The Matbock Scepter Jump Assault Pack – a symbol of authority

The Scepter is a symbol of authority and the Matbock Scepter Jump Assault Pack is well named; it is a variant of the 1 Day Assault Pack also made by Matbock but specifically reinforced and designed for jump operations.  This pack is built to withstand tremendous abuse; I would say it is “operator proof,” emblematic of the elite units it was designed to serve.

In keeping with their motto of “Lighter Faster Warriors,” the pack is made of MATBOCK Ghost Lite fabric, a proprietary composite material that is extremely lightweight and water-resistant, with high tear strength.  The fabric is nearly four times stronger and half the weight of similar alternative fabrics. The pack comes with a shoulder yoke system that is adjustable vertically to accommodate plates or other gear mounted on the back.

The main compartment is designed to hold a PRC-117G radio with a several small admin pouches on the inside.  On the inside top portion of the pack there is an attachment point for a water bladder and on the top of the main pouch there are two antenna ports or other ports that can be closed off when not in use.

All strapping is either continuous or connected in the backing of the pack including two connection loops meant for attachment to the parachute harness itself via release lines. Additionally, the system has a one pull release system for a primary weapon system. The weapon is mounted and jumped in the horizontal position and then can be released with one pull to give the jumper instant access to the primary weapon, if necessary. The belly band of the parachute mounts across the top third of the pack, just above the primary weapon, to keep it secure during the jump. The entire front flap of the containment system is released by this mechanism. For easy stowage, the flap can be snapped back into place instead of reweaving the pull handle.  The pack also allows integration with the S&S precision navigation board across the back via webbing and Velcro.

Four characteristics stood out for me with this pack; comfort and fit, volume, accessibility, and useful features.

First, let’s look at the comfort and fit of this pack. This pack is made for short duration operations but you want something you can wear comfortably that will not limit movement. There is no hip strap.  I loved the shoulder yoke system which is adjustable vertically to accommodate plates or other gear mounted on the back. The widths of the straps are ample and there is plenty of padding to cushion the weight. The airflow on the back is good and there are no hard elements within the bag to rub or poke into you. The internal volume of this pack is minimal but that is by design.  The pack is big enough to carry mission essential gear and the bare essentials. I also found the pack nice fitting with excellent accessibility to stored gear and several separate, smaller compartments for storing smaller subgroups of items. This pack also contained a number of useful features one being the ability to integrate a hydration bladder. The bladder system makes it easy to carry large amounts of water over long distances. Since you will be exerting yourself, keeping properly hydrated will be essential to keep you moving as fast and as far as possible.

Summary

This pack is so well-built I called it the “Rock.” This pack is a comfortable, one day assault pack, built to endure parachute operations. The pack is expensive but when your life depends on your gear – get the gear that is going to bring you home. I am highly impressed with the MATBOCK Ghost Lite fabric, a proprietary composite material that is extremely lightweight, water-resistant, with high tear strength. You will not find another pack of this quality on the market today.

• PRODUCT SCORES
  Functionality: 5/5
  Weight: 5/5
  Durability: 5/5
  Cost: 5/5
  Comfort: 5/5

From Matbok: A variant of the 1 Day Assault Pack, the Scepter Jump Assault Pack is specifically reinforced and designed for jump operations.  All strapping is either continuous or connected in the backing of the pack to include the two connection loops meant for attachment to the parachute itself via release lines. Additionally, the system has a 1 pull release system for a primary weapon system. The weapon is mounted and jumped in the horizontal position and then can be released with one pull to give the jumper instant access to the primary weapon if necessary. The belly band of the parachute mounts across the top third of the pack, just above the primary weapon to keep it secure during the jump. The entire front flap of the containment system is released by this mechanism. For easy stowage, the flap can be snapped back into place instead of reweaving the pull handle.  The pack also allows integration with the SS precision jump board across the back via webbing and Velcro.

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.