For the Swift and Rapid

Bar none, this pack is the most versatile piece of gear you don’t have…yet.

Velox is Latin for swift or rapid and this tactical backpack is designed for individuals on the move. The quality of the pack, unbelievable price point, coupled with a lifetime warranty should tell you to make this your new go-to pack. Now let me tell you why.

Three things stood out for me with this pack. First, this product was designed for “hard” use by the discriminating “mainstream” user on the move; it blends functionality, comfort, and rugged good looks. Second, the manufacturing quality of the Velox II is simply outstanding. The pack is made with 600D PVC backed nylon that will hold up to the brutal beating you give your packs. Third, the company has a 30-Day Unconditional Guarantee and a Lifetime Warranty which tells me the company stands behind the products they produce. I also like the fact that this company was “Born in the military and built for doers.” Now let’s look at the environments where I tested this pack.

Daily Urban Commute

For this phase I tested the pack’s ability to haul my “stuff” to work each day. Normally I use two bags, a small backpack and gym bag for all my gear. The Velox II allowed me to place all my gear in this one pack which features four main compartments with over 1600 cubic inches of storage space. I liked the multiple compression straps strategically placed on the pack to compress, trim down, and stabilize the load for transport. The size and multiple sub-compartments allowed me to organize my daily gear the way I wanted for easy access and transport.

Field Environment

For the field test I decided to take this pack on a 20 mile hike with 30 pounds of essential gear to sustain myself for 48 hours. Wow, I was impressed. First, I liked the location of the hydration sleeve which is external and located inside the padded area closest to my back. I used my own hydration bladder and had no problems. I also liked the padding on the back which provided cushioning from the load. The pack straps were padded and comfortable, came with a chest compression strap, and the waist strap was ample for the load carried. The four main compartments with loads of storage space and sub-compartments made it easy for me to arrange and organize my gear the way I wanted.

Weekend Trip

For this portion of the test I travelled by both plane and automobile with everything I would need for a comfortable getaway weekend to include my laptop and hygiene kit. The storage compartments were great. I put my laptop in the padded area where I would normally carry a water bladder in the field and I placed my hygiene kit in one of the external storage areas for easy access going through security. The bag is well laid out and easily fits into an overhead compartment. The ability to use the multiple compression straps strategically placed on the pack to compress, and trim down the pack ensures an easy fit in the overhead compartment on an aircraft.

Summary

This is the “Swiss Army knife of packs” and my new go-to pack.  I am so impressed with the quality… at such an unbelievable price point. It packs down small for shuttling my laptop and some office essentials or expands to a long-weekend hauler in seconds. The  the materials, stitching and webbing are without compromise. Great use of nylon, MOLLE, and YKK zippers. You can keep additional ammo, med kits, stripped MRE’s or anything else you want. Good for the gym, carry to work, or hiking in the outdoors.

Fully loaded

• PRODUCT SCORES
  Functionality: 5/5
  Weight: 5/5
  Durability: 5/5
  Cost: 5/5
  Comfort: 5/5
• PROS & CONS
  Pros

Extremely functional (Swiss Army Knife of packs).

Comfortable from the start

Lightweight, agile and durable

Cons

Belt – maybe more padding on the belt

Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.