PMCI - May 2021

pmcimagazine.com
KIT: PACKS
Hip belts on daypacks usually accommodate a wide range of hip
sizes, so when trying a pack on, just make sure you can get the
hip belt loose enough or snug enough to fit comfortably around
your hips! Female-specific backpacks usually have dimensions
that are generally shorter than on men’s or unisex packs, and
hip belts and shoulder straps that are contoured with the female
form in mind. Because women’s packs have smaller frame sizes,
they often work well for youngsters too.
On a good pack you’ll find additional features that will let
you get it set up specifically for you, and one to ensure that
you have, whatever the size of the pack may be, is a Sternum
Strap! This mid-chest strap found on most packs allows you to
draw in the shoulder straps, which in turn can boost your overall
carry comfort and stability. This is particularly useful on uneven
terrain where an awkward step or slip could cause your pack to
shift to one side and throw you even further off-balance.
MAKING YOUR PACK WORK FOR YOU!
In the past the majority of packs were of a top-loading design,
and this has been around probably since the first pack was
ever made! Items that you didn’t need until you set up your
camp or overnight position were stuffed deep and dark inside,
with quick-access items towards the top. However, time and
technology moves ever on, and just because this is the way it
was done “back then” isn’t the best or most useful way now!
My access preference has been changed in recent years
thanks to the arrival of packs with front-openings, sometimes
called panel or “clamshell” access. This design offers a main
storage compartment that is accessed via a U-shaped zipper;
when fully opened, the front panel can be moved completely
aside, making it far easier to load and keep organised even
when you’re searching for something deep inside. In addition
some packs may feature base access to the interior in addition
to a top or front opening. This can (sometimes) be handy for
accessing gear or clothing at the bottom of your pack without
having to take everything out first, but it’s certainly not on
my “must have feature” list, especially now with “clamshell”
designs.
Whatever your choice for access options, and this is part of the
personal aspect of your pack, there’s a few more things that you
can look for to make sure you have all the features you could
possibly need, and I don’t just mean extra lines of MOLLE or a
big Velcro section for your morale patches!
USEFUL features to look for are:
• Hydration Compatibilty: most good packs now have an
internal sleeve so that you can slip in a hydration reservoir,
along with ports for the drinking hose (also useful for comms
cabling!)
• Mesh/Breathable Back Panel: Some packs have a ventilated
or “breathable” back panel made of mesh that’s constructed so
the pack rides along a few inches away from your back. This
allows a steady flow of air to combat getting a sweaty back,
and allows breathable clothing to at least have a chance of
working properly!
• Sleeping Bag Compartment: At the larger end of the Patrol
Pack spectrum some older-style top-loaders will still have zip
access to a sleeping bag compartment at the bottom of the
pack. Frankly this is something I can do without, as my sleeping
bag only ever comes out when I’m hunkering down at the end
of the day!
• Raincover: If, like me, you live and train in an area where
“liquid sunshine” is a regular occurrence this is a great feature
to have! Trust me, most packs ARE NOT waterproof, and even if
you have your gear stored in drybags, a raincover will stop the
pack fabric from wetting out and gaining weight!
Whatever features you decide will be right for you will be
exactly that, RIGHT for YOU, and don’t let anyone tell you that a
feature is wrong if YOU find it useful! Decide what you need your
pack for, what REALLY needs to go on it, and buy accordingly.
If there’s one thing to get right, it’s the fit. Don’t be swayed
by a pack just because it’s in the right camo pattern or colour
to match the rest of you oh-so-gucci-gear, find one that fits
you properly that you can carry all day long if you need to! As
always, I’d suggest trying a pack before you buy, but once you
know what you need you can buy with confidence each and
every time!
My thanks go to www.military1st.co.uk for
the product images shown with this article, and if
you’re in need of a good pack then head on over
to take a look at the extensive range they have on
offer from some superb brands! Many thanks also to
www.511tactical.com for additional images.
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