Alpha One Niner Evade Pack Review
The Alpha One Niner Evade Pack is a product of not one designer but a whole cult of EDC fanatics. The Evade Pack was built with input from members of the EDC Forum, and executed by Helm Ashiblie, the founder of Alpha OneNiner.
“Pick your Color or Camo”
Like most gear on the top of the forums, the Evade is made with 1000D Cordura and for a good reason. Cordura is a must have on any EDC or adventure pack due to its insane abrasion/tear resistance and it’s background in the military. The Evade can also come in many different color patterns varying from 1000D Cordura in Coyote, Black, Grey, Navy. Nylon Ripstop in Two tone, Black, and Grey. And finally 500D Cordura Nylon Camo in Kryptek Highlander, Kryptek Mandrake, and Kryptek Typhoon. Not many bags can be purchased in this many color schemes which is a huge plus for the Evade.
"Bomb proof laptop compartment"
Right away one can see that the Evade was built from the ground up to give someone seeking the perfect EDC pack everything they've wanted. A huge component of EDC bags right now is the ability to store a laptop or tablet safely. The Evade’s laptop compartment makes sure to check this box. Inside the pocket, there is one padded sleeve that can house almost any size laptop. Mine in this picture is a 13inch Macbook Pro which is on the thin side however, there is plenty of room to fit those bigger laptops as well. Across from this sleeve, there are two less padded sleeves that can either hold a tablet or papers. When I carried this pack with both my Macbook and Ipad I did find that they were fairly snug however, they fit and were secure. The bottom of the laptop compartment is also very well padded and leaves no doubt when setting the pack down on hard surfaces. On the very top of the Evade there is a well-padded grab handle that will not let you down.
"Hidden Concealed Pocket"
Between the laptop and main compartments of the Evade, there is a hidden pocket that is backed with velcro. I was able to comfortably fit my Glock 19 and an extra mag with room to spare. The velcro backing can support a matching holster to make sure nothing moves around while on the go. I did notice however when I had the Evade packed full with my laptop and the Glock that it was very tight, but useable.
"A place for everything"
On the very front of the pack, there is an admin pocket that has plenty of organization. I was able to carry my Esee 4, a smaller folding knife, business cards, pens, and still have plenty of room towards the bottom of the pocket for anything that could overflow from the top stash pocket.
Above the admin pocket there is a “stash” pocket as I call it, that is just the right size. It can easily hold my wallet, keys, headphones, chapstick and whatever other small items you don't want getting lost inside the pack. This pocket also does a great job at having enough room to store these items while not invading into the main compartment of the bag.
Moving on to the main compartment, you have another key component of a perfect EDC bag which is the ability for the pack to open completely into a “clam-shell” like style. This makes packing the bag a breeze and allows you to take advantage of the whole pocket. On the front flap there are two zippered mesh pockets like that of the TAD Litespeed or the Goruck GR1. These pockets are great for giving some much needed internal organization to make sure there is a spot for smaller items you want to keep safe inside. On the top zippered pocket I kept my external hard drive, phone/ipad charger, and my computer charger. On the top of the main compartment there are rings that allow compartmental sleeve to be attached that Alpha One Niner also has available. I was sent a few of these as well however, I did not feel the need to throw any on as there was already plenty of pockets for all of my gear.
Sitting on the front of the Evade there are seven loops that can be used to thread cord, that comes with the bag, to hold down any bulkier items you don't want inside the pack such as a jacket or sleeping bag.
"Finally a place to put your water"
The last critical piece of the right EDC bag that the Evade features is the dual water bottle pockets on either side of the bag. I normally try to drink around a gallon of water a day and having the ability to quickly grab and fill up or drink my water without digging into the bottom of the pack is great. These water bottle pockets are able to stretch to fit a full size 32oz Nalgene and will lay flat against the pack when not in use.
On either side above the water bottle pockets, there are buckled compression straps. These straps are not only used to compress the pack when it is less then full but also can be used to keep the front flap from zipping all the way down when trying to get into it. The only downside of a clam-shell opening can be the zippers accidentally moving all the way down the pack and having your gear spill out. These compression straps keep this from happening on the Evade.
The back panel of the Evade is built from the same 1000D Cordura as the rest of the bag. This is good and bad. The Cordura back will without a doubt stand the test of time no matter your adventures. A lot can get worn down on packs that have a suspension system type back panel, as well as get in the way of your laptop compartment. On the other side, the Cordura backing ona hot day will not be the most comfortable and could get sweaty fast. This may bother some people however, I would rather have a flexible and built to last back panel when I am carrying all of my EDC gear.
If I had to pick out one thing on the Evade that I felt could be tweaked it would have to be the shoulder straps. The straps of the Evade are very padded, which is a must on a bag I will be carrying all day long. The addition of a sternum strap is always welcomed. The straps even have buckles on the bottom that can be used to one strap or remove when not needed. However, it is the shape of the straps that I felt needed changed. The straps have an S shape to them which is great and I love seeing that on packs, the problem is that this S is almost too much like the letter. On the inside of the shoulder straps towards the neck is where I noticed some rubbing when I had the pack synched up tight. This did not happen all the time, only when I would lean over or sit down. For me this detail does not make or break the bag. I have a somewhat larger then normal neck and shoulders so I could just be me.
+
- Top-tier laptop compartment
- YKK zippers
- Clam-shell opening
- $
- Cordura Fabric
- Water bottle pockets
- Hidden Concealed Pocket
-
- Shoulder straps can be somewhat uncomfortable
Overall, the Evade pack by Alpha One Niner is a complete package when it comes to having all the features of a great EDC pack. Coming in at $185 the Evade is very responsibly priced for having such great features while being made with top of the line materials. So far, the Evade pack is the most well rounded EDC bag that I have reviewed here at RMK when it comes to carrying all the daily essentials plus tech.
BOGEAR Bullpup Backpack Review
When it comes to which products I review and love to write about there are normally two constants. The first being the build quality, making sure the best materials possible are used and there are no steps skipped. The second being any product that is built with pride. You can easily tell when a company truly cares about the product they produce. BOgear from Australia is one of these few companies. BOgear is based out of Brisbane Australia and captained by Dave Bell. When I reached out to Dave about review their Bullpup I immediately knew they were a company I wanted to feature. Dave and I exchanged many Emails and Facebook messages about the exact specification of my custom built Bullup. This brings me back to the second constant about the gear I review. I could tell right away Dave puts 110% into his company and it shows. My pack could not have turned out more perfect.
(I did receive this pack for review at a % off the retail price.)
"Custom Built and Built to Last"
The Bullpup is an 18L pack built from 1000D Cordura and 300D Pack-liner. Coming in at 18L the Bullpup is the perfect size for a smaller Hiking or Daypack. You can purchase the standard Bullpup in Black or opt to have one custom built exactly to your liking for a few extra bucks which is completely worth it. The extra work the guys over at BO put into the custom packs is truly one of a kind. Not only can you custom design the colors of your bag, but if you send them any extra pieces you want on it like Cobra Buckles etc, they will throw them on for you.
On the front of the backpack, there are 4 rows of webbing that can be used to attach pouches or other clip on items. Under the webbing, there is one subtle reflective strip to aid with night time visibility. Above the webbing, I decided to go with a strip of velcro to be able to add my morale patches (which I think is a must have).
Under this velcro strip ,there is the front “stash” pocket that I used for keys, wallet, cellphone, chapstick and whatever other small items I would need to grab quick and easily. This pocket is great on any backpack to have however I did find when going to grab some of these items I had to maneuver them around just a bit to get them out. This is due to the fact that the pocket’s space not only is below the zipper but also above the zipper. This is not a huge issue and one of the only things I would fix on the pack.
