I didn’t find too much in this pack here, so I’ll give you my day two thoughts on it.

The pack is really nice I have the standard size, and this thing is big. Too big maybe. There is the slightest hint of ‘should I have tried the Synapse?’

The layout is nice and clean. I like how it organizes a lot. I don’t conceal carry, so I haven’t put a firearm in that pocket. I have however used it to hold a handful of documents (I know, I’m so hardcore). It does that very well actually. The hidden molle panel is just perfect. I have a small flashlight and multitool attached there. The panel that hides the molle also doubles as a beaver tail. The beaver tail has adjustable straps that attach to the sides of the pack, or tuck away if the panel is zipped up. It works well and fast.

My biggest pet peeve on any pack is hanging straps. Hate them. On my response pack, they all get taped down. The Gamut has awesome strap management with hook/loop straps or pockets to tuck them away (no more hanging waist straps). The main compartment can open fully. Or if you snap to side tabs, the zippers are stopped at a position where the pack acts as a stuff sack. Again, this works for me and it’s one of those things you look at and say ‘if I was designing my own bag, I’d do this too’.

Side pockets are useful. When I’m on duty and get a call, I need to be taking down data quick. I like how quickly I can get to my notes/pen with this on the side rather than on the front of the pack. It’s easier to get to while wearing, and easier to get to while sitting on my front seat. Makes no difference when I’m at the office.

I dislike that the pack won’t stand up on its own. It’s annoying as I’m in and out of it all day. I have to lean it back to be upright or it falls on its face. Also, there is what the company describes as a ‘grab handle’ on the front of the bag. Not too sure why. It may be the one thing on the bag where I’m just not sure of the reason for it. Maybe I’m not hardcore enough. There is a grab handle on the top of the bag that I do like. Either way, it doesn’t look bad, and it isn’t exactly hurting anything else, so I guess ‘why not?’

Back to the size. I don’t want to harp on it because it’s too personal. I was issued a Pygmy Falcon, then a Falcon II as a reference to what I was used to. I decided to get my own pack for personal/on call use. This is obviously bigger, which is what I needed, but … Hell I don’t know, maybe I don’t know what I want.

Anyways, due to size only it may not be a keeper. Everything else is so well thought out ( like mesh zippered panels in the side pockets and the main compartment) it’ll be hard to beat for my needs. I just wish it was two inches shorter and an inch narrower.