EDC Backpack

Hackett Equipment EDC Range Pack: For the Covert Carrier

I make multiple trips to the range weekly and am often loaded down with several guns, magazines, cleaning equipment and other pertinent gear for shooting. Hackett Equipment has produced an EDC (every day carry) Range Backpack with a low key design for such an individual as myself. An all-black pack, simple logo and limited MOLLE help keep this design ideal for the covert carrier.

Design

While MOLLE can sometimes give away the community which a backpack is designed for, the simple design of this pack provides functionality without attracting too much attention. Someone may know that the carrier is of the tactical mindset, but it would surely not give away the fact they are carrying two pistols, four pistol mags, two rifle mags, a knife, a light, trauma kit, and everything else needed to unleash hell on a threat or a paper target. I also dig the urban style and large compartment space.

Unzip the main compartment and you’ll find two sides with a storage divider in the middle. The divider has a sleeve sewn into it which is capable of holding targets up to 11”X12”. One side of the sling has 2 holsters sewn into the pack which is capable of holding most handguns. I usually keep a full sized Glock 22 with a Streamlight TLR-1 HL weapon mounted light, and a Glock 43 with a TLR-6 mounted light. The holsters have an adjustable strap so they accommodate both large and small weapons with no issues. The other side of the main compartment has eight elastic bands which could be used for magazines, knives, flashlights etc.

Dive into the secondary compartment and you’ll find eight Velcro storage pouches which are large enough to carry boxes of ammo, trauma care equipment, or other items you use at the range. Lastly, you’ll find two zippered storage pockets at the front of the pack which has MOLLE tabs.

Comfort and Durability

I have thrown this pack in my truck while traveling to the range, on our SWAT vehicle during training and callouts, and on a short hike through mother nature. I’m not going to lie; it felt solid to have the contents of a small weapon safe at my disposal while in the woods, all of which were on my back, not locked in my vehicle and out of sight. The sling design offers quick access to the contents inside and the padded, quick release straps provide a comfortable ride.

The EDC Range Pack has proven durable and yet to show any stress points. It is made of 900D polyester material, you could argue that there are stronger materials on the market, but 900 D polyester is a fair choice. Also, Hackett Equipment offers a lifetime warranty covering any defects in material and workmanship under normal use. They will either repair the damaged pack or replace it all together. You can’t be mad at that.

Overall Impression

For a low key EDC range pack, Hackett Equipment has executed its vision. I would like to see other colors available as black is the only current option. Perhaps losing the MOLLE would also help sell the covert side of this pack. I personally don’t mind MOLLE, but on a backpack that is supposed to say “I’m not packing” MOLLE screams “I may be packing”. At the very least it screams tactical and shows a connection to the community. If one of the pockets on the front was admin style, that would be a nice touch. I often carry markers and pens to mark my targets, along with other small items, with me to the range. Other than that I am pleased with the pack, and with the fair MSRP of $79.99.

Author – Sean Kennard is a Texas Law Enforcement Officer and serves as a SWAT Officer for his department. He is also the head defensive tactics instructor and holds various instructor certificates such as Krav Maga Force Division Instructor, FBI Defensive Tactics Instructor, Tactical Breaching Instructor and various others. Kennard holds an undefeated Mixed Martial Arts record and is a practitioner of Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Olympic weightlifting. He is a fitness and adventure enthusiast and enjoys the great outdoors.

Red Rock Summit | Affordable EDC and Day Hike Pack

Although there is a time and place for a large rucksack, I often find myself in need of a smaller EDC (everyday carry). During my work I board container ships and need to ensure I have all the tools required to complete my duties. During hunting or scouting, I like to have a smaller pack when I know I’ll be returning to camp the same night. I don’t see the need to bring the entire camp with me each time I decide to do a sit-in. I selected the Summit Backpack from the guys at Red Rock Outdoor Gear.

Red Rock Outdoor Gear produces tactical gear practical for police, firefighters/first-responders, military, hunters, survivalist, and outdoor enthusiasts at an affordable cost. Their product line includes: Mavrik (customizable packs and weapons cases), netting (camouflage), ghillie suits, rifle slings (reviews coming soon), backpacks, sling packs & bags, hydration packs, conceal carry bags, first-aid, survival, and MOLLE attachments. If you are in need of this type of equipment, or you have never visited their website before, I recommend taking a look at their lineup.

