For this week’s Friday Focus, we’re taking a look at the long-awaited MIKE Force Pack. Taking its name from MACV-SOG’s famed MIKE (Mobile Strike) Force during the Vietnam War, this jungle pack utilizes advanced construction and fabric technology, and is optimized for loads in the 60 lbs range.
Currently, there are three different sized waist belts available for the MFP Suspension System. Swapping them out is a cinch. The MIKE frame is one size fits most, and manufactured from an advanced thermal molded composition. For personnel not immediately familiar with pack systems designed for operations in heavily foliated, tropical environments, the frame may initially seem to ride high, however there is ample adjustment to raise and lower it on the body. The design intent is to minimize conflict with your load bearing/fighting load, accentuate stand off from the back of the body to aid in ventilation/cooling, and facilitate getting in and out of different body positions required for Jungle Warfare.
The MIKE Force Pack features two external pockets positioned on the outside, back center to aid in organization and provide access to smaller immediately needed items. An overstuff skirt is manufactured of lightweight/compressible material that is highly water resistant. The top flap of the pack is completely removable and features an accessory strap letting you use it as a Bolt Bag. An internal radio pocket can securely hold the AN/PRC-117G or dense, heavier items that are desired to be transported high and close to the back. Additionally, two Sleeves on the inner, side walls of the pack will each hold a 3 Liter ‘On The Move’ drinking bladder, and are aligned with pass-through ports that allow the drinking hose to be accessed without having to open the pack. These same ports can be used for communication wires or antennas.
There are also specially-designed load-carrying accessories for the MFP that secure on to the pack via FirstSpear’s proprietary Tubes technology, adding additional carrying capacity without having to switch to a larger bag. These pouches are ingenious and include the QD Side Pockets, both Small and Large as well as the LAW Adapter Kit.
The MIKE Force Pack is currently available in two sizes, Standard and Medium. The Standard is 2500 cu in, with exterior pockets. The Medium is 2900+ cu in, and features a slick exterior and beaver tail, and is taller than the Standard. Sounds like we’ll eventually see a Large as well. The two packs share the same yolk, waist belt, and frame.
Available in Black, Coyote, MultiCam, and Ranger Green.
