Originally I found this product for $31.45 at discountmilitarystore-dot-com, but after calculating shipping it would cost about the same at my local surplus store. So did just that.

GOOD STUFF: I love the numerous compartments, pockets and a velcro enclosed space in the rear for a camel back bladder. It’s not terribly oversized on my back, and not too small either. I have a lightwieght day pack that packs into itself in a convenient baggie, but it feels too light sometimes especially when my enormous Nikon DSLR is inside jabbing me in the back. It’s not very protected in it either. The Fox medium transport pack has enough padding for comfortable wear even with a odd shaped camera sitting inside. Feels more secure! The outside shell webbing for clipping caribiners, bike lights, etc. is more than enough.

NOT SO GOOD STUFF:

How many straps & belts do I need?! Not that many, unless I’m trying to tie down a small leprechaun to smuggle past customs. I removed the top V-stap and the waist belt. There are 4 other compression straps that can’t be completely removed, but they don’t really get in the way. I don’t mind them. I ride a motorcycle so all of that flapping in the wind while riding with this pack on my back would’ve been really annoying. I fixed that problem easy though. If I were to use all of the straps it would’ve been nice to have something to secure the extra material dangling from the straps & belts if tightened.

Upon cinching the shoulder straps (under the buckle where the shoulder strap meets the bottom of the shoulder pad) I found that it doesn’t take much wieght inside the pack to un-cinch it. I thought that’s the deal-breaker that would force me to return it, however there are 2 more points on the shoulder straps wher you can tighten them. I adjusted the length on the very botom of the straps. It took a bit more time and [though I'd rather have the convenience of just grabbing a strap end and pulling], the alternative way holds tight. Problem solved (sacrificing the quick-pull convenience).

ON THE FENCE:

The zippers are pretty hefty, but the zipper clasps and pulls are plastic. This is the only observation that I noticed that gives me a cheap impression of this product. I would’ve liked to have seen this made of metal. The material is lined with a plastic liner, but the outside component [I would assume] is not fully weather proof. A good spray of waterproofing spray would fix that. All of the stitching and seams look pretty good (I’m no stitch expert, but if there’s no hole or loose threads I guess it’s good to go).

VERDICT:

I’m not in the military so I don’t even know if they actually use this in the miltary. I couldn’t say if this would hold up deployed in the middle east or in the deep jungle. For the average civilian that doesn’t want to pay $100-$200 for overpriced North Face/L.L. Bean nonsense day pack it does its job well. Worth every penny even at the $30-$50 range. I wouldn’t pay more than $50 though. It will secure a few magazines, lunch, a portable hard drive or two, or a quick stash of overnight clothes.
Rating: 4 / 5