Summit Backpack Features/Specifications

- 23 liter capacity
- 2.1 lbs
- Colors – tan, OD, black, ACU
- 10”L X 9”W X 18”H
- Hydration sleeve with routing for hose
- MOLLE webbing compatible throughout design
- Compression straps
- Dual mesh water bottle holders
- Internal compartments to assist with organization
- Chest strap
- External adjustable elastic gear strap (perfect for shedding layers)
- MSRP — $69

After getting this pack, and reading the specifications, the first thing I tried to do was fill it with 23 liters of water. Obviously this was unsuccessful, so I did a capacity test of my own. Here is the gear I was able to fit inside this pack during my capacity test:

JetBoil (with small fuel)
plastic coffee cup
instant coffee (small)
Camelbak (with its own carrier)
weapons cleaning kit
first-aid supplies, freeze-dried food (three meal serving size)
Goal Zero nomad panel with battery
compass
the Judge (by Taurus)
GPS
range finder
binoculars
Lifestraw
small radio
personal survival kit

Basically, everything I might need while I am away from camp for the day. I needed to use my Ranger ruck-packing skills for some of the items, however, I was able to get everything inside and secured.

The pack is constructed from 600 Denier Polyester with PVC lining. Denier is a sewing measurement that indicates the materials characteristics. For example, a 400D would indicate a finer fabric than a 600D. That being said, be cautious when using this system to determine a fabrics strength. A lower Denier nylon is still stronger than a higher Denier polyester. The PVC lining helps make the pack water resistant and adds overall strength.

One thing that did disappoint me about this pack was the lack of a waist strap. I am a huge fan of waist straps. They come in handy while on long hikes and add additional space for customizable storage. Additionally, I had to make some adjustments to the pack out-of-the-box before I could use it. The factory set the chest strap so high that when I initially put it on, it was over my neck. Neither of these issues should cause you to take a pass on this pack. It took me 30 seconds to fix the chest strap, and I was the one that choose the pack without the waist strap.

So far I have been pleased with the pack. It balances well when full, items are easily obtainable, and it is highly customizable. The materials used appear well-constructed and the stitching is uniform throughout. I will revisit this pack after bear/deer hunting seasons are over (late 2015). If there are any significant weaknesses to this pack, I am sure that my hunting buddy and I will expose them during that time.

The Summit Backpack can be found at Red Rock Outdoor Gear here or a great deal on Amazon.

5.11 Tactical Covert Boxpack: Engineered for speed, agility and dependability in any environment

In my continuous search for the next best EDC bag, I happened to come across the 5.11 Covert Boxpack. While I usually rotate my EDC bags around, I will always keep a select few on hand that I feel are purpose-built for what I’ll be using them for. In my case, I want a bag that I can take on day trips with the family to carry all the things I might need to sustain us for a day.

The 5.11 Covert Boxpack makes for a very reliable bag when it comes to EDC use. Up front, I will say that one of the best features about this bag is the quick access pocket in the front for your concealed weapon. It is specifically designed with Velcro and soft padding to hold your firearm, no matter the size. I carried a Glock 17 with two spare mags while I was using this pack.

The best part about this compartment is the lining material, which can be used to affix a Velcro holster if you want your firearm to really be held in place. The main compartment is quite large and very open. With the roll top design, it feels like I’m opening up one of the wet weather bags I used in the Army. Depending on what you’re carrying, you can adjust the roll top to fit your needs. If you’re carrying less gear, then all you need to do is roll down the top a few times and you’re good to go.

The main compartment can be accessed either through the roll top or from the back by way of a zippered enclosure. Now mind you, the zippered part of the bag is designed to allow quick access to a laptop, which may make it difficult to get into the rest of your gear. Either way, it’s not an issue when you’re trying to get to your stuff. The roll top design makes the bag water-resistant, which is always a nice feature to have.

On both sides of the bag, there are zippered compartments that are deceivingly large. I used these to hold a water bottle and spare mags, held in place by a sturdy elastic strap built into the pocket. Just below the roll top opening, there is a zippered pocket that is designed to hold your sunglasses, but it’s large enough to carry much more. My only complaint about this pocket is that the opening was a little small for my hand, but not a deal breaker.

