bought this bag as an EDC bag, to replace my Pelican 1430 Toploader case EDC "bag". Cost about $220 CDN funds, from a local supplier.
first impressions:
big. damn big. 24'"x 8" x 18" tall (approx). Around 3 lbs weight empty, = to my 1430 Pelican Toploader case. Comfy to wear, the shoulder strap is padded and has grippy base on it. The waist strap is hide-away, i like that, but the strap itself and the buckle placement makes it hard to fasten without contorting to do so. Lots of pockets, all the outer pockets are velcro lined for easy gear / pouch placement (i like a velcro tape on my GPS , cell etc, for complete retention). The main compartment has huge velcro panels, to fasten the included sidearm holster in any way you want. Apparently there is an armour panel insert you can velcro in too, for those of you that need such protection. There is a pen/pencil/ammunition webbing sewn onto the inner back panel. I was quite surprised when the stitching pulled out of these, normally HSGI stitching is bomber. On the top of the bag is a velcro flap for allowing a radio antenna or water bladder hose or electrical cables (chargers etc) stuff to exit. Here is one of my biggest rants about this, and its NOT just HSGI either - I HATE velco that is not glued down or that has sharp comers that haven't been rounded (trimmed). In addition the velcro placement lets it chafe the main cover seams, causing the stitching to abrade. I should not have to seam seal all the stitching or seams to prevent it form coming undone. This alone will give my score on this bag a lower mark.
That being said, this is a great laptop tote,, EDC or BOB bag. One can find a spot for everything, be warned it will get heavy. I would suggest this bag gets used as an truck or office BOB or trunk BOB for a car or range bag, as opposed to an EDC carry.
I give the bag a 7/10. I would have given it a 10/10, but the stitching issue , the velcro edges being sharp, the velcro tab not being glued down, and the waist strap buckle placement drop the score, sorry HSGI, i give my opinion. I have other HSGI gear and its tough stuff.
Now the pics!
bag with flap closed:
front: (the zipper pulls i added myself, the red is to designate the location of the FAK).
back
map pocket in the main cover flap:
front pockets:
one of the two end pockets:
front pocket, showing velcro:
main compartment: (shown with two tearaway MOLLE panels to hold the misc sheaths and pouches)
the EDC gear:
first impressions:
big. damn big. 24'"x 8" x 18" tall (approx). Around 3 lbs weight empty, = to my 1430 Pelican Toploader case. Comfy to wear, the shoulder strap is padded and has grippy base on it. The waist strap is hide-away, i like that, but the strap itself and the buckle placement makes it hard to fasten without contorting to do so. Lots of pockets, all the outer pockets are velcro lined for easy gear / pouch placement (i like a velcro tape on my GPS , cell etc, for complete retention). The main compartment has huge velcro panels, to fasten the included sidearm holster in any way you want. Apparently there is an armour panel insert you can velcro in too, for those of you that need such protection. There is a pen/pencil/ammunition webbing sewn onto the inner back panel. I was quite surprised when the stitching pulled out of these, normally HSGI stitching is bomber. On the top of the bag is a velcro flap for allowing a radio antenna or water bladder hose or electrical cables (chargers etc) stuff to exit. Here is one of my biggest rants about this, and its NOT just HSGI either - I HATE velco that is not glued down or that has sharp comers that haven't been rounded (trimmed). In addition the velcro placement lets it chafe the main cover seams, causing the stitching to abrade. I should not have to seam seal all the stitching or seams to prevent it form coming undone. This alone will give my score on this bag a lower mark.
That being said, this is a great laptop tote,, EDC or BOB bag. One can find a spot for everything, be warned it will get heavy. I would suggest this bag gets used as an truck or office BOB or trunk BOB for a car or range bag, as opposed to an EDC carry.
I give the bag a 7/10. I would have given it a 10/10, but the stitching issue , the velcro edges being sharp, the velcro tab not being glued down, and the waist strap buckle placement drop the score, sorry HSGI, i give my opinion. I have other HSGI gear and its tough stuff.
Now the pics!
bag with flap closed:
front: (the zipper pulls i added myself, the red is to designate the location of the FAK).
back
map pocket in the main cover flap:
front pockets:
one of the two end pockets:
front pocket, showing velcro:
main compartment: (shown with two tearaway MOLLE panels to hold the misc sheaths and pouches)
the EDC gear:
