Hi all, another find me a back pack thread. This one however has some very specific requirements and some “non negotiables”. Part of my work entails commissioning radar and comms systems on new build ships and oil platforms. I have a requirement to cart a laptop, tools and documents to inaccessible locations and perform safety checks and equipment testing.

I have been using a Swissgear pack for the past 2 trips, but this has highlighted how a normally excellent EDC pack totally fails in a specialised role like this. Although the pack easily carried everything and had the organisation I required, it suffers a couple of severe issues. Firstly, it is far too deep (front to back). When you need to climb and descend a 100 foot tower, anything that sticks out too far gets snagged in the safety cage surrounding the ladders.

Also, many of the walkways and stairwells are being worked on and feature scaffolding and staging as well as half height floors. Again, a deep pack gets hung up. I also found that after 2 trips the material is looking pretty grim. There are rips and tears as well as ground metal and blasting dust worn into the material.

So, what do I need? Well a tactical pack of some kind, with decent quality material that will endure some serious abuse. I need a capacity of approx. 20 – 25 litres (1200 – 1600 cu in). A good admin panel is needed; I do not want to add this externally. A decent sized main compartment and a laptop pocket. It is important that the front to back depth does not exceed 25cm / 10” and an absolute minimum of protruding external pockets, especially on the back. Small side pockets for a water bottle & VHF radio are OK.

I realise that most packs with a laptop pocket won’t take a ruggedized machine, but that pocket would probably take the paperwork file. If the laptop is in the main compartment, some kind of securing strap would be useful to stop it moving about. Decent Teflon coating or water resistance is also required. If you are on top of a tower and you get a sudden rain shower, you can’t hide from it. A reinforced bottom panel would also be useful.

Due to the weight being carried (25 lbs) and safety implications, pack must be a double strap design.

Budget is around £125 / $200

Full load out listed below.

Ruggedized Laptop –
35 x 26 x 5 cm, 3Kg, or 14” x 10.5” x 2”, 6 ½ lbs

Tool Bag
25 x 15 x 12 cm, 2.5 Kg, or 10” x 6” x 4”, 5 lbs

Fluke Multimeter
20 x 12 x 5 cm, 1Kg, or 9” x 4” x 2”, 2 ½ lbs

Antenna Analyser
25 x 15 x 10 cm, 1 Kg, or 10” x 6” x 4”, 2 ½ lbs

Document Folder & Clipboard, 30 sheets A3 & 30 Sheets A4
25 x 30 x 4 cm, 0.5 Kg, or 10” x 12” x 1.5”, 1 lb

Admin Compartment
Assorted biros,
Assorted sharpies
Assorted highlighters
Multitool
Torch
Small notepad
Cable ties

3 x half litre (17 oz) bottles of water. At least one on outside of pack and easily reached
Digital camera
Phone
VHF radio
First aid kit
Spare glasses and safety glasses

I work up here.

It’s this high up

I have to deal with this

And get through this

Did I mention the rain?

Hazard 4 Second front would probably nail it if the admin panel wasn’t rotated by 90 degrees. Whoever thought that would be good idea needs their arse kicked.

MaxP condor is really uncomfortable and due to my size (5’ 9” 200 lbs), ends up either riding my shoulders, or if I lower it further down my back, I run out of padding on the straps.

Does anyone have experience of the Rush 12 when loaded? I am concerned the strap design might dig in the back of the neck. Lack of waist strap might be an issue due to carried weight.

All opinions appreciated thanks.