New pack...don't know where to start.

[JWP58]

The

Gotcha. I missed the x-frame part and looked at the external.


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Fear not, it was a huge blunder for alps to reuse the commander name with that pack.

Now to the OP's question. Is the alps worth its msrp? No. Is it worth 200 new? I think so. I've used it for almost 3yrs now and have never felt hindered by it. The only drawbacks to the commander x are the weight and the hip belt. The shoulder straps are great, it has the ability to adjust for torso length, and its modular (you can leave the main bag behind and just use the little pod pack attached to the frame for a daypack). I've hauled a few critters out with it and at about 80lbs you discover the hip belt could use better/more padding (see kifaru or the new MR hip belt). If you're on a super tight budget and fall into one on sale, it will work. It's not cool, and it may not be the most comfortable at 80+ lbs, but it will work. Its proven to be durable at least for me (no blown out seams, tears, rips, etc).

 

[NDGuy]

I will also recommend Mystery Ranch, great lineup. I own the Metcalf and love it.

I would also suggest waiting a few months as MR goes on sale usually once a year before hunting season and you can grab their packs for 20% off.

 

[Ovahbored]

I've settled on ordering a new Kifaru frame and while it's getting built keeping my eyes open for a used bag. Am I correct in assuming the Duplex Lite is the best frame for me as opposed to the ultra light or the tactical? I'm 6 feet about 185. I really do appreciate all the responses.

 

[jspradley]

I've settled on ordering a new Kifaru frame and while it's getting built keeping my eyes open for a used bag. Am I correct in assuming the Duplex Lite is the best frame for me as opposed to the ultra light or the tactical? I'm 6 feet about 185. I really do appreciate all the responses.

You won't be disappointed. IMO the frame is by far the most important part, you can rig up a bag with a drybag, duct tape and paracord and you'll be good to go with a good frame!

 

[mj23polaris]

Ditto what said above order some compression straps and k clips na dmake something happen

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[deerhunter628]

You will not be dissapointed with the Lite frame

 

[Cantharellus]

I've settled on ordering a new Kifaru frame and while it's getting built keeping my eyes open for a used bag. Am I correct in assuming the Duplex Lite is the best frame for me as opposed to the ultra light or the tactical? I'm 6 feet about 185. I really do appreciate all the responses.

I think the Duplex Lite will be perfect for you. I run the Hunting Frame which was replaced by the Lite. I'm 6'2" 180ish, 33/34" waist. I run a 26" with a small belt.

 

[Jebuwh]

I've settled on ordering a new Kifaru frame and while it's getting built keeping my eyes open for a used bag. Am I correct in assuming the Duplex Lite is the best frame for me as opposed to the ultra light or the tactical? I'm 6 feet about 185. I really do appreciate all the responses.

That is a good choice. I went budget pack for the last 2 or 3 years, and just sold and upgraded to the Kifaru Lite. It is a life changer for sure. And I've only been packing around bags of salt. Can't wait to actually get it into the field hunting!

 

[JWP58]

I've settled on ordering a new Kifaru frame and while it's getting built keeping my eyes open for a used bag. Am I correct in assuming the Duplex Lite is the best frame for me as opposed to the ultra light or the tactical? I'm 6 feet about 185. I really do appreciate all the responses.

Smart choice. While the alps is serviceable, you'd eventually upgrade. So you will save in the long run.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Go with the Kifaru lite or Tactical Frame. Either will do you real good.

 

[Maverick940]

You don't see a big difference between the Alps Commander and some of the "top tier" backpacks? No durability issues? I'm finding it for around $100 shipped without looking hard.

No, I don't find any difference between the ALPS Outdoorz Commander external-frame packframe and any of the so-called "top tier" (lol) packs. I'm a hunting guide who spend ten months of every year in the backcountry. I've currently been carrying an ALPS Outdoorz Commander external-frame that's ridden on my back the past ten (10) years and it functions the same as it did when I bought it in 2008 --- PERFECTLY.

 

[Jordan Budd]

No, I don't find any difference between the ALPS Outdoorz Commander external-frame packframe and any of the so-called "top tier" (lol) packs. I'm a hunting guide who spend ten months of every year in the backcountry. I've currently been carrying an ALPS Outdoorz Commander external-frame that's ridden on my back the past ten (10) years and it functions the same as it did when I bought it in 2008 --- PERFECTLY.

Which of the “top tier” packs have you compared your Alps Commander pack to? And how was the comparison done? Curious.

