Hey guys!
So I’ve collaborated once more with the
awesome team over at Military 1st to bring to you some more tactical
product reviews. In this review we’re going to be looking at a brand that is new
to the Military 1st website – First Tactical. First Tactical are an American
brand that are dedicated to listening to the needs of their end users (First
Responders) to create tactical solutions that work in real life scenarios. In
this review we’re going to be looking at the First Tactical Specialist 1 Day Backpack in OD which is packed with a tonne of awesome features!
Let’s first chat about the basics: the specialist 1 day back
pack is available in 3 colours – black, tan or olive drab and made from 1000D
water resistant nylon with a total capacity approximately 36 litres. Upon
opening the package, it is clear that the pack is made from high quality materials
and the construction of the pack is fantastic. It feels sturdy, has a good
weight to it and looks great. Looking great is all well and good, but how does
it perform on the field? And what separates it from the scores of other
tactical back packs on the market?
Let’s go through the features on the front of the pack: it
features replaceable compression straps, has
a molle platform on both sides of
the bag so users can add pouches and make the sides fully usable, the small
zipped pocket at the forefront of the pack has an oversized Velcro section for
patches, Organiser pocket that contains loads of small pockets for pens/tools,
larger pockets for notepads/torches etc, a zipper pocket for important
documents and 2 key hooks – one deluxe and removable, a fleece lined shooting
glasses pocket with Velcro space for a name tape (which is super handy for
those of us who need to keep a pair with us at all times), whilst the main
compartment has zippers that open it up 180 degrees, a back panel that is lined
with Velcro for unlimited pouch placement, 2 vertical dump pouches and a zipped
mesh pocket to maximise space and storage options in the main compartment. The
main compartment is a very large space which was large enough to store 3 days’
worth of clothes, a toiletries bag, towel, camera equipment, my laptop and note
pads for my trip the weekend just gone. I am really keen on the front organiser
pocket – the storage within it has been very well thought out and of course the
patch space is a bonus!
The usability doesn’t just stop at the front of the
bag. The bag handles are reinforced to
make picking/carrying those loaded bags easier, the Yoke handle system on shoulders
ensure they stay in place so no annoying movement, the shoulder straps are
articulated and fit the body perfectly - they also have an adjustable sternum
strap that offers 3 positions and the straps also have adjustable thumb loops
that help take weight off your hands on long treks – although these can be
folded away if you aren’t keen on them. It isn’t just the straps that make up
the bulk of the features on the back. The pack has vertical and horizontal
venting using HD spacer mesh. It also has a waist belt tunnel and clips to be
used in conjunction with a belt (this will help take a lot of the weight off of
the shoulders and distribute it more evenly), the 4 compression loops on bottom
of the bag are for storing roll mats or sleeping bags when you know you’re
going to be out for extended periods of time and the pocket on bottom of bag is
perfect for a rain cover.
Even though this pack is absolutely filled to the brim with
features, my favourite aspects are that this bag is designed to help you
survive in the toughest of environments, so First Tactical installed an easy to
reach internal backboard (that can be accessed through the back of the pack)
that can be used as a multitude of tools including an avalanche shovel, a
paddle, splint (with holes lining the board to fit any limb) and a mini C-spine
brace. Another really cool feature of the First Tactical Specialist 1 Day
Backpack is that the secondary compartment acts as pass through – if you open
the top zipper to reveal the compartment and hooks, open the bottom of the
pocket which then reveals the pass through you are able to pull a full rifle
case through the pocket, attach the hooks to the rifle case to keep it secure. I
have seen rifle case storage on backpacks before but nothing like this. It
definitely gives the bag more usability for those who enjoy hunting activities.
This feature would also be great for MilSims/short day op where you need to
carry kit on you to a location.
The pack is extremely practical and offers an alternative to
the scores of other tactical backpacks on the market that aren’t as kitted out.
The bag retails at £89.95 from Military 1st, pricey but I think with
what this pack has to offer, it is a great investment for those who spend a lot
of time outdoors participating in hunting, survival, camping, Airsoft and of
course for First Responders.
Overall, I am super impressed with this 1 day backpack –
from its storage capacity to its usability, it is a product that really has
been made with its end user in mind. No fuss, no frills, just practical and
usable features that are relevant to real world scenarios, even down to the zippers
on main compartment and organiser compartment that are different so they can be
told apart in the dark. This pack has become my day to day pack because it is
hard wearing and has so many storage options, especially for my camera
equipment which I take most places. There is only one addition I would personally
make to the bag and that would be to have a hydration bladder pouch.
Photography thanks to Liam Sibley.
Post sponsored by Military 1st.
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