This closeup photo offers a better view of the “prayer rug” pack from BRAVO Woldwide including the dark blue webbing.
You’ll also notice a PROOF Barrel in there.
This closeup photo offers a better view of the “prayer rug” pack from BRAVO Woldwide including the dark blue webbing.
You’ll also notice a PROOF Barrel in there.
Many of you may know Berto from his DEFCON endeavors but he dabbles in a lot of stuff including the BRAVO line of photography bags. He created the line with his partner for the best reason ever; necessity. They just couldn’t find the camera bags they were looking for. As you know, Berto has a serious creative streak and for his latest run, came up with the War Rug pattern based on Afghan prayer rugs festooned with the weapons of Jihad. Add it up and you’ve got great functional designs and a great looking bag. I first saw the pack at an event in Utah in late Spring and wanted to buy one from him right there but it was a prototype. I’ve got to say, the pack that arrived in the mail doesn’t disappoint. He’s also offering MultiCam Black for the more traditionally minded.
Los Angeles-based BRAVO is back with the second drop of their latest collection for the latter half of 2016 and as per usual, it delivers. This new pack of goods — the “War Rug” collection — strays from the normal program just a bit with the addition of a towel created in collaboration with Beech Brand.
The “War Rug” collection consists of some of BRAVO’s best offerings including the Sierra Block I backpack and the Range tote bag, as well as the aforementioned towel. Each piece boasts a very meaningful Afghan war rug print which blends ancient traditions with the tools of modern warfare as it has impacted the region throughout history. By incorporating scenes and paraphernalia that surround the rug maker’s’ lives, symbols of war have come to figure prominently in their craft. The BRAVO war rug print design juxtaposes images of events and dynamics that profoundly affect and alter the world we live in.
In addition to the overall striking nature of the print, each piece boasts BRAVO’s high benchmark of quality found throughout all products. Both bags are comprised of highly durable materials: a weatherproof 840 denier nylon in the case of the Sierra Block I backpack; and a cotton/polyester blended textile for the Range tote. Both bags also feature extra strength nylon straps, Duratuff ™ compound material and other features that ensure your bag makes it through hell and back.
Now, as for the towel created in collaboration with Beech Brand, this “War Rug” towel improves upon the functionality traditional beach towels thanks to the brand’s Beech Shield technology. Beech Shield is a revolutionary antimicrobial technology that helps to prevent the growth of of a wide array of odor and stain causing bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, and algae. It’s designed to stay activated for up to 100 washes and is environmentally friendly, so don’t hesitate to run it through the rigors of beach life.
The BRAVO “War Rug” collection is available now at www.bravocoworldwide.com.
WANDRD’s PRVKE 21 is a EDC and camera bag. It has a variable storage capacity of 21 to 25 liters thanks to its roll top design, and has a variety of additional features, including:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/wandrd/prvke-21-the-best-bag-for-everyday-carry-and-camer
LBT has just released the Version 2.0 of the popular 3 Day Assault Pack, now with a detachable front section similar to the LBT-1562SF medic pack, the 2.0 will have the option of running a slick version or modular version. Comes as a set with a main and front pack. I like the piggyback concept which looks great for travel. Even better, get it at its introductory price for the next week.
Dimensions:
Overall pack: 20H x 14W x 9D / Apprx 2520 cubic inches
Main pack: 20H 14W x 6D / Apprx 1680 cubic inches
Front Pack: 14.5H x 13W 4D / Apprx 754 cubic inches
Offered in MultiCam, Black or MAS Grey.
At SHOT Show, Crye Precision introduced their EXP series of packs. Offered in 1500 (H: 18.75” (27.75” Extended) W: 12.5” D: 7.25” (11” Expanded)) and 2100 (H: 21” (29” Extended) W: 12.5” D: 9.25” (12.75” Expanded)) cu in sizes, the EXP series is a low profile option. It is a panel loader, with a generous zipper which extends beyond more than three sides in order to open the bag completely.

As you’ll note from the dimensions, these are like Transformers, there’s more than meets the eye. Thanks to some well hidden zippers, the packs will expand in volume to accept larger loads.
