The widely known military tactical backpack ILBE Tango Gen 2 (or a model USMC ILBE Tango Backpack Gen 2) till today remains on the market as one of the most trendy and demandable among the durable and roomy tactical rush packs. In spite that its being in demand gradually is declining, because it has been withdrawn from operational use still in 2011, and it’s able-to-get only on after-market. On condition if do not take notice of a Propper company official amazon show-room, the possibility to order and purchase a new pack or a backpack in a normal state is really small.
The model of backpack ILBE Tango Gen 2 has gained its popularity due to its durable, wear-resistant and long-life construction, convenient adjustable suspension system, which is developed for long trips with very heavy loads, as well as, of course, thanks to its comparatively budget price in the secondary market. Despite the all obvious strong sides of ILBE Tango Gen 2, its users had divided at least by four main groups; the first ones do not like heavy, of 3.8 kg, backpack weight; the second group stresses the extreme inconveniences of its loading and suspension system; the third group doesn’t like its "military" look and relatively limited functionality and the fourth one are agree with everything and ready to suffer any inconvenience.
I would be classed myself to a separate the fifth group, as periodically I was at each of all four groups, till I have not adapted the pack loading and suspension systems for myself and haven’t reduced the maximum of its basis weight. At this article I’ll try to answer 2 very common questions: how to adjust the backpack and whether it possible to reduce its weight? The exact review of the backpack you can found in the article "The Backpack USMC ILBE Tango Backpack Gen 2 Review"(the pack pictured in the review is shown before its modifications).
Before you’re going to start any design refinements of a model ILBE Tango Gen 2 you should take into account that all represented modifications are irreversible; for example, you can not hang the drinking system and assault backpack ILBE Assault Pack at the external pack side, as it was provided by developers. Besides, most likely, after your modifications, you’ll not be able to sell the second-hand backpack again to any other user. Remember that any actions you’re doing on your individual risk.
On the whole, all modifications of my backpack were aimed only for reducing of its weight, as I was completely satisfied by its functionality. At first I’ve shortened all the movable ends of the straps; the straps of suspension system had been cut upon the necessary reserve of the length, considering the presence of more cloth layers in the winter period. All strips ends have been melted, its reserved length have been turned up and fixed by tape. Then all rubber tubes have been taken down, the only exception were the transport handles, which were convenient for opening the locks, they were 6 pieces.
After analyzing, what external elements I wouldn’t use in the future, I’ve used the knife (in a picture the red marks are on those items that have been cut off or removed). At first, the front valve for a hydraulic system has been completely cut off, I place drinking system inside the backpack, closer to the back and to attach them I usually exploit the holes in the top surface of the backpack. There were cut compression straps on the sides and at the frontage of the backpack (totally 6 strips cut off), and only two compression straps were left on the sides. I’ve completely cut out the one of two carrying side handles and internal partition, which separates backpack into two parts.
My final decision was the cutting off the bottom of the top lid. I almost do not use this compartment because it is too voluminous and often was either overloaded, that is extremely undesirable with the right load distribution, or half-free, when all things moved from side to side, creating unnecessary annoying vibrations and noise. Having cut the bottom off, I got more light compression top lid, which protects the main compartment of the rain and allows quick access inside without a necessity to remove the top lid at all.
As result, after all modifications I was lucky to reduce the overall weight of the empty backpack ILBE Tango Gen 2 up to nearly 2.78 kg. Besides losing weight, the backpack, up to me, has become more pleasant, without its "shaggy" look because of the large number of straps.
The second negative moment, I’ve deal with most often, were complaints for uncomfortable loading and suspension system, which causes a pain in the shoulders, back pain and leg cramps of some persons. Mostly all these problems are caused by an incorrect adjustment of the suspension system according the own physiological parameters. I’ve regulated my backpack, taking in mind the recommendations of the Canadian company Arc'teryx which, as it’s well-known, is the developer of the system, called Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE).
The adjustment starts from the fully removable arches of frame made of aluminum alloy. The arches of frame in new backpacks come in two versions, either completely straight, or partially curved as the physique of standard torso; arches of used backpacks may be in the structure of new ones or curved as the constitution of the previous owner. So, it is very significant to set them up for yourself. Before starting to adjust, it’s worthy to put a durable mark at the left or right arc, or both of them, do not accidentally mistake their place in the future.
To adjust the arcs make the following. At first you completely dismantle a carrier belt, then do the same with arcs. After it you take the belt on and fix it at a position where the carrying belt will be located when you’ll wear a backpack, the plastic buckle should be approximately at the navel. Then, arches are placed into their nests, they take up a V-shaped arrangement, and have almost exactly repeat all bends of the back in the straight vertical position. Any deviation should subjected to immediate correction, of course, you’ll need an exterior help. The arcs are bending by hand, resting them at a knee.
After the arcs have been adjusted and placed back in your backpack, you start to adjust the distance between the base part of the shoulder straps and carrier belt. It‘s important to recognize that the belt will distribute the load properly if to wear it properly. The carrier belt must not be fixed, clasping the pelvis, it should be placed as if it rest upon the top of pelvis. The front buckle should be positioned approximately at the level of navel. If to wear the belt incorrectly the result of it is likely the injury or temporary disturbance of blood circulation in this part of the torso.
Having already a basic arrangement of the carrying belt, it’s necessary to adjust the length between the bottom of the shoulder straps and carrier belt as accurate as possible. According the developers’ idea, the ideal location of base straps have to be nearly at the middle spot of the shoulder blades. If the length of stroke adjustment is not enough, then you should consider about shortening the aluminum arches to raise the belt above the waist in a maximal possibility.
After all the adjustments and modifications of ILBE Tango Gen 2, eventually I’ve got very comfortable backpack with an acceptable weight, good ruggedness, keeping the ability to hang an additional platform equipment.
