Camping/Hiking

Allen Company Recon Tactical Backpack

Allen Company Tactical Recon Backpack

Technically, all backpacks could be considered tactical. After all, tactical means "of or relating to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage." Having an efficient storage solution that can easily be carried on one's person is a pretty distinct advantage over say, a plastic grocery bag or just your pant pockets. Heck, even a bindle (picture the classic cartoon hobo with a sack tied to a stick) is a human invention that could be considered a distinct advantage for carrying your stuff. What I'm getting at, is when a product is marketed as "tactical" I try to focus on what it does that provides a distinct advantage over the other products in it's category. 

Allen Company Tactical Recon Backpack

There are plenty of "tactical" backpacks out there, and typically the quality and capacity improves the higher the price point. If you are looking for a dependable bug-out bag or EDC bag that will outlast the zombie apocalypse (heavy sarcasm) then you may be in the $200+ range. There are some of us who are just looking for a fairly inexpensive bag that has expanded useful features, as well as looks cool. After all, the first rule of Tactical is if you aren't looking cool, you are doing it wrong. Or so I've been told! In shopping for an inexpensive tactical backpack that would serve well during day outings or travel, I found the Allen Company Recon Tactical Backpack. For only $25 it seemed like a decent pack that was casual but looked the part. Black: check. MOLLE webbing: check. Hook & Loop panel for the sweet PVC morale patches from Patriot Patch Co.: check!

Allen Company Tactical Recon Backpack

It has 3 zippered compartments ranging in size. The largest main compartment has a partition sleeve that holds either a laptop or tablet device,  textbook or magazines (the reading kind) or even a hydration bladder, with a covered port in the top where the bladder's drinking tube can come through and then be secured to the strap. Outside of the aforementioned sleeve theres room for loosely putting anything else, a small jacket or several ham sandwiches. There was clearly room to accommodate more pouches, pockets or an interior MOLLE system but Allen left is pretty minimalistic and bare here, which I guess is why it's under thirty bucks.

Allen Company Tactical Recon Backpack

The second compartment has more to offer as far as utility, and short leashed keyring, admin/paper pocket, and some smaller stitched pockets for pens or smaller items. The third forward most zippered pocket located directly behind the front MOLLE webbing is completely bare, just  big enough for a small book or two magazines (the shooting kind). Once again, pretty bare minimum and really not useful as a range bag, bugout bag, or survival bag.

Allen Company Tactical Recon Backpack

The exterior has MOLLE webbing on the front, sides, and sling of the pack so you can expand the pack with your own tactical accessories. A dump pouch or admin pouch would go along with the whole traveling student role. You could be "that guy" and put pistol mag pouches on the sling and sides, but it wouldn't earn you many credibility points at the gun show. There is a synch-able net pouch for a water bottle on the wearer's right side, and a slim, narrow zippered pocket on the left that will hold a couple energy bars.

Allen Company Tactical Recon Backpack

The comfort of the Recon Tactical Backpack is what's the real hero of its price point, as the back panel and the single sling are padded as well as slightly aerated for reducing sweat spots after wearing it all day. It is a single sling design like a messenger bag / backpack hybrid, so if you weigh it down with heavy contents (ie: dozens of manufacturer catalogs from SHOT Show) you will definitely feel it in your left shoulder after awhile. The downside to hybrid single strap bags like this is the inability to switch shoulders to reduce that fatigue if your pack is too heavy. There is a smaller strap with plastic M-buckle  on the right side which snaps into the main shoulder strap to keep the bag from shifting around, and that helps stabilize the load.

Allen Company Tactical Recon Backpack

In all honesty, I bought this bag from a local gun shop the week before SHOT Show 2015 because I didn't have the time or budget for a more expensive and comprehensive backpack, and I thought a more minimal pack would be useful with all the other camera and recording equipment slung over my shoulder. I quickly found out how overloading the pack with heavy magazines and catalogs lead to pain at the end of a whole day spent on the showroom floor, and I really wished I had anted up for a more conventional double shoulder strap bag with better use of its interior space. If it had better use of internal space with more pockets or pouches on the inside, you wouldn't need to snap on more MOLLE pouches on the outside. Admitting all that, I would still vouch for the Recon Tactical Backpack for a student or just someone on the go looking to travel light but still have some "tactical" features. If you are looking for a full capacity backpack with more features and double straps like a 5.11 pack but more affordable, don't hesitate to check out Allen Company's other tactical backpacks.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Recon Tactical Pack is ready for the field, the range, or duty use. The single should sling is nicely padded for comfort, while the interior pockets and exterior MOLLE loops allow for easy organization and the ability to add MOLLE compatible accessories.

Target Market:  Day-trippers, Casual Hikers, Students

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 600D cosntruction
  • Single, padded shoulder strap
  • Exterior MOLLE web system
  • Interior organization compartments
  • Water bottle pocket, plus hydration bladder sleeve
  • Air mesh padded back
  • Hook and loop patch for adding name tape or logo patches
  • Padded compartment for laptop
  • Dimensions: 17.5" x 11" x 7.5"

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black only

What others are saying?: "The Recon Tactical Pack is ready for the field, the range, or duty use. The single shoulder sling is nicely padded for comfort, while the interior pockets and exterior MOLLE loops allow for easy organization and the ability to add MOLLE compatible accessories." Geekdotcom.com

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Minimal price, minimal footprint
  • Hydration bladder compartment and hole
  • MOLLE webbing for expandable capacity
  • Stitching holds up for light - medium use
  • Strap and back panel are padded and comfortable
  • Price Point is low for minimal features

Cons:

  • Lack of internal pouches / pockets
  • Design limits carry to left shoulder only
  • Did not include hydration bladder

Score: 5.5 Mediocre

 

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

Pelican 1200 Case

Pelican 1200 Case

Sure enough after buying a full size Pelican gun case, I was convinced I needed to acquire the smaller sized cases the rest of my gear. The Pelican 1200 case is part of their small case line, and it's the perfect size for a single handgun, camera, or if you're me, a chronograph for those trips to the range. Like it's big brothers, the 1200 has the same super rugged copolymer polypropylene shell, open cell foam core and solid wall construction which makes it stronger and lighter that the competition. It's tough to find cases this small that also are deep enough to fit beefier items like cameras, lenses, batteries, and firearms accessories.

Pelican Case

Available in several colors, I picked up a Pelican 1200 case in tan, since it's all the rage in the gun world still. The nicest feature of the 1200 is the pluck 'n pull foam layer inside. Instead of tracing and cutting out relief for your gear, you just pry strips of foam out until your desired fit/shape is achieved. I recommend having a pen knife of other slim blade at hand to help initiate separation of foam, especially on corners. Obviously whatever shape you make will be somewhat squared due to the precut grid, but it's really great to be able to chose your own layout for items. While many reviews complain the foam is too thick and makes retrieving certain items from the bottom problematic, you can easily plan ahead by removing the foam in as big a piece as possible, then cutting that chunk in half (or thirds, or whichever) and reinserting into place for a shallower compartment.

Pelican 1200 Case

As mentioned earlier, I purposed this 1200 to fit my F1 Shooting Chronograph. Even with a lowly $100 price tag, I wanted to protect the Chrony as best as I could, since I go through such great lengths to not ventilate it at the range. The fit was perfect, and the rods just barely fit within the case's interior width (had to complete remove foam on the sides of the slot, the fit was literally just right). The batteries fit ontop of the rods, retaining them from falling out if the case is opened in a bad angle. The diffusors also conveniently fit under the main unit (the flat segments) and the 4 side segments fit lay flat on top of the foam.

Pelican 1200 Case

 Like my previous review on the 1750 case, the 1200 case can be thrown in the trunk and taken on bumpy roads, or surviving the trials known as TSA luggage handlers. Dang near indestructible and keeps your expensive stuff from banging around or drowning in the drink, the Pelican 1200 will easily outlast other cheaper cases out there. Just beware, their almost like potato chips... just one is never enough!

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Pelican Protector Cases are stronger and lighter that the completion. The Pelican 1200 Small Case is a waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof case perfect for handguns, cameras, and other sensitive equipment.

Target Market:  Handgun Owners and/or Hunters, Photographers, Videographers, Air Travel, Water Travel, ATV Travel

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Polypropylene Shell Construction
  • Foam 1.3 lb Polyurethane
  • ABS Latches and purge body
  • Watertight, Crushproof, and Dustproof
  • Easy open Double Throw latches
  • Open cell core with solid wall design
  • O-ring seal
  • Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve
  • Fold down handles
  • Stainless steel hardware
  • Pluck 'n Pull foams gives owner complete customization
  • Personalized nameplate service available
  • Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence
  • INTERIOR (L x W x D): 9.25" x 7.12" x 4.12"
  • EXTERIOR (L x W x D): 10.62" x 9.68" x 4.87"
  • WEIGHT : 2.87 lbs (with foam)  2.65 lbs (w/o foam)
  • BUOYANCY: 12.02 lbs (5.45 kg)
  • RANGE TEMPERATURE: -40 / 210° F (-40 / 99° C)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Tan, OD Green, Silver (discontinued), Yellow, Orange

What others are saying?: "When you need to fly and transport handguns, then there is no better case that protects your firearms and exceeds TSA requirements. Use Pelican Cases for all your firearms needs. " Midway User Review

"I bought this to replace the plastic case that came with my Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm, type F (full size). It fits the pistol along with the factory supplied spare magazine, and there's room for another spare magazine if you want to fit it in. This case allows the use of a small pad lock, which I prefer over the cable lock that came with the pistol. The shooting range I go to requires that your firearms to be cased AND locked when you're in their store area signing in, and this case works well for this purpose. I deducted 1 star for the pluck and choose foam. While they are fairly easy to pluck out to create the shape necessary to fit the pistol, I wish they've made the foam so that you can pluck it out at half-height only." Amazon User Review

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: Brownells or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Foam is denser than most other cases and is easier to cut / more supportive
  • Pluck 'n Pull = user customizability!
  • Shell has raised ridges surrounding a perfect area for stenciling / labeling
  • Perfect size for cameras, chronographs, etc

Cons:

  • No steel reinforcement to padlock points like larger Pelican cases

Score: 9.0 Amazing

 

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

Hydrapak Stash

Hydrapak Stash

Water is the number one priority when it comes to keeping us alive. Myself as a hunter, as well as many of you reading right now that may be hikers, bikers, joggers, loggers or otherwise active people need to rehydrate to function during demanding tasks. Carrying water with you is always a smart plan, but the biproduct is either producing waste in the form of empty water bottles, or lugging around the more popular athletic water bottles for the rest of the day. Like a modern wineskin, the bladder can be a space saving vessel for transporting water on the go, and it can be rolled up and crammed into your bag when empty. However, bladders always seems to leave a plastic aftertaste with each sip, are cumbersome to fill, and eventually tend to leak.

Hydrapak Stash

The Hydrapak Stash water bottle is an evolution of the canteen, bladder and bottle rolled - or should I say collapsed - into one neat little package. The Stash has soft walls that are RF welded (radio frequency) for strength, while the top and bottom ends of the bottle are molded plastic so when the soft middle walls are twisted, the top and bottom snap together for a profile thats less that 2 inches tall with a diameter of 3.5 inches. When collapsed and capped, the Stash easily can stow into a backpack, satchel, fanny pack, purse, or other personal carriers. When needed, the bottle can be uncapped and squeezed to release the tab locks, and then untwisted to form a 750ml capacity water bottle.

Hydrapak Stash

The Stash's construction is its selling feature, as the company reps love standing atop the filled bottles during tradeshows or presentations to demonstrate the strength of the RF welding. Another huge selling point is the materials used are BPA and PVC free, which is the main reason why alot of consumers are straying away from disposable plastic water bottles and snatching up sturdier plastic containers made from less harmful materials. When empty, those bottles still retain their shape and are really no different from a glass bottle after carrying it or packing it around all day.  The Stash is trendy and functional, and is easy to stow or pack anywhere. When collapsed, Stash bottles even stack together giving you space efficiency and a high capacity for water storage.

Hydrapak Stash

As a hunter, I can see the benefit of the Stash bottle is its silent collapsing and storage. Crinkling water bottles are a super buzzkill in the woods, and a full size bottle takes up alot of valuable room on the pack. While a full stash bottle is no more compact or storable than a regular container, it's flexible walls will be more accustomed packed into the same pocket as your binoculars or other gear as opposed to a rigid and heavier bottle. Having a 750ml vessel thats easy to fill with a wide mouth that can be condensed down when not in use is a very pleasant convenience. Just remember to loosen the cap when expanding or collapsing to open the vacuum.

Hydrapak Stash

The only negative points I can give this product is the cap has no way of being tethered to the bottle to prevent loss, despite a carry loop and collar around the bottles neck that would serve as an attachment point. This a feature found on other Hydrapak products that I find would have liked to see carry over to the Stash.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  The Stash is a perfect companion for camping, adventure travel, and every day use.

Target Market:  Camping, Travel, Hiking/Jogging,Bug Out/Preppers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Soft walls collapse to 2 inch overall height
  • Molded top and bottom that snap together for storage/transport
  • Screw-cap
  • Nylon Carry Loop
  • Stackable – Nests with other Stash Bottles for efficient multi unit storage
  • RF welded seams to create superior bonds at a molecular level
  • Weight: 64 grams/ 2.26 ounces
  • 750 ml volume
  • Minimum dimensions 2.0 in.  x 3.5 in.
  • BPA & PVC Free, Meets or exceeds FDA & EU regulations
  • Dishwasher safe (top rack, max temperature 140 degrees F)
  • No-Leak™ Product Lifetime Waranty
  • Naturally anti-fungal material

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Orange, Lime, Blue, Smoke and Green

What others are saying?:

"When you think about the option of carrying an empty, full-sized 25-oz bottle around on the last two miles of your run or hike versus sliding a disc in your pocket, the Stash's advantage is clear..." - Gizmag

"What makes this so interesting to me is that when not in use, the hard molded top and bottom can be collapsed together for storage. This feature is a travelers dream when every inch of space matters." - The Gadgeteer

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: Hydrapak, Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Small imprint when collapsed makes storing easier
  • Wide mouth for easy filling
  • Carry loop for fingers or carabiner attachment

Cons:

  • No retension/tether of cap
  • When full of water, size isn't conducive to smaller backpacks or bags like a bladder

Score: 8.0 Great

 

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

Firing Line Review

 

 

Hydrapak SF500

Hydrapak SF500

The Hydrapak SF500 Soft Flask is a hybrid bladder and sports bottle. While everyone from hikers, joggers, bikers and gym goers seem to use standard water bottles in different shapes and colors, they all mostly suffer from the same problem. The materials, and the rigid shape that limits how you carry or travel with your hydration.

Hydrapak SF500

The SF500 differs from other water bottles because of its soft wall construction that expands like a bladder when filled, but can be collapsed and condensed like crushing a soda can. This makes it so when empty, the soft flask can be easily stowed in a pocket or bag. It's flexible nature also lends itself to runners or other athletes that only have pockets on their tight fitting performance clothing, as the bottles softness makes it more comfortable if carrying close to the body. The 500ml volume and easy refill-ability make it a nice companion on long outings.

Hydrapak SF500

The valve system on the SF500 is quite good, the bite valve is easy to use and expels water nicely. The valve can be closed off when in storage to prevent any unwanted leaking, and the dust cover cap is tethered to the neck for retension. The nipple is slightly scalloped to provide resistance to the dust cover's inner ridges, so that the cap is held firmly with friction, and the valve lock can be rotated without removing the cap. There are also multiple lashing options if you wish to secure it to the wrist or other equipment.

Hydrapak SF500

I see the SF500 being most beneficial to athletes or active individuals who travel long distances away from their vehicle or facilities. Without a flat base to stand the bottle vertically I don't see this soft flask being advantageous in a gym setting, but rather in a bicycle's bottle holster or on your person either in a pocket or bag/pack. The ability to squeeze it flat when empty makes it easy to carry more than one, so I would recommend getting 2 bottles, especially for those 'death marches' where 1000ml of water is a must and storage availability is sparse.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  The award winning collapsible SoftFlask™ is an easy to use hydration flask and packs tightly for efficient storage and transport.

Target Market:  Camping, Travel, Hiking/Jogging,Bug Out/Preppers, Hunters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Collapsible for easy use, storage, and transport
  • Molded top and bottom provides 3 dimensional shape and lashing options
  • Constructed with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for strength and flexibility
  • RF welded to create superior bonds at a molecular level
  • ISPO Design Award Winner
  • 42 mm wide screw cap for easy filling and cleaning
  • Twist on/off for valve for “on demand” use and secure “no-leak” transport
  • High flow rate from soft silicone bite valve
  • Dust Cover
  • Finger Loop Attachment
  • Screw-cap
  • Nylon Carry Loop
  • Weight: 56g (2.0 oz.)
  • 500 ml volume
  • BPA & PVC Free, Meets or exceeds FDA & EU regulations
  • Dishwasher safe (top rack, max temperature 140 degrees F)
  • No-Leak™ Product Lifetime Waranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Smoke/Grey, Orange, or White/Blue

What others are saying?:

"Their SoftFlasks are definitely innovative, to say the least.  We tested these guys extensively, and the general consensus around here seems to be that they're awesome." - Packwire

"As you drink from the SoftFlask, it collapses on itself like all bladders do.  This eliminates all sloshing and allows you to stow the empty SoftFlask easily, in  my opinion, a huge improvement over other handhelds." - iRunfar.com

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: Hydrapak, Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Retension of cap/dust cover via tether
  • Cap is ridged to friction fit firmly over bite valve, and turn entire valve for open/close lock
  • Bite valve can be locked closed to prevent accidental or negligent discharge
  • Main opening is wide for easy refilling
  • When Full, bottl's soft walls allow for easy storage in pockets, even against the body
  • Tether points galore, on bottom, cap, and nylon loop

Cons:

  • Only lays down on its side (no base to stand vertically)
  • When collapsed, the bottle doesn't retain itself in a compact shape, so it tends to get crumpled up

Score: 8.5 Good

 

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

Firing Line Review