 

[Elkhntr08]

Commander has a empty weight of over 9#! No thanks.

 

[Jebuwh]

No, I don't find any difference between the ALPS Outdoorz Commander external-frame packframe and any of the so-called "top tier" (lol) packs. I'm a hunting guide who spend ten months of every year in the backcountry. I've currently been carrying an ALPS Outdoorz Commander external-frame that's ridden on my back the past ten (10) years and it functions the same as it did when I bought it in 2008 --- PERFECTLY.

I am also interested in your testing and comparisons. and why the lol? I switched from a more entry level pack, Horn Hunter, and upgraded to a top tier, Kifaru.
Do they both have straps and carry things inside them? Yep. So they both work. PERFECTLY. As you said.
The difference is one is 10 times as comfortable, half the weight, and is built to outlast me. Not to mention the modularity of all the bags and accessories to literally use it for any outdoor activity you could think of.

 

[Maverick940]

I am also interested in your testing and comparisons. and why the lol? I switched from a more entry level pack, Horn Hunter, and upgraded to a top tier, Kifaru.
Do they both have straps and carry things inside them? Yep. So they both work. PERFECTLY. As you said.
The difference is one is 10 times as comfortable, half the weight, and is built to outlast me. Not to mention the modularity of all the bags and accessories to literally use it for any outdoor activity you could think of.

Like I said, I'm a professional hunting guide who's actually in the field ten months of every year and have been the past forty-some years. I see and have used a lot of packs in my line of work. In my opinion, I can't justify the prices for so-called "top tier" or top-of the-line packs that are now on the market and popular with the "keep up with the joneses" crowd. But, that's merely my opinion.

 

[Jordan Budd]

Like I said, I'm a professional hunting guide who's actually in the field ten months of every year and have been the past forty-some years. I see and have used a lot of packs in my line of work. In my opinion, I can't justify the prices for so-called "top tier" or top-of the-line packs that are now on the market and popular with the "keep up with the joneses" crowd. But, that's merely my opinion.

We’re not disputing your background. You said that the Alps is as good, or better, than packs like Kifaru, Mystery Ranch, Stone Glacier, EXO, etc. We would just like to know how you came to those conclusions beyond they cost too much. It sounded like you had tried them side by side.


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[sneaky]

Like I said, I'm a professional hunting guide who's actually in the field ten months of every year and have been the past forty-some years. I see and have used a lot of packs in my line of work. In my opinion, I can't justify the prices for so-called "top tier" or top-of the-line packs that are now on the market and popular with the "keep up with the joneses" crowd. But, that's merely my opinion.

So, you're saying you haven't actually tested any of them yourself? Your attitude comes off as one that a lot of guys probably wouldn't want to put up with on a guided hunt. I'm curious as well which packs you liked, which ones you didn't, and what specifically about each you liked and disliked. Saying "HAHAHA" and "lol" doesn't exactly put forth the most professional image.

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[Jebuwh]

Like I said, I'm a professional hunting guide who's actually in the field ten months of every year and have been the past forty-some years. I see and have used a lot of packs in my line of work. In my opinion, I can't justify the prices for so-called "top tier" or top-of the-line packs that are now on the market and popular with the "keep up with the joneses" crowd. But, that's merely my opinion.

I'm absolutely not doubting your credentials. I just spent the last couple months researching packs, and finally was able to try them all on at the hunt expo this year.
I was blown away at how much more comfortable under a load the higher end packs were. I mean night and day better than anything I've ever used. Try one sometime, you might be surprised!

 

[Maverick940]

I'm absolutely not doubting your credentials. I just spent the last couple months researching packs, and finally was able to try them all on at the hunt expo this year.
I was blown away at how much more comfortable under a load the higher end packs were. I mean night and day better than anything I've ever used. Try one sometime, you might be surprised!

I've tried quite a few different brands in the field, under loads. Packs that my clients brought with them. I didn't notice any difference from the ALPS and the Cabela's and the Frontier Gear external pack-frames that I already own. But, that's me. I generally don't need to spend more money on things than is necessary.

 

[baeloth]

I used an Alps internal frame for my first few years, and packed out my first elk in it. My issue was durability, and comfort carying over 70#. the external frame model will handle the weight, but I found their hardware to be noisy. I wore holes in my bag after one season, from just the ocassional rub on trees or rocks while hiking. I think in the long run you will save more with a pack from one of the companies mentioned above. I'm looking at Mystery ranch and Seak outside. I'm on the quest for my fourth pack system and wish i bit the bullet years ago.