Features:
-Full perimeter (lay-flat) opening allows easy access to contents and offers all the benefits of both a top-opening and side-opening bag
-Fleece lined pocket fits medium to small sized tablets (H: 11” W: 8”)
-Top access laptop storage (H: 12.25” W: 19.75”)
-EXP™ PACK MOLLE INSERT (sold separately) for attaching pouches and gear
-Integrated expansion feature adds 500 cubic inches of volume
-Extends to carry items up to 27” long (29″ for 2100 model)
-Molded back pad with integrated air channels
-Internal PALS webbing on inside walls
-Internal mesh divider separates front compartment and main compartment
-Convenient briefcase style side handle
-Removable sternum strap
-Removable 3D formed frame sheet
-Removable waist belt (2100 only)
-Radio/H2O port at top of bag (2100 only)
Offered in Black, Gray, Ranger Green and MultiCam.
Additionally, they’ve introduced a MOLLE Insert (mentioned above) which is a rigid skeletonized plastic frame that accepts PALS equipped pouches. It slips right into the pack’s main compartment and includes two lashing straps in case you want to lash something to it.
Made in USA from US materials.
www.cryeprecision.com/armor-equipment/packs
Kitanica’s Bug Bag is now available in the following colors:
The Bug Bag is an over-the-shoulder EDC bag featuring a main compartment with two interior sleeve pockets, a rear zippered pocket, small exterior zippered pocket, and two side pockets. Additionally, the Bug Bag also features a front zippered pocket which has pen tubes, a d-ring, and a cell phone sleeve.
www.kitanica.net/Bug-Bag-p/049
Mystery Ranch has a whole slew of new commercial packs for Spring 2017, and I like quite a few of them, but if I had to pick just one, it’s the Coulee 40 which is a 40 liter bag based on the tried-and-true Tri-Zip design. However, you may notice that they’ve added stretch panels to the outside to accept items you want to access quickly, or let dry while you walk.
My second favorite is the Scapegoat 25 panel loader. Like many of MR’s commercial line, it is offered in a couple of colors which are great for the tactical user.
The Hip Monkey is a waist pack design.
The Invader is an attaché-style bag.
Kletterwerks has a few cool items in there was well.


Granite Gear has launched an update to the VC 60 called the Crown2. It incorporates Granite Gear’s patent-pending, fully customizable RE-FIT hip belt. Conversely, the Crown2 features a fixed torso length, which is available in three torso sizes.
The Vapor-Current Mark 2 suspension system features a compression molded polypropylene frame sheet. This new system works in combination with the molded foam back panel, ventilation channels and durable laminated mesh to assist in airflow of heat and moisture, without shifting the pack’s center of gravity away from your back. The frame sheet can also be removed for further weight reduction.
This is a photo of the bag’s top closure. As you can see, it can be used without the removable lid.
Features:
• Dual density shoulder harness with load-lifter straps and removable sternum strap
• Removable lid with compartment featuring DWR treated zipper
• Hydration port and internal hydration sleeve
• Large side, stretch woven pockets
• 10mm webbing side and front compression straps
• Stretch mesh front pocket and tool loops
• Dual large hip belt pockets with DWR treated zippers to shelter gear from the elements
• Roll-top main compartment opening with centered dual strap and singular buckle for quick access and easy compression
Fabrics:
100d high-tenacity nylon with Barrier DWR
210d high-tenacity ripstop nylon with Barrier DWR
Although it’s not designed as a military pack, it may be of interest to those of you loking for a lightweight pack for midrange loads up to 40 lbs or so. The colors make it an even easier choice if you don’t want to stick out one way or another; neither camo nor bright colors.
The Crown2 Short torso weighs 2 lbs, the Regular weighs 2 lbs 2 oz, and the Long weighs 2 lbs 4 oz, all without the lids attached. The Short fits torso lengths of 15-18 inches, the Regular fits torso lengths of 18-21 inches, and the Long fits torso lengths of 21-24 inches. All three torso sizes have a volume of 60 liters and retail at $199.99, in Spring 2017.