I purchased the Grey Ghost Gear Griff pack (say that 3 times fast) about a year ago with the intent of using it as a bag for my on the go setup for my truck. I have taken it on a couple trips even without the usual contents and it works so well that you can literally use it for just about everything. My standard loadout in this bag is my CZ Scorpion Evo pistol (soon to become an SBR), a suppressor, 3 30 rd scorpion magazines, and a belt setup with a holster for my concealed carry pistol (H&K USP Compact), an IFAK, and enough mag holders to hold the two spare CZ magazine and two spare H&K magazines. Even with all of these goodies packed up in this bag there is enough room to carry any other everyday items like laptops, a change of clothes, or whatever else tickles your fancy.
As far as the outside of the pack it comes in two flavors, black and grey, which is nice because it doesn’t scream “Look at me I’m tactical as F@%#” like most of its competitors. It measures in at 18″ (H) x 12″ (W) x 7″ (D) and is definitely a go to for a carry-on bag when flying. The shoulder straps are 3in wide and nicely padded so that you can comfortably wear this pack with a substantial load on a day trip (which I have) and also a vertically adjustable chest strap(with elastic keeper band). On the top it boasts a pretty robust drag handle that is securely stitched and just behind it is a flap that allows for feeding through a hydration system of comm wires. I found this kind of weird because there isn’t really an optimal place to put a CamelBak. On each side is an adjustable strap (with elastic keeper bands) to use to compress or expand the depth so that your gear doesn’t shift around inside the pack. Moving on, the front side at the bottom is a plastic D-ring and 4 rows of nylon webbing that can be used to attach small items, but it definitely isn’t rated so don’t try and hang your kid from it. My only real complaint thus far is very minuscule, but I wish the guys at Grey Ghost Gear would include some elastic keepers on the shoulder straps like they did the others so I wouldn’t have to tape up my straps.
The first pocket is located on the very front of this pack and is located behind a nice 3inx5in swatch of hook and loop. The pocket itself is about 8 ½ in(W)x 4in(D) and lined with a soft material that would be ideal for small electronics like phones or iPods. It also has a plastic clip for keys to stay tucked away inside.
The next portion open’s up nice and wide and measures 13″(H) x 9 ½”(W). On the inside of the outer flap is a row of 6 2″ pieces of elastic that can be used to store things like spare mags. In mine I keep a TQ, flashlight, knife, multitool, and some chemlights, but you can let your imagination run wild with possibilities of things to put in there. My only complaint here is that the stitching in between the sections of elastic isn’t very tough and if you are like me and don’t have much of a ginger touch you can easily tear some stitches by pulling too hard on an item that it stowed there. Also in this pocket is a series of 4 pockets on the back side that are the perfect size for passports, pens, and note taking gear. Grey Ghost Gear has also blessed us with, you guessed it, more hook and loop.
Now this is one of the two big spaces in this bag, the middle one is nothing but a large 18″(H) x 12″ (W) x 2″ (D) field of hook and loop. This is the spot where I secure my CZ Scorpion EVP using a series of hook and loop backed kydex contraptions that I made my self. I also keep the spare CZ magazines and my suppressor in here. This space completely opens up all the way to the bottom for easy access and is big enough that you could get really creative as to what you want to secure in here whether it be weapons, cameras, or a series of hook and loop backed pouches with snacks inside to feed your spawn children. The choice is yours.
The second of the two large areas is the closest to your back and is probably one of the main selling points of this bag. The near Einstein geniuses at Grey Ghost gear put two vertical slots about 5in long on either side that feed directly into this compartment. The lower half of the divider portion is covered in hook and loop so that you can get a holster backed with hook and loop and attach it sideways so that you can insert your hand through the designated slot on that side and pull out your hog leg if you need it. Of course this requires you be wearing the pack regularly or moved into a messenger bag position off one shoulder but it is none the less cool. Like everything else, it takes a bit of practice to get the draw right and to get the perfect mounting position of the weapon. When not in use you can close off the access slots with panels inside that fold into place. Just above it is a zippered 12″ (W) x 6″ (H) pocket that is perfect for anything you need quick access to or charging cords. On the flip side closest to your back is a large sleeve intended for a full size laptop, it is padded generously and has a strap that goes over the top to secure the electronic equipment. I do wish the bottom of this sleeve was padded more to absorb some of the impact on your computer if you set down the bag roughly.
As an all-around bag I give this bad boy two thumbs up. Only a few minor things I would like to see improved upon but I definitely recommend this product. The price point from Grey Ghost Gear’s website comes in at $119.00 which is pretty good compared to the GORUCK bag that costs a whopping $250.00 plus.
Author – Wes Nanny did 8 years as a Marine Corps grunt being a team leader and squad leader. He deployed to sangin, Afghanistan in 2010-2011 with 3rd battalion 5th Marine Regiment. After that he stayed with that unit and went on the 15th and 31st MEU’s. He has attended numerous schools like CLS, TCCC, Assault climbers course, combat hunter trainer course, HRST masters course, infantry squad leaders course and raid leaders course.
