Currently on display at IWA, the Hill People Gear Aston House pack is coming soon.
Currently on display at IWA, the Hill People Gear Aston House pack is coming soon.
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.
AttackPAK is a Colorado-based company which specializes in a modular belt and pack system with a rigid frame.
The backbone of the AttackPAK system is the belt and frame. The belts feature multiple rows of PALS webbing, and readily function as stand-alone battle belts. These can be further customized with alternative buckles, and the belt covers can be switched out for covers with different loadouts, utilizing a single base belt. The frames are made from ABS plastic, and come in a multitude of sizes for end-user comfort and function. The frames slip into the rear of the belts, upon which all compatible packs can be mounted. As a bonus, the patented design allows the pack and frame to separate from the belt without removing the later, for quickly lightening the load.
AttackPAK offers multiple mountaineering and tactical packs. Seen here is the Transporter Pack, a 3000 cu. in. pack with accommodations for 3 hydration bladders, a cavernous main compartment, and a weight of under 2 lbs unloaded.
Tying in with the concept of modularity, here you can see the MOLLE Frame Cover being used to mount a Pelican case directly to the frame. Additionally, the ‘Balanced Load’ design transfers weight to the hips on all loads attached to the frame and belt system, insuring comfort over long periods of time and with heavy loads.
AttackPAK products come in standard tactical color options, including Black, Coyote Brown, and MultiCam.
The MAC ALICE Pack is the latest addition to the Platatac pack family. Designed with end user feedback, trialled and adjusted over the last 12 months. Offered currently in Ranger Green.
Features
-10 external pockets
-Top and bottom zip pockets
-5 mesh internal zip pockets
-109L- 6657 cubic inches
-Internal compartment divider
-Elasticised lid
-2x interal radio cradles/misc storage
-2.96 kgs
-ITW nexus hardware
-YKK Zips
www.platatac.com/platatac-mac-alice-pack
I’ve heard Natick’s Rich Landry called quite a few things over the years but never “Pack Man.”
A former Pathfinder in the 82nd, Landry actually completed Jumpmaster school as a civilian on jump status at Natick. He’s dedicated his life to supporting the troops and chances are good that if you’ve served over the past 30 years, you’ve used a piece of GI load carriage equipment that Landry has either designed outright or helped develop.
The new MOLLE 4000 is the cover story for ‘NSSC This Month’. Check it out at usarmy.vo.llnwd.net.