| Super-Versatile Rucksack: "Field Operator's Action Pack"
March 02, 2011
[$59 shipped in the USA. Non-US orders pay excess postage -- ask.]
The wholesale manufacturer, Fox, calls this its "Field Operator's Action Pack" for its in-house name, but retailers can call it what they like. "Action Pack" seems pretty good. I haven't settled on my name for it yet. I use such packs as carry-on luggage and for hiking and road-trips: not very tactical. The Fox folks make a lot of stuff for the military market. It's tough and rugged but at a budget price-point. And they're responsive -- they'll take ideas and include them in future product runs.
A HUGE plus for me is the shoulder-strap and waist-belt have accessory attachment points. This is RARE in a daypack. I'm going to add 4 pouches of various sizes to the front of mine. I really need on-the-go access to small stuff.
This is a do-ANYTHING pack. I like it that it has a front panel zip opening, rather than a top-stuffer -- I find it easier to get at stuff. (Both are fine, of course.) It's ideally set up for weekendering. It'll hold a big laptop AND/or a water bladder in a couple different special slots. It's an item that can go in a lot of different directions.
Then there are the bombproof grab-straps -- easy to load up and easy to fling around.
My approach to these things is, as I dial in my usage, I discard the rest. I cut off and cut out what I don't use, to save weight and boost simplicity. But this item will probably keep most of what it's offering. We'll see...
For action-use, as when riding a mtbike or skiing, a narrower pack might be preferable. I offer two such items, both by Fox: *the Rio Grande 25L: narrower, but with fewer add-on options; *and the Medium Versatile Rucksack (though it might be neat if it was longer and narrower yet). Both at a great prices, too!
Official Product Details:
Constructed of rugged tactical polyester. Key features include: 4 compartment configuration with main area plus large bottom pocket & 2 side pockets. Main area has a hydration pocket and a mesh storage pocket. Front compartment with a multitude of accessory pockets. Padded and ventilated back panel with zippered side-entry pouch suitable for a laptop. Modular attachment points on front face, side pockets, waist-'wings' and shoulder straps. Zippered (electronic) accessory pocket on top, padded/adjustable shoulder straps, padded and removable waist-belt, heavy duty zippers with pull cords, side cinch straps. Molded top carry handle and 2 side web handles. Fuzzy panels on front face for attaching ID’s or patches. Size: 21" x 15" x 8".
Volume: 2500 cu-in, 40 liters. Pack weight: 3 lbs 10 oz.
I HAVE WOODLAND DIGITAL CAMO COLOR IN STOCK. Other available colors (takes a few days) depending on what's in stock at the wholesaler: Olive Drab, Black, Foliage, Army Digital, Coyote, Multicam.
NOTE on the "Multicam" Color: The pack pictured in this listing is "Multicam". This color is proprietary. Packs in this color cost $85. Just let me know if you want it! : )
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