Defensive Concepts

     I'd been using a mini ALICE for my sniping duties for years. It had served me very

well. However, it was getting worn out. I started looking around for a replacement about a

year ago and spotted Camelbak's Motherlode in the TSSI catalog. I called and got it along

with a few other three day assault style packs for a test and evaluation. The packs I

received were all top quality pieces. The Motherlode worked best for me, though.

    Before I get into the specifics of the ruck, I just learned that Camelbak has redesigned

the Motherlode for 2003. I'll specify the changes as I describe the ruck. It's frameless and

constructed of heavy cordura nylon. It's available in OD, SWAT black and sand. Mine is

OD. Why you ask? The area I operate in is a mix of city and country. I may be holed up in

a building or a hide in the woods. Black stands out in my environment. The OD blends

well wherever I am. There is one main compartment and two outer compartments located

high and low on the pack. This setup has been changed for 2003 to one outer

compartment. The listed volume for the redesigned pack is 2100 cubic inches. Mine is

about 25% less, still plenty of room for everything I need. The main compartment has two

inner pockets that holds my data book along with other small items. The pack is semi tear

drop shaped and comes with a waist and sternum strap to help stabilize and support the

load. There is also a convenient grab handle at the top of the Motherlode that makes a

good tie off point for a drag cord. All the compartments close with heavy nylon zippers

that are sturdy and silent. I've got mixed feelings about zippers on tactical gear but these

have held up well.  The outside of the pack has plenty of daisy chain attachments for

lashing things to. There are also two compression straps that can hold items to the outside

of the ruck. I use them to hold a Ridge Rest pad on one side. The Motherlode uses a 100

ounce Omega reservoir for a water supply. Plenty of liquid that stays cold or warm,

depending on what you need. It's also much easier to clean than the older units. The tube

itself is insulated. Those of you who have an older unit will appreciate this. I know I did

after my experiences with the Rogue from Camelbak. That first shot of hot water

followed by cold can be unpleasant. The bite valve also has an on/off lever to keep it

from leaking.

    Everything on this pack has met my expectations. The material and workmanship is

high quality. The ruck rides comfortably on my back with my standard load out without

having to secure the sternum or waist straps. Going with a heavier winter load out

required the straps. Really heavy loads should be carried in a pack with some type of

frame. However, for short term things, up to say three days on the trail, the Motherlode

will serve your needs.

    The unit is a little expensive for those on a budget. The last suggested retail I saw was

around $150.00 U.S. Consider this though, you get a hydration system and a well made,

rugged ruck that will carry your gear for short term operations. So if you're looking for a

new sniper ruck, a trail pack for short term back packing or a good bug out bag take a

look at Camelbak's Motherlode.

The Camelbak Motherlode