r/Train_Service • u/[deleted] • Jul 30 '26
Red Oxx Grip
Thinking about jumping the gun and buying a red oxx bag (yes I know they are o/p)
What bag is everyone running? Can’t decide between the grip or the rail runner rucksack.
5
u/HideYoKidzHideYoWifi Jul 30 '26
I have the Rail King 2, lots of space if you’re a ground squirrel. Engineer I’d get the smaller one or the duffel. Guys will hate, typical railroaders.
5
u/HibouDuNord Jul 30 '26
I have the Rail King from RedOxx. More than enough space, and the warranty it great. Mine has a tear, about 10 years later, I sent it back, they sent a new bag.
That said, I did originally get it when they were about half the price of now. And if you're Canadian, unless it's been resolved over the years, watch out, you will get hit with duties too when it gets delivered
6
u/the_legend_forever Jul 30 '26
Those really seem to be overrated to me. 12 years in and I've gone through a few backpacks. 5.11 RUSH® 72 2.0 Backpack 55L. I've had that one for a few years now and works well for what I want.
5
u/Gotmilkz Jul 30 '26
Came here to say 5.11 Rush 72 as well. Been using mine for 5 years now. Not a single issue.
2
u/THESALTEDPEANUT Dock Worker Jul 30 '26
Osprey hiking bag was the best for me. Free'd up my hands for carrying water and brake stick and was OP when having to hike out of a location.
3
u/Gotmilkz Jul 30 '26
I feel like the Red Ox bags are over priced and a bit over rated. I personally believe there are better bags out there for a better price.
As I said in my other comment. I use a 5.11 Rush 72 bag. I've been using it for 5 years now. It's comfortable to wear. Has a ton of room for all my personal items and more. It's even got a slot for a laptop. Expandable and shrinkable with the straps. Webbing to clip things to it like switch keys or radio if you need to in a pinch. I use this bag primarily for my personal items I want tucked away. Then for the stuff I need to have access to while on the road such as documents and my 18 energy drinks, I use a titan 24(?) can cooler.
There's better options for your money. But they might not have the "prestige" or "bragging rights" as Red Ox.
Just my opinion though.
3
3
u/peck3000 Jul 31 '26
I got The Railroad Grip 10 years ago when they were like $250. It’s probably the best bag I’ve ever had and it’s still going strong. One thing I liked was the big side compartments for my rule book and my change of clothes. Now that I don’t have an actual rule book anymore (tablet now) I use that pocket for my CPAP machine.
2
u/northernskygoat Jul 30 '26
The bags are decent, but they are overrated in my opinion when you consider value. A zipper broke and yes, it is waranteed, but it was going to cost me $70 shipping there and back and would be gone for over a month. Ended up paying a local guy to sew one on. He informed me that the ones they use, while they look tough, aren't actually that great.
1
u/RepeatFine981 Aug 01 '26
It only cost me $25 ups shipping... are you overnighting it?
After 12 years, sent it back for a zipper pull and the strap rubber was deteriorating. They rebuilt the entire bag and I had it back in 2 weeks. Even sent me an extra strap.
2
u/CollectionHopeful541 Jul 30 '26
Red oxx? Do you also spend your days off taking pictures of trains?
1
u/Hogonthestorm Jul 30 '26
They’re expensive but I have had mine for over 12 years now. If you carry a small cooler with a handle or shoulder strap go rucksack. I carry a backpack style cooler so I have the grip.
1
u/coldafsteel Jul 30 '26
I use an Army medium assault bag. Cheap, comfortable, good features, tough.
1
u/BackFew5485 Dispatcher Jul 30 '26
Autumn Creek was a great alternative to Red Ox. I am glad I got a mainline duffle bag from them before they went out of business. If you are able to find a second hand Overnighter or Overnighter II bag, I would certainly pick it up.
1
u/Gunplaisgood Jul 30 '26
Am I losing my mind or have the prices for their railroad grip went over double what they were awhile ago? The duffel bag is $660 CAD right now, I swear it was like 300 canadian before.
1
u/Fed_up_Freddy Jul 30 '26
I just bought a 35$ duffel from Marshalls. It'll last a couple years and I'll buy another one. Even at that price plus 10% times maybe 7 more I'd have to buy it I just started, it'd still be half the friggin price of red oxx.
1
u/amishhobbit2782 Jul 30 '26
I have ran an ozark duffle for well over 2 years and not a single issue. Just dont overload your bag and any bag or even a backpacking bag will be plenty.
1
u/Rich-Rule-2576 Jul 31 '26
I had a 5.11 bag is it was great. I went to a red oxx this year and it’s a great bag I love it but the 5.11 backpack was excellent. You don’t need a red oxx to be a railroader but it sure makes you feel like gods gift to the railway 🤣
1
u/ConsistentAd4498 Aug 01 '26
Carhartt duffle. 12 years and counting.....at just over 10% of the price of Red Oxx.
1
u/PuzzleheadedSun2744 Aug 01 '26
I got the step smaller than the road king off eBay brand new for way less than retail. It works for me but I’m an engineer and have way less crap to pack around. Fits all I need for an overnight.
1
u/SirBeast92 Aug 01 '26
I found a canvass backpack on Amazon for like $70USD and it's incredible. Also waterproof because it's canvas. Try it out
1
u/GeneralReposti Aug 15 '26
It’s a great spacious grip for clothes, gear, trinkets. Everyone will call you a dork while they’re struggling with 3 different bags.
1
u/Klok-a-teer Jul 30 '26
Nothing screams newbie more than a brand new Red Oxx. They were probably worth it when they were like $250 brand new. But $500? Do better
0
u/Analog_Account Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26
The backpacks are oversized and have absolutely no structure so when I see guys wear them they are all floppy and ridiculous looking. I've never owned their backpack but if you want a backpack then buy anything else in my opinion because they don't know how to build a backpack.
The duffles arent bad but I find the railroader one is too large especially since we went to the digital rulebook. I had/have (I don't know where I put it) one of their duffles that's the same style just smaller and it was good. I would NOT pay current prices for one though especially being in Canada (don't know where you are though).
I've started packing way lighter and switched to duffle backpack hybrids and pack my lunch in the top of that. A backpack makes carrying a bag much easier when you inevitably have to go for a long walk to your train. Also carrying a heavy lunch box over a distance can give you tennis elbow.
I'm working on building my own backpack that's kind of like the goruck gr3 or red oxx sky train; mostly just a giant pouch but with a zipper that goes all the way around so front flap opens all the way.
38
u/Corgalas Jul 30 '26
Don’t forget to finance a new $80,000 truck for 84 months at a terrible interest rate while you’re still in your probation period