*THE CFP-90 Vector Pack*
By: Solid Snake

Being in the Army Reserves for only about a year I was not able to experience many of the neat and unique items that the military gives its soldiers. However, I was issued one piece of equipment that I still use today. I fell in love with the Vector Pack the very first time I slipped it on. It’s practically big enough for a small infantry company to live in for god sakes. I forgot how much total cubic inches it provides but I think it’s a little over 6500 and that’s including the daypack. I am going to write just a bit about how I was taught to pack this MAMMOTH of a backpack. Also I will share some of the secrets the "veterans" in my company gave me on the wear and use of this pack.

The CFP-90 was originally designed to be a COLD WEATHER backpack because of its ability to hold extra gear and clothing as well as a bulky sleeping bag. Civilians however, can use this pack for a variety of uses. The Pack consists of a large main compartment resting on an INTERNAL frame which in MY opinion is one of the best I have ever strapped on. It has a smaller internal pocket much like the ALICE packs and the flap is also just like the ALICE packs with a map pocket and rubberized bottom. It has a LARGE (Big enough for an Extreme cold Weather sleeping bag) on the bottom of the pack. It has one large outside pocket on the right, which is the full length of the pack and two smaller pockets on the left side. The detachable daypack consists of ONE main pocket and another padded RADIO pocket inside as well as a smaller outside pocket. It also has its own backpack straps, which can be strapped in to an LBV vest (I did not know that the original use for the LBV snap loops on the shoulder straps are actually designed for the daypack). Both the main pack and the daypack have daisy chain attachments much like the ALICE pack for adding other pockets and items with ALICE clips.

Packing the CFP-90 can be a real pain in the ass. My knowledge on this is a little rusty as I have been out of the military for almost a year so please bear with me. The sleeping bag compartment naturally holds your sleeping bag, I opt to carry an extreme cold weather but it will fit just about any commercial sleeping bag. Be sure and go inside the pack and cinch down the straps inside to compress the bag even further. The main compartment should carry all clothing (at the bottom), and food (the top). I opt to carry my mess kit, AMMO, Canteen cup and stove, HAT, socks, underwear, Survival Kit, and Medical Kit, in the smaller inside compartment. The outside right (BIG) one I use to carry my Rappelling rope and my SWISS SEAT however some folks used this to carry their NBC gear or Cold weather gear, I opt to store that equipment inside the pack (you can compress it well enough to get all that in). The Left side top pocket should carry all field manuals needed as well as your notebook, PENCILS AND PENS, and any other related items. I carry the FM 21-76 Survival Manuel, The Ranger Handbook, Special Forces War Surgery Handbook, and Soldiers Manual of Common Tasks, as well as my Combat Notebook. The Lower pocket carries all my MISC> Food gear, including a can opener, all my spices and cooking supplies, matches, coffee, drink mixes, etc. My top flap pocket carries my toiletries (in plastic baggies) and my maps (IF NEEDED). I also opt to add two ALICE pack extension pockets to the front daisy chain centered at the top and in one I put my Trioxanne Fuel bars, and more matches, lighters and my magnesium fire starter. In the other pocket, I put my small camping knife, and other misc. field supplies (trip wire, fishing kit, snares, etc.). At the bottom daisy chain (actually placed on the sleeping bag compartment) I put two 2 Quart Canteens in the Holders, and then a Military shovel and cover in the middle. ON the top right daisy chain I put my Machete and cover and on the left I put my cleaning Kit. All of these attachments include ALICE CLIPS and are my old military items that I was issued.

The Daypack (if I actually take it, holds my LBV gear, butt pack, all included pouches with that and my camelbak. I do not attach any items to the outside daisy chains but you can attach them as need but make sure they are not to heavy because it can weight the entire pack down and the bouncing around can make the pack seem a lot heavier than it really is.

I have taken this pack on numerous camps and even a road march (4 miles) and I find it very comfortable, the end weight is somewhere around 60 pound, it could be more but I do not fill up the canteens.

This is not the bible on how to pack this backpack and please do not follow my rules if you feel you can do it a better way. I just figured I would share my knowledge.

The few complaints I do have about this pack are that it cannot be worn with any type of web gear (LBV, LBE, anything) and the pack does seem to bounce a bit when I walk but maybe its just because of my unusual size (5’9 220) and that the pack was built for a much taller person. Even with all these problems I still love this pack and would recommend it to anyone for hiking, survival, ETC.

I have found these packs for as cheap as 200 Dollars brand new w/daypack, or for as expensive as 500 brand new without the day pack. If you plan on buying one, I would recommend a brand new one with the daypack. Check around different stores and make sure you can see a picture or can actually look at the pack before you buy it, check for holes, messed up zippers, etc. I looked for almost a year before I found one I wanted.

If you wish to contact me about this pack or have any suggestions or hints that you would like to tell me please feel free to e-mail me at jtmoor@alltel.net

All materials at this site not otherwise credited are Copyright © 1996 - 2001 Trip Williams. All rights reserved. May be reproduced for personal use only. Use of any material contained herein is subject to stated terms or written permission.