This review was published with the kind authorization of Project Gecko. Die deutsche Version dieses Reviews kann im Tacticalforum nachgelesen werden (Übersetzung: Pine Survey).

Prologue

If there is one type of equipment I consider “challenging” enough to review – it is a backpack.

Choosing a backpack is like choosing a boot or a running shoe. It MUST be comfortable and breath from the very first moment you use it. I am a big fan of backpacks… in all shapes and capacities. In this review I am going to do an evaluation of the Tasmanian Tiger Mission Bag, a 37 cubic inch backpack. It is also important to remark that Tasmanian Tiger expected to release up to 15 products with Pencott camo application.

Choosing the right backpack for your mission or activity depends initially on the type of activity or perhaps a mission. With most backpacks having a capacity range of 25-L to 100-L, it is important to understand what you need from the backpack, and how it should fit into your activity. Or let’s rather say, how should my backpack increase my efficiency and effectiveness in the field?

But hold on a second – What makes a backpack a good backpack?

THE KEY FEATURES

1. Durability

First and most important – durability. Having already a ripped shoulder strap or a broken zipper after a 72 Hours SR sucks. Not only that it sucks, it harbors a dangerous option of losing equipment, and leaving traces in the field – something a professional can not allow to happen, especially not during a SR. Rather than the operational aspects, it simply renders the component “out of use”.

2. Comfort & back system

This part is as crucial as wearing the right boots size. Choosing a backpack without a good back support or air ventilation is a sin (Ventilation is less crucial to those who wear Armor Plates etc). A proper back system will not only give you a comfortable feeling while carrying heavy payloads, but it will also ensure a healthy, long lasting back. Yep, simple as that. If you go out into a mission, with a backpack that is not supportive enough for your back, you will gain pains in areas such as the neck, shoulders & lower back pretty quickly… that pain during a mission will reduce your effectiveness and concentration.

3. Capacity VS efficiency

It takes two hands to make a backpack. It takes two hands, experience, mindset and wisdom to create an efficient backpack. With that being said it is important to check if your backpack in fact is efficient. Ask yourself a simple question: “Does the compartment layout makes sense ?” or “How can I use it efficiently instead of just throwing stuff inside?” And so on.

Now that we understand these three most important features, or lets call them “key” features, we can dive into the Tasmanian Tiger Mission Bag, and figure out how that bag has an advantage over other products.

Quality, Craftsmanship & Thought

A lot of thought and experience was embedded into this product. I currently have the 8th Generation of the Mission Bag. Which means much was improved and changed over time. The craftsmanship of this product is beyond top notch, it is bordering art. After 10 minutes of looking through the features, putting stuff in & out the bag – I can testify and ensure you that someone put a lot of research and exemplary work into this bag.

Handles

One of the nice features which I personally really missed in my own military service are those handles. The mission bag includes 4 handles. The main handle on the top, which is covered by a soft, PVC- like material, is one of those casual handles you´d come across in any modern design. Two others are something less common and located on the left & right bottom of the bag (just behind the waist straps).

Main carrying handle

Main carrying handle Center- Lower part of the backpack

Center- Lower part of the backpack Side handle. Located on the lower side of the backpack on both sides.

The 4th handle is located inside the lower compartment, which is exactly in the center of the bag basis. (This compartment is also used as a storage point for the rain cover).

The use of the main handle on the top of the bag is pretty clear – so let’s focus on the three others.

Those handles allow a comfortable handling of the backpack. The lower handles, located on the lower sides of the bag, allow the individual an easy access in cramped environments where every centimeter counts. I´m referring of course to vehicles, helicopters and APCs. Instead of pulling some “unidentified” part of your backpack – you got something to hold on to.

A combination of the handles on the top and bottom can also become very efficient if you need help from a friend to carry the backpack between vehicles, or short distances.

“When you’re hiking over 80km to your target, carry a total of over 50% body weight because all of the utility you need – There must be some level of trust in the equipment you use. In the field, the backpack is your kitchen, logistic warehouse and the only property you could proudly call ‘home’.” – Eli.

Access

The TT Mission Bag has a pretty awesome design which results in a very simple yet incredible access to its compartments.

While in most traditional tactical backpacks (I´m referring to 25 – 45 cubic inch , commonly known as 3-day packs or assault pack) the external access is pretty much the same, the internal part is actually where the true creativity and perfection lays. Unlike other backpacks, it looks like TT really spent time and thinking, on how to utilize to the maximum of the space in this mission bag, and how to divide it in a way which will guarantee a “freedom of access” and less limitations, which connects with the next point.

Upcoming Tasmanian tiger products in Pencott GreenZone & Badlands.

End part 1

Eliran Feildboy
CEO & FOUNDER PROJECT GECKO
WWW.PROJECTGECKO.INFO