free is a great price.

Looks like it would work. Does it still have that particular mil surplus smell?

Guy

Not anymore, I soaked with earth scent!   :D

Nice find. I can see LOTS of potential in that!

I like those open pockets. Would make a great step holder for putting in tree steps as well.

The price was definately right..!

  I'm sure you can find alot of ways to use the pack, it has alot of utility pockets.

Military surplus is the way to go. I get a ton of stuff from Colemans MS and it last better than commercial stuff.

heck yea that'll work nice imo. I use an old military satchel for my haver sack; yea cant go wrong with old cheap surplus.

I like it, looks handy!

Jason

Excellent score! I have several types but haven't seen that kind before. Those pockets look very handy. Does the back panel hold a hydration bladder?

I use a pistol belt with shoulder straps. It's nice to be able to put knives and such on the belt and not have the weight pulling your pants down.

Danny, it doesn't have a back panel. That's just the flap to the back pouch.

A few tricks for you:
1) wind duct tape over all metal buckles,etc. Reduce squeaks and shiny spots.
2) if there are any metal ALICE clips, take them off and tie off with 550 cord instead.
3) take off your string side pouches or keep them empty/flat so you don't hang up on them

I've never seen this particular gitup before, if anyone knows issue or purpose please post it here!
Thom

Here is a pic of the vest being worn. I will duct tape the metal clips to quieten it down but overall, I think this thing will work great for me.

Is the material noisy?

Yeah, that looks good. Load it up and try shooting in it though. Shooting in my ALICE suspenders is like trying to throw a pass with a linebacker and a defensive end wrapped around me.

awbowman: the material is surprisingly quiet but, those clips do make some noise. Thinking of removing the top clips.

Paddy: I put some items in it and went out in the back yard to shoot and it didn't interfere at all with my shooting.

If you use a treestand, those back clips look like they will hold a small one just right.