The bag is made of 1680D ballistic polyester material and has YKK zippers, as well as Duraflex hardware. The shoulder straps are reinforced with padding, making for a very comfortable fit. There is also a slide adjusting sternum strap and a fixed waist strap, but my personal preference is not to use these features. I recommend this bag to anyone that may need a new EDC bag or even for hiking use and day trips.

Available in Black, Tundra (Brown), and Storm (Gray), you can pick up yours for $99.99 at 5.11’s website.

Author – Rodney Pointer is a former Army Infantryman. After graduating from Airborne School, he was ruthlessly assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana to live out his days as a dirty leg. He served with the 2nd BN, 30th Infantry of the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Following his deployment to Afghanistan, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Operations. He currently works as a nuclear security contractor.

5.11 Tactical Dart Pack | Quick look

The true beginning of 5.11 Tactical began in 1992 when the FBI adopted the original 5.11 Pant for the FBI training academy. Ever since then 5.11 Tactical has been giving us quality products from head to toe. The 5.11 Dart Pack is yet another quality product from 5.11 Tactical. This low visibility pack is perfect for an EDC pack, or a weekend getaway on the trails.

The main compartment with removable PE board is a somewhat of a rigid pack but still has ample storage. With the PE board removed, you can easily fit a change of clothes, shoes, rain gear or any other accessories that you may need for the day on the trail, or a tour of the city.

The adjustable Articulated webbing shoulder straps on the 5.11 Tactical Dart Pack makes this thing a breeze to carry, and it fits comfortably on the shoulders without digging in. Dual zippered pockets on each side combined with Velcro sewn in the secondary compartment make this CCW ready. If concealed carry is not your intent, that’s ok, the secondary compartment is large enough to handle a large size hydration bladder so you won’t go thirsty on the long trail hike.

I have been using the 5.11 Dart Pack as a daily carry back pack for work the last 3 plus weeks. My normal routine when I am on shift is to go to the gym either before or after work, so I have been loading it up with a full change of clothes, shoes, towel and all the necessities for the shower. The Pack has performed admirably, quality construction and simple yet effective features make this pack a no doubt EDC for me.

5.11 Dart Pack Specifications (courtesy of 5.11 tactical)

420D Nylon Oxford
Articulated webbing shoulder straps
Minimal dart construction
Dimensions: 18.5″H x 11″W x 6″D
Imported
MSRP – $99.99

Outlier Ultrahigh Quadzip Review

Even if you can cram everything you’d ever need in your EDC pack, it’s only useful if it’s easy to get to at a moment’s notice. Most traditional backpack designs make more sense for simply lugging gear from point A to point B, while crossbody slings and messenger bags make for a more nimble EDC that’s always ready. But one backpack aims to turn that preconception on its head. The Outlier Ultrahigh Quadzip is a truly unique pack from its design to its construction, made from a material that’s ounce for ounce stronger than steel. We got a chance to give you a closer look at this pack courtesy of the technical menswear experts at Outlier for this review.

An Outlier in Every Way

Even the best EDC-worthy backpacks tend to look alike: tactical styling, heavy-duty ballistic nylon, and pockets for everything you can imagine. For many of you, that sounds like the perfect bag. But for plenty of EDCers who prefer something lightweight, minimal, and discreet, it just isn’t ideal. The Outlier Ultrahigh Quadzip is nothing like a tactical pack, and I mean that in the best way possible.

To get a better understanding of the bag, you should know a bit about the brand behind it. Based out of New York City, Outlier is best known for making high-performance, utilitarian, and stylish clothing for men. There’s definitely plenty of overlap in their approach to clothing and what we as EDCers look for in gear.

Where we take note of blade steels, ergonomics on a pen, and color rendition on a flashlight, Outlier obsesses over fabrics and hardware that give their pants proper stretch and mobility, their button-ups stainproofing and longevity, and even their T-shirts temperature regulation and wrinkle resistance. Aside from classic styles you can easily wear to the office, Outlier tends to get experimental with their products.