On either side of the pack there are compression straps with matching buckles. This is a great feature to have not only to keep the pack low profile when not fully loaded but also allows you to rip open the main compartment quickly without the zippers sliding all the way down to the bottom of the pack.
The top of the Bullpup is clean and simple. There is one strap of webbing for the handle and a place to feed headphones or a water bladder hose to the packs straps.
"Perfect Shoulder Straps"
If you have ever read any other reviews of mine you are sure to know that I take my packs shoulder straps fairly seriously as I think it is the most overlooked part of a backpack. The Bullpup’s straps are some of the best I've worn. They have the perfect amount of padding and have an “S” curve to them allowing for a great fit on all body types. There is one strap of webbing running along the strap that allows for attachments such as a Capture camera mount or other mounts. There is also horizontal webbing that can hold down a water bladder hose. The straps attach to the back of the pack and are reinforced to insure it will last forever. They also attach angled to allow the straps to widen if need be or stay closer together depending on the user.
"Big Beefy YKK Zipps"
When it comes to building the perfect pack you cannot skip the little details. The Bullpup uses #10 YKK zipper pulls… which are huge and strong as hell. If you end up busting a zipper on this pack then you have a problem. These zippers glide with the best of them and are very easily found and accessed. If you end up putting in for the custom version you can have paracord pulls attached for a small amount. I decided to go with red to match the webbing.
"Full Clam-Shell Opening"
One of the best things about the Bullpup is the ability to open the main compartment fully “clamshell”. This allows ou to pack perfectly every time you load it up.
On the front side of the main compartment there are two mesh zippered pockets that are great for separating the inner components of your load-out. While on my trip in Arizona I used these pockets for my dogs leash, sun-screen, my external hard drive, and chargers.
On the back panel of the main pocket there is a pleated sleeve. This sleeve can hold anything from a laptop to a water bladder with ease. On my trip, I normally had my Ipad Air and a book in the sleeve. The pleated nature of the sleeve allows for your laptop or water bladder to move with you and not hug awkwardly to your back when moving or bending with the pack on.
The back panel of the Bullpup is also built from 1000D cordura which means on a hot active day you might end up with a sweaty back. I have had many hiking packs with a mesh or vented suspension system, and unless I am hiking a 14er I would pick a solid and bullet proof back panel of the 1000D Cordura every time for daily use. It allows the back to contour to your back and keep it low profile.
+
- 1000D Cordura
- Ability to custom build exactly to your specifications
- Perfect shoulder straps
- Large, Solid, and Reliable YKK zipper pulls
- Webbing for attachments
- Velcro strip for patches
- Clean and no-nonsense build
- Clam-shell opening
-
- Front stash pocket can snag items on the way out
- Back panel could get sweaty on a hot day
If I could sum up the Bullpup in one word it would have to be reliable. I have only had the pack for under a month however I can tell it could survive anything thrown at it. BO actually has a Dirtification Guarantee which I will let them explain. “This Dirtification Guarantee covers all our products. You crash into a car during an alley cat and your bag gets cut up worse than a Chucky victim, we'll repair or replace it. If the stitching fails because you decide it would be funny to carry acid home from the pool shop, we'll repair or replace it. And if the buckles fail because the dog has a thing for black plastic, that too we'll repair or replace." All in all the Bullpup from BOGEAR is a clean and unique pack built to last by a company on the track to success. The customer service provided by BO was second to none and any company who takes this much pride in their work is a company I will buy from and continue to buy from.
Trip Gear List
So I will be leaving for Arizona this coming Saturday 3/19 for 10 days to watch my brother play in his senior year baseball tournament . Along the way I'll be stopped at various different places to get some great pictures and act like a tourist. I'll also be going to a fair amount of spring training games as well. I wanted to give a brief list of the gear I will be taking on my trip that I plan to have reviews for when I return home.
Packs
- TAD Litespeed
- BOgear Bullpup
- Alpha One Niner Evade Pack
- Goruck GR2 and GR1 Field pouch for DSLR and GoPro
- Goruck Civvy Kit 57L Duffle
Clothing
- Myles Apparel Everyday Shorts
- Kitanica American Hoodie (Incase of a not so Arizona day)
Gear for Breck
Ruffwear Singletrak Pack
- Ruffwear Cloudchaser
Triple Aught Design Dispatch Bag Review
I was lucky enough to get my TAD Dispatch Bag Review picked up by Carryology.
You can view it here -
Mystery Ranch Three Day Assault Pack Review (3DAP)
Mystery Ranch is well known in the carry community for their great military based backpacks as well as their Hiking and Hunting pack lineup. The Three Day Assault Pack (3DAP) as I will be calling it for now on, is one of their best selling Military based packs and for a good reason. Every pack in Mystery Ranch’s Military lineup is made in the US and backed with a lifetime guarantee.
The 3DAP is built from all 500D Cordura for the best balance between being lightweight and durable. The 3DAP is also accompanied by large YKK water lined zippers with paracord pulls, and large matching buckles.
At 32 Liters the 3DAP is the perfect size for almost every adventure. I have taken it on many hikes and one overnight camping trip to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. However, if you're looking for a backpack to carry on a daily basis to work or school and have a laptop this is not the bag.
On the top of the pack, there is a hook and loop square to attach all of your morale patches. Behind this square, there are two smaller pockets. The first pocket being the smaller of the two is where I kept my phone, wallet, and keys. This is a great place to put your phone or glasses as it is on the very top of the bag and will keep from getting crushed. The second pocket is the larger of the two and is where I would keep my Esee 4 fixed blade knife, headlamp, paracord, lighter, and gloves. At first glance, this pocket does not seem to be able to hold everything I just listed but most of the time I would have extra room.
Towards the harness of the 3DAP there is a horizontal zipper that runs across the top of the pack. This zipper can be open to allow for easy access to the inside of the bag without opening the main zippers on the front.
Moving down the bag you cannot help but notice the patented “Three zip” design Mystery ranch has become famous for. I found this to be one of the best features of this backpack as it allowed for better packing when getting ready for a day trip. Most larger hiking or backpacking backpacks only allow access from the top lid of the pack making it hard to get your gear at the bottom of the pack. The three zip of the 3DAP allows for access to the top of the bag or the very bottom depending on what you need to get.
Running across the zippers on the front of the bag there are two compression straps completed with military grade buckles to keep the pack small when it needs to be, or allow for strapping other items to the face of the pack.
On either side of the pack, there are elastic water bottle holders that can carry up to a 32 ounce Nalgene. Underneath these pockets, there is another smilier sized pocket without a bottom. This pocket is for carrying any long items such as a camera tripod or a firearm.
Behind the water-bottle pockets on the sides of the 3DAP, there is an area that will store the built-in waist belt. When not in use either side of the waist belt can be folded up and buckled out of sight. When on a longer hiking or carrying a heavier load one can unbuckle, unfold, and clip up to help. This feature on the back is a must have, there are not many instances that I am using the hip belt and if it was not able to be stowed away it would no doubt be in the way. The hip belt is not the most padded but it does do its job.
On the inside of the bag, there are two mesh pockets that smaller items can be placed that you want to keep separated. Three rows of mollee webbing can be found against the back panel of the bag which can be used to attach admins pouches or other items. Under the mollee webbing, there is a small sleeve which I used to store my hydration bladder on hikes.
The harness and shoulder straps of the 3DAP are hands down amazing. I took this pack on a few rucks with 40+ pounds strapped up and it carried better then any other pack I have used thus far. The shoulder straps are very well padded and fit my body excellent. The 3DAP comes with an included sternum strap. The futura frame can be adjusted to the users specifications and works perfect.
