Thanks for the thorough review. I'm liking the daisy chain webbing and laser cut MOLLE system, pretty slick, nice compartmentalization and paracord handle. Its nothing revolutionary but certainly on the cutting edge of backpack technology and design.
Living Survival or instead of using your trash bags to cover the pack just put a backpack rain cover on it, that way you save the bags for collecting water which is far more useful.
Living Survival id rather use both, but i have question. I've been trying to find a bag that has lots of customization but in a 20-30 liter size that had a padded waist belt. Its really hard to find bags that fit that description, because a bag that has a waist belt usually is too big for what want in size, if you have any suggestions thatd be great. Oh and the only reason i don't want the vanquest trident 20 because all the padding that's used in the bag cuts down the actual room of the interior.
I just recieved this pack from amazon and it is every bit as awesome as I expected. This pack gives you a lot of different load out and configuration options. I can see myself using this for a hunting pack, a day pack, small hiking pack, overnighter, bushcraft pack, and I love the idea of Get Home Bag as well as a Bug Out Bag. I am going to start carrying this thing everywhere with me, it is light and sleek and not cumbersome, or bulky. Overall very impressed.
One of the best bag I've seen reviewed for sure. I like the neat organization, makes everything easier to find. I also like that it is not too big. Good job!
This seems to address every issue I have with my 25 to 40 litre packs. Those shoulder straps look very practical and like they will be comfortable under a good weight, great stuff!!
Everyone looking to put a bag like this together would do good to study what Ultralight backpackers carry...a base weight of 8 to 10 lbs is the way to go....some Thru hikers carry a base weight of 6 lbs and walk 2000 miles+ at a time and resupply for food every 5 days and filter water as they go, throughout the day.
When you have a family and you're trying to survive and you don't have the luxury of resupplying, 6 to 10 lbs is not realistic and then you have to consider if you're carrying a rifle with a munition a bigger first aid kit more food if you have it more clothes more medications or medical equipment if necessary. Plus you don't need to carry it on your back there are plenty of other ways of transporting a heavy load
nobody ever has gold bond powder in their bugout bags. i just binged about 15 pack videos, and yours was the first one with some sort of talcum powder. i learned in scouts when i was like 12 to keep that stuff handy. i keep spare gold bond everywhere (work locker, car. etc), it's a must have.
I just bought the dragon egg pack for shork over night hikes, for my bob, was just searching to see what others had to say about the pack and found this video. I really like how you organized your items in the pack, it gave me some tips for my pack. I like how you explained the pack in this video and made me more excited about my pack. It says you uploaded this video in 2015. I am curious to k ow how the bag is holding up now. Thanks for sharing the video. 🤙🏼
I've been using standard military surplus duffels for years, and been wanting a really nice EDC/BOB. After watching your video I bought this bag and feel extremely confident that I made the right choice. I wanted a pack that not only looks good but more importantly is durable and will last for years to come. I wanted a pack that would carry well and allow me to bring along anything I want on long hikes and camping trips. I'm really excited to put this thing to use, can't wait until it arrives! Now I'm just torn between using it exclusively for a BOB or EDC. I'm leaning more toward carry so I can get a lot more use out of it! Thanks so much for the awesome and educational review.
Brian Duty I carry mine daily and use it as a day bag/get home bag. the overall quality is great and the stitching on the inside (pockets/flaps) is what really sets it apart as many bags fail on the inside. you will enjoy it. thanks for the comment.
@@greenrampage My Maxpedition Falcon 2 is still rocking strong. I've taken it through the jungles of Costa Rica, countless camping trips, through all the elements on both land and sea and not one issue. I've been waiting for it to die before I purchased another pack but its damn near invincible. Lol.
@@greenrampage Yeah, man. It's a beast. I definitely do not doubt the pack in this video though. I say just pick the pack that has the look and design you like the most. They'll all hold up pretty well.
As a boyscout from troop 168 bridging out from rolling meadows Illinois, I seriously advise you to have more firestarting kit. Ya never know when you will have a match case crack or a failure in a firestarting method. Pack something like a ust firestarting magnesium bar with a ferrocium rod attached. And a couple of lighters, some vasoline cotton balls some charr cloth some cotton balls some lighter fluid and pretty much every other thing used to start fires!
I'd suggest putting a piece of government issue id in your bag as well. One thing always comes to mind is the Canadian wild fires in Fort McMurrary. People had no time when the winds changed and drove the fire into the area, caused a lot of issues for a lot of people trying to rebuild their lives with no id and just the clothing on their backs.
Just some tips for improving your items you carry. You have 5 primary survival needs. Health, personal protection, sustenance, signaling and travel. Most of the toiletries are just extra weight. I would ditch everything that doesn't have multiple uses. Camp soap tooth brush (cut in half to save weight) and toothpaste(optional) is about all you need. Foot powder is also optional but maintaining proper foot care will prevent most injuries just make sure u have moleskin in med pack. Chap stick is good because it can also be used for fire. A simple pack of baby wipes can replace the rest of your toiletries. Life straw is ok but there is no way to procure water to fill up your canteens. Add some iodine tabs or bleach dropper bottle for secondary and something like a squeeze filter for your primary. Also some platypus water containers take up little space but if you come across a water source you can fill up. You never know when you will get a chance to fill up again. Add some line kits. Cut para cord into individual lines. Cut 15 4-5ft short lines and 15 15-20ft long lines, burn ends. Then just daisy chain them up and store in bottom of pack. A headlamp will benefit you more than just a pocket flashlight. When your walking around at night you need both hands. Most everything in your front pocket is good. Radio, signal mirror, compass, and write in rain all good. Look into adding a map of your area and protecting it with a map pouch or laminate it, 1:50,000 or smaller(mark any catches you might have buried so you dont forget and if something happens to you others can find them). For food its good to have some already packaged. Look for things with high carb value to weight ratio. No less than 100 cals per ounce of weight. Add things like snare wire and fishing line to procure food if you find yourself bugging out for longer than expected. Under personal protection you have Clothing, Shelter and Fire. Extra pairs of wool socks are best. Wool is good for all seasons. Gortex or some rain protection is also a must. (poncho is good multi use but limits some mobility when worn). Think about adding something like frogtoggs or gortex jacket and pants, it will do a better job keeping you dry. For shelter all you need is a kelty tarp or something similar. I have made plenty of shelters in Air force survival school out of them and standard issue ponchos. We typically carry two ponchos and our keltys but we have bigger packs. A hammock is a small creature comfort that can be used to get you off the ground. Also your line kits are probably the most important part of your shelter kit. We carry 30 of each long and short but you can get by with 15 each. For fire, matches and lighter of course, but we mostly rely on our firesteel. Tinders are probably the most important. Some alternatives are cottonballs and vaseline (my personal favorite b/c its cheap), shoegoo, firepaste, and wetfire. Think about adding some ziplock bags or some sort of dry stuff sacks to use for gathering natural tinders, water(vegetation bags) and things like that. Going back to sustenance really fast you dont necessarilly need a stove if you can make fire. Having something like a stainless steel canteen cup or kleen canteen bottle will benefit you more and allow you to boil water. Hope this information helps, from one prepper to another. These are just some things ive learned throughout my training in the Airforce.
ty for the video. I have been looking at different bags and keep coming back to this one. after watching your review I'm sold on this bag. the price was a little higher than I was trying to spend but this is a great pack and will last for a long time. gloves would be the only thing I would put in for protection. ty again for the great review take care and God bless
I still find hip belts necessary with the lower capacity bags. Even when weight carry isnt an issue, its important to remember how it keeps bag close to body and not bouncing around while running, moving quickly, hopping over logs etc...
