According to FirstSpear’s description, the Vertical Envelopment Pack is a top opening, rolled closure and Tubes secured Assault Pack that can be mounted to FS Modular Plate Carriers. Developed to “go forward from the Objective Rally Point (ORP)”, the VEP provides the Assaulter with a unique capability that augments the full spectrum of modern combat operations. The VEP can be carried with its own shoulder straps (included) for conventional use without a plate carrier.
Inspired by the Bag, Canvas, Field, M1936 (Musette Bag) so often associated with World War II-era paratroops, the Vertical Envelopment Pack is a simple design that can be worn is a couple of different ways and, like its mid-20th Century counterpart, allows rapid access to critical equipment. FS even had the parachutist in mind when they envisioned the VEP. When worn in front, it is compatible with a parachute harness. Clutter is also kept to a minimum around the biceps due to uniform pockets and there are no straps under the arms. Additionally, it was critical that the pack be removable without taking off any body armor.
Jon Laplume took the 117 Raid Bag FS had been making for a government customer as the basic size and worked from there. That 117 Raid bag itself is a shrunken FS Exigent Circumstances Pack and about two-thirds the size of what they eventually ended up with for the current VEP. That final size was derived from the kidney bean shape and simple carriability; any more and it just didn’t ride well as intended, although the bag is pleated and gusseted at the bottom to help stabilize the load.
He then began to experiment with ways to attach the VEP to an armor carrier and looked to some earlier work FS had done to attach the Draeger rebreather to carriers using Tubes. One trick Laplume told me was to attach the VEP further to the front on the lower part of the Vest’s shoulder straps. It rides better this way and makes sure it clears the head when flipping it to the front.
In addition to back mounted wear, attached directly to a vest, the VEP is easily flipped over the head for quick access or to get it out of the way while riding on vehicles.
You may notice that the main closure does not use zippers. Instead, they incorporated a stiffened roll top closure with Tubes. The height when the top is rolled down is roughly 17”, with top open it’s 21”. Additionally, it’s 4” deep and 12.5” wide.
Despite its small size, the sample VEP that Laplume showed me contained everything seen on the table above.
You can still mount a hydration on the back of your vest and the VEP will ride just fine and if you remove the VEP altogether, you will still have the water.
Naturally, after all of that, you’re going to look at this and wonder how you get it over your head. You use a Rat strap (above) that attaches to the pack via the daisy chain and is kept up front where you can get at it for a pull.
The VEP has 1″ webbing spanning both sides of the pack, about halfway down. This serves as daisy chain and allows adjustment of the removable compression net (which will accommodate a helmet). The bottom of the net secures via a bar.
Although everything is reversible, there are zippered pockets on either side. One side has a horizontal zipper and the other features a slanted zipper. This will help with figuring out what is in either pocket in the dark or under stress. Additionally, one side has a pile field for attachment of ID panels and the opposite a simple 1″ webbing handle which ends up on top once you roll it closed.
This video gives you a quick run through the paces.
Laplume showed me an early version of the VEP months ago and I immediately got it. There’s really nothing like this out on the market right now. In addition to the ability to fight from the contents of your buddy’s pack, the VEP offers so much to the individual wearing it. The ability to flip it up front for access or to free the back for sitting down in a seat is awesome. It’s also narrow and low profile enough that you can maneuver unencumbered through most any obstacle. In fact, it’s not wider than an armor plate. The size parameters of the VEP make it an edge to edge fit on carriers cut for the Swimmer/Shooter M – XL, SPEAR/SAPI M to XL or the MBAV S/M, L/XL & XXL. Plus, it’s lightweight.
Two more tidbits before I let you go. The VEP will fit into the open space of the frame on the new MIKE Force Pack and, Laplume says they are working on concepts for larger and waterproof versions of the VEP for down the road. Can’t wait to see if those materialize.
Available in Black, Ranger Green, Coyote and MultiCam. Optional VEP M4 Double Accessory Pouch sold separately.
Tags: FirstSpear
Looks like a much more capable alternative to the Yote or MAP.
Agreed. The thing that’s always bugged me about MOLLE-on assault packs is the inability to quickly remove them. Sitting in a vehicle, getting through tight spaces, hell even just getting stuff out of it without help. This pack looks pretty righteous. I especially like that it can just be flipped forward to temporarily get it out of the way.
I thought about this idea years ago.
It’s not a new concept, systems like this existed 60 years ago. There are 3 gear makers who have made a like system in the last decade. That said, I think FS has built something superior to most designs I’ve seen, one of which I’m not sure ever left the drawing board, since I never saw production models from the manufacturer who showed me his protos.
Jon, OPT
i had ATS knock me up something similar a few years back using a SOTECH MPMD insert. It’s a great way to carry some extra gear without it being fixed to your back out of reach. It’s nice to see a quality production one coming out.
Does it clear helmet gear well when transitioning. I guess this is a matter of how much crap you got on your helmet but still.
MSRP?
Will this be able to be mounted to a non-FS PC?
Click the link for MSRP, it should be listed on the FS site. As far as using it with a non-FS carrier, it was intended to be used with the FS Tubes that are incorporated on their Strandhögg and similar platforms. If you, or somebody you know, are handy with a sewing machine, you may be able to incorporate it into a different PC.
It’s on the FS site. You can adapt it to a non-FS carrier.
Thanks, missed the link on my phone.
Does anyone know what the yellow item in the top left of image 9 is (the photo with the pack contents)?
Some sort of screwdriver, or drill bit holder.
Jon, OPT
It’s a “one time lock” or “bolt seal” for a shipping container / connex.
I guess it’s compatible with the SKD Tactical STT by FirstSpear.
I really like the idea. My only concern is with side pockets in the cummerbund. It seems you can’t use them with the VEP attached.
I think I will give it a try.
Boom. I love it when a manufacturer takes what is old, updates some of the components, and drops some science on your brain.
Indeed, a smarter execution of third line load carriage for tight spaces, mounted work, etc.
Probably one of the most impressive pieces from FS, and they have a lot of cool stuff.
I think that that AOR2 PC and hydration carrier are more interesting honestly. When is the Navy going to make AOR1 and AOR2 more accessible? Never?
Wish this was also made in the “approach” color schemes.
Just a heads up guys, I took a chance and bought a VEP knowing that it wouldn’t integrate with my Mayflower PC. With that said, you can use the field repairable tube on the FS Shoulder strap by removing it fully, and integrating far down on the Mayflower or similar shoulder strap. No tubes needed, and the VEP rides, dons, and doffs in the exact manner it would if you were running a FS Plate carrier.
Thanks to FS for making great stuff…made even better when you don’t have to re-purchase the expensive items.
Happy to share more if there are questions…