+
- 500D Cordura
- Built in America
- Lifetime warranty
- Stow-able hip belt
- Futura Harness with padded shoulder straps
- Can carry large tripods or firearms
-
- Without strap organizers straps can get messy
- Not cheap at $325
- Not much padding for items at bottom of the pack
All in all the Three Day Assault Pack by Mystery Ranch is a kick-ass, built in America, gear hauler. This pack is extremely capable for almost any outdoor adventure whether it be a day at the range, an overnight hiking in the Rockies, or a busy day in the city, the 3DAP will not let you down.
For the in-depth video review be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efBscrrBgq
Greenroom136 Rainmaker Backpack Review
Normally I try to write about gear that is made right here in the US. However, there are many other companies out there that pride themselves on making the best gear with the best materials across the pond. Greenroom136 is one of these companies. Based out of Malaysia, Greenroom was founded in 2011 by Patrick Lim.
I purchased the Rainmaker Medium backpack from Amazon for a very reasonable $125 with free shipping from prime. Most bags that are handmade and built with the very best materials will cost you much more. At $125 USD the Rainmaker is an absolute steal. On top of this great price every bag from Greenroom136 also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
The Rainmaker is constructed from 1000D Cordura and a 420D inner liner. The two compression buckles on each side are YKK along with all YKK zippers. Every zipper on the bag is protected by a flap of Cordura to insure no water gets on the inside of the bag.
The medium pack which I bought comes in at 22L. I will be trying to get my hands on the large version of the pack in the future which comes in at 27L which I feel is the perfect size for a backpack to take with me for school.
On the face of the pack there is a good sized admin pocket. This pocket has plenty of room for your phone, chargers, keys, wallet, pens/pencils and whatever else you want to be able to grab quickly without opening the main pocket of the bag.
The bag’s main compartment opens clamshell so you can easily pack to your needs. On the back of pocket, there are two rows of mollee webbing to attach extra pockets. Underneath the webbing there is an elastic pocket for documents or journals. On the back of the front of the bag there are two zippered mesh pockets for any items you want separated out of the large main compartment.
The laptop compartment is hands down one of the best I have used. There is plenty of room to fit my 13 inch MacBook Pro and my Ipad air on the opposite side. This is often a very overlooked part of other bag makers. Especially one marketed for the student, business man or someone looking for an all around EDC bag. I normally carry my laptop around a ton as it is where I do all of my work. The Rainmakers laptop sleeve is not only very well padded but also lined with corduroy to add a nice soft liner for your machine. The laptop compartment also zips all the way down to allow the bag to be opened and follow TSA guidelines. The base of the laptop compartment is also heavily padded to give you some extra peace of mind when setting the pack down.
The straps on the bag are curved and allow for very comfortable and close to the body carry. The Rainmaker comes with an included sternum strap to help balance your load-out. There are also cinch buckles at the top of the shoulder straps to allow for more adjustment on your carry.
On the top of the bag there is a large grab handle which is reinforced to make sure to never wear out.
The back panel of the bag is padded with mesh to keep your cool and comfortable on long days. Underneath the left side of the back panel there is a concealed pocket that is very hidden. This pocket is big enough to carry phones, passports, and I was actually able to fit my Glock 19 in it with a bit of work.
The only problem I see with the bag are the very small zipper pulls. With the addition of the Cordura protective flaps over the zippers, the small zipper pulls can be hard to find at times. I plan to fix this problem little problem by adding paracord and heat-shrink wrap as I tend to do it anyway on all of my backpacks that do not already have it.
+
- Made from best materials, 1000D Cordura, 420D pack liner, YKK zips and buckles
- Amazing value for your $
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Handmade by people who pride themselves on their work
- Great laptop compartment
-
- Small zipper pulls that can be hard to find and grab
Overall, the Rainmaker by Greenroom136 is the complete package at an amazing price for anyone looking for a handmade EDC pack that can carry your laptop and Ipad without worry.
Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey Overview
Mystery Ranch builds high quality products with some of the best materials available right here in the US. I have had multiple packs including the Three Day Assault pack, and the Street Fighter. I use the 3DAP whenever I need a large hiking/camping pack or range bag I can depend on. The hip monkey has been no different so far. There is not much information on this pack up to his point so I decided to do a quick overview.
The Hip Monkey is built with 500D Cordura and all YKK water sealed zippers. At the price point of $60, I can safely say that this hip pack is a steal. As many Mystery Ranch products this pack comes in black, multi-cam, coyote, and foliage, depending on what is currently in stock.
The main compartment of the pack has one zippered pocket on the back that can be used for documents or important items. The main storage area is big enough to hold my DSLR, a pair of gloves, and a few other small items. Everything is very accessible when in the main pocket. On the inside like all Mystery Ranch packs, there is a small tag that lists where your product was made and who made it. I love to see this on bags as it gives insight that is rare in today's market.
On the front outside of the pack there is a smaller zippered compartment that I use for my keys, wallet, phone, and other quick grab items.
On the side of the Hip Monkey, there are two straps that can be used to compress the bag. This is a great feature to have in case you are only carrying a few items and don't want the bag standing out off your body.
The main strap is accompanied by a large buckle that is very easily configurable to your waist size. I have a 34-inch. The back panel is built with mesh to help keep your back cool.
Overall, the Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey is a larger hip pack the can carry all your day to day needs and some more with ease. The $60 is very reasonable for a pack built by a company with the reputation that Mystery Ranch has.
Camelbak Quantico Backpack Review
Who it suits - The tactical style bag lover who wants a great way to carry all of their EDC items plus tech in a way that stands out from the normal backpack.
Who it doesn't - Anyone who needs a large EDC backpack or anyone who plans on using this back on long hikes.
Camelbak recently released a new urban EDC line with a tactical look. The larger of the two being the Quantico (23L) which I purchased and the smaller being the Coronado. The Olive and Stone colors are both made with T30D X T600D polyester while the Black multicam option is made with 500D Cordura.
I originally found these packs on Carryology's coverage post of the Outdoor retailer Summer 2015 and ever since I have been checking in with Camelbak to keep up with their release. I purchased my Quantico from Amazon sold by Camelbak. After opening the package and inspecting the pack, I could feel the quality that I have come to expect from Camelbak. I have had many hydration packs throughout the years from Camelbak but never a dedicated backpack until now. I feel that I am partially drawn toward this pack because it resembles a Goruck GR1, which is not a bad pack to share looks with. When purchasing this product I was under the impression that all of the color options were made of 500D Cordura however, that is not the case. The stone color is made from T30D and T600D Polyester. Upon learning this, I was very disappointed as all of the bags in my lineup are either made of 500D Cordura or 1000D Cordura. Seeing that Amazon has a great return policy I may be exchanging for the Multicam version of the pack.
“Mollee webbing for external attachments”
Other then the lack of the Cordura this backpack is a serious new contender in the quick growing military style EDC backpack market. As mentioned above the Quantico takes queue’s from Goruck’s GR1 lineup. On the front of the backpack, there is a full panel of Mollee webbing for attaching compatible pouches and accessories. Behind this Mollee panel, there is a front stash pocket that has no way of closing. However, I found this pocket to be extremely useful for grabbing items quickly while on the go.
Above the open stash ocket, there is a fleece line tech or sunglass pocket that is large enough to fit my iPhone, keys, and wallet.
" A pocket for every piece of your kit"
On the bottom of the backpack, there is a smaller pocket that holds my Esee 4 and a rain cover. Upon carrying this bag over the past few weeks, I have noticed that there is a dedicated pocket for everything you could think of, which is a nice feature compared to Gorucks line of products or other similar style bags.
If you open the next zippered pocket before the main cargo space you will be greeted with a highly organized panel. This pocket has room for all of your pens/pencils along with slots for business cards and a large zippered pocket that runs across the bag. This pocket is great for chargers, external hard drives, and other tech. There is also room at the bottom to store any other items.