Just picked one up, after watching all your bag reviews! Got that 4th of july discount they offered!!! I will let you know how it works when i get it. Thanks for all the great reviews, VERY helpful on quality items!!!
Living Survival Great bag im still loading it up as my EDC/get home bag. but the organization and how everything fits, i am loving it! thanks for the great review!
Hello from 2021! I'm now in Vietnam, where these backpacks are made. I chose one of several others, but after watching this video, I made my choice! All things are very competently packed in this backpack in the video - and I will buy this one! :)
HI "Living Survival", thank you for taking the time of testing and trying all these gear. I appreciate that you can actually state which on is better and pass a judgment (positive or negative) on a piece of gear more like consumers report and unlike some magazines such as "Popular Science" that would find good qualities on everything so as not to upset advertisers. The vocabulary that you use to describe your gear is also very descriptive and well chosen. If I may make one comment, not wearing your sunglasses would establish better "eye contact" with your audience, as a lot of communication is conveyed by the look of individuals. Great reviews, Ciao, L
Understand when you say eye contact is important in some cases but he is on youtube to review products and not himself....and he is not trying to sell his own products so eye contact is not relevant here. Nice video again, thanks!
Iron16head Hypothetically speaking, if shit hits the fan and I am unprepared, I will do two things very rapidly: 1 obtain a firearm 2 immediately target anybody carrying a military style pack. The unprepared among us will assume that a military pack contains nothing but the best equipment. If you're going into survival mode, who do you want to go with: The casual day or weekend hiker, or the Military guy? "Snivilians" assume that anybody with any military experience is an absolute expert at survival. Those of us who have served know that everything is made by the lowest bidder and most of it is therefore junk. But yes, a military pack would be the ideal pack. It only has one weakness: It becomes a bullseye on your back. I have also heard guys talk about using a guitar case as a bob. Well, I've been playing guitar for 12 1/2 years and I have yet to see a case or gig bag that would be suitable. When everybody is running for their lives and I see somebody carrying a musical instrument case, I'm gonna shoot them in the leg for the fuck of it and because I just wouldn't trust the guy. People are fleeing and terrified for their lives. The prepared have grabbed their gear. Then there's this guy, carrying... A fucking guitar case? Shoot first, ask questions later, bro! This guy is out of his goddamn mind!
Like the idea a notebook or Ipad useful for finding soup kitchens directions ect, Most coffee shops have wiffi. Nice bag, id like to see your extended bag.
Ben, like your videos, kep them coming. I think this is the best pack for the price I've seen. Like you said, just enough pockets and organizers, and not too many. Liked dual hydration location option. And priced for what you get, other packs costing more for less. Their webpage now only $129, but no black.
A nice video and review, but there is one thing that I have learned about battery operated things. To save the batteries and maybe the device, either take the batteries out or invert them so the batteries aren't in contact and drawing power or a piece of cardboard between the battery and the contact.. Or you could keep the batteries stored in their packages until needed. If there is an EMP or CME this should save your radio, gps, phone what ever else you have that runs on batteries.
Good video. I enjoyed it and really like the bag also. I have one circumstance that I do not see you covering, but which would be a life and death matter for myself and probably tns of thousands of others. I'm a disabled veteran and in addition to those things you show here, the necessities for relatively comfortable survival for a few days, I also have to take into consideration the necessity of carrying a substantial amount of medications (including opiates that I would prefer concealed), and a number of small medical devices. So far my choices have been to have a totally separate medical bag or a large pack such as an Alice pack. I try to minimalize my supplies in order to accomodate medical stuff. Another consideration is injected medicine that comes in disposable syringes that must be kept at a medium temperature- not too hot or cold. I understand about keeping the load to a minimum, but the items are necessary. I can skip bring a battery operated blood pressure machine and go old school with a sphegmometer and stethoscope but other small devices must be kept. The fact is I do not dare just take a three day supply or even a 2 week of medication. I need to take it all- just in case there is no returning and refills aren't available. You get the picture. Also to be taken into consideration for the sake of saving space- should my pre-measured dose syringes of medication be removed from their individual wrapping and placed in a waterproof bag/baggie for the sake of saving space? These may sound like cut and dry decisions- and it might be if my life didn't depend on those items as much as avoiding the X disaster that drove me from my home. I accept the fact that any bug out bag of mine will either be a large one or possibly 2 smaller ones. So far I own backpacks, satchel bags, duffels, ALICE pack, an LBE etc... but i can't seem to find a workable combination. maybe I can even narrow it down further (my question, that is). What would you recommend to a disabled person who cannot walk more than a block anymore ? A moped pulling a small cart of supplies and equipment? I'm sorry if this question is too tedious and involved, but you see what I and others must face to be able to bug out if necessary, when we don't own a car. I'm open to suggestions. I'll leave the question here or I'll just start repeating myself. Suggestions WILL be appreciated. Thanks for your time LS .
definitely have to make adjustments to certain disabilities, situation or environment. i would suggest plan on what you would do if you went on a 2 week vacation and start there.
Thanks for the detailed review! Got mine ordered on amazon, and i'm looking forward to it. Direct Action does make larger and smaller packs, but the Dragon Egg looked to be a nice medium size. If you ever get around to the larger bag, (35 liters I think) a review would be awesome.
