We do a lot of load carriage systems content at Spotter Up, and I think its for a good reason. Other than your Line 1 gear, this part of your kit is probably the most critical. It gets your essential equipment into the mission, keeps it there, and effects the sustainment of any team or their capabilities. While some of the equipment can possibly have some redundancy, the load bearing gear has to perform under pressure at all times and without fail. When pipe hitters at Chase Tactical sent us the Elite Ops Pegasus Assault Pack by Warrior Assault Systems (WAS), I have to be honest – I was looking for a perfect assault pack. I realized that much like any essential gear, no such thing exists.

Demands of the missions and requirements of the individual will never stay the same, and even if you build one from scratch yourself, at some point you will realize that one more or one less feature would have been better. This realization is always better achieved in training. Before you start wandering about the origin of the name, the Pegasus is a mythical winged “stallion” horse, originating in Greek mythology. As someone who is into equine everything minus pink unicorns, the analogy of lightweight and kicking ass is not lost on this writer.

The first impressions of the pack is that it is straight forward. I would by no means call it simple, but it utilizes a direct approach to functionality. It reminded me of the USMC issued FILBE assault pack. Like the later, the Pegasus is freaking solid. True to typical WAS designs and reviews so far, the materials, stitching and webbing are without compromise. The top handle/strap is actually sewn all the way around the pack. The shoulder pads integrate support webbing over the entire length. There is no skimping on the 1000D nylon, MOLLE, or YKK zippers.

I don’t know if they switched to a new style or what, but they seem more smooth than usual. Smooth and quiet as if oiled. The size of the Pegasus is rated at about 23 Liters capacity, and is a true assault pack in that regard. While some may also refer to this style of pack as “day pack” or “12 hour pack”, I think assault pack is true to the definition and design of the Pegasus. My preference is work-specific, and thus the focus of the application is not as an overnight bag or something to swing at the office, while it would certainly stand up to anything.

The MOLLE of WAS Pegasus is ample. I attached the WAS IFAK and a TT double rifle magazine pouch to either side. Both proved stable and accessible, including while running hills and with the pack on the user. A key feature which in my opinion makes this a more functional assault pack is having the smaller outside pocket on the bottom of the pack. The user can access it almost entirely, depending on build and kit configuration, and the pocket is perfectly suited for immediate grab-and-go of additional ammo, med kits, stripped MRE’s and drag lines.

The lower compartment also has a couple of smaller pockets for more traditional uses, and will fit extra batteries, tape, and small tools. The upper slash/stash pocket is a simple zipper, and gives access to a silky-smooth storage space which is perfect for, you guessed it- Silkies. OK, anything like name tape, patches, food bars, tacticool scarf or whatever. The same upper area of the pack has a small Velcro patch on the outside. This is the only area of the pack with Velcro, and while I enjoy the minimalist design, I would also appreciate a slightly larger Velcro panel or two areas on the pack where either a flag, name tape or IR patch could be placed.

The top outside compartment of the pack is pure function. It allows dedicated space for comms accessories, pens, lights, ammunition, magazine pockets, tools and so on. I love that there aren’t too many zippers or pockets anywhere, and everything that is there, is usable. The main interior pocket is no different. A solid clam-shell full opening design with two mesh zippered pockets, and a hydration carrier space toward the back. The hydration is a buckled compartment, which also fits a small laptop or tablet. I used a 3L Source bladder and it fit easy but snug. Hydration tubes can come out on either side at the top of the pack, or in the middle under the carry handle. Either can also be used as antenna ports. The reinforced back panel which retains the hydration, keeps it from flopping around. It is unique that the inside mesh pockets are not a typical light netting which you are afraid to rip. They feel more like finishing net, and have stood up to anything I could put there.

photos: Warrior Assault Systems Elite Ops Pegasus with OV Innovations Cache

The WAS Pegasus fit nicely on the back, with or without full kit, and while doing normal and more strenuous movement. The back has a dedicated “spacer mesh” as well, which is shaped toward the edges to allow for comfort and air flow. While I felt no real strain with the 40 or so pounds of weight in the pack, I think it would still be as comfortable with less padding in the mesh areas, and a closed foam similar to that in the middle. In testing, the mesh got packed with snow, and while not a big deal either way, I would prefer if moon dust or sand stayed out of it. I think that with full kit the comfort factors are less noticeable with any load system. With that in mind, the air circulation is very effective if worn over a combat shirt or a mid-layer. The mesh itself is also strong, despite my initial concern. I actually got it snagged during use, and it held true.

The Elite Ops Pegasus doesn’t have a waist/sternum strap. None is needed, since the user is likely to wear with line 1 or 2 gear which will negate it, but also because the amount of weight typically associated with an assault pack doesn’t require it. Less weight and straps to snag during the mission contributes to the light and fast assault evolution. I mention this only because some may look for it. The shoulder straps do offer a nice chest strap, which is plenty long and uses an elastic piece. This definitely adds during movement with full kit, and is easy to adjust.

The Pegasus is stable and comfortable as mentioned, and utilizes heavy duty shoulder straps. Again, the tough as nails design is evident here, and the straps offer adjustment options, and quick release ITW buckles. I was initially unable to adjust the straps to where I wanted them, and contacted WAS via Chase Tactical. I got an almost immediate response, that the shoulder straps are a one time adjustment for a particular user. In checking the design of what would normally be load lifters, I noticed that while they cinch up the top of the pack to the straps, they are not intended to function as traditional load lifters. After several adjustment attempts and checking with other users, my opinion is that the padded area of the straps is somewhat shorter than other models. While the padded area still rests sufficiently on user’s shoulders, I wish that the middle of the pad would rest more on the shoulder.

As it sits, the load is more set on the end of the shoulder strap, which for me also placed the release buckles in the area where I normally keep my hands or hold on to the straps. They never failed, but with this being the case, I would tape or cover the buckles with some form of webbing dominator. The later would probably be preferable to tape, as I used the buckles several times to remove the pack with the full kit on. So my only wish for WAS is that the shoulder straps pads are made longer, and the buckles include a securing tab or Velcro to cover them. An easy way to address this DIY, is to place a set of plate carrier shoulder pads over lower end of the straps. A really nice touch on the straps is the extra long adjustment webbing, which runs through the buckles secured to the straps. While not necessarily intended for that use, I was able to adjust this on the fly and bring the Pegasus closer to my back. The actual length adjustment on the straps is very generous.

Another unique feature of the Pegasus, is that its a smaller version of WAS Elite Ops Predator. Its reminiscent of the classic ALICE ruck, where you had one design but three different sizes So if you’re happy with the function and set up of one but need it for a longer mission or higher load, the muscle memory and set-up is too easy. As a public service announcement, we decided to offer a unique top secret glimpse into the contents of the pack, typically carried by your almost average high speed grunt. The video is available on our social media. You don’t need to buy monthly subscriptions either, and we think your friendly higher speed operators would agree.

With OVI frontThe Warrior Assault Systems Elite Ops Pegasus pack is a straight forward design, with just enough advanced features to make it high speed, without the unnecessary. At $186-$203 depending on features, it is a super deal, backed by outstanding warranty and customer service. It is available in Multicam, Coyote, ATACS AU and FG, OD Green and black. You can get yours at Chase Tactical  or below

[amazon_link asins=’B00P2GDGHQ’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’spoup-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’802b28a4-33b1-11e8-a99e-c7710acb797a’]

• Cost 5/5 About expected for this kind of item
• Comfort 5/5
• Durability 5/5 Good quality gear
• Functionality 4/5
• Weight 5/5 
• Overall Rating 24/25

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.