Next is the main compartment of the Quantico. This room is where I keep my DSLR in a GR2 field pocket, a journal, and other large items like a jacket, or gloves and a hat. This pocket can easily fit everything needed for a full day at school or the office. There is one smaller zippered mesh pocket that can house smaller items you don't want getting lost inside. On the back panel of the ag, there is a sleeve for documents or binders.
“One of the best laptop sleeves in a tactical style backpack”
The Quantico has a fully padded laptop sleeve that will allow storage of a 15-inch laptop and an Ipad. I recently bought a Tom Bihn Synapse 25 that I have been using for about a month now and absolutely love. It has turned into my EDC bag in every aspect. However, it does lack a fully padded laptop sleeve and therefore when I do carry my Macbook pro in it I can't help but think twice. The laptop sleeve is really where the Quantico shines and separates itself from the tactical bag norm. I can confidently say you will have no worries when carrying a laptop and an iPad in this sleeve.
The shoulder straps are nothing short of perfect. They have just the right amount of padding and form to make carrying the bag a breeze. The back panel is also padded and made with mesh to help with breathability. The shoulder straps come with a sternum strap to help with heavier loads.
On the right side of the pack, there is a deployable water bottle sleeve that can hold a Nalgene. The sleeve does a great job at staying low profile when not in use. On the opposite side of the Quantico, there is a smaller water bottle slot that can store smaller items as well.
The bottom of the backpack is very padded and pairs well with the thick grab handle at the top of the bag. The Quantico does a good job at holdings its form even when not loaded out and even more so when fully packed up. I have had 25lbs in the pack and the shoulder straps and back panel did a great job.
+
- Very reasonable price tag
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Molle webbing for attachments
- Great organization
- Padded shoulder straps and back panel
- Plenty of pockets for all your gear
- Camelbak Got your back Guarantee
-
- Stone and Olive should be made with 500D Cordura
- Hard time standing up alone due to slanted bottom
- Zippers are on the smaller side
Verdict
The Camelbak Quantico is great EDC or school bag that excels in carrying your laptop or Ipad in a Military/Tactical form. It comes in at a very reasonable price of $160 with a lifetime guarantee.
Madden Equipment Dan's Pack Review
The Madden Dan’s pack is made by Madden Equipment in Boulder Colorado. The pack comes in at 20L with one main storage pocket and one front slash zippered pocket. The bag is made out of 1000D Cordura and a 420D Nylon inner. It is also accompanied by all YKK zippers. Madden Equipment is a smaller company that makes high-quality handmade gear right in Boulder. All Madden Equipment gear comes with a lifetime guarantee. Madden was the first US outdoor company to introduce Cordura to the European marketplace back in the late ‘70s. It’s been part of the Madden brand identity the past 40 years.
This is the first pack by Madden that I have had. The Dan’s pack is their smallest and cheapest backpack coming in at $100 even. The backpack has excelled at a quick day trip bag or a small EDC bag with how streamlined yet functional it is.
The bag has one main storage compartment like most bags with two slots for documents or a laptop against the back. There is minimal padding on this bag and especially in and around the main pocket so if you are going to be carrying a laptop I suggest a separate laptop sleeve.
On the front, there is a horizontal slash pocket that is gusseted and can really hold more than one would think. This pocket is expected on a bag like this or any backpack really, however, the addition of the gusset completely transforms the pocket and makes it more functional. Most other bags with a front slash pocket are very hard to access when the core of the bag is stuffed full. Even when I had this pack full this pocket allowed me to pull out my easy access items effortlessly.
With carrying this bag there was one thing I noticed time and time again. Without the addition of any harness or suspension the bag really hugged my back. If I were using this bag for hiking, rucking, biking etc. I would have hated this as my back would get extremely sweaty fast. Since I was using this pack as intended for my EDC this feature was great. There is nothing more awkward then a pack that is stiff and will not bend with you, especially on a crowed bus or through the town. Most of my EDC or school bags do not have any kind of suspension just for this reason alone, my Tom Bihn Synapse 25 being a great example.
The shoulder straps on this bag are fairly normal. There is enough padding to help out if you decide to carry a heavier load for the day but not to the point that when you only have a few items in the bag they will look out of place.
The back of the bag is also slightly padded and made with the same 1000D cordura, so no mesh or anything to help breathe. I would have liked to see some kind of mesh backing here just to help a bit with the breathability although, at $100 I didn’t except this pack to be full of features.
The bag is simple and I love that about it. There are a couple very neat pieces sewn on throughout the bag like the 100% Bison leather patch on the front upper corner or the bag. The small and subtle Madden Equipment logo on the bottom right. If you take a look at the back of the bag there is even a small Colorado state flag attached. Lastly, on the inside there is a tag showing who hand made your bag along with a U.S.A flag. I love seeing these type of tags on bags validate their authenticity and heritage.
+
- Very affordable
- Military grade materials
- Handmade Colorado features
- Streamlined, simple
- Front gusseted pocket
-
- Not very breathable
- Not much padding
Who this pack suits
- Someone looking for a daypack built in the USA with a lifetime guarantee
- Someone who wants a small streamlined day pack
- Someone who wants high-grade materials and features at a great price
Who it doesn't
- Someone looking for a backpack that excels at carrying a laptop
- Someone who will be in very hot weather and needs a pack that can breathe
- Anyone looking for a hiking or overnight backpack
Mountainsmith Endeavor Camera Bag Review
Mountainsmith is an outdoor gear company based in Colorado. Patrick Smith founded Mountainsmith in 1979 to produce gear that could withstand the Colorado Rockies. I had been wanting a more reliable way to carry my camera gear while traveling or just a place to keep all of my gear organized. Being that it's the new year, my inbox is always getting slammed with special discount and outlet emails from various online retailers and I decided to see what Backcountry had to offer. To my surprise, they had this camera bag at 50% off. Seeing as I was interested in this bag when I first saw it at it’s original price of $120 on Mountainsmith’s website I could not pass it up.
This review is primarily of the Mountainsmith Endeavor camera bag however, I want to also give Ian at Backcountry a very big shout out for his customer service and insight in my order of the bag. No more than 20 minutes after I had placed my order with Backcountry I received the confirmation order email along with a personal phone call from an employee at Backcountry. This being the first phone call I had ever received from an online retailer I was not sure what to expect. Ian at Backcountry informed me that my order would be shipped 2-day shipping at that it would arrive the following Monday. Along with that information, Ian also noticed that my order was heading to Ohio even though I had a (303) area code and asked if I had lived in Colorado. After some conversation of mountains and my hometown of Littleton, I felt as though I was talking to a long lost friend more than an online retailer employee. Ian was also nice enough to follow up the phone call with emails in which he even gave me some advice on how to further my website and reviews. This kind of customer service is absolutely unheard of in today’s times, and I want to give Backcountry and Ian my thanks. I will without a doubt be searching Backcountry above all for any more gear orders. Now on to the bag itself!
The Endeavor camera bag comes in at 20L and is made of 500d S-Kodra High Tenacity Nylon with a 210d Liner. The bag also comes with YKK® Zippers, Bar tack reinforcements, and 5000mm PU waterproof fabric coating.
The Endeavor has a total of 4 external pockets 3 of being on the front of the bag. The first on the left side of the bag is a stash pocket that can be used for anything from gloves to lens caps. This pocket is where I would put my cellphone, wallet, keys, and any other grab and go items.
Next behind the front stash pocket there is a large zip pocket that is used for storing all of my DSLR cables, filters, SD cards, and other smaller items. The pocket has many different slots and inner pockets for all sorts of items.
On the front right side of the bag there is a smaller zip pocket. I used this pocket for all of my GoPro accessories, chargers, batteries, screws, cases, attachments, etc. This pocket also had many different slots and pockets for these various items. I found these two pockets on the front perfect for storing my accessories for my DSLR and GoPro and almost felt like they were made for it.
