We mentioned a little while back that Grey Ghost Gear was established as a clearing house for tactical gear. It hasn't taken long for them to move past that, and start getting their own label on items, while still keeping prices low. Take a look at the new GGG lightweight assault packs, we did, and after a month of using the one shown below we figured we tell you a little about it.
Click the picture for info, lots of pictures, talk about guns, and why I picked up two of these ...
The more hiking and work outdoors I do, the more I'm convinced that one pack does not serve all functions. My garage looks like a home for vagrant backpacks; they are all over, with many loaded up and others sitting just sitting off to the side. When people need to borrow a pack, they know where to go. The idea of carrying a smaller pack and packing better has been getting drilled into me lately. Since I'm also a fan of being prepared whether I'm going into the mountains or into the city, I'm using different packs to carry a variety of gear depending on what I'm up to.
Of great interest to me was that I could stow a 10.5-inch upper (ala MK18) and lower receiver group in the main body of the pack with room left over. Next I found that a loaded triple mag pouch with carrier fit well in the outer pocket, along with my Otte Gear E&E shell. While I don't advocate bringing a pistol to a gunfight, this smaller pack loaded up as shown in the below images allows for you to bring a weapon ready for quick access, and to do it discretely. Sure, there are other colors which would look more casual, but the concept is sound. For a concealed rapid response item, this works quite nicely and won't attract lots of attention.
This little assault pack was worn for 10 hours with three liters of water and a bunch of junk in it while at a recent trade show. It has also been worn out in the woods, in the rain, and loaned out to some other people who used it for day hikes and some other activities. The general thought is that its a much less bulky pack, and that it makes a lot more sense to use this pack than a larger one if your load and uses permit it. For work in vehicles and buildings, this pack attaches to plate carriers and can be rapidly removed. Its size make me much more likely to bring it along in places where a larger pack would get in the way.
As shown in the below text, this pack was made as part of a T&E run. It's light weight, but all-day carry was still comfortable for me with a modest load. The zippers are all covered for a much better IR signature. The zippers and stitching are all well done, and there was no popping or ripping noises when I intentionally overloaded it and tossed it around to check for stress. The hydration pocket and covered port on top allow for drinking tubes or radio gear storage and use. The shoulder straps tuck inside for when its attached to a plate carrier.
This pack works well enough that I bought two. Its ability to attach to armor and carriers, as well as to be used as a dedicated pack -- in addition to its weapon storage capability, build construction and great price -- made this an easy choice.
Manufacturer Information:
"Limited test run Lightweight Packs built specially to meet Special Operations weight requirements. Designed for Testing and Evaluations in combat theatre. Only a select few in the world have these first run packs modified to be light weight and low IR.
"The pack features a large main compartment as well as a side entry front pocket. The outside has modular webbing for attaching additional pouches and padded shoulder straps that stow away when not in use. The pack is designed as a 'Quick Attach Assault Pack,' to attach directly to modular vests or larger packs. Also includes heavy-duty zippers, sternum strap, grab handle, loop material for patches and a 3-liter hydration pocket, while being 30% lighter than other comparable packs. All hardware needed to attach the pack to other gear is also included."
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