>>156081I have a ILBE and an Osprey Argon 85. The Argon is a bit better in adjusting for a different back length, is MUCH lighter, and has a better hip belt. It's top lid has a belt and lumbar pad and as such can be used as lumbar pack for day tours. It's ridiculously practical. Additionally the Main pack has a crazy amount of arm and head freedom which is great for mountaineering. There's a main compartment, a smaller compartment on top of it ("top" when it's laying down, I mean further from your back), and a pouch for rain gear or whatever on top of that. The sleeping bag compartment is separated with a removable piece of fabric. It has straps and a pouch for a hydration carrier.
The ILBE is heavier, more rugged and a bit easier to repair, has less arm freedom and a bit of "eau de marine", as it's used.
It only has one big compartment, and the top lid can't be used as lumbar pack.
However it has molle webbing, which I find to be extremely useful.
Both have an internal frame in the form of two aluminum bars which you can take out and adjust to your back. Works very good.
All in all I'd say the Argon is at least a 9/10, with the ILBE being at least a 7.5/10 for civilian use. The difference is, however that I paid ~400€ for the Argon and $40 for the ILBE.
I very much doubt I will ever in the next 10-20 years need to buy another backpack.
If you do go for the ILBE, I'd get a used sewing machine and add some straps and buckles as well as a lumbar pad to the top lid so you can use it as lumbar pack. It's easy, and damn useful.