On the backside of the bag there are three different details. The first being a velcro sheet that can be open and slid over a luggage handle to carry in pair. The second is another pocket that can be used to store documents or folders. The third is the dedicated padded laptop compartment. I feel for any camera bag this is a very important part. The compartment does its job and is very well padded making me feel confident when putting my laptop in.
Finally onto the inside of the bag. When first opening the main compartment you will notice a small mesh zippered pocket that is perfect for storing and small important items that you want to be protected inside the main pocket. Next there is a padded camera insert that takes of the remainder of the bags room. This insert is the same as many other camera inserts and can be customized to the users needs. I kept mine with 4 different slots so that I could fit my DSLR with the kit lens with the 40mm on top into one, my shotgun mic into the next, followed by my different camera straps and covers, and last my smaller tripods and grab handles. You also have to option to remove this insert and use the bag as a messenger style bag which is a great feature to have.
+
All of the straps and handles on the bag are padded and are very comfortable. The zippers are smooth and the pulls are made of paracord with plastic attachments on the end. The grayish color is very neutral which is important for a camera bag making sure not to attract thieves. The laptop compartment and the camera insert are both very padded.
-
The top main compartment zipper tends to catch on the opening of the bag. The camera insert is very thin and can make sliding your DSLR in a bit of a struggle.
Who this bag suits
- Anyone looking for a bomb-proof way to carry multiple cameras and the gear to go with
- Anyone who wants a bag that can play a role as a camera or messenger bag
- Anyone who wants a well-padded laptop compartment in a camera bag
- Anyone who wants the best materials in a bag and is willing to spend more to get them
Who it doesnt
- Someone on a budget (unless you can find it on sale)
- Someone who has very large cameras/lenses
Overall the Endeavor by Mountainsmith is a great camera or messenger bag for anyone looking for a bomb-proof way to carry multiple cameras and the gear to go with.
Camelbak Quantico 2016 First Impressions
Video Review now on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQSw-UHnAWc&feature=youtu.be
The full review is available now at http://rmkoutdoors.com/rmk-blog/2016/2/8/camelbak-quantico-backpack-review or under News and Reviews.
I wanted to make a quick write-up accompanied by some pictures of my initial thoughts as there is close to no information currently available on the internet about this backpack.
Camelbak recently released a new urban EDC line with a tactical look. The larger of the two being the Quantico which I purchased and the smaller being the Coronado. Both packs are made of 500D Cordura fabric and come with top of the line materials.
The Quantico has a fully padded laptop sleeve that will allow storage of a 15-inch laptop and an Ipad. I recently bought a Tom Bihn Synapse 25 that I have been using for about a month now and absolutely love. It has turned into my EDC bag in every aspect. However, it does lack a fully padded laptop sleeve and therefore when I do carry my Macbook pro in it I can't help but think twice.
I originally found these packs on Carryology's coverage post of the Outdoor retailer Summer 2015 and ever since I have been checking in with Camelbak to keep up with their release. As of today, 1/21/16 this pack is actually not even available through the Camelbak website, however, there are a few left that can be purchased on Amazon through Camelbak. After opening the package and inspecting the pack, I could feel the quality that I have come to expect from Camelbak. I have had many hydration packs throughout the years from Camelbak but never a dedicated backpack until now. I feel that I am partially drawn toward this pack because it resembles a Goruck GR1, which is not a bad pack to share looks with.
I will have a full review of this pack when I am done putting it through its paces so be sure to stay tuned for further information. Below are more pictures of the pack itself.
Tom Bihn Synapse 25 Backpack Review
After returning my Synapse 19 purely because it was not large enough for my everyday carry I was back in the search for another new EDC bag. I loved everything about the Synapse 19 it was just not large enough. With that in mind, I was obviously eyeing the Synapse 25 as it is the same exact pack except 6 more liters of space. However for some reason, I decided to explore more packs and companies and possibly try to find a pack that I liked even more then the Synapse before I purchased the 25. After the Mystery Ranch Street Fighter, Madden 20L Daypack, and a few others I was still drawn to the Synapse. I have a video review of the Street Fighter on youtube right now but the main reason I decided against this pack was that the shoulder straps were just overkill for an EDC pack. I love my 3DAP from Mystery Ranch and one of the major reasons being the straps, which are the same on both packs. The more weight you throw in the pack the comfier it becomes, although I am not ever really loading my EDC or school bag for that much weight. The Madden which I have a review of up on Youtube as well was a great simple pack although I ended up missing the organization of the Synapse. So after a couple of months and more searching, I decided to pull the trigger on a black Synapse 25.
Many of the things I said on my Synapse 19 review can be said for this pack as well. So if I repeat myself to bad. Starting out about Tom Bihn. Tom Bihn was founded in 1972 by Tom Bihn. Tom has been making and designing bags since the age of 10. Needless to say, he knows what he is doing and it shows. When I found Tom Bihn and learned that all their products are handmade in the U.S., backed by a lifetime guarantee, and made with the best materials, I was in. Like I have said before it is rare to find a company like Tom Bihn in today’s world.
I had originally gone with the color Coyote on my Synapse 19 and enjoyed the color however, I really wanted an EDC pack that could blend in and not stand out as I will be carrying my laptop, DSLR, and many other items I would like to hang on to. So, I opted with the black color option.
The great thing about this pack is that it is built from the same tough, abrasion resistant, badass 1000D Cordura as most of the Goruck packs. I had almost no experience with this fabric before my first Goruck pack and I am now addicted. Not only was the Synapse pack built with the Cordura but accompanied by #8 Water Tight YKK zippers, and padded EVAZOTE Foam shoulder straps. The Straps of this pack are made from EVAZOTE foam. These straps come with all of the essential additions that were not included on the various Goruck packs I have had. The straps come paired with a sternum strap and a removable waist strap. The foam is the perfect thickness so that I can comfortably carry a heavier load but not too big so that on a light load they sit abnormally. This is a much-overlooked aspect of a backpack and in my eyes, one of the most important parts. The addition of the waist strap and the option to have it be completely removable is brilliant. There are many bag companies right now making their daypacks with a waist strap that can be tucked behind into the lumber area of the pack however, I feel that this adds unnecessary bulk at a major contact point of a backpack. I know when I am going to need a waist strap for the day and I would rather have the option of leaving it at home when I know a hike is not in my daily plan.
The pack itself does not scream “Tactial!” Like many of the other day packs I have looked into and I love that it about the bag. I will be using this bag for EDC including school, day hikes, dog park trips, dog walks, mall trips, and whatever else I do day to day. The last thing I want to do is carry around a huge tactical pack built like a tank all day. (That is what my 3DAP is for.) I wanted a good, clean looking backpack that had an elegant but built to be abused and used feel to it. Some of the packs you see around especially in big name retail stores now days look like a bunch of belts strapped to a sack, which I doubt can be very practical and I just cannot see myself dealing with that day to day. Just the look of this pack had me hooked, let alone the use of grade A materials.
If you look at any well used, beaten, abused backpack and find the first thing that broke or went wrong I can almost guarantee it was the zipper. It is very easy to cut costs and throw a cheap foreign zipper onto your bag and make more profit. Most average consumers won’t be able to tell the difference, or could care about the difference because they got it for half the price right? I would rather have one bag for 10 years then 5 bags for 2 years a piece. Your bag gains character as it journeys with you. A well used bag is more then just another piece of gear but a companion, and the last thing I want my companion doing is giving up after 2 years together. That being said the addition to not only top tier YKK zippers but YKK zippers lined with Aquagaurd to further protect your various items swallowed by your companion. You can feel the quality in each and every zip and know that nothing is going to stop the little guys from doing their very important job.
