I’m looking to replace my old 5.11 pack which I’ve carried for about a decade, and I’ve come across the brand First Tactical. Their packs look very well made and I like some of their innovations such as the plastic back panel which can be used as a shovel, neck brace, or splint. Does anyone have experience with these packs? I’m having trouble deciding between their Specialist half day (25L), Specialist one day (36L), Tactix half day (27L), or Tactix one day (37L). The main hold ups are that I don’t have any experience with laser cut webbing (I have a lot of experience with traditional molle) and I’m not entirely sure which size I need. This pack will be used as a day pack/survival pack for hiking, geological work, and possibly for one or two night camping trips in the summer when I don’t feel like pulling out the 70L Kifaru hunting pack. Does anyone have advice on pack sizing or on laser cut vs traditional molle? All three packs are bigger than the one I am replacing which is pictured below. Not sure what model it is to be honest. Thanks in advance!
I've handled the Tactix 1 day packs, but haven't used them. Laser cut webbing is lighter and easier for the maker to apply to the pack, I don't know if there's any true advantages. FYI, the owner of FT is the former owner/creator of 5.11 after he helped founder Royal Robbins sort out his clothing company.
[QUOTE="FYI, the owner of FT is the former owner/creator of 5.11 after he helped founder Royal Robbins sort out his clothing company.[/QUOTE] Good to know. Right now I’m leaning towards the tactic half day. 40L sounds great for if I wanted to push this into an overnight or weekend bag, but man does it sound like just a little bit much for the primary use of a daypack for field work and hiking. Also I found out last night the 5.11 I’ve got is the discontinued Triab 18. Sounds like it’s about 16-18L so just about ten under the half day pack.
