Or: The new heavyweight champion
End of September 2021 Tasmanian Tiger was (finally) again on roadshow to present the upcoming novelties and two then still top secret products. It was pretty clear that there were a few real firecrackers on the way.
The Mil OPS 30 I have already presented.
Now I can follow up with the Mil OPS 80+24.
Short version for the lazy readers: A monster, in the truest sense of the word.
Absolutely not for ounce-counters and ultra-light fetishists, but for those who must endure under imponderable conditions. For people with space requirements.
That’s why we’re talking about 80 liters (and even those are still expandable) and twice 12 liters as “hidden asset”.
Already in use by our colleagues in the Rapid Forces Division (German army that is), we have here a heavy-duty backpack whose carrying system can easily withstand 50 kilos.
(Disclaimer: In the pictures you see contents with a weight of honestly weighed 22 kilos). I’m more than twice as old as the guys and gals who have to hump that pack, so bear with me.
So what does this look like?
As you can tell from the differing outfits I’ve been testing the backpack for some time, such a feature-rich product isn’t something you can test in a single weekend.
Hard facts, as usual, before we get to the exciting part:
– V2 carrying system
– Separation between main and bottom compartment
– Snow guard with drawstring and zipper
– Load control straps
– Height adjustable chest strap
– Redirected hip belt pull
– Circumferential bottom compression
– Sturdy handle
– Height adjustable lid with zippered compartment
– Hydration system preparation
– Large zippered front opening into main compartment
– Removable zippered side pockets with a volume of 12 liters each
– Side pockets
– Two loops for ice tool, poles or gear
– Equipment holder for PRC 117, TRM 6020/21 or SEM 70 (German made military radios)
– Helmet holder
– MOLLE system
Dimensions are 83 x 34 x 21 cm, which adds up to a hefty 4.2 kilos of empty weight.
As I said, not for ultralight fetishists.
Sure you can build it lighter, but the Mil OPS is supposed to have a long service life, Lycra just doesn´t cut it, pun intended.
Let’s start with the “+24”. These are two removable side pockets that can be variably attached to the main body thanks to ample Molle.

Fixed Molle straps, outlet for cable, drinking tube or antenna.
Also included, a sturdy carrying strap, if the bag is used as a ammo carrier, very handy.

That’s how I’m going to go with it:

3 liter water bladder, 1 liter Platypus, 0.5 liter Nalgene and plenty of room for more.
The water bladder is held in place at the bottom by a half-height mesh pocket:

Also built into both bags, a Velcro tab along with a loop for attachment at the top.
Speaking of the loop:
Hydrate or die, especially in the field you can neither have enough water or ammo.
Both heavy AF, but unavoidable.
That’s why the Mil OPS has velcro tabs and loops in the side pockets as well as some in the top of the main compartment:

Attached to the top right and left of the side walls is here so even more space for the cool wet.
Here in the picture a Thermarest, my long-time companion when it’s rather cool to:

Unfortunately rather bulky, but good sleep is important.