The first thing one could notice is about the Synapse 19 is the various pockets shaping the bag. The main compartment is big enough to fit my DSLR, a rain jacket, a water bottle, towel for the dogs, and a few snacks while I'm on my hikes with room to spare.
The top front pocket is technically a water bottle pocket that runs down the whole length of the bag and can fit a normal sized Nalgene with ease. I find this pocket to be better to house my keys, wallet, headphones, knife, gum, other grab and go items.
Underneath this front pocket is a smaller pocket that can also be used for my smaller items that may overflow from the first front pocket.
On each side of the pack there are side pockets that are taller then they are wide. Here I can store my phone and its chargers and other chargers for my camera. On the other side I use it to store my external Hard-drive and my External battery charger. And even a spare grab and go lens for my camera.
The last pocket is on the bottom of the pack and a perfect size for anything durable enough to sit on the bottom. I have used this pocket for my GoPro hero 4 in a case and my Mechanix gloves. On the bottom of this pocket there is an attachment point for a bike light.
Who this backpack suits
- Anyone looking for a quality built backpack made here in the U.S. with a lifetime guarntee
- A student, photographer, or person looking for a well-organized compartment based pack
- Someone who does not need a bombproof laptop compartment
- Someone needing a well-rounded EDC or daypack that can be used in almost any scenario
Who this backpack does not suit
- Someone looking for a hiking or overnight pack
- Someone wanting a cheap backpack for a low cost
The Tom Bihn Synapse is a high quality, hand made, U.S. built daypack that will undoubtedly stand up to whatever I throw at it and continue to accompany me on my various adventures to come. I am loving the extra 6 liters of space for my EDC. I am 5’10 185 not a small guy but not huge either. The 19 just felt too small almost like a pack more built for women. The 25 fits my build perfect and I am looking forward to carrying every day.
Peak Design Capture Clip
I have been looking for a better way to carry my new DSLR while I trek around outdoors. Most of my readers know that I usually have some sort of bag or pack with me while I am outside. Through some research, I found a company called Peak Design and was intrigued by their Capture clip. It was exactly the kind of item that I was searching for. Something I could clamp onto any of my packs and have my DSLR be safe and ready and a moments notice.
The Capture Clip is made of mostly plastic and some metal. The Capture Pro is another $20 and is an all metal frame. Everything on the capture, even the plastic feels high quality. It actually has some heft to it which I am fine with seeing as it will be carrying my new DSLR camera.
You can attach the Capture clip to any backpack strap or in my case the molle of my backpacks. All you have to do is unscrew the two top-side screws and open the Capture up. After just slide it into the molle and then screw tight again. Having the option to remove his piece of gear so quick and easy is great as I found myself wanting to put it on more than just one pack.
The Capture comes with a quick attach mount that screws into the bottom of your Camera via the thread. When you have this attached to your camera you can even further secure it by tightening with the given allen screw.
Mounting the camera to the Capture on your backpack is quick and effortless. Line up the camera and slide the attachment mount into the capture and you are locked in. There is a reassuring loud “click” as you enter the camera. When you need to access your camera you can press the red button and slide it out. The ease of this is great especially when hiking or needing to be able to access your camera on the go.
Who this products suits
- Someone looking for a reliable and quick way to carry their DSLR
- Backpackers, bikers, tourists, anyone who has a pack strap that capture can be attached to
Who this product does not suit
- Anyone in a wet climate that does not want their camera being exposed to the elements
From my experience with the Capture Clip I feel that it is a necessity for any DSLR owner who wants a secure and reliable way to carry their camera. Between the ease of use and the many different applications of which it can be used it is a great item to add to your load-out. The Capture clip retails for $59 and the Capture Pro for $79.
Patagonia Black Hole 120L Review
There are thousands of different way to carry gear on a trip, however a solid duffle will never let you down. I recently got back from hunting over my Thanksgiving break. Knowing that I was traveling up to our family’s cabin in the North-woods of Lake Nebagamon Wisconsin and the current state of my travel bag situation I decided to pick up a new duffle bag. After some research online and stumbling across a nice coupon on Backcountry I picked up the Patagonia Black hole 120L duffle.
After the research I had narrowed down my selection of duffle bags to either the Black hole or the North Face Base Camp duffle. At this point I would have been happy with either of these (and at some point I will purchase a Base Camp to also review) but the sale that Backcountry was offering made the Black hole come in much lower in price, so naturally I opted for it in red. I knew that I needed something big enough to store all of my boots and shoes with room for my outer layer hunting jackets and pants. I figured 120L was plenty of room and it was. During my trip I had 2 hoodies, 4 different sized jackets, 1 large heavy carharrt jacket, 2 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of sweat pants, my carharrt insulated bibs, 2 pairs of boots, and 2 pairs of shoes. This bag absolutely swallowed everything with room to spare. Even with the load out I had in the duffle it remained comfortable to carry with the two shoulder straps.
Now on to some specs of the duffle. The duffle is 120L Capacity and made from a 1200D Polyester with a TPU-film laminate and Durable Water Repellent Finish. If you have ever read any other of my blog posts you will know I am a huge fan of anything Cordura, however knowing this was going to be a bag that will carry all of my clothes, socks, long johns, and other things I would rather not have wet while I throw it around in the back of my truck and inside the hunting cabin I wanted something a bit more waster resistant. The bag comes in at 3 pounds empty and is31 x 15 x 14 inches.
The top of the bag opens in a U shaped fashion and is very easily accessible. On the inside of the bag there are straps that can be used to harness anything you have inside down. On the lid of the bag there is one large mesh pocket that is split in the middle that is plenty big for toiletries or items of the nature. On my trip I loaded this pocket with my toiletries bag, gloves and socks.
There are a few options to carry as well. There are 2 original straps, two padded side handles, and there are also removable, padded shoulder straps if you want to carry like a backpack. I found the backpack straps just ended up getting in the way and decided to remove them.
On the front exterior of the bag there is a zip pocket that is surprisingly large. During my hunting trip I loaded up this pocket with all of my chargers, hard drives, and other electronics.
One major addition to this bag that for me, set it apart from other duffles was the padded bottom. I have owned countless smaller duffles that I have trusted with my computers, cameras, guns, knifes, and other important and not so burly items. Having this pad will no doubt give me some peace of mind when in moving the bag in and out of the truck.
Overall I was very impressed by this duffle and it will continue to be my large travel duffle for whatever I need. The padded bottom and weather resistant material is a must have for a larger outdoor explores duffle bag. Patagonia is a great company, although this bag is made in Vietnam not everything I buy can be American made. Everything that Patagonia makes is backed by their Ironclad guarantee which is just like a lifetime guarantee. Sorry for the lack of pictures of this duffle loaded out on my trip, my memory card in my camera decided to retire half way through the trip.
First Impressions of the Mystery Ranch Three Day Assault Pack and Sweet Pea
I have been wanting to branch out into the wide world of hiking and military based packs and I figured there would be no better company to explore then Mystery Ranch. Mystery Ranch is based out of Bozeman Montana and was founded in 2000. Mystery Ranch is the product of the father company Dana Design which was founded in 1985. Mystery Ranch specializes in Military, Hunting, Fire, and newly Urban packs.
With my love for Goruck I naturally was drawn towards their military line of packs and decided on the Three Day Assault pack. I love my Goruck GR1 but when it comes to hiking I know there are better fit packs. On the few trips I have already taken with the 3DAP I am in love. The suspension and the harness of the pack is built great and really helps on the heavier loads. The addition of a sternum strap and integrated hip belt the 3DAP comes ready to go. The 3DAP is built with 500D Cordura which I have come to love, the 500D has great strength and weighs in much lighter then the 1000D Cordura used in the GR1. It is also fitted with YKK rubber lined zipper to help keep water at bay. The 3DAP can hold 32.8L of gear which I feel is the perfect size for a hiking, camping, hunting or large EDC pack.
