The second “main” compartment is equally as roomy, but it comes with some added features. It has MOLLE straps built-in as well as tear-away med pouches fixed to velcro straps. I was doing a “thing” in Africa that required me to keep all tactical equipment and weapons inside of my back pack. The kind of well thought out functionality of this bag is essential in situations like these when seconds could have made the difference between life and death. Besides these key design components, the inside is also bright orange for signalling if required. Again “Multi Faceted”.
Secret Compartments?
Not exactly, but yes. They call it a Hydration compartment, but, because of its unique design it can be used for something more functional.
The “Hydration” compartment is built into the very backside of the bag. The part that goes against your back; but the compartment resides behind the padded section and its zipper is concealed underneath the pads.
I tested the “secret-hydration” compartment by stashing some nefarious items in it. Then I took them through a variety of security checkpoints without so much as an eyebrow lifting.
The “Operative” side of me loves this for obvious reasons. The executive / outdoor adventurer in me, loves it because I can keep sensitive items safe. I’m always worried about someone getting into my bag while it’s on my back and I’m in a crowded area. Then in situations where I’m at a hotel or in an office I don’t worry as much about admin staff or janitors trying to get their “hasty search” on, when I leave my bag behind. Yes, I leave my bag behind. When someone says “Put your bag down, I’ll take you on a tour” you don’t say no.
Compression straps: As the “Lead Climber” in my SEAL platoon I obsessed about loose straps. I don’t like drop down holsters either. Everything needs to be slick. The bag has well positioned compression straps that not only allowed me to keep the bag tight, but also kept me from snagging any straps and doing a face-plant while jumping chain linked fences. Yes… I’ve got a unique testing process.
Shades – Cameras & Ballistic Goggles – With a handle
On the top of the bag is one of the best designed handles I’ve seen. Thick and sturdy so it’s comfortable to use with heavy loads. Aligned with the handle is a pouch with an inside that’s soft like a glass cleaning cloth. Its purpose is to carry ballistic goggles, but I found it perfect for carrying my Sony NEX camera. The positioning of the pouch is great as it protects the contents from hitting the ground should the bag get knocked over. Also, by way of design, the pouch is aligned with the handle in a way that slightly obscures the compartments presence. I noticed this when security asked me to open every pocket for a search through the bag, but missed this one.
Besides a perfect place for your goggles, shades or camera, this pouch will also work well for a small hand gun, grenade or flash-bang.
I’m getting writers cramp, but I have to mention two more features
Side Pouches: On the sides of the bag are two sleeves with MOLLE straps affixed to them. The sleeves go all of the way through so that you can store a variety of longer items. Billy clubs, small camera tripods or things like trekking poles. Being the odd thinker that I am, I chose to keep a small telescoping pole that I use for hooking small climbing ropes or caving ladders to something high above. Yes.. I’ve spent a few too many hours working urban surveillance. See my article about the Mini Frog Climbing Kit. I keep the climbing rope flaked within the other side pouch so that I can go “Second Story” at a moments notice. You’d be surprised how many people never look up.
Water Bottles: At first I was bummed that there weren’t any water bottle holders on the side. Sure the ability to quickly scale buildings was worth it, but a guy gets thirsty. My plan to remedy this was to just buy a MOLLE water bottle pouch; but necessity being the mother of invention, I realized that the bag provided another option.
Between the very back of the bag where you see my American Flag patch and the second main compartment is a much larger drop out pouch designed to hold a ballistic helmet. I just loosened the straps a bit and it perfectly held my Nalgene bottle. Also, if you look at the picture you will see that the bottle isn’t adding to the width of the bag, but it’s merely sitting at an angle. Perfect for easy access to it as well as great for not getting me stuck in tight areas.
Okay one more thing:
You’ll notice the velcro configured all about the bag. Perfect for unit patches and ideal for an American flag patch. Bottom line. The bag is as Bad-ass as it looks.
Check It Out Here – All Hazards Prime Backpack
Eric
This article is courtesy of The Loadout Room.
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