Really, you want military surplus for a good ruck that won't fall apart on you when you need it. Novelty "tactical" bags like this may be neat for things like damping and similar activities, but surplus is superior in every way for lots cheaper, and they will probably last longer than you if there is a societal collapse. I use a U.S.M.C. ILBE with the assault pack for my "carry a ton of stuff" ruck. They are both covered in MOLLE webbing and the APB03 Assault Pack makes a good 72 hour ruck if you know what and how to pack a ruck and make full, wise use of the MOLLE ( which you should do on every MOLLE ruck ) on both of them. This is handy if you have a base camp in a secure, relatively safe location and want to scout good "lootable" places to replenish your supplies if things are "Mad Max" crazy ( in which case you are going to need lots of serious meds, weapons, ammo, etc....... ). For less than the cost of the Dragon Egg, you can get many fine surplus rucks, such as the Army's MOLLE 2 Large Rucksack. The Dutch military Alpine Saracen, made by ARWY, the British Military Bergen ( those huge, English military rucks ) the Marine FILBE and the Belgian M 97 ruck are in the same range. The ILBE has a 90 liter main ruck, plus it has the assault pack and the American rucks all have plenty of MOLLE and assault packs that clip onto them( the Saracen is the only "Euro ruck" I mentioned that has MOLLE, but all of the big rucks have large, multi-pocket lids). The Euro rucks have zip-on 10-15 liter side pouches that zip onto 1 100 liter main rucks and can be zipped together, attached to the included straps and made into assault packs. The MOLLE 2 Large Ruck and the FILBE have 5000 cubic inches or more of main ruck with assault packs and lid pockets. In the 3-6 day range, the Dutch military Alpine Sting ( also a product of ARWY and with 10-15 liter side pouches that can zip together ), the U.S. G.I. MOLLE 2 Medium Rucksack ( which has a decent amount of MOLLE on the front and sides ), the old Large ALICE Pack, the German military Kamprucksack, plus many more fill the bill nicely. For a smaller " hit and run" mission pack, assault pack, "bring the essentials and complete a hit and run mission", the U.S. medium ALICE Pack, the German Mountain ruck, Norwegian military "Heroes of Telemark" ruck ( a bargain at $44 ), U.S. SDS 2 Assault Pack, Swedish Military Rucksack , British recon ruck, British Military Radio Operator's ruck, Austrian military "Austrian Alice Pack" ( a steal at $20 ), Polish Military Combat Backpack, Turkish Military Combat Backpack ( $35 ), Vintage Italian Military Alpini Backpack,Czech Military M85 Backpack ( water resistant, rubberized material, 35 liters, and $12, so everyone can have a surplus ruck. Heck, I picked up a canvas "mini ALICE Pack, made in India the other day for $4 and it's at least 30 liters ). Even some chest rigs ( such as the Russian Spetsnaz Tactical Vest EMP, which is fully adjustable, it carries 18 30 round magazines : pouches to carry 8 on the front and 4 at the shoulder blades and more [if things get crazy, do what you want, use the pouches for what you want] for the AK-47/AKM and has 2 "decent"- size knapsacks in the midle of the back and, 2 mid-size pouches on the back, about kidney area, [ probably 30 liters right there in those utility pouches ], 4 grenade pouches on the side. I use a couple as extra double mag pouches for my main pistol and a couple to carry things like gauze, sulfa powder, and so-on], a pouch on each side of the front zipper [ I use 1 for meds and 1 for a few emergency trauma supplies like a roll of surgical tape, Quick Clot, wound dressings, and so-on. I use one of the kidney pouches for my larger bags of medicines and trauma kit]. It has very large "hidden" pockets behind the main AK magazine pouches on the upper chest. I use one to carry a larger meds bag and larger trauma kit. The one on the left hand side I use for carrying additional magazines for AK. They are very large, cavernous pockets that extend the entire length of the area behind the magazine pouches. The South African Defense Force Type 83 Battle Jacket is similarly designed to carry a lot of whatever you want. Paired with the chest rig type 83 to go with it makes you well equipped for anything, providing I have what I want to fill it with. And these are just some of the great things on the surplus market. I see that I wrote you a long-winded book to say something I could have summed up by saying that surplus is the way to shop and get superior stuff for a better, more budget-friendly option. Good video,, my friend, I always enjoy them ;)
Ben, Great review! I have been looking for a edc / get home bag, and your review convinced me to order one in grey. My plan is to edc it and have GHB gear in my truck to add if need be. Thx again for a thorough review.
Outstanding Video- Love the pack, although I personally have not quite figured out the cut in web of molle on the front i regards to how one attaches . An excellent presentation and communication. Thanks You- randall
nice pack. course any modern pack works just as well as any other for this scenario. course, the contents and individual skill sets and knowledge of the tools carried are the only thing that truly matters. that's the point that many viewers tend to miss. 50 lbs is alot of weight if you need to move quickly and efficiently for extended mileage.
David Ward i disagree on the packs. i have tested (and not shown) many packs which have zipper failures, fabric failures, and strap/buckle malfunctions with minimal weight. i'd prefer to have a tougher pack when running or in a natural disaster situation and know my items aren't going to fall out.
+Living Survival you definetly don't want failure, but I've owned and still do many packs from gregory, osprey, and kelty as well as lesser known brands and have had rare failures during long section and back country hikes over the years. certainly nothing that duct tape can't take care of. most reputable packs have heavy duty zippers these days. compartments are great for backpacking though not that necessary for BOB's. the one I keep in my car is nothing more than a waterproof 30L roll top drybag. i keep a drop leg holster next to it if i feel i will be in a situation that may require it's use. my compartments are just smaller individual 1 gallon freezer bags that house my fire, cook, cutting, tool maintenance and other essential kits. not much redundancy so I can keep my load at about 20lbs. I'm a huge advocate of the more with less and encourage people to practice firemaking and shelter skills in inclimate conditions. good product review and well put together though. no arguments there from me.
This is exactly what I've been looking for, just ordered mine in kryptek highlander. Thanks for the review and sharing your loadout. Great channel BTW.
$159??????? that's it????? that's the most gorgeous pack I've ever seen! I can already see a few things I'd mod on it, but DAMN is that near perfect! Gonna go check them out right now!
Just noticed while watching for a second time that you missed something. As i said great review and im not trying to be a sh*t but this may be of interest to some people thinking 💭 of buying one of these. There's Sleeping 😴 Bag attachments at the bottom of the bag for attaching any large(ish) object or a Sleeping Bag.Therefore it keep's the Sleeping Bag out of the Dragon 🐉 Egg leaving more space for other item's.I have a large Ray Mears 'Golden Eagle' Bag that does me down to about -25 with a Tarp, Bivvy and Mat yet this still fits (Just).So for an overnight out of ur house this Pack does the job with a Full sleeping 😴 system.Just thought I'd mention it incase it was relevant to someone Keep up the good work mate!😊...
I like your pack set up. I'm trying to work towards a similar set up but I'm building up on tight budget, so it's been slow going lol. thanks for the insight though for what a bag should look like.
You should swap your liquid body wash for regular soap, takes up less space, can't leak and you can actually scrub off dirt instead of petting it with your bare hand.
Nice school bag. Fun fact, if you look them up on Amazon Direct Action lists almost all of their bags as "Made in USA or Imported", funny part about that is NONE of their backpacks are made in the US. Direct Action is an importer.
+tavo sotto It may be because I got used to it in the service, don't like zippers or too may pockets. It looks good, however, and if you are willing to spend $145 that is all that matters.
+Anselmo Alliegro Never been in the service but my medium ALICE pack and frame has been serving my rough needs for over 7 years now and still going strong. Getting used to a little extra weight (evenly distributed) is more than worth the offered durability and versatility.
I appreciate the video, our bags are similar, but im out in the desert so I've got a hell of a lot of water, and I will take your advice on not having a heavy pack, I got a lot of ammo that weighs me down, ammo is good, but you will be drinking more water, and you wont be able to run as quickly
Good thing I stumble over a Dragon Egg review a month AFTER I bought one...Facepalm. Anyway, the pack is really exceedingly comfortable to wear. Also, as a little addendum to the vid: there are adjustable straps at the bottom of the pack where you could add a (smallish) sleeping bag or at least an isomatt or a wool blanket. Direct Action now has a new version where the side pockets have elastic bands instead of the zippers (just FYI).
Seems like a very nice well organized pack. However, in a major urban city I think it it too attention drawing. I would like to see a Grey Man Urban version of this pack with no molle or paracord visible in Black. That would be a winner. I would buy one in black.
Good Video. If I may offer one note of feedback - you say over the course of the video "I just have" repeatedly. If your pack is FULL you don't "*just* have" X. If you had one item in the pack, then you would "just have X". I hope you don't mind my mentioning this. But overall a thorough review that I found most helpful, thank you.
Good review. I purchased the bag already and checked out your vid and I am very confident about this pack. I saw a few others but this one seems to really fit the profile. Thanks a bunch.
That is a perfect bugout bag for sure! I think $159.00 is reasonable for such a well made pack. I stumbled on your videos today doing some random You-Tubing and I've been "binge watching" your videos for about 3-4 hours! :) I really like the HD quality you use on your videos. (What kind of camera do you use to film?) Your very well versed in the survival arena and I like the variety of information/specs you give and the practical demonstrations you show us on the "ins and outs" of the gear & how you set it up/use it in the field! Your videos are very well done. One observation... You seem like the kind of guy that would have a dog that would accompany you on your adventures into the woods. Do you have a dog? Just curious. Love the videos. I've been sharing them on my google+ page and as long as you keep making them.... I'll keep watching them! Keep up the good work Ben!