After some research online I saw that there were very few in depth reviews on the 3DAP and decided I would make one of my own. While doing my research I also noticed that there was another pack similar to the 3DAP called the Sweet Pea. This pack is under the Hiking line of Mystery Ranch packs and could be mistaken for a 3DAP. There are a few differences in the packs and I will be doing a comparison between the two.
I will be taking both of these packs with me on my deer hunting trip in Wisconsin this thanksgiving. I will be using the 3DAP while my younger brother breaks in the Sweet Pea. I have no doubt that we will put these packs through their paces and get a great idea of the strengths and weakness of both. Below are some starting pictures that I have taken of the two side by side. The 3DAP on the left and Sweet pea on the right.
Goruck Navy GR1
On this site I for the most part write reviews although this post will be a bit different. A few weeks ago Goruck decided to release another final batch of there very rare and mysterious Navy colored GR1 rucksacks. They first released this pack in late 2013 and was a limited run as-well. Since then I have only seen a handful of pictures and one pop up on ebay. With my obsession of backpacks and my love for Goruck needless to say I was drawn to this rare ruck. When I saw this pack and the other limited edition desert camo GR1 on the site I had to put in an order. Seeing as there are almost no second hand pictures online I thought I would take a few and let everyone witness this Unicorn.
The blue is a great color and not as blue as I had expected from the very few pictures there are of these online. As of now I am going to just let this pack relax in the closet before I decide on what I will use it for. Right now I still have my GR2 34L for my bigger edc or travel bag and my black GR0 for my edc needs. If anyone is interested in this pack or missed out on the sale I will be taking offers for consideration seeing that I may not have a spot for this ruck after all. Please email through the contact link above. Enjoy the pictures.
Skookum Dog Duffle by Tom Bihn
Now that I have introduced readers to my dogs I want to write about some of their new gear that I recently received from Tom Bihn and Skookum Dog. If you read my latest blog post “Breck and Echo” you should know that my dogs mean the world to me and if I can have the best gear on my adventures, then why shouldn't they. Up until a few weeks ago I was using a beat up old backpack I have had for years. One of the zippers has broken off and there were multiple holes in the inside compartment. With the addition of Echo and the ever growing dog toy collection that was flooding my way I needed a bag that could keep up.
Skookum Dog by Tom Bihn makes five star dog equipment right here in the U.S. Just like any Tom Bihn bag, all of their dog products are handmade with the highest quality. I was sent one of their medium Dog Duffle bags in the color Black to load up with my various dog items and test out.
Right away you can tell this duffle is made to the highest quality of standards. The bag is made of 1050d HT U.S. Ballistic Nylon on the exterior, while the interior is 400D Pack cloth lining. The duffle is also accompanied with #10 YKK Zippers. The dimensions of the bag are 11-1/2" x 9-1/2" x 21-1/2"; 2200 cu. in or 36L and weighs in at 2.6 pounds. This bag also comes with a very nice shoulders straps and side attachments straps.
The build quality of this bag is second to none and is noticeable right off the bat. The 1050D Ballistic Nylon is heavy duty and will no doubt hold up to anything I throw its way. If you have read my previous posts I am absolutely in love with 1000D Cordura fabric. This 1050D is almost the same in quality and even has higher tear resistance which I found perfect for a dog duffle that could be subject to some puppy teething.. It also will attract far less dog hair then 1000D Cordura will which is a reason in its own to have this bag.
On the top of the duffle there is the Skookum Dog logo which I feel is one of a kind. If I could change it I would only add another dog to the mans left..
The main compartment of this bag is spacious and easy enough to get into without feeling too open like most duffles. In this main compartment I was able to fit in the larger items I have for my pups. I had Brecken’s life jacket, her RuffWear insulated and rainproof coat, RuffWear’s Summit dog boots, a much needed shedding tool, and plenty of more room for one of my own jackets and even some lunch. There are two stash pockets on either side of the main compartment that allow for some organization. On the “lid” of the main compartment there is a mesh zipper pocket that is big enough for any medication or items you want to keep separate and safe from the larger main compartment.
On the left side of the bag there is a secondary side pocket that is also very spacious. I used this pocket to house the various snacks and treats for the dogs along with their food and bowls. On the outside of this side compartment there is a half pocket that is very easy to access. This is where I decided to keep my phone, wallet, and car keys.
Moving to the other side of the bag there is the same sized secondary pocket as the left. I used this side to hold the different collars and even the 25ft tree tie up I keep on me while we hike incase of hardcore park “sheriffs”. On the outside of the right compartment instead of the same half zippered pocket there is a half mesh zippered pocket. I found this to be an amazing add-on for any slobbery toys that we had used during the day. It would also make a great pocket for the towel I use before the dogs hop back in the truck.
Like everything Tom Bihn this dog duffle is handmade to the highest standards from the 1050D Ballistic Nylon to the YKK zippers to the detailed hand stitched seams. I found the large #10 YKK zippers to be a very nice addition to the bag making them very easy to grab on the go and beefy enough to take a beating. All of the zippers glide effortlessly. The tan zipper line accompanied by the matching straps and buckles look perfect. While most high end duffle bags are shipped without a matching shoulder strap, the Dog duffle was different. The dog duffle came with a very nice matching padded shoulder strap. This shoulder strap has proven to be very comfortable and attached with heavy duty USA metal clips.
From the organization the Skookum Dog Duffle provides to the military grade build quality I am 100% sure that this new dog duffle will be a perfect companion to my pups and will always be in the backseat with them ready to explore.
Tom Bihn Synapse 19 Review
My obsession with bags has grown strong over the past few months. This mainly due to the fact that I have been working 45+ hours a week, the addition of a new puppy, my membership at a new crossfit gym, and the addition of school starting up. My days are filled to the brim with activities and objectives and the right gear will always help me reach my goals. I have been using my newly acquired GR2 34L as my go to crossfit bag along with my main ruck for those lake side workouts. My 15L Bullet also from Goruck is serving as my daily work bag and is doing a great job. In the time between work and working out, I found I needed a bag a bit smaller then my GR2 and bigger then my 15L Bullet. I love both of the bags although I like to stay organized and leave my crossfit items in the GR2 and my daily work items in the Bullet. My quest for the perfect edc/day bag started again. I had originally used my GR0 as my dec bag but recently sold that to upgrade to my GR2.
After a few nights of searching for another American made company with the same standards as Goruck I found Tom Bihn. Tom Bihn was founded in 1972 by Tom Bihn. Tom has been making and designing bags since the age of 10. Needless to say he knows what he is doing, and it shows. When I found Tom Bihn and learned that all their products are hand made in the U.S., backed by a lifetime guarantee, and made with the best materials, I was in. Like I have said before it is rare to find a company like Tom Bihn in today’s day and age.
The search for my new daypack led me to the Synapse backpack line. This pack comes in a 25L version and a smaller 19L version invarious colors. I chose the Synapse 19 in Coyote and Steel. The first thing I noticed about this pack was that it is built from the same tough, abrasion resistant, badass 1000D Cordura as most of the Goruck packs. I had almost no experience with this fabric before my first Goruck pack and I am now addicted. Not only was the Synapse pack built with the Cordura but accompanied by #8 Water Tight YKK zippers, and padded EVAZOTE Foam shoulder straps.
