Mil-Tec Unisex Assault Pack - Rugged Durable Lightweight Ergonomic Versatile Tactical Outdoor Camping Hiking Backpack with Adjustable Padded Shoulder Straps & MOLLE Loops, Coyote, 36L

First let me say that the shipping times are approximate. When I placed my order the time frame was 2-3 weeks. However, the seller (camooutdoorstore) shipped within 12 hours and item was received 9 days after (shipped on Monday, received on following Wednesday). This was to NYC, so other locations might take slightly longer, but that's on the delivery system, not the seller.Regarding the pack dimensions/capacity. The description of "50L" is not really accurate using the listed dimensions of 20.1"x11.4"x11.1". That would be 2543.454 cubic inches, or 41.6797435 liters.At 20.1" inches in height, the pack seemed like it would be a lot taller than any other pack (of this type) that I've owned. But when I measured it, the actual height is more like 19.5" for the panel that rests against your back. The only place I get close to 21" is if I include the height of the drag-strap/handle if it's not flush against the top of the pack (see photo).The width is accurate at just over 11" (not sure if it's supposed to be the 11.4" or 11.1" dimension) when measuring the back panel.The depth is closer to 9.75", when full, but loosely packed (see photo).So let's call it 19.5*11.4*9.75 = 2167.425 inches3 or 35.5177322 liters.Deduct from that the fact that each "layer" steps down in width and height; i.e. the second compartment is shorter and narrower than the main compartment; the two stacked compartments are shorter and narrower still, and there is about an inch of space between the two. I'm not going to measure each and every size change, but it would add up, or rather subtract down from the overall capacity.Still, because of the design, it should hold more than most packs of similar dimensions because it is box-like instead of tapered (more like a suitcase than a tear-drop).Another review I read mentioned "if in doubt, go with the 50L [instead of the 30L]." I would have to agree unless you KNOW that you want a much smaller pack. With the ability to use the compression straps, this one can seem much smaller than it is, and then balloon out to carry a decent amount of stuff.The build quality is very nice, and it does show as being made in Rottenburg, DEUTSCHLAND. So, if they make packs like they make cars then this should be quite reliable. I couldn't find the actual manufacturer website until I got the package which indicated miltec.de as the address. That website does say Mil-Tec, Made by Sturm, if that means anything to you.I got the Foliage Green because I wanted a change from black. If you've never seen Foliage Green before, you should know it doesn't really photograph well and will probably have more of a green hue than photos can represent (it looks more like a blue-ish slate gray in photos, whereas it really leans towards a lighter, more grayish version of Olive Drab).One of the photos above shows the zippers, which seem "chunky" and strong enough for me with smooth action, although not YKK (nor any brand name that I can see). They are metal, but the coating makes them feel like plastic (I actually made a small scrape on the back of one to confirm). One of the "paracord" zipper pulled came out of the slide, but a little squeeze with pliers fixed that. The zipper teeth are plastic/nylon/whatever. There are no flaps/covers over the zippers to help keep rain out.There are some good reviews on youtube, so you can check those out. One thing I'm not sure was noted by others is that inside the main compartment there is a zippered compartment on the side against your back. I thought this would be a full height pocket, but it's only about 4.5" high, but it also does extend above the zipper to the top of the main compartment by about another 1.5" or so (See photo).All of the compartments have a nice, thick pvc coating on the exterior sides. I don't mean a spray on coating, either. It's really like its own layer of material (see photo).I tried to get a photo of the stitching for the MOLLE running down the side of the main compartment. This also shows that the inner seams are covered with interfacing of similar material to the pack fabric.The chest facing side of the straps and the part of the hydration bladder pocket that rests against your back are covered in mesh which should help a little bit with comfort and airflow. Otherwise, the straps seem nice and soft yet strong. There is no sternum strap. The straps are spaced little bit wider than I might like, but are still comfortable without the sternum strap. However, I do plan on adding one as I'm sure I will want one for running, climbing, scrambling, etc.Another