Sunday, March 28, 2010

Gear Review: Condor 3-Day Assault Pack

When we started hiking a few months ago I knew I needed to get a new pack. I had come across a series of videos on youtube by John Campbell (desertsurvivalist). One of the videos he did talks about a tactical backpack by Maxpedition. The pack in question was the Condor II. It was a nice pack but more $$ than I wanted to spend on a pack.

After looking around, I found a larger tactical pack made by a company called Condor Outdoor. It is their 3 day assault pack. It was about 1/2 the cost and had decent reviews so I decided to give it a try. So far it has worked out great. The pack has drainage grommets in most of the pockets and a double set of zippers for the main compartment. One of the things I liked most about the pack is all the M.O.L.L.E webbing found on the pack for attaching modular gear.

The pack is available in black, tan, OD Green, and several varieties of camo including ACU, which is what mine is. I discovered the pack on a website called cheaperthandirt.com but ended up buying it at Freedom Military Surplus here in town. It was about $20 cheaper online even with shipping factored in but I liked the surplus store and want to spend my $$ locally in this case, even if it ends up costing me more. I've taken it on two day hikes so far without any issues.





Front of pack with all the molle webbing. A 1lb propane tank for size reference.








Side view with top & bottom compression straps in use. Generous side pockets that swollow 32oz nalgene bottles.








Shoulder straps with moulded back panel. Shoulder straps have adjustable sternum strap, D-rings, and molle webbings. The hip belt is generous with great lumbar support.








Close-up of shoulder straps.








This is how the shoulder straps connect to the pack. Initially I was concerned about the durability of the arrangement but so far it seems fine.








Low-key pocket for CCW or hydration.








Visibe in this shot is the hard plastic plate to prevent whatever is in this pocket from poking me in the back.








Opening for the hydration hose. This pack is designed to accomodate up to two 3L hydration packs at the same time.








Identical opening on the other side.








Visible are the two side openings. There is an opening in the middle as well.








Close up of the middle opening.








Close up of the side pocket and all the molle webbing.








Large bottom pocket.








Lots of molle webbing on the main compartment.








Opposite side pocket.








Inside of the side pocket. Grommet in floor to drain any water that may get in.








There are three grab handles on the pack. One on top and one on each side.








Bellowed map/document pocket.








Outside segmented pocket for gear.








Additional shot showing all the compartments in this pocket.








View inside the bottom pocket. Notice the grommet in the floor for drainage.








Large zippered mesh storage in the flap.








Additional segmented storage in the bottom pocket.








Two large zippered mesh pockets on the inside of the main compartment.








Generous storage and strapping within the main compartment.








Extra large footprint for the main compartment with two grommets to allow fast drainage for any water that happens to get in.








Quick release 2.5" buckle on the hip belt.

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