+derrik tribble derrik, thanks for the kind comment. yes I have a dog. check out my living survival 2 channel ruclips.net/user/livingsurvival2 and the dog is in those videos. i use a canon g7x but upgrading that soon.
You should get sawyer mini water filter instead of the life straw the mini can filter 100,000 gallons of water and filters up to 0.1 microns instead of 0.2 and the mini is half sized and can fit on standard plastic bottles and comes with a water bag, straw for bottles and, a cleaner
i have been using an old french F2 rucksack,basically a bucket pack.holds an enormous amount of gear.i guess its what alot call a long term b.o.b.,.i have a smaller 3 day pack but i am looking to upgrade both.like this one and plan to check the web site out.very informative video,first one of yours i've seen. would prolly check out more.
Nicely made video. I have been leaning very strongly toward picking up a Dragon Egg. Would you please tell me how well/secure a standard 32oz Nalgene bottle will fit in the side pockets? Thanks! Keep putting out great content!
Great video, GREAT product!!! Fills the gap between my 24 hr bag and my too big for a 72 hrs bag, but too small for a never coming back bag!! You should get a commission, because I've got to get and stock FOUR of them!!! you mentioned your NCB bag. Do you mind telling what you use? Do you have a video on it? I like how you stock your bag, too. No nonsense, practical items, with just enough room left for some comfort items, ie, books, manuals, deck of cards, etc... I think i'd add another canteen on the other side, if for nothing else but symmetry and balance(sorry. OCD)!!! LOL!!!
AWESOME THANK U SO MUCH I WAS LOOKING FOR A GOOD BAG ON AMAZON FOR A GORUCK EVENT BECAUSE THE RUCK I USED ON SATURDAY WAS BRAND NEW & THE BUCKLES BROKE & POPPED MY HYDRATION PACK LOL MIND U I HAD WEIGHT PLATES SO ITBWAS DOWNHILL FROM THERE SO THIS VIDEO IS PERFECT SO I CAN ACTUALLY SEE WHAT IT'S LIKE & I'LL CHECK OUT UR OTHER OPTIONS ON THE LARGER BAGS AS WELL
Excellent review!I´m still trying to decide between this one or a Maxpedition (Condor II or Kodiak) what do you think in terms of resistance? Stitches and straps mainly, which one would be more resistant? Thx !
Ramiro Ponce You are right it is more the stitching than the material. I would say both are safe bets. I can tell you that I too this pack to blade show and had it jam packed stuffed and the zips and stitching held up beautifully.
In the past 20 years I have used them all. From North Face to Tactical 911, all these bags eventually fail. 10 years ago I went back to the alice pack, and it hasn't failed me since.
Antonio Paris Really? Have you tested more recent packs? Naturally, one assumes that there have been some design improvements in the 10 years that you haven't been using anything else. You have my attention. I am listening.
Thanks for the thorough review. I'm liking the daisy chain webbing and laser cut MOLLE system, pretty slick, nice compartmentalization and paracord handle. Its nothing revolutionary but certainly on the cutting edge of backpack technology and design.
Canadian Prepper yeah, some good features for sure.
+Canadian Prepper What is the large, green, ILBE looking ruck I see in the icons of many of your videos?
The Direct Action Ghost is also a great pack, it has a suspender system, a detachable bag, and some sweet organization.
The best bugout bag I have reviewed. Check it out!
The free shipping code doesn't work
Tyler Frost Add a shipping option first, and then apply the code. The free shipping option will then appear.
Living Survival or instead of using your trash bags to cover the pack just put a backpack rain cover on it, that way you save the bags for collecting water which is far more useful.
Dominique Coy Yeah, either or.
Living Survival id rather use both, but i have question. I've been trying to find a bag that has lots of customization but in a 20-30 liter size that had a padded waist belt. Its really hard to find bags that fit that description, because a bag that has a waist belt usually is too big for what want in size, if you have any suggestions thatd be great. Oh and the only reason i don't want the vanquest trident 20 because all the padding that's used in the bag cuts down the actual room of the interior.
I just recieved this pack from amazon and it is every bit as awesome as I expected. This pack gives you a lot of different load out and configuration options. I can see myself using this for a hunting pack, a day pack, small hiking pack, overnighter, bushcraft pack, and I love the idea of Get Home Bag as well as a Bug Out Bag. I am going to start carrying this thing everywhere with me, it is light and sleek and not cumbersome, or bulky. Overall very impressed.
+Travis Toler yep...awesome for sure.
One of the best bag I've seen reviewed for sure. I like the neat organization, makes everything easier to find. I also like that it is not too big. Good job!
+Rangersly thanks, those were my goals.
This seems to address every issue I have with my 25 to 40 litre packs. Those shoulder straps look very practical and like they will be comfortable under a good weight, great stuff!!
+jelkel25 thanks for watching.
Been searching for a good pack for days now and just saw this and ordered. Stand out among the rest and is reasonably priced. Great video, thanks.
Everyone looking to put a bag like this together would do good to study what Ultralight backpackers carry...a base weight of 8 to 10 lbs is the way to go....some Thru hikers carry a base weight of 6 lbs and walk 2000 miles+ at a time and resupply for food every 5 days and filter water as they go, throughout the day.
Just because they can doesn’t mean you should. Thru-hikers walk l, they don’t survive.
When you have a family and you're trying to survive and you don't have the luxury of resupplying, 6 to 10 lbs is not realistic and then you have to consider if you're carrying a rifle with a munition a bigger first aid kit more food if you have it more clothes more medications or medical equipment if necessary. Plus you don't need to carry it on your back there are plenty of other ways of transporting a heavy load
Great bag but really impressed with the contents and the way you organized it. Very well thought out. Awesome.
nobody ever has gold bond powder in their bugout bags. i just binged about 15 pack videos, and yours was the first one with some sort of talcum powder. i learned in scouts when i was like 12 to keep that stuff handy. i keep spare gold bond everywhere (work locker, car. etc), it's a must have.
agreed. that, floss and eyedrops.
I just bought the dragon egg pack for shork over night hikes, for my bob, was just searching to see what others had to say about the pack and found this video. I really like how you organized your items in the pack, it gave me some tips for my pack. I like how you explained the pack in this video and made me more excited about my pack. It says you uploaded this video in 2015. I am curious to k ow how the bag is holding up now. Thanks for sharing the video. 🤙🏼
I've been using standard military surplus duffels for years, and been wanting a really nice EDC/BOB. After watching your video I bought this bag and feel extremely confident that I made the right choice. I wanted a pack that not only looks good but more importantly is durable and will last for years to come. I wanted a pack that would carry well and allow me to bring along anything I want on long hikes and camping trips. I'm really excited to put this thing to use, can't wait until it arrives! Now I'm just torn between using it exclusively for a BOB or EDC. I'm leaning more toward carry so I can get a lot more use out of it! Thanks so much for the awesome and educational review.
Brian Duty I carry mine daily and use it as a day bag/get home bag. the overall quality is great and the stitching on the inside (pockets/flaps) is what really sets it apart as many bags fail on the inside. you will enjoy it. thanks for the comment.
I've always used Maxpedition but wow, this bag seems far superior. I may be picking one of these up in the very near future!