review for this pack (different color or maybe the 30L) mentions that the waist belt is too thin or flimsy. I don't think so. It's not padded, but it seems to be the same "gauge" as all of the other webbing. The waist belt can be removed, and it you could replace with one more to your liking. It's not a continuous belt, but two separate sides, each woven into plastic slides which are attached to the pack itself. For me, I think it's fine as is, but I will probably mod it so that it's only adjustable to one side at the slide buckle. It comes configured such that you can pull to either side to adjust or center the slide buckle.All of the webbing seems to come in ample lengths. In fact, for me, most of them are too long. I will probably deploy some sort of strap management. The only webbing that is not flapping-in-the-wind-too-long are the compression straps on the bottom. They're not too short, but when the pack is full and loosely packed, there is only about 6.5" of webbing left over (without cinching the compression straps down, just sizing to fit up against the bottom the pack). If you squeezed it down, you could gain a few inches I suppose. I mention this if you were considering packing a sleep system or whatever in there, that you don't have a lot of extra webbing to play with. However, there is a row of MOLLE attachments on the bottom, so I'm sure you could figure something out, or buy some extra webbing and figure out how to add it in. (Actually, you could probably borrow a few inches from somewhere else on the pack if you wanted).This pack is an obvious knock-off from the Maxpedition Falcon II sans the Y-strap over the top, but at about 1/2 to 1/3 of the price. I don't have the Maxpedition or any other similar pack, but I did a great deal of research and online comparisons before choosing this one. This pack doesn't have the zippered hydration bladder pocket (It has one, just with velcro instead), no shoulder strap ladder lock adjusters at the top of the shoulder strap, no sternum strap, no velcro spot to put an ID badge, no different material on the bottom of the pack when putting it on the ground. I think the Condor brand pack of similar design also "features" drainage eyelets in the compartments. I would call those insect doorways, myself, and this pack also doesn't have those. This pack also does not have any visible branding except for the mil-tec tag on the hydration bladder pocket, which no one will really ever see (for better or for worse). Also, the webbing along the front side of the shoulder straps in not really MOLLE, as in the stitching is not at MOLLE spacing. I don't know yet if that's a big deal or not.One more thing I liked about this pack that the other Falcon II knock-offs did not have was dual side compression straps, and both upper and lower are slide-lock buckles for quick opening. Most only have one side compression strap on each side, and some are not slide-lock buckles, but just ladder locks. I really like to cinch my packs up tight and I find that with just one compression strap, the load will just move to the area where the second strap should be.So, if you're in the market for a "tactical assault pack" these Mil-Tec packs are a safe bet, IMO.-----Update 6/22/12Thanks for your kind remarks regarding my review. I am glad you found it helpful. To be honest, it was a lot of work, but given the value of this pack, I felt that it was justified.I've been carrying this pack now for about 2 1/2 months, not everyday, but probably 5 days a week, so now I can give some comments about real usage.This pack forces you to be organized with your stuff.Is that a pro or a con?If you're not organized, maybe it's a pro because maybe you need help to become organized.Even if you are organized, this pack does make it less-than-easy to quickly get stuff in or out and have the whole package closed back up neatly and compactly.This is going to happen on any of these compartmentalized packs compared to ones with just one big pocket. What works best is to un-clip the compression straps and open the thing fully (for the main compartment), stack your stuff in neatly, and then zip shut and re-do the straps. Sort of a pain, but it gets your stuff in there compactly, instead of a jumble of crap. Plan ahead for getting stuff out and put it near the top, or plan ahead and leave yourself some space at the top if you'll be putting more stuff in.While the inner layer of pvc is great water-proofing. The outer material does not seem to be treated at all. Water does not bead off and the pack with quickly wet-out (although not wet THROUGH). I'm going to spray mine, but with all the MOLLE, it will never be perfect, but I suppose it will help. (Read below