“Excursions” series
All over the year, in particular during summer season, mountains, valleys and pine forests become a popular destination for plenty of excursionists. “Excursions” is a series of 5 weekly articles to prepare yourself optimally for your outdoor activities from trekking to camping, with suggestions on clothing and equipment: which are the best fabrics to wear, which backpack model to choose, the necessary technologies for footwear, the many functionalities of the multi-tools. The series will end with an article on a topic you asked us to cover, i.e. how to prepare your survival kit - that we wrote taking a cue from the precious suggestions of professional military operators.
Article 2 of 5
When you need extra space: three models of Vertx® backpacks
In case of excursions (and also missions), the dimensions as well as the functionality of your backpack shall be perfectly adherent to your needs. When you need extra space, it is essential to choose a comfortable backpack model, which lets your center of gravity be firm even in case of heavy loads, allowing you to proceed smoothly in your outdoor activity. For those who need a backpack spacious enough to carry everything required, in this article we will compare three models of Vertx® backpack and their main features.
Key Points
• Overlander
• Contingency Duffel Bag
• Gamut
Brief introduction: for those who do not know it, Vertx® is an American company of the Fechheimer brand that, since 1842, produces uniforms for military and public security operators in America. Vertx® was created to respond to the request from one of the main federal agencies for more functional, comfortable and low-profile tactical pants; after the excellent performance and the strong appreciation shown by the industry in the sector, Vertx® has specialized in the development of tactical and low profile lines of clothing, equipment and bags / backpacks. Hard to find in Italy – especially in the most popular sizes/colors and in the latest models –, