I decided to end my experiment with Maxpedition’s Mongo Versipack and go a different direction – the new Hazard 4 Kato Messenger. I did this for a couple of reasons:

1) The Mongo was bulky and heavy relative to what I was carrying in it. 2) The lack of a grab handle was a constant annoyance. 3) I had always heard good things about Hazard 4 and I wanted to try one of their bags. But nothing really worked for me in their product line. That changed with the introduction of the Kato.

After receiving the Kato and playing around with it in various configurations, I can report that I’m very pleased with the purchase. Hands down, one of the most flexible and ergonomic EDC systems ever conceived… and I’ve tried quite a few. Build quality is excellent.

I do have some minor complaints, but going forward, I see myself carrying the Kato more than my 5.11 COVRT 18 and everyone here knows the praise I’ve heaped upon that platform.

Here are some initial pictures of the bag that I took while sitting in a cafe having breakfast this morning (in the configuration that I will mostly likely roll with). Over the next couple of days I will be posting a write up in sections with lots of photos. More to follow…

Just to be clear, in the above pic, I attached a Maxpedition Mini Organizer to the large hook and loop area on the front flap. Hazard 4 makes a variety of morale patches, id panels, etc. that could be attached there but I felt like this provides a quick way to access a small spiral notebook, pens, multi-tool, or other items.

Unbuckling and folding the front flap up and out-of-the-way reveals a four row molle panel setup. I just have a Streamlight there now but it obviously could be used to expand storage even more.