The pack itself does not scream “Tactial!” Like many of the other day packs I have looked into and I love that it about the bag. I will be using this bag for EDC including school, day hikes, dog park trips, dog walks, mall trips, and whatever else I do day to day. The last thing I want to do is carry around a huge tactical pack built like a tank all day. (That is what my GR2 is for.) I wanted a good, clean looking backpack that had a elegant but built to be abused and used feel to it. Some of the packs you see around especially in big name retail stores now days look like a bunch of belts strapped to a sack, which I doubt can be very practical and I just cannot see myself dealing with that day to day. Just the look of this pack had me hooked, let alone the use of grade A materials.
Enough of the build up.. now finally on to the pack itself. The Coyote color is perfect and I think goes with the YKK watertight zipper’s black outline great. The inside Steel color is also handy as it helps me see inside the pack and exactly where smaller items are instead of the normal black inside. On the front and center of the pack is the classic looking Tom Bihn logo.
The Straps of this pack are made from EVAZOTE foam. These straps come with all of the essential additions that were not included on the various Goruck packs I have had. The straps come paired with a sternum strap and a removable waist strap. The foam is the perfect thickness so that I can comfortable carry a heavier load but not too big so that on a light load they sit abnormal. This is a much overlooked aspect of backpack and in my eyes, one of the most important parts. The addition of the waist strap and the option to have it be completely removable is brilliant. There are many bag companies right now making their daypacks with a waist strap that can be tucked behind into the lumber area of the pack, however I feel that this adds unnecessary bulk at a major contact point of a backpack. I know when I am going to need a waist strap for the day and I would rather have the option of leaving it at home when I know a hike is not in my daily plan.
If you look at any well used, beaten, abused backpack and find the first thing that broke or went wrong I can almost guarantee it was the zipper. It is very easy to cut costs and throw a cheap foreign zipper onto your bag and make more profit. Most average consumers won’t be able to tell the difference, or could care about the difference because they got it for half the price right? I would rather have one bag for 10 years then 5 bags for 2 years a piece. Your bag gains character as it journeys with you. A well used bag is more then just another piece of gear but a companion, and the last thing I want my companion doing is giving up after 2 years together. That being said the addition to not only top tier YKK zippers but YKK zippers lined with Aquagaurd to further protect your various items swallowed by your companion. You can feel the quality in each and every zip and know that nothing is going to stop the little guys from doing their very important job.
The first thing one could notice is about the Synapse 19 is the various pockets shaping the bag. The main compartment is big enough to fit my DSLR, a rain jacket, a water bottle, towel for the dogs, and a few snacks while I'm on my hikes with room to spare. The top front pocket is technically a water bottle pocket that runs down the whole length of the bag and can fit a normal sized Nalgene with ease. I find this pocket to be better to house my keys, wallet, headphones, knife, gum, other grab and go items. Underneath this front pocket is a smaller pocket that can also be used for my smaller items that may overflow from the first front pocket. On each side of the pack there are side pockets that are taller then they are wide. Here I can store my phone and its chargers and other chargers for my camera. On the other side I use it to store my external Hard-drive and my External battery charger. The last pocket is on the bottom of the pack and a perfect size for anything durable enough to sit on the bottom. I have used this pocket for my GoPro hero 4 in a case and my Mechanix gloves. On the bottom of this pocket there is an attachment point for a bike light.
The Tom Bihn Synapse is a high quality, hand made, U.S. built daypack that will undoubtedly stand up to whatever I throw at it and continue to accompany me on my various adventures to come.
Below are some extra picture of the Synapse 19 on myself (5’10) and my girlfriend who is (5’2) for reference.
Why I Review What I Review
A lot of items that I review and post on my site are from companies that build their products right here in the U.S. I do not have a basis towards these companies like Goruck or Tom Bihn but I do however like their products more and enjoy taking the time to write reviews about companies that pride themselves on honorable work. There are few companies now days willing to go the extra mile and handmake their products in the U.S. and even less that go the extra mile and stand by their products with a lifetime warranty. There is nothing I like more then knowing my backpack or duffle etc came from the hands of another hard working American that put the extra effort into making the pack my own. I also enjoy knowing that if I want these products I cannot drive down to the local Walmart and pick one up. Now with this higher grade buying habit comes the price to match. I for one have no problem justifying the additional cost to support a one of a kind company. I’m sure many of you read my reviews because you are on the fence about a certain product or switching over to a certain company and I just wanted to clear my opinion up. I pride myself on honest and tried reviews, and I will not waste my time reviewing companies that do not have the same principles as I do. Stay tuned as I am receivinga few items from Tom Bihn and will be testing and reviewing them soon!
- Trevor
The North Face Surge 2015 Review
If you have read any of my other reviews or blog posts you should know that I am a proud supporter of anything Goruck. From the products they make to their great 5k runs and endurance events. This being said it is that time of year again when I start to sit indoors more and tend to pack much less while at school. I started my Goruck supporting with ordering my first backpack the GR0. I used this pack my freshman year of college and it was great, although I drove myself to upgrade to the GR1 and eventually the GR2 34L. This being said I feel the GR2 is slightly too large and heavy duty for what I need day to day during the school year.
I was born and raised in Denver Colorado and am no stranger to the many company's that orbit around that city. North Face is not a new brand to me and I have purchased countless rain/winter jackets over the years. However, the backpack side to North Face is new turf to me. I do like to think of myself as an “expert buyer” of backpacks and so does my wallet.
Enter the North Face Surge. The North Face Surge is no new backpack to the line of packs North Face has to offer. The original Surge was introduced to the market in early 2010, this was followed by the Surge 2 and then strangely enough followed again by the 2015 Surge.
The Surge is made of 500D Cordura® nylon matte ripstop, 420D nylon, 1680D Ballistic s nylon. I feel that this is the perfect mixture of toughness and weight friendly material. The Goruck line of hydration rucks are now made of 500D Cordura as well and I absolutely love my 15L. The Surge is a 33L pack and feels like my old Goruck Echo. This stat in the end sold me. My 34L GR2 is my favorite ruck and a hands down beast, although I do not need this day to day during school. The fact that this pack is only 3lbs and almost the same storage as my GR2 is perfect. The Surge is also a part of The North Face’s lifetime warranty.
Now the pack itself, on the front is the classic North Face logo on the upper right hand corner. I bought the Grey heather/tnf black color. All of the zipper lines are black while the pack itself is a matte grey. The pack has 6 main pocket, two of which are fully fleece lined. Two on the very front that go the width of the pack, the left is nylon and the right is fleece.
The top front pocket is for glasses or your smartphone and can now fit the Iphone 6 plus or any other ipad mini looking phone. This pocket is also fleece lined which is great because the last thing you want is your phone getting cold.
Next is the smaller “main compartment” pocket. This pocket has a fleece lined Ipad sleeve and plenty of room for all of your pens, rulers, chargers etc.
After that there is the main compartment which is very basic and how it should be. There is a deceivingly large amount of room in which to put larger items such as binders, extra layers, or camera cases.
Lastly there is the laptop compartment which zips all the way down to open flat and allow easy access to your laptop. This pocket is also very well padded and sites about 2 inches from the ground to make sure your laptop never slams against anything.
On either side of the bag there are stretch mesh pocket for water bottles or other items. This comes standard on most packs but what sets these apart from others is that fact that the mesh is not see-through allowing you to put more important items in them.
On the top there is a padded grab handle as-well as a front padded grab handle. This is another simple, yet great addition to any backpack in my eyes.
Another must have for me no matter what I am using the backpack for is the comfort of the bag when it is on my back. This bag is one of the most comfortable packs I have ever worn. the back has great support while allowing air to move through and keep your back cool.
Lastly there are two compression straps on either side of the bag that allow you to sinch down when the pack is not as full.
Overall, I feel as though for a day to day pack for school and work this backpack will do excellent and I am very excited to break it in and see how it preforms. North Face is a great company and I love any company that is confident enough in their products to add a lifetime warranty.