I originally hoped to publish this review pre Black Friday, so that the reader could take advantage of the Military 1st sales and holiday deals. But the reality is that their prices are amazing all year and the seasonal sales are still going. Not to mention the amazing selection which can help anyone set up anything from a basic kit, to a solid mission package. If you read the previous reviews highlighting products sent to use by Military 1st, you know I am a big fan. Not only are the prices and selection awesome, so is the customer service. This one focuses on two backpacks by Highlander Forces. A Highlander Eagle 1 and its bigger brother Highlander Eagle 2. Both are part of a family of several similar mission packs by Highlander Forces, all of which come in a coyote tan, black, gray, and HMTC, a Euro version of Multicam.OCP.

Highlander Forces is a product line of Highlander Outdoors, a company which has more than proven itself over the years with their camping and outdoor lines. The Forces is focused product line of combat-proven equipment. Another reason for the extra time frame I took to write this, is the fact that I truly enjoyed beating Eagle 1 and Eagle 2 packs. Over several weeks I used them for everything from Every Day Carry (EDC), to weapon carry, to mission specific heavier load outs and kicking the packs from ATVs, trucks, tactical vehicles, and in environments  ranging from freezing snow to moderate camping and hiking. The packs stood up beautifully with not so much as a loose thread.

In the past, I mentioned that I much prefer liters to cubic inches as a functional comparative for load carriage. My opinion has not changed. I feel this offers consistency across the brands and is an easy reference.  It is further practical to discern that a 20 liter pack is perfectly suitable as an lite EDC, CCW or go bag. If you’re inclined to carry more for a day hike or a 2 day mission, 30 liters is just about perfect. Of course, everything is relative to the user, and I have included as many photos with a variety of load out examples as possible. To reference it another way, 30 liters will put the user just below a traditional “3 day” pack. Again, depending on the requirements.

Both packs feature a very similar, almost uniform design. This not only makes it easy to pack up or down, but if used for an actual mission or work tasking, provides uniform methods of access. This becomes critical under stress, in low light environments, and especially where you have to keep eyes forward, while accessing the contents.

Both packs feature oversized zipper pulls, side pockets, perfectly comfortable shoulder straps, and a non-removable plastic insert/stiffener. Also uniform is the main access full clam shell pocket and a front side zipper which allow access to same, front loop panel, carry handles and strap adjustments. The Eagle 2 adds an elastic exterior front pocket, which is amazingly handy for rain gear, IFAK, or a quick snack. I am typically not a big fan of non-removable stiffeners, but in this case, I think the option is perfect. It adds a light, flexible and truly functional feature to add in heavier loads, and make lighter loads feel feather-like. When I say that I abused these packs, I mean it, particularly the Eagle 2. I loaded that pack with as much weight and volume as I needed, and added some kit just because. The Eagle 2 is incredibly comfortable and versatile under load. It also offers a waist belt, with two pockets perfect for snacks, handgun magazines, batteries, or whatever you may need to grab in a hurry

Both packs offer hydration pockets. The Eagle 1 is ideal for a 2 liter water bladder, while the Eagle 2 accommodates up to 3L. Each also features an attachment for the bladder/water source on of course hydration ports. Carry handles are sturdy on both packs, and can be grabbed easily with full winter gloves. Also pretty slick, is the sliding sternum strap adjustment, which has plenty of room to work with and slides effortlessly.

What truly amazed me, were the zippers. I don’t know if Highlander Outdoor uses their own or an outside supplier, but these suckers were as smooth as an ice rink after a Zamboni licked it. And consistently so. Quiet, silky and reliable. Zero snag and perfect access to the fun stuff. One thing I usually prefer are cinch straps. Something to offer additional level of support for the zippered access, security in attaching some items, and a means to compress the pack. While this is offered on Eagle 1 and  not necessary for either of these packs simply because the zippers are so impressive, it is easily added by the user to Eagle 2, if desired. Rather than adding a paracord to zipper pulls to mark certain compartments or allow for faster access as I usually do, I used a piece of hockey skate lace. Again, entirely user preference.

The Highlander Forces Eagle 1 and Eagle 2 feature a removable interior accessory pocket which is ideal for smaller items such as notebooks, pens, chargers, keys etc…  The exterior is water repellent, includes a couple of universal MOLLE rows as a utility.

Both packs feature a smaller top utility pocket, and Eagle 2 – an inversely mounted interior mesh pocket. The later is quiet unique in that once the main compartment is opened and the pocket exposed, you access it from the bottom. While this may take some getting used to, it is an excellent idea which keeps the items secure when the lid is flipped open.

The Eagle series of packs from Highlander Forces are excellent options for low key functional but not tactical/tacticool in appearance load carrying, including Eagle 3, which steps up the volume to 40L, adding the straps for heavier loads and a bottom accessible space. At the current price of $50.96 for Eagle 1and $63.71 for Eagle 2, the bang for the buck of this Scottish slayer is hard to beat. Having now worked with Highlander Outdoor and Highlander Forces camping, clothing and packs, with Military 1st being the sole US supplier,  I am a loyal fan of both.

For value, functionality and quality, the Eagle 1 and Eagle 2 by Highlander Tactical, and supplied by Military 1st, rate 5 out of 5.

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.