James Velazquez the best I have found.
Did u every pick one up
@@greenrampage My Maxpedition Falcon 2 is still rocking strong. I've taken it through the jungles of Costa Rica, countless camping trips, through all the elements on both land and sea and not one issue. I've been waiting for it to die before I purchased another pack but its damn near invincible. Lol.
@@skyblue9991 Wow thats good to hear I might pick one up here soon
@@greenrampage Yeah, man. It's a beast. I definitely do not doubt the pack in this video though. I say just pick the pack that has the look and design you like the most. They'll all hold up pretty well.
That is what I am talkin' about! They have a proper page that shows all color options too! Very nice man, thx for the info.
Jaysun Duran Yeah, their page is nice too!
As a boyscout from troop 168 bridging out from rolling meadows Illinois, I seriously advise you to have more firestarting kit. Ya never know when you will have a match case crack or a failure in a firestarting method. Pack something like a ust firestarting magnesium bar with a ferrocium rod attached. And a couple of lighters, some vasoline cotton balls some charr cloth some cotton balls some lighter fluid and pretty much every other thing used to start fires!
+gavin dufford i always have lots of fire on me. thanks for the input.
I'd suggest putting a piece of government issue id in your bag as well. One thing always comes to mind is the Canadian wild fires in Fort McMurrary. People had no time when the winds changed and drove the fire into the area, caused a lot of issues for a lot of people trying to rebuild their lives with no id and just the clothing on their backs.
good tip, thanks.
What a grest looking pack. The material looks really high quality.
CedricAda Gear and Outdoors Yeah, very high quality all over the place.
My favorite part of the contents is the black contractor bags. They come in handy for lots of reasons, but sure, covering the bag also works.
+Joe Feser yep.
Just some tips for improving your items you carry. You have 5 primary survival needs. Health, personal protection, sustenance, signaling and travel. Most of the toiletries are just extra weight. I would ditch everything that doesn't have multiple uses. Camp soap tooth brush (cut in half to save weight) and toothpaste(optional) is about all you need. Foot powder is also optional but maintaining proper foot care will prevent most injuries just make sure u have moleskin in med pack. Chap stick is good because it can also be used for fire. A simple pack of baby wipes can replace the rest of your toiletries. Life straw is ok but there is no way to procure water to fill up your canteens. Add some iodine tabs or bleach dropper bottle for secondary and something like a squeeze filter for your primary. Also some platypus water containers take up little space but if you come across a water source you can fill up. You never know when you will get a chance to fill up again. Add some line kits. Cut para cord into individual lines. Cut 15 4-5ft short lines and 15 15-20ft long lines, burn ends. Then just daisy chain them up and store in bottom of pack. A headlamp will benefit you more than just a pocket flashlight. When your walking around at night you need both hands. Most everything in your front pocket is good. Radio, signal mirror, compass, and write in rain all good. Look into adding a map of your area and protecting it with a map pouch or laminate it, 1:50,000 or smaller(mark any catches you might have buried so you dont forget and if something happens to you others can find them). For food its good to have some already packaged. Look for things with high carb value to weight ratio. No less than 100 cals per ounce of weight. Add things like snare wire and fishing line to procure food if you find yourself bugging out for longer than expected. Under personal protection you have Clothing, Shelter and Fire. Extra pairs of wool socks are best. Wool is good for all seasons. Gortex or some rain protection is also a must. (poncho is good multi use but limits some mobility when worn). Think about adding something like frogtoggs or gortex jacket and pants, it will do a better job keeping you dry. For shelter all you need is a kelty tarp or something similar. I have made plenty of shelters in Air force survival school out of them and standard issue ponchos. We typically carry two ponchos and our keltys but we have bigger packs. A hammock is a small creature comfort that can be used to get you off the ground. Also your line kits are probably the most important part of your shelter kit. We carry 30 of each long and short but you can get by with 15 each. For fire, matches and lighter of course, but we mostly rely on our firesteel. Tinders are probably the most important. Some alternatives are cottonballs and vaseline (my personal favorite b/c its cheap), shoegoo, firepaste, and wetfire. Think about adding some ziplock bags or some sort of dry stuff sacks to use for gathering natural tinders, water(vegetation bags) and things like that. Going back to sustenance really fast you dont necessarilly need a stove if you can make fire. Having something like a stainless steel canteen cup or kleen canteen bottle will benefit you more and allow you to boil water. Hope this information helps, from one prepper to another. These are just some things ive learned throughout my training in the Airforce.
+kurt holliday wow, thanks for the tips and comment.
No problem let me know if you have any questions. I am happy to help fellow preppers and thinking about starting my own channel here soon.
ty for the video. I have been looking at different bags and keep coming back to this one. after watching your review I'm sold on this bag. the price was a little higher than I was trying to spend but this is a great pack and will last for a long time. gloves would be the only thing I would put in for protection. ty again for the great review take care and God bless
+gene smith thanks, you will love the bag.
One of the best get home bags i have seen Very nice
thanks.
I still find hip belts necessary with the lower capacity bags. Even when weight carry isnt an issue, its important to remember how it keeps bag close to body and not bouncing around while running, moving quickly, hopping over logs etc...
For sure when doing that. Also when riding a bicycle or motorcycle
Just picked one up, after watching all your bag reviews! Got that 4th of july discount they offered!!! I will let you know how it works when i get it. Thanks for all the great reviews, VERY helpful on quality items!!!
Joel Fisher yeah let me know. great bag. carried it today.
Living Survival Great bag im still loading it up as my EDC/get home bag. but the organization and how everything fits, i am loving it! thanks for the great review!
Joel Fisher Right on.
Hello from 2021! I'm now in Vietnam, where these backpacks are made. I chose one of several others, but after watching this video, I made my choice! All things are very competently packed in this backpack in the video - and I will buy this one! :)
That thing is sweet! You are definitely becoming one of my favorite reviewers. Great info. Thanks.
Darth C. thanks man, means a lot.
HI "Living Survival", thank you for taking the time of testing and trying all these gear. I appreciate that you can actually state which on is better and pass a judgment (positive or negative) on a piece of gear more like consumers report and unlike some magazines such as "Popular Science" that would find good qualities on everything so as not to upset advertisers. The vocabulary that you use to describe your gear is also very descriptive and well chosen.
If I may make one comment, not wearing your sunglasses would establish better "eye contact" with your audience, as a lot of communication is conveyed by the look of individuals. Great reviews, Ciao, L
+lancelot1953 thanks !
I agree about the sunglasses comment. That aside, great videos! :)
Rainbow Lion the sunglasses have become my trademark. LOL.
Understand when you say eye contact is important in some cases but he is on youtube to review products and not himself....and he is not trying to sell his own products so eye contact is not relevant here. Nice video again, thanks!
Living Survival In that case, I understand and I stand "corrected". Thank you again, Ciao, L
Your explanation is quite easy to understand. What is essential for future reference will be your video and also an item.
Best bag I'd say is 5.11 rush 72. Their rush series is really nice. Used the 24 and 72 but not the 12.
5.11 don't fit me well.
Iron16head Hypothetically speaking, if shit hits the fan and I am unprepared, I will do two things very rapidly:
1 obtain a firearm
2 immediately target anybody carrying a military style pack.
The unprepared among us will assume that a military pack contains nothing but the best equipment.
If you're going into survival mode, who do you want to go with: The casual day or weekend hiker, or the Military guy?
"Snivilians" assume that anybody with any military experience is an absolute expert at survival.
