Several months ago, I got the Vertx Ready Pack 2.0. The timing was perfect as my son had just stolen (ahem borrowed) my Patagonia pack that I had been using on a daily basis. I’ve been using my Vertx EDC Courier as my work briefcase which I love. You can read my review on that here. So I was excited to try out a new Vertx bag and had high expectations for it. It has met and exceeded all of those expectations.

Too many EDC packs draw attention to the wearer with their “tacticool” molle, Velcro and solid ranger green/coyote or black colors. Vertx makes EDC packs that are ready to carry on a college campus and blend in with all the other packs, while providing outstanding design and engineering for your specific EDC needs.

Construction

Vertx makes these bags extremely well. They include US-made Velcro and loop lining. The molded mesh back panel is more durable and cooler than in previous iterations. The new mesh used inside admin pockets is abrasion resistant and critical seams and attachment points are all bartacked. The fabric overall is robust and durable and after several months of daily use, shows no wear. Vertx provides the bag in multiple colorways, from standard Multicam to colors that would seamlessly blend in to any suburban environment.

Details

The shoulder straps are adjustable with 1919 webbing and a sternum strap. The waist belt too is adjustable and I can tuck it away when not needed. Both are well padded and well stitched. The back panel has a pass through that fits over a roller bag carry handle should that be needed.

Directly behind the back panel is the EDC/weapons compartment. It is not concealed in any real sense, but rather low profile yet easily accessible. A large rapid access pull-tab is attached to the heavy-duty zipper, so I can easily access the compartment with one hand while the bag is still slung over my shoulder. The compartment will hold an SBR/AR pistol as long as the overall length is under 18 inches with the stock folded. Likewise, it holds standard pistols and mags, especially when used with Vertx’ Tactigami accessories or other hook and loop holsters. If you do not have a need for a weapon, you can use it for a hydration bladder or other items stored in Velcro-backed pouches.

The back panel opens fully (clamshell), providing access to the entire EDC compartment. Inside the EDC compartment is a bottom Velcro opening to access the frame sheet and swap it out for a ballistic panel. It is not super easy or convenient to access it, so I would not plan on changing it out very frequently.

Moving to the main compartment you will see the bulk of the primary storage capacity of the pack’s 20 liters. A laptop sleeve easily holds a 14 inch laptop, and while the specs note it will hold a 15 inch I think that would be stretching it (literally). A few horizontal tool sleeves and a mesh admin pocket round out the main compartment. Everything is backed in loop fabric for adding additional Velcro pouches if desired. Additionally, a Hot-pull tab can be configured for rapid access to the main compartment.

There is a second full length compartment in front of the main compartment. The front flap of this compartment is tuckable and leaves the looped-faced molle panel exposed for rapid access to any items you might mount there such as an IFAK. This also changes the overall appearance of the bag, moving closer to a more tactical look.

Finally, the admin pouch on the front has multiple vertical tool sleeves and another mesh admin pouch, as well as a loop ID patch on the bottom front of the compartment. The water bottle pockets on either side are definitely handy, holding most sizes of water bottles or even a spare pair of shoes.

Add Ons

For extra security, you may want to consider adding ballistic protection in the EDC panel compartment I mention above. A couple of very solid armor manufacturers provide purpose built panels for many Vertx bags. Both Premier Body Armor and Dfndr Armor make panels and plates that fit the Vertx Ready Pack. I have been carrying the Premier Body Armor panel (separate review coming soon) IIIA panel specifically made for this bag and it fits perfectly, while only adding 24 ounces.

Bottomline

I have carried this bag almost daily for several months now. I have alternated between using it as my primary travel carryon, as well as using it as my gym bag. In both cases it serves those roles admirably. It is comfortable, stylish and imminently practical. It is easy to access my EDC tools when necessary, but equally easy to swap out for a different layout when I want.

This bag will stay in my daily rotation and should I ever need to replace it, Vertx is the first place I will turn to for my next one.

You can order your Ready Pack 2.0 directly from Vertx

From the manufacturer

Stay Equipped, Organized and Prepared for Anything

Keep your essential everyday gear organized and your CCW readily accessible in a Ready backpack that can change its appearance to keep you under the radar. Tuck the unassuming front flap away for a quick conversion to a different appearance and access to gear loaded on the concealed MOLLE panel. Plenty of slots and pockets and several VELCRO^® Brand loop panels keep smaller tools and admin materials securely stashed until you need them.

FEATURES

• Weapon-compatible concealed carry platform with loop lining and a Rapid Access Pull tab
• Concealed carry platform accepts ballistic panels
• Convertible front flap stows behind loop-faced MOLLE webbing panel to provide ready access to items mounted there and to rapidly change the bag’s appearance
• Main compartment opens wide for access to a tablet pouch, a large zippered pocket, seven admin slots and loop facing for Tactigami™ and other hook and loop-compatible accessories
• Hot-Pull Tab can be set up for quick access to the main compartment
• Admin section features four vertical tool and implement slots, a zippered mesh pouch
• Stretch side pockets securely cinch water bottles or similarly-sized necessities
• 3-D molded foam back panel enhances airflow and comfort and has a pass-through for rolling luggage handles
• Multiple strategically-located and Tactigami^™-compatible loop panels
• Adjustable shoulder straps with 1919 webbing and sternum strap
• Adjustable waist belt tucks away when not in use
• Hydration bladder compatible with dual hose pass-through ports
• Light-colored interior improves interior visibility
• Loop ID patch at bottom of front admin pocket
• Accommodates up to 15” laptop

SIZE:

• 18”H x 14”W x 6”d
• Capacity: 20 liters

CONSTRUCTION:

• Bonded nylon thread throughout with critical seams and attachment points bartacked for extra durability
• VELCRO^® Brand loop for top-of-the-line retention of Tactigami™ and other hook and loop-compatible accessories (accessories sold separately)
• YKK^® self-repairing nylon coil zippers throughout
• Quiet positive-grip zipper pull-tabs
• 3-D molded foam back panel and laptop insert
• Abrasion-resistant mesh used on internal pockets

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, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.