for another solution).Be careful with the compression straps as not to over-stress the attachment points. Both of the lower side compression straps are showing premature wear at the point where they meet with the back facing side of the pack (the part that sits on your back). On both the webbing is fraying starting at the bottom. I guess I was ratcheting down too hard when compressing. I stitched them to the MOLLE piece that they overlap, but I've also changed my compression method. Now I push down a bit on the pack and then only take the slack out of the compression strap. I've never had this issue with compression straps before, and I've never been gentle with them. I don't think it's workmanship or product defect, but something that would probably happen given the mechanics and positioning and I assume would happen across other brands. It's hard to say for sure. I'll keep an eye on it and get around to posting a picture of what's happening and how I "fixed" it.As I mentioned, this pack lacks the top Y-shaped compression strap found on some other brands. I did a little more in-depth comparison to Maxpedition and also found that the webbing for the drag strap also extends farther down the sides. The drag strap webbing extension likely gives greater strength to the handle by spreading out the force over a greater area. Not a huge deal if you don't use it often. The Maxpedition also has the adjustment buckles at the top of the arm straps, which would also serve as reinforcements when carry a heavy load.At first I didn't think that this would matter much, but I am changing my mind. The top of the bag balloons out during carry to nearly full depth regardless of what's in it and how you have the side compression straps adjusted. Personally, this bugs me, but as I've stated, I like to have everything nice and snug. Having buckles at the tops of the shoulder straps would also allow for better positioning of the pack on your back.I am planning on purchasing some webbing and buckles and making my own y-strap, shoulder strap buckle set-up and drag strap reinforcement (although the drag strap is not really as much of a big deal, I figure I might as well while I'm at it). Also a 3/4" sternum strap with whistle buckle (I already did this, but not with foliage green webbing, and the whistle buckles only come in black and/or orange).When I make the y-strap, I am also going to make a rain-fly that can can attach with velcro (I think velcro makes sense to use here) to cover the upper portion of the pack during rain.After use, the pack is still great and I get compliments on it (which is nice, but I'd rather not be as conspicuous). The foliage green has really grown on me (no pun intended), and it seems to blend well in a wide variety of environments from foliage (imagine that!) to concrete (it's almost chameleon-like going from green to gray), except it might stand out in a crowd a little bit versus black because it's "unique."

If it's just a hike, an overnight bag, a carry on, or a bug out bag this fits the bill. Heavy quality material, and great storage makes this a versatile knapsack to rely on at a reasonable price.

Where to begin?I guess I'll just give this a quick pros vs. cons list and hope it helps anyone thinking about purchasing this backpack.Pros-*Well made*Water resistant*Many pockets and MOLLE attachment locations*Zippers work very wll and almost never stick.*The straps with quick connect/disconnect ends are adjusable in the extreme. (lots of extra slack)*Very comfortable. Plenty of padding in the arm straps.*My Laptop fits in the velcro slot undernead the arm straps (just barely 15.6 inch screen) **more on this in cons***Heavy duty waist belt strap keeps everything firmly attached to your body and not flopping around.Cons-*If you have a larger laptop (larger than 15.6 inch screen) or gaming laptop (wider) it won't fit in the location behind the arm straps. It will still fit in the main and secondary compartments but will most likely be bouncing around unless you strap it down or fill it with something to keep it from moving.**I don't know if it was just me but this product took nearly a month and a half (39 days) to arrive. I am currently in Afghanistan but most products can make it here in apx 1-3 weeks.Besides the long wait this backpack is exactly what I was looking for. It is rugged, well made and inexpensive compared to 5.11's version. Don't worry about the lable, this pack is just as well made and you won't spend twice as much.I am very happy with this product and plan to buy more after this deployment. One word of advice, it is slightly smaller than I thought it would be for my purposes and I am really glad that I did NOT buy the 30L version of this pack.