Those of us who have served know that everything is made by the lowest bidder and most of it is therefore junk.
But yes, a military pack would be the ideal pack. It only has one weakness: It becomes a bullseye on your back.
I have also heard guys talk about using a guitar case as a bob. Well, I've been playing guitar for 12 1/2 years and I have yet to see a case or gig bag that would be suitable.
When everybody is running for their lives and I see somebody carrying a musical instrument case, I'm gonna shoot them in the leg for the fuck of it and because I just wouldn't trust the guy.
People are fleeing and terrified for their lives. The prepared have grabbed their gear.
Then there's this guy, carrying... A fucking guitar case?
Shoot first, ask questions later, bro! This guy is out of his goddamn mind!
Very well designed pack. Many extra features.
MI Timberwookie YOu know I've seen a LOT of packs and it stands out for sure.
Great video. I like the short but informative format. I've watched a hundred of these, and yours is among the best.
thank you I try to stick to facts and also show loadouts etc.
Great looking Pack!
Appalachian Freedom Outdoors thanks for checking it out.
that pack is just brilliant!
Like the idea a notebook or Ipad useful for finding soup kitchens directions ect, Most coffee shops have wiffi. Nice bag, id like to see your extended bag.
Perkunas T thank you, the extended bag will be up in a week or two.
Thank you for a great video! I got the MKll and I couldn’t be more happy!👌🏻
This is one of the better bags I've seen reviewed. thank you.
+Chris Stone thx Chris
I'll never need this shit but damn if it isn't satisfying to watch
haha, thanks Ben
Last couple years has me thinking we may need this shit.
Ben, like your videos, kep them coming. I think this is the best pack for the price I've seen. Like you said, just enough pockets and organizers, and not too many. Liked dual hydration location option. And priced for what you get, other packs costing more for less. Their webpage now only $129, but no black.
+Red56Dragon nice
Can't forget about the ultimate bug out weapon the Guy Fieri haircut.. guaranteed to deflect zombies and women...
A nice video and review, but there is one thing that I have learned about battery operated things. To save the batteries and maybe the device, either take the batteries out or invert them so the batteries aren't in contact and drawing power or a piece of cardboard between the battery and the contact.. Or you could keep the batteries stored in their packages until needed. If there is an EMP or CME this should save your radio, gps, phone what ever else you have that runs on batteries.
Good video. I enjoyed it and really like the bag also. I have one circumstance that I do not see you covering, but which would be a life and death matter for myself and probably tns of thousands of others. I'm a disabled veteran and in addition to those things you show here, the necessities for relatively comfortable survival for a few days, I also have to take into consideration the necessity of carrying a substantial amount of medications (including opiates that I would prefer concealed), and a number of small medical devices. So far my choices have been to have a totally separate medical bag or a large pack such as an Alice pack. I try to minimalize my supplies in order to accomodate medical stuff. Another consideration is injected medicine that comes in disposable syringes that must be kept at a medium temperature- not too hot or cold. I understand about keeping the load to a minimum, but the items are necessary. I can skip bring a battery operated blood pressure machine and go old school with a sphegmometer and stethoscope but other small devices must be kept. The fact is I do not dare just take a three day supply or even a 2 week of medication. I need to take it all- just in case there is no returning and refills aren't available. You get the picture. Also to be taken into consideration for the sake of saving space- should my pre-measured dose syringes of medication be removed from their individual wrapping and placed in a waterproof bag/baggie for the sake of saving space? These may sound like cut and dry decisions- and it might be if my life didn't depend on those items as much as avoiding the X disaster that drove me from my home. I accept the fact that any bug out bag of mine will either be a large one or possibly 2 smaller ones. So far I own backpacks, satchel bags, duffels, ALICE pack, an LBE etc... but i can't seem to find a workable combination. maybe I can even narrow it down further (my question, that is). What would you recommend to a disabled person who cannot walk more than a block anymore ? A moped pulling a small cart of supplies and equipment? I'm sorry if this question is too tedious and involved, but you see what I and others must face to be able to bug out if necessary, when we don't own a car. I'm open to suggestions. I'll leave the question here or I'll just start repeating myself. Suggestions WILL be appreciated. Thanks for your time LS .
definitely have to make adjustments to certain disabilities, situation or environment. i would suggest plan on what you would do if you went on a 2 week vacation and start there.
great bag...i bought it due to you review. Price was $135.00 directly from the website..including shipping.
+Damen0530 awesome, you will love it.
Thanks for the detailed review! Got mine ordered on amazon, and i'm looking forward to it. Direct Action does make larger and smaller packs, but the Dragon Egg looked to be a nice medium size. If you ever get around to the larger bag, (35 liters I think) a review would be awesome.
+Zack somebody I've reviewed it (the ghost) side by side to the dragon egg.
Really, you want military surplus for a good ruck that won't fall apart on you when you need it. Novelty "tactical" bags like this may be neat for things like damping and similar activities, but surplus is superior in every way for lots cheaper, and they will probably last longer than you if there is a societal collapse. I use a U.S.M.C. ILBE with the assault pack for my "carry a ton of stuff" ruck. They are both covered in MOLLE webbing and the APB03 Assault Pack makes a good 72 hour ruck if you know what and how to pack a ruck and make full, wise use of the MOLLE ( which you should do on every MOLLE ruck ) on both of them. This is handy if you have a base camp in a secure, relatively safe location and want to scout good "lootable" places to replenish your supplies if things are "Mad Max" crazy ( in which case you are going to need lots of serious meds, weapons, ammo, etc....... ). For less than the cost of the Dragon Egg, you can get many fine surplus rucks, such as the Army's MOLLE 2 Large Rucksack. The Dutch military Alpine Saracen, made by ARWY, the British Military Bergen ( those huge, English military rucks ) the Marine FILBE and the Belgian M 97 ruck are in the same range. The ILBE has a 90 liter main ruck, plus it has the assault pack and the American rucks all have plenty of MOLLE and assault packs that clip onto them( the Saracen is the only "Euro ruck" I mentioned that has MOLLE, but all of the big rucks have large, multi-pocket lids). The Euro rucks have zip-on 10-15 liter side pouches that zip onto 1 100 liter main rucks and can be zipped together, attached to the included straps and made into assault packs. The MOLLE 2 Large Ruck and the FILBE have 5000 cubic inches or more of main ruck with assault packs and lid pockets.
In the 3-6 day range, the Dutch military Alpine Sting ( also a product of ARWY and with 10-15 liter side pouches that can zip together ), the U.S. G.I. MOLLE 2 Medium Rucksack ( which has a decent amount of MOLLE on the front and sides ), the old Large ALICE Pack, the German military Kamprucksack, plus many more fill the bill nicely. For a smaller " hit and run" mission pack, assault pack, "bring the essentials and complete a hit and run mission", the U.S. medium ALICE Pack, the German Mountain ruck, Norwegian military "Heroes of Telemark" ruck ( a bargain at $44 ), U.S. SDS 2 Assault Pack, Swedish Military Rucksack , British recon ruck, British Military Radio Operator's ruck, Austrian military "Austrian Alice Pack" ( a steal at $20 ), Polish Military Combat Backpack, Turkish Military Combat Backpack ( $35 ), Vintage Italian Military Alpini Backpack,Czech Military M85 Backpack ( water resistant, rubberized material, 35 liters, and $12, so everyone can have a surplus ruck. Heck, I picked up a canvas "mini ALICE Pack, made in India the other day for $4 and it's at least 30 liters ). Even some chest rigs ( such as the Russian Spetsnaz Tactical Vest EMP, which is fully adjustable, it carries 18 30 round magazines : pouches to carry 8 on the front and 4 at the shoulder blades and more [if things get crazy, do what you want, use the pouches for what you want] for the AK-47/AKM and has 2 "decent"- size knapsacks in the midle of the back and, 2 mid-size pouches on the back, about kidney area, [ probably 30 liters right there in those utility pouches ], 4 grenade pouches on the side. I use a couple as extra double mag pouches for my main pistol and a couple to carry things like gauze, sulfa powder, and so-on], a pouch on each side of the front zipper [ I use 1 for meds and 1 for a few emergency trauma supplies like a roll of surgical tape, Quick Clot, wound dressings, and so-on.