Continue reading on Everyday Carry

Photo courtesy of Everyday Carry

Mission Ready 5.11 MIRA 2-in-1 Pack: Review

As many of you may know, I’ve been writing for The Loadout Room for over 2 years now and would like to introduce someone new. My wife Brandie, has been my steadfast partner for over 20 years now. She’s the Mother of my 2 sons and is always up for whatever crazy adventure we conjure up. And I’m sure many of our readers have similar relationships with their better halves as well. With several manufacturers now catering more specifically to women, what better opinion to have on these items than a womans. 5.11 Tactical is one such company pioneering this avenue and the MIRA 2-in-1 Pack is their new women specific backpack. Below is her review:

I’m pretty methodical whenever I embark on a mission. In addition to being a clear Type-A personality, I’m the mom of two very active teen-aged boys & wife to a former Army Ranger. I’ve got to be ready for damn-near any adventure, along with all of the possible gear/accessories/supplies/snacks that goes along with it; Sherpa comes to mind. The MIRA 2-in-1 Pack by 5.11 Tactical proved to be Mission-ready for me, literally.

5.11 Tactical is globally known & respected for durable, high-quality gear tailored to serve the law enforcement and public safety communities. Expanding on these stalwarts, 5.11 is broadening it’s offerings to consider the unique needs & challenges of conceal carry, including women-focused solutions like backpacks, handbags & purses. The MIRA 2-in-1 Pack managed the burden of my loadout on a recent Mission Trip to Honduras. While conceal-carry may have been a good option considering travel to this locale is discouraged by the State Department, mine was a mission of peace & seeking personal spiritual growth under the tutelage of a Lay Dominican in action.

Not only well-built and functional, as expected, the MIRA 2-in-1 Pack is attractive. Labeled as “garnet”, the color is rich & classy, feminine without being too girlie. At 5’7” with an average build, the backpack adjusted well to my frame and fit comfortably. Functionally, the bags contains two major components: a backpack and a detachable CCW-ready crossbody messenger bag – hence the 2-in-1 name – brilliant! The designers at 5.11 truly struck a chord by solving the age-old “purse problem”.

The main compartment of the MIRA backpack is roomy with a large laptop/iPad pocket in the rear and two zippered pockets on the front flap, keeping gear organized. This is where I stash my travel snacks & TSA-approved liquids. A coast-to-coast zipper opens the main pack with ample room for a waterproof shell, sweatshirt, noise cancelling headphones, along with several books & travel documents. A zipper at the top of the pack provides easy-access to a small fleece-lined pouch, perfect for sunglasses. Additionally, the front flap features a wide flat pocket, right-sized for my passport & paper boarding passes (Honduras is a little behind the technology-curve of e-tickets). And, of course, two mesh pockets on each side for hydration bottles & the like.

While the MIRA 2-in-1 Pack hauls the bulk of the necessary gear, the removable messenger bag is a clever solution to the “purse-problem”. Never heard of the “purse problem”? Let me tell you, it exists. Carrying a purse & a backpack is just silly; not only redundant but awkward. But, almost worse than carrying both, is trying to schlep around a too-big bag as a purse. Oftentimes, you need a smaller option: enter the 5.11 MIRA crossbody bag.

The MIRA crossbody bag accompanies me on every outing of our mission; from visiting the sick & and homebound throughout the village & mountains, to the monthly medical mission, and even brick-laying for a new church. This bag is the daily workhorse carrying the essentials: wallet, passport, first-aid kit, cellphone & iPad, battery back-up, chapstick, sunglasses and surprises for the children. With pockets, pouches & dividers, the crossbody bag provides a place for everything. Including a handgun in the covert magnetic CCW pocket.

5.11 MIRA 2-in-1 Pack Specs courtesy of 511tactical.com

2-in-1 backpack/crossbody bag
Adjustable chest straps
YKK® Self-healing zippers
Hook and loop accents
Main pack: 18″ L x 11″ W x 6.5″ D
Crossbody: 10″ L x 9″ W x 3″ D
Durable water-resistant exterior
Removable crossbody bag
Laptop compartment
Dual interior pockets
2 exterior mesh water bottle pockets
Hook and loop patch on front panel for morale patch attachment
MSRP $129.99

I’d highly recommend the MIRA 2-in-1 Pack; it was a perfect choice for my Mission Trip and would function well for any travel. While I wouldn’t use it as a daypack for hiking. Primarily because other backpacks I’ve used like the SOG Scout 24L do a little better job of distributing weight between my shoulders and hips. The MIRA 2-in-1 Pack from 5.11 Tactical provided me with a solid Mission-ready solution at a reasonable price.