Backpacks as a minimal gearbag

[ChillswitchEngage]

Saw a Reddit post recently (I know, I know) of a yellow JT gear backpack. Got me thinking, would love to have a dedicated backpack as a smaller & lighter gear bag for more casual days so to speak where I'm not bringing two of everything. Looking for something compartmentalized and capable of holding the following; 1x marker/tank/hopper/mask (marker & mask would be in cases), podpack + 4 pods, knee/elbow pads, misc bag of tools/batteries/lube/etc.

The PE GX2 gravel backpack looks very tempting, though getting a hiking or MOLLE "assualt" pack seems like they'd fit the role and be cheaper as well. Thoughts? Big things I'm looking for are compartmentalization, rigidity/back support, and waterproofing.

[$L!mBo]

ive been through a similar thought process.
i like a light setup, im always playing pump and not hauling more than a single bag with me between games. if i have a case, the rest of it stays with my truck.
the route i went is:

-exalt mask case
-rothco canvas duffle (its the smaller one, and i waxed it for "waterproofing")
-allen jerry can ball caddy (the square shape is more efficient for my purposes and the lid is large enough to reach my hand in with a 10rnd tube to "scoop load" quickly)
-elastic motorcycle webbing stretched around the jerry can caddy stuffed with extra microfibers, water bottle and a spraybottle with cleaner
-small toiletries case with just the essentials of my usual toolbox

i am able to run the duffle bag shoulder straps through everything into a very tight, comfortable and lightweight rig. i keep my tubes in my pack and will wrap that over the whole bag if we are going to be walking a while between games. i have a fannypack with a dump pouch and 12g holder i can unclip and attach the same way.
you could easily do the same with a podpack. and once youve got your pants and top on, enough room is freed up in the bag for your empties.
i like being able to just toss stuff into the bag and zip it up to worry about/dig through later and even though i am able to strap my marker to the setup, i usually carry that in my hand and dont mind.
its great not being the guy everyone else depends on to steal tools and spare parts from when i dont have my full sized toolbox with me.

[ChillswitchEngage]

Never even thought about a fanny pack, those would be perfect as the misc parts/lube/tools/battery pack. If you want to go even more minimalism for a caddy, I've found canning funnels are the perfect size to pour bags into hoppers & pods.

[nerdcore]

Hey now, i'm on that sub-reddit a lot!

Is the idea the mask and podpack+pods hang from the exterior of the bag? What case will the marker be in?

[ChillswitchEngage]

Didn't occur to me to have the pod pack wrapped on the outside but that actually makes a lot of sense, good thinking! The mask would be in a exalt case inside the bag. For marker cases, I use a mix of mostly 14in padded laptop cases, a PE GX2 & a Proto case.

[nerdcore]

ChillswitchEngage The idea ain't mine, unfortunately. Bags already exist with external wide things in mind, adopted from skater bags that have board straps/sleeves on the outside. Used to have an old Raven bag with something like that.

The biggest hurdle is the whole mask case in the bag. Basically need a backpack that fits a human head, in addition to everything else. That usually means duffel backpack (bonus points if it also has wheels), unless you clip the exalt mask case to the outside like EvilCreature said.

I've had so much trouble with hauling solutions in the past, it ultimately led to everything being in its own case (Exalt or similar), piled in a lidless box/tote in the car, then transferred to a foldable wagon at the field.

[Jonnydread]

I bought a cheap backpacking sack from OSJL for my grab'n'go field days. It fits a small tool pack, 1-2 smaller markers, a tank and I clip my mask bag onto the exterior. It has loops for hanging boots/shoes and is expandable so I can fit extra paint, change of clothes, weed, etc. It works great for the days when I just want to shoot my Super Stocker or other simple setups and I can still have a cocker pump for backup without needing an additional bag.

It's worth noting that I am a trash boy and I don't use marker cases or anything and I don't care if most of my markers get love dings. Markers with love scuffs always shoot better.

[redsquirrel]

Trash boys 4 lyfe

[Jonnydread]

redsquirrel 🗑️ 🧒 💪🏻

[Ecapnation]

Those JT backpacks aren't to great if you ask me.

They will fit one gun set up but no gear or even a hopper

Plus most of the shape and side pockets don't do well for holding longer items.

I will admit I just threw one away because it wasn't selling and it was kinda useless to me.

[Jonnydread]

I remember the zippers being made out of shitty plastic and falling apart

[Ecapnation]

I would not have put the effort into shipping it.

Yeah that era jt bags were not great quality

[chplnstone]

I have 3, though only use 1, fits my mask, a few 13ci tanks, automag, at4, barrels, hoppers, & some 50 rd pods nicely compartmentalized. on one of the bags the marker bag 'wings' even velcro out. I use a surplus mar8ne ilbe corpsman pack for my basic stock class stuff, the internal frame spars are just long enough to protect a p68sc/pirated k2 and separated storage for softgoods & 12vies, plus molle outside to hold patches/ration bag full of 10 rd tubes

[cougar20th]

What I have found is that laptop backpacks have a padded section for the laptop that is perfect for a gun. Often they also have a section that has small pockets.. Perfect for small stuff.