I use one of the kidney pouches for my larger bags of medicines and trauma kit]. It has very large "hidden" pockets behind the main AK magazine pouches on the upper chest. I use one to carry a larger meds bag and larger trauma kit. The one on the left hand side I use for carrying additional magazines for AK. They are very large, cavernous pockets that extend the entire length of the area behind the magazine pouches. The South African Defense Force Type 83 Battle Jacket is similarly designed to carry a lot of whatever you want. Paired with the chest rig type 83 to go with it makes you well equipped for anything, providing I have what I want to fill it with. And these are just some of the great things on the surplus market. I see that I wrote you a long-winded book to say something I could have summed up by saying that surplus is the way to shop and get superior stuff for a better, more budget-friendly option. Good video,, my friend, I always enjoy them ;)
Always comes back to this video , the best i"ve seen on this pack :)
Looks like a better choise than a Ghost pack.
Great review! I just ordered this bag in the coyote colour! can't wait to get it now! cheers
That's a great looking pack!
Blue Mountain Bushcraft and Outdoors thanks brother.
Great review. What's the price?
Nevermind.
Rob Farrell :)
Ben,
Great review! I have been looking for a edc / get home bag, and your review convinced me to order one in grey. My plan is to edc it and have GHB gear in my truck to add if need be. Thx again for a thorough review.
One good thing not to forget , is a tiny mirror , to make signals using the sun rays, just in case something nasty happens ..
Greetings from France
I love my Maxpedition Condor/Falcon and Eberlestock Terminator but this looks like a great pack as well. Very nice video.
thanks Michael.
Outstanding Video- Love the pack, although I personally have not quite figured out the cut in web of molle on the front i regards to how one attaches . An excellent presentation and communication. Thanks You- randall
nice pack. course any modern pack works just as well as any other for this scenario. course, the contents and individual skill sets and knowledge of the tools carried are the only thing that truly matters. that's the point that many viewers tend to miss. 50 lbs is alot of weight if you need to move quickly and efficiently for extended mileage.
David Ward i disagree on the packs. i have tested (and not shown) many packs which have zipper failures, fabric failures, and strap/buckle malfunctions with minimal weight. i'd prefer to have a tougher pack when running or in a natural disaster situation and know my items aren't going to fall out.
+Living Survival you definetly don't want failure, but I've owned and still do many packs from gregory, osprey, and kelty as well as lesser known brands and have had rare failures during long section and back country hikes over the years. certainly nothing that duct tape can't take care of. most reputable packs have heavy duty zippers these days. compartments are great for backpacking though not that necessary for BOB's. the one I keep in my car is nothing more than a waterproof 30L roll top drybag. i keep a drop leg holster next to it if i feel i will be in a situation that may require it's use. my compartments are just smaller individual 1 gallon freezer bags that house my fire, cook, cutting, tool maintenance and other essential kits. not much redundancy so I can keep my load at about 20lbs. I'm a huge advocate of the more with less and encourage people to practice firemaking and shelter skills in inclimate conditions. good product review and well put together though. no arguments there from me.
+David Ward the dry bag is from Skorch and has padded shoulder straps as well.
David Ward Agreed, I thought you meant really cheapo packs.
This is exactly what I've been looking for, just ordered mine in kryptek highlander. Thanks for the review and sharing your loadout. Great channel BTW.
GadgetGuy357 thanks, you won't regret it. one of the best packs out there.
$159??????? that's it????? that's the most gorgeous pack I've ever seen! I can already see a few things I'd mod on it, but DAMN is that near perfect! Gonna go check them out right now!
yeah, man its fantastic.
Great set-up on your pack , love the woodland too :)
Woodland is one of my favorite patterns.
@@livingsurvival - yep , great pattern the PL woodland , good choice with DA :)
Well, my only complaint here is, now I'm gonna have to part with some money. I gotta have one of these!! Great review man, I'm sold!
+On the Trail with Dale won't regret it.
Hey did you mention what brand the canteen and case was? I must've missed it. Awesome video
Just noticed while watching for a second time that you missed something. As i said great review and im not trying to be a sh*t but this may be of interest to some people thinking 💭 of buying one of these. There's Sleeping 😴 Bag attachments at the bottom of the bag for attaching any large(ish) object or a Sleeping Bag.Therefore it keep's the Sleeping Bag out of the Dragon 🐉 Egg leaving more space for other item's.I have a large Ray Mears 'Golden Eagle' Bag that does me down to about -25 with a Tarp, Bivvy and Mat yet this still fits (Just).So for an overnight out of ur house this Pack does the job with a Full sleeping 😴 system.Just thought I'd mention it incase it was relevant to someone Keep up the good work mate!😊...
+John Taylor thanks for the input.
Very good pack!! excellent review sir! Those daisy chains on either side was brilliant! Also the organization. NICE!
I like your pack set up. I'm trying to work towards a similar set up but I'm building up on tight budget, so it's been slow going lol. thanks for the insight though for what a bag should look like.
+Jay Scott thanks for watching and the comment.
Loved it. But unfortunately we don't get such genuine stuff in India. And very well explained too. Thanks.
This is a great looking bag. I need to get my hands on one some day.
chartaine thanks for taking a look and the comment.
Hey brotha, enjoy your vids and style. Very clean and professional
Robert Edwards thank you for the kind comment.
You should swap your liquid body wash for regular soap, takes up less space, can't leak and you can actually scrub off dirt instead of petting it with your bare hand.
+FoodOnCrack good tip, thanks.
Nice school bag. Fun fact, if you look them up on Amazon Direct Action lists almost all of their bags as "Made in USA or Imported", funny part about that is NONE of their backpacks are made in the US. Direct Action is an importer.
Great bag for bugging out! A lot of great feature on the pack! I like the paracord handle on there!
Jason McDaniel I do too, adds a functional touch.
No one ever considers the weight of these backpacks. The ALICE backpack is much durable and weighs less than most commercial packs.
uhh what? medium ALICE pack weighs 6.5 pounds empty. that's around 3 times this packs weight
+tavo sotto It may be because I got used to it in the service, don't like zippers or too may pockets. It looks good, however, and if you are willing to spend $145 that is all that matters.
+Anselmo Alliegro Never been in the service but my medium ALICE pack and frame has been serving my rough needs for over 7 years now and still going strong. Getting used to a little extra weight (evenly distributed) is more than worth the offered durability and versatility.
I appreciate the video, our bags are similar, but im out in the desert so I've got a hell of a lot of water, and I will take your advice on not having a heavy pack, I got a lot of ammo that weighs me down, ammo is good, but you will be drinking more water, and you wont be able to run as quickly
also I like the shamagh, wanna trade?
