After calls for a more streamlined field oriented pack, FirstSpear developed the Field Ruck which offers more than 2000 cu in of carrying capacity. This week, we’ll take a look at this new pack which is an adaptation of the HOTEL 23, one of FirstSpear’s original products.
For one thing, They stripped all of the PALS webbing found on the HOTEL 23 the pack. On the Field Ruck, the side slots, which FS calls “wings”, accept tripods or other items such as trekking poles, antennas, probes, etc. Additional side carriage of gear such as rockets is facilitated by the 1.5″ compression straps. The buckles are large enough to find in the dark and can be manipulated in the cold, even while wearing gloves or mittens. The 6/12 compatible waist belt can also be removed when not needed in order to further streamline the ruck. Additionally, inside the bag, divider walls provide organization for the main compartment. These dividers can be pushed out of the way to maximize storage compartment space.
I really like the roll top closure at the top of the ruck’s bag. An extension skirt on the top of the main compartment can be rolled and secured with a side release buckle. This gives you a little extra carrying room. Additionally, there is a zippered opening at the top for quick access.
The Field Ruck’s bottom incorporates drainage holes.
The shoulder strap quick release is easy to manipulate and should be familiar to military users.
The lid can be removed and used on its own if needed.
Offered in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam.
Tags: FirstSpear
Looks simple and rugged, almost perfect for replacing the Eberlstock. Needs a the rifle pouch
I remember not being terribly impressed by the Hotel23 – it’s an awfully expensive pack for such a small carrying capacity, especially when there are better packs (Mystery Ranch comes to mind) on the market.
Hopefully this is different.
The pack seems fine, but the true star here to me are those quick release buckles on the straps. First Spear always has such great hardware. Wish they would offer up sales for there hardware alone for anyone producing their own gear or modding anything they own.
Have you tried contacting them? I can’t imagine they wouldn’t sell you hardware for your projects…
Haven’t contacted them directly, so I might try opening that communication. I’ve always wanted some of their tubes for my own quick release work for my PC, rather than shelling out for a prebuilt retrofit kit. I’ve seen plenty of the ITW hardware, but haven’t seen much on the tubes.
Either way, glad to hear that these quick releases are available to the public. Will have to snag a couple.
Those buckles are avalible from ITW Nexus. It’s called the MQRB buckle. The body part # 09223-26 and the latch part # 09223-27. Contact John Burrows at ITW.
My experience with the quick release buckles is that they slip and are noisy. I have them on 2 Kifaru packs, (a Duplex and a Molle Express) think long & hard before you retrofit…
I have the kifaru quick release as well and can say that the QR on this pack is far better, probably the best I’ve experienced yet. More natural motion, more positive lock and possibly even easier to put back together. Same QR as is on the FILBE and the Mystery Cinch.
Mystery Ranch does seem a better choice. Is there any feedback from the field on the SATL?
I see the belt comes out; can it be used as a stanalone pistol belt or does it not have 6/12 on the small of the back?
While you can certainly get more complex packs for the same money that of course doesn’t guarantee a better pack. I will say that while FS quality is indisputable, and this looks like a decent little pack, it does have some stiff competition in it’s size/price range.
My one concern I will voice here: since the belt appears to slide out the side of the lumbar pad my guess is that once you mount pouches you are fairly stuck with it on or off the pack, probably not the pistol-belt-to-pack-belt holy grail that some quest for.