What is an assault pack and do you need one

Understanding Tactical Assault Packs and Their Uses

When people mention “assault pack,” they usually mean a small tactical backpack designed for carrying essential gear while maintaining mobility. These packs can’t hold as much as a full expedition backpack, but they offer more space than your pockets for carrying necessary items. For this discussion, we’ll consider anything less than 3,000 cubic inches (49 liters) as an assault pack. If it’s larger, it’s a backpacking pack, not an assault pack.

Weaknesses of Assault Packs

The primary drawback of an assault pack is its limited space. Preppers often struggle with carrying too much gear, and downsizing can be challenging. This limited capacity makes using an assault pack as an overnight bag difficult. For instance, the Condor Compact Assault Bag can hold your water, MRE, tarp, and hammock, but there won’t be space left for a sleeping bag. You’d need something like the SOL Escape Bivvy or invest in an ultra-light backpacker sleeping bag system. While nobody expects maximum comfort during a disaster, an assault pack simply doesn’t have enough room to carry everything needed for one or more nights outdoors without living minimally.

Strengths of Assault Packs

So, where do assault packs excel? They are best suited for everyday carry (EDC), portable medical kits, or patrol/sentry duty after a collapse. These packs are perfect for carrying ammunition, magazines, food rations, two water bottles, a poncho, maps, and radio gear, rather than attempting to use them as bug-out bags. They are also ideal for creating field hospital bags, allowing you to carry large amounts of medical gear for field use, such as bandages, Celox, gloves, eye rinses, tweezers, and medical shears.

Assault Pack Considerations

When shopping for the perfect assault pack, consider the following factors: space, color or pattern, fabric, and comfort. Make sure the pack provides enough space for your goals and easily blends in with wild environments for post-collapse situations. Also, choose a pack with a durable fabric that can withstand outdoor conditions, such as rain. Lastly, comfort matters; don’t pick a pack that painfully rubs your shoulders or neck, or limits your mobility.

Recommended Assault Packs

Mystery Ranch 2-Day Assault Pack

• Holds 27L
• Two water bottle pockets on each side
• MOLLE webbing for attaching extra pouches
• Weatherproofed zippers

Osprey Archeon 30

• Holds 30L
• Heavy-duty pack that can carry about 20 pounds of gear
• Known for comfort

Condor Compact Assault Pack

• Budget-friendly option
• Holds 23.9L
• MOLLE strapping for attaching additional pockets

Background Information

Assault packs are versatile tools with specific capabilities. They’re not ideal for overnight trips, but they excel in providing a proper balance of gear to mobility for day-to-day tasks. Let’s delve deeper into the world of assault packs

Uses of Assault Packs in Different Scenarios

Assault packs have various applications, such as EDC, post-collapse patrols, and portable medical kits. Here are some examples of how an assault pack can be beneficial in different situations:

Everyday Carry (EDC)

An assault pack can serve as an excellent EDC bag, holding essential items like a laptop, phone charger, snacks, and a change of clothes. These bags provide easy access to items, and their compact size makes them ideal for daily use.

Post-Collapse Patrols

In a post-collapse scenario, assault packs can be useful for carrying gear during patrols or reconnaissance missions. They can hold binoculars, scanners, radios, recording devices, notebooks, antennas, and other essential equipment, helping you stay prepared and mobile.

Portable Medical Kits

Assault packs can also be used as portable medical kits, carrying supplies like bandages, tourniquets, gloves, splints, and other first aid essentials. Their compact size and easy accessibility make them perfect for emergency situations, such as accidents or natural disasters.

Maintaining Your Assault Pack

To ensure your assault pack lasts and remains functional, proper maintenance is crucial. Here are some tips for keeping your assault pack in top shape:

Cleaning

Regularly clean your assault pack to remove dirt, dust, and stains. Use a mild soap and warm water to clean the exterior, then rinse it thoroughly. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents, as they can damage the fabric. Allow the pack to air dry completely before storing it.

Inspection

Periodically inspect your assault pack for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying seams, broken zippers, or damaged buckles. Address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure your pack remains functional.

Storage

Store your assault pack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration. Keep it away from sharp objects and heavy items to avoid damaging the fabric or buckles.

Customizing Your Assault Pack

>

One of the benefits of assault packs is their adaptability. Many packs come with MOLLE webbing or attachment points, allowing you to customize your pack to fit your specific needs. Here are some ideas for personalizing your assault pack:

Additional Pouches

Add MOLLE-compatible pouches to your assault pack to increase storage capacity and organization. Choose pouches designed for specific items, such as water bottles, flashlights, or medical supplies.

Attachment Points

Utilize the attachment points on your assault pack to secure items like carabiners, paracord, or other gear that you may need quick access to during your activities.

Custom Patches

Add custom patches or name tapes to your assault pack to personalize it and make it easily identifiable. Choose patches that represent your interests, affiliations, or simply your name.

What Tactical Enclave thinks about Tactical Assault packs

Tactical Assault packs are versatile and valuable tools when used correctly. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you

can effectively utilize them in various situations, such as EDC, post-collapse patrols, or portable medical kits. Proper maintenance and customization can help you keep your assault pack functional and personalized to fit your specific needs. With the right approach, an assault pack can be an indispensable part of your gear, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a first responder, or a survivalist preparing for potential emergencies.