When I joined the military years ago the thing that shocked me most was the number of text books and items of clothing I was expected to carry around on a daily basis even after boot camp and how heavy, uncomfortable, and cheap The backpacks we were issued were. But the regulations specified I could have any bag I wanted as long as it was black so first paycheck I orderes one of these babies and it was a godsend. It didn't have padded straps, chest buckles, or a shape preserving wire frame, but it weighed a fraction of what the other bags did and had more carrying capacity even though it didn't have a bazillion pockets and the side cylinders were perfect for canteens. When we had to put on our bags and crawl across a football field and do other physical training my bag was lighter and more comfortable but held more gear than anyone else's. This thing lasted me through a six year tour of duty and I used it at college when I got out. It went with me cross country as I drove from California to Texas and then from Texas up to Alaska and back to Texas, and none of the changing weather harmed it at all. 11 years later this thing doesn't so much as have a hole in it and it's still as sturdy as ever. The husband bought one of those "fancy" bags with tons of buckles, pockets, frame and what not from the base exchange and that thing started to fall apart after six months, I mean he still uses it but the extra buckles broke off, the zipper fell off, its got holes, and the frame bent, and it weighs 15 pounds all by itself. As the only minnesotan in my unit it shocked me no one else had heard of duluth pack until they saw mine and wanted to know where I got it. I know at least 2 soldiers and a marine who got one on my recommendation and loved them. I still use this thing everytime I go on a trip, flying, driving, and it's amazing how much it holds while still being able to squish under a plane seat. Basically, it's the perfect backpack.