You can also find larger rolling type laptop bags. These usually have more room. Downside is they have small floor friendly wheels not large outdoor style.


I have all the above and a old redz paintball back pack. The biggest difference from a laptop bag is the tank and barrel holding stuff.

[Cyberpyr8]

You should look at the HK expand bag. It's a backpack but has an expansion zipper that let's you hold more gear if you need it. I used one for a while when I wanted to carry just one setup. My son ended up taking it and even used it for his camera gear when he is working. They protect and carry everything pretty well.

[EvilCreature]

I can fit a whole setup inside or clipped to a laptop backpack. I clip the mask outside, everything else fits nicely inside. Usually can be had pretty cheap.

[ChoSanJuan]

I used to have really good luck with AWP tool backpacks. I could keep a single setup with me when I used them. I took a look at the modern versions and I think I want to get a new one for my local field days. The original backpacks from 1999+ let me keep a marker, some barrels, loader, tank, and mask, along with my pack strapped around the outside of it. These new ones have molle straps on the side pouches and back for other items too. I'll probably pick on up this weekend... maybe... lol

https://awp-gear.com/collections/bac...-tool-backpack

[ChuckLove]

I love Volcano paintball bags. I had the original and now I have the "2.0 Expand".

https://vulcanousa.com/

[$L!mBo]

these are pretty sweet.
expensive but i like the design. i bet i could piece together some milsurp for something similar. i really like the marker strapped to the side

[Fossilhead]

I've got an old raven backpack. I swear it'll outlive me. Holds 2 masks 2 tanks, has barrel sleeves inside. Can pretty much haul everything you need for 2 full setups.

[glaman5266]

I'd need a backpack the size of my PE bag.

On a serious note, I really want to do this for my pump stuff. Just one backpack with all my pump stuff in it. That's feasible for me at this point. I still get too paranoid & have to bring at least two of everything when I play other formats.

[ChoSanJuan]

OK, I lied... I caved and bought one the other night. Packed it with the basics for glamor shots sake. They still work awesome and have a few more QOL addons! The place where I used to put barrels is now in the front pouch instead of an open clipped/flap on the side. IE - people can just walk by and yoink a barrel out of the flap without unclipping it. (Only thing I hated with the original design, glad I never had a barrel stolen because of this! And yes, I know this wasn't the original intent for the bag so I can't bitch too much about the design...)

I love this even more than the old version!


All loaded up with my pack wrapped around it


Pack off


Front pouch with barrels. It's got 2 layers, but keeping with the minimalistic nature example, I have what I need in there.


Mask on the top (I'll have it in a bag when I actually use it)


Mask out, Cocker in the front compartment of the front flap all cozy.


Tank and loader in the bottom. Leftover pouches for some additional parts, tools, microfibers, parts...


Completely empty to show overall space


IMAGINE I TOOK A PIC FOR THIS ONE LOL
Front and side pockets are zippered with molle. One of the side pockets has a little window for a business card, I have a barrel sleeve in there. I'll probably keep all my Nova inserts in the other pocket.

The bottom is reinforced with the tire tread material. The straps are ultra comfy with a lower back pad and has a breathable mesh. Straps also have lower comfort side padding that also has one of those stomach clips for more stability. Totally happy with returning to AWP for a more modernized gearbag!

Also, for context, I use one of those huge rolling toolboxes and it lives in the back of my truck. It's great for tournament/big game days, but there are times where I just want to have a few things to go and play and not worry about multiple markers or bring "all the things" for a walk-on day. What's cool is that I can just keep this in my back seat and do a grab and go when I get to the field!

[JeepDVLZ45]

I run this gear bag.

https://www.hkarmy.com/products/expa...39358071111750

It doubles as a backpack or is expandable. Not as compartmentalized and I’d like, but I have a spot for my marker(s) barrels, separate for mask and shoes.

I usually have my single shot, CCM, a take and some 12grams and various other nonsense (freak backs, paint, microfibers, joyride, spare tubes, marker trauma kits) when it’s collapsed.

i really like it, i did NOT pay the $130 for it, they had a sale last year-ish, I think I paid like $70

[devilzcall]

Third on the Expand Bag. It's my only gearbag and it fits a complete speedball setup including softgear in its collapsed state. If you pack right that is. For rec I'm often bringing two or three markers, sometimes a second bottle. By then i usually have a small extra bag for my food and water, also my outdoor boots are significantly bulkier than cleats. I mostly use the expand option as a fuck-it zipper, when the day is over and i can't be arsed to tetris my dirty gear.

I always bring my geo as a backup even for recball and it fits super neatly into one of the side pockets.

Worst thing i've done with them was take a Train and then 30min bike ride uphill. On that day I was carrying an extra set of gear.

The straps could be comfier and I never carry it as a duffel bag. Also more compartments could be nice, but the side pockets are fantastic.