Oh man I like this one... Thanks for sending me their way lol
The Bearded Burton no worries, great packs.
Very nice this could be my next new day pack and alot cheaper here in the UK than than the maxpedition one I was looking at.
Graeme Murray Can't go wrong. Thanks for the comment.
Showing some good organization and planning !
Allen Alleycat007 thanks for checking it out and the comment.
Nice Suunto Core! I have one, and I've always been super happy with it.
+Kenneth Bauer me too, love it.
Good thing I stumble over a Dragon Egg review a month AFTER I bought one...Facepalm.
Anyway, the pack is really exceedingly comfortable to wear.
Also, as a little addendum to the vid: there are adjustable straps at the bottom of the pack where you could add a (smallish) sleeping bag or at least an isomatt or a wool blanket.
Direct Action now has a new version where the side pockets have elastic bands instead of the zippers (just FYI).
yep, i reviewed the new version recently.
Cool, I'll check that out, too. Thanks for the info.
Neat looking rig I will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing.
***** I've reviewed a LOT of packs and this one stood out.
Awesome bag. I prefer plain molle loops though, far stronger and cooler looking.
Seems like a very nice well organized pack. However, in a major urban city I think it it too attention drawing. I would like to see a Grey Man Urban version of this pack with no molle or paracord visible in Black. That would be a winner. I would buy one in black.
Center Mass They have them in several different colors. The woodland actually doesn't stick out too much with everyone having camo these days.
I was waiting for him to pull a gallon of hair gel out of his pack. lol just fucking around, dude. dope video!
+willplaysgamess i have since added it. makes great fire starter.
Good Video. If I may offer one note of feedback - you say over the course of the video "I just have" repeatedly. If your pack is FULL you don't "*just* have" X. If you had one item in the pack, then you would "just have X". I hope you don't mind my mentioning this. But overall a thorough review that I found most helpful, thank you.
Good review. I purchased the bag already and checked out your vid and I am very confident about this pack. I saw a few others but this one seems to really fit the profile. Thanks a bunch.
That is a perfect bugout bag for sure! I think $159.00 is reasonable for such a well made pack.
I stumbled on your videos today doing some random You-Tubing and I've been "binge watching" your videos for about 3-4 hours! :)
I really like the HD quality you use on your videos. (What kind of camera do you use to film?)
Your very well versed in the survival arena and I like the variety of information/specs you give and the practical demonstrations you show us on the "ins and outs" of the gear & how you set it up/use it in the field!
Your videos are very well done.
One observation... You seem like the kind of guy that would have a dog that would accompany you on your adventures into the woods. Do you have a dog? Just curious.
Love the videos. I've been sharing them on my google+ page and as long as you keep making them.... I'll keep watching them!
Keep up the good work Ben!
+derrik tribble derrik, thanks for the kind comment. yes I have a dog. check out my living survival 2 channel ruclips.net/user/livingsurvival2 and the dog is in those videos. i use a canon g7x but upgrading that soon.
+derrik tribble :)
You should get sawyer mini water filter instead of the life straw the mini can filter 100,000 gallons of water and filters up to 0.1 microns instead of 0.2 and the mini is half sized and can fit on standard plastic bottles and comes with a water bag, straw for bottles and, a cleaner
+Frank Kuamoo so they say.
i have been using an old french F2 rucksack,basically a bucket pack.holds an enormous amount of gear.i guess its what alot call a long term b.o.b.,.i have a smaller 3 day pack but i am looking to upgrade both.like this one and plan to check the web site out.very informative video,first one of yours i've seen. would prolly check out more.
Pappy thanks and appreciate the watch :)
Check out the 5.11 ignitor. Awesome hiking style tactical bag
You did nit really show the bottom. Drain holes or straps? Or webbing?
Nicely made video. I have been leaning very strongly toward picking up a Dragon Egg.
Would you please tell me how well/secure a standard 32oz Nalgene bottle will fit in the side pockets?
Thanks! Keep putting out great content!
desertking11xray very well, very secure. they have a zip system that opens or closes, works well. I even put my tripod in there and strap it up top.
Great bag, not available in Australia tho so gunna have to wait a while for this one i think. Looks like the company is quite new.
Mags Hmm, they have an overseas division that might be able to get you the bag.
Great video, GREAT product!!! Fills the gap between my 24 hr bag and my too big for a 72 hrs bag, but too small for a never coming back bag!! You should get a commission, because I've got to get and stock FOUR of them!!! you mentioned your NCB bag. Do you mind telling what you use? Do you have a video on it? I like how you stock your bag, too. No nonsense, practical items, with just enough room left for some comfort items, ie, books, manuals, deck of cards, etc... I think i'd add another canteen on the other side, if for nothing else but symmetry and balance(sorry. OCD)!!! LOL!!!
love this bag, sadly way out of my budget, but would love having one
Surviving Denmark thanks for watching.
Idogear has the knock off version
Dude yes! Thanks for reviewing this! Your reviews are awesome Ben, appreciate you man!!
Matt Guidroz thank you for your comment man, I appreciate it.
AWESOME THANK U SO MUCH
I WAS LOOKING FOR A GOOD BAG ON AMAZON FOR A GORUCK EVENT BECAUSE THE RUCK I USED ON SATURDAY WAS BRAND NEW & THE BUCKLES BROKE & POPPED MY HYDRATION PACK LOL MIND U I HAD WEIGHT PLATES SO ITBWAS DOWNHILL FROM THERE SO THIS VIDEO IS PERFECT SO I CAN ACTUALLY SEE WHAT IT'S LIKE
& I'LL CHECK OUT UR OTHER OPTIONS ON THE LARGER BAGS AS WELL
AMANDA LOPEZ thanks for checking it out.
Ben, brother love it! Just a awesome pack for sure!!
SUFFICIENT SURVIVAL thanks for checking it out.
Very good ideas, Thank you very much
You have your bag well planned out. Would you be able to put a list together of the essential items you showed?
Excellent review!I´m still trying to decide between this one or a Maxpedition (Condor II or Kodiak) what do you think in terms of resistance? Stitches and straps mainly, which one would be more resistant?
Thx !
Ramiro Ponce You are right it is more the stitching than the material. I would say both are safe bets. I can tell you that I too this pack to blade show and had it jam packed stuffed and the zips and stitching held up beautifully.
My next pack for sure, I have the Dust, FoxTrot, and their Messenger bag. Great company... thanks for your great reviews
So out of all the bags you have reviewed this is the best bag?
One badass pack! Could use it for ALL your needs. Great review, considering this pack.
will Mojica i've reviewed a lot of packs and this one took the cake.
Living Survival just saw thier website, they got a plate carrier and chest rig coming out, nice!
will Mojica I hopefully will be reviewing those as well :)
Living Survival if you don't like them just send them my way...
will Mojica Love the laser cut molle. Starting to see that now.
Great bag but you cannot rely on bags with zippersfor main compartment. Only viable option is top load main
In the past 20 years I have used them all. From North Face to Tactical 911, all these bags eventually fail. 10 years ago I went back to the alice pack, and it hasn't failed me since.
Antonio Paris
Really?
Have you tested more recent packs?
Naturally, one assumes that there have been some design improvements in the 10 years that you haven't been using anything else.
You have my attention. I am listening.
Nice ruc man bit like the 5:11 rush 24 I have good stuff.
Great bag, great review! My only concern is the Paracord handle... Once I use the cordage, have I lost the grab handle?