Review: Tasmanian Tiger – TT Base Pack Top Load 30
Introduction
The Tasmanian Tiger TT Base Pack Top Load 30 is one of the new packs added to the company’s portfolio in 2025. As you may know, the company offers a wide range of packs to suit different needs. Additionally, top-loader designs were more commonly found in packs of 50 liters or more. While there are some for smaller volumes, TT mostly designs clamshell packs in that category. Therefore, I was interested to see what makes the TT Base Pack Top Load 30 different.
So let’s get a general overview and take a look at the specs before going into more detail.
Overview
The Tasmanian TT Base Pack Top Load 30 is a top-loader backpack with a 30-liter volume. It features the Padded Back System Basic by TT with detachable padded hip fins. The backpack has extensive PALS webbing for MOLLE accessories, zippered compartments in the front, and daisy chain webbing to attach additional items. The main compartment has mesh pockets, and there are additional pockets in the lid. The pack is made of 700D Cordura® and is available in several solid colors, as well as an NIR-compliant variant.
Specs
- HxWxD: 56 x 29 x 20 cm
- Weight: 1,59 kg
- Volume: 30 l
- Materials: 700d Cordura, YKK, WJ
The Tasmanian Tiger TT Base Pack Top Load 30
Starting from the outside, the backpack has two zippered compartments in the front, similar to the TT Tac Pack and TT Modular Day Pack designs. There is one larger zippered compartment on top and a smaller, less prominent one on the bottom. These compartments are perfect for storing flat items and documents.
There is daisy chain webbing on the left and right sides of the front all the way to the top to attach other items with cord or a carbine, and a large Velcro loop area to attach your favorite patches or insignia.
The entire TT Base Pack Top Load 30 is covered in PALS webbing for attaching optional MOLLE accessories. It’s worth noting that the webbing is not laser cut, but rather made of actual straps, which results in a more rigid backpack structure. The middle section of the front (between the zippered compartments) has five rows with six channels of PALS. The section below the bottom compartment has two rows and six channels, but only four of them are usable because the outer ones are partially open due to the design.
The area above the Velcro area — essentially part of the front and top of the lid — has six rows and six channels of webbing.
There are compression straps with buckles on the back of both sides. They have elastic loops to secure excess webbing and keep everything neat and tidy. Similar to the front, the sides are covered with ample PALS webbing. Nine rows and five channels provide ample opportunity to attach MOLLE accessories. The compression straps are placed between the webbing so they won’t get in the way.
There are two more rows of PALS at the bottom of the pack for lacing webbing through and attaching sleeping bags, blankets, etc.
Last but not least there are three openings for cables, hydration tubes or antennas on the sides and backside.
The main compartment of the TT Base Pack Top Load 30
As a top loader, the lid only opens from the top, using a two way zipper. However, unlike most top loader designs, this one opens to the front and stops at a certain level due to the material’s and webbing’s rigid nature. As a result, users have easy access to a zippered mesh compartment at the bottom of the lid. This compartment is very roomy and provides space for items that need to be accessed quickly.
Hidden underneath is a compartment that closes with a Velcro strap, and a light webbing loop helps open it. There is enough room for other flat items inside.
The main compartment lives up to the pack’s name. It is a spacious 30-liter compartment. There are four mesh pockets on the inside with elastic webbing to hold items in place. The backside of the main compartment has a large Velcro area with laser-cut slits for attaching MOLLE accessories (two panels with seven rows and two channels).
A large Velcro flap opens the compartment for the frame sheet, and one could theoretically store larger flat items there as well. There is a Velcro tab and a cord loop that serve as attachment points for hydration bladders. There is one large opening in the back through which to route the hydration tube, as well as two ports on the sides.
The load distribution system
Tasmanian Tiger uses its Padded Back-System Basic for this backpack. This system consists of fixed shoulder straps and a padded back, made with two types of mesh. The brown mesh is thicker and finer, providing padding along the shoulder straps, while the gray mesh is larger and placed lower to create additional ventilation.
The thickly padded shoulder straps are contoured to the body. Load lifter straps allow for better adjustment of the straps to provide a better fit. Laser-cut panels on the shoulder straps route the webbing of the load lifters and the sternum strap.
The sternum strap has two pieces of elastic webbing to ensure a longer lifespan.
One new feature of this backpack is the style of hip fins. They are attached via Velcro to the padded back system, which you may recognize from other TT packs. However, these fins are sturdier than usual and feature PALS webbing with two rows of six channels. A large, sturdy buckle ensures a secure fit.
Level of manufacture
As one would expect, the quality of the backpack is excellent. Tasmanian Tiger adheres to strict quality control standards, and the TT Base Pack Top Load 30 is no exception. High-quality materials are combined to create a top-of-the-line product — it’s as simple as that.
There are no loose threads, the seams are straight, and the overall look and feel are clean and sturdy. By now, my reviews of Tasmanian Tiger products may sound repetitive, but I simply cannot complain about the quality and workmanship.
The Tasmanian Tiger TT Base Pack Top Load 30 in use
So far, I have used the pack for daily commutes, trips home, and longer hikes. Thanks to the dedicated padding on the back panel and the even weight distribution, it carries extremely comfortably. The hip belt strikes the perfect balance between the thinner belts found on smaller TT packs and the thicker ones found on larger models. It is sturdy enough to provide excellent support when carrying heavy loads and can easily be removed if not needed during everyday use.
Considering this is a top-loader design, there are more than enough options for organizing gear and essential items. I have to give the designers credit for managing to do so while keeping the pack streamlined. The two zippered compartments provide quick access to documents, maps, notebooks, etc., and the zippered compartment has plenty of room for more. The mesh pockets in the main compartment are perfect for carrying smaller pouches, cables, bandages, or anything else you want to access quickly without packing it away in a bag.
The TT Base Pack Top Load 30 itself is a perfect bag for a weekend trip. If more room is needed, the extensive PALS webbing provides ample opportunity to attach additional MOLLE pouches to increase capacity, both inside and outside the bag.
Conclusion
The Tasmanian Tiger TT Base Pack Top Load 30 might be overlooked in the company’s large portfolio of backpacks. That would be a pity, though, as it is a hidden gem. Not every backpack needs a full clamshell design, and this backpack’s well-laid-out design provides users with plenty of ways to organize and access its contents.
Its size makes it ideal for weekend trips or hikes that require a longer packing list. With its large PALS areas, the pack can be modified to your needs and additional pouches can be added to carry more. In that regard, the load distribution system ensures that you can carry heavier loads, underlining the pack’s versatility.
With that being said, I would like to thank Tasmanian Tiger for giving me the opportunity to share with you all an inside look at the pack.
Thank you for reading!
Take care!
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