As we’ve said many times before, for any game that’s going to involve more than you can carry in your pockets or your first and second line gear, you’re going to need a pack!
Even a sustainment pack fitted to the back of your plate carrier will help, and as much as we love these, we usually opt for a standalone pack for a number of reasons. You may think that “all packs are equal” but they actually have lots of functional differences.
Bill, with his experience working in pack manufacture says;
“I am of the opinion that even one pack will not be adequate for all scenarios, and even as a believer in “light is right” I have multiple packs for different requirements; having two to three dedicated packs can cover you for pretty much any scenario you find yourself in, and although you can wing it with a single model, having more than one allows you more choice, and more tactical flexibility.”
At many weekenders you’ll be able to camp directly next, or at very least close to the vehicle you arrived in so you can have your kit packed and organised in a large haul bag. However, there are some games where you will crash out in buildings onsite overnight and this will often mean that you need to carry everything on your back; indeed part of the scenario itself may involve you actually making a march in to a FOB site which will become your “home” for the duration so not only do you need to haul your gear in, but you need to keep it squared away too.
Therefore your very first consideration must be some form of pack.
Over the years we’ve seen some utterly terrible sights, with guys turning up for a game absolutely overloaded with goodies that they “might need”; we’re sure we’ve all seen that meme with the guy hauling the ruc that is bigger than he is and had a good laugh at that, but the truth is that there are many players out there who really shouldn’t be laughing, instead looking to their own personal admin and preparation of their load.
So, although Bill may advocate multiple packs, the fact is that most of us that aren’t total gear nerds like him will end up with one mid-size pack to see them through, and recently we’ve been looking at the HARRIER line of packs from www.highlanderforces.com.
With three sizes ranging from 25L to 45L the HARRIER models are a full-clamshell opening pack system designed around having quick and complete access to your kit. Loaded with multiple pockets, they give you optimum packing and organisation as well as the ability to secure and access smaller items with zero fuss.
Available in a choice of colours and camo too, and made of robust and durable 1000D Polyester with #10 heavy duty zips and Duraflex Buckles, the HARRIERs also benefit from an airmesh padded back system for comfort when on the move, two front pockets and a huge, easy to access main compartment. They also come with a versatile, multi-purpose ABS plastic MOLLE karabiner (not suitable for climbing) with three-way MOLLE attachment loops for securing tactical accessories.
Full features of the 35L model we have in for test include in addition to a large main compartment with room for all your essential kit;
- Large top zipped stash pocket with tricot lining
- 2x Front zipped large pockets
- 2x compression straps
- Detachable inner organiser
- Internalmesh pockets
- Adjustable padded hip belt
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
- Adjustable chest strap
- Airmesh padded back system
- Molle webbing attachment points
- Padded hydration pocket with pass-through port – can also be used for carrying a laptop
- Large hook and loop panel for ID badges
We’ll be dropping our full evaluation of the test model soon, but for now if you’re in need of a new “load-lugger” then head on over to www.highlanderforces.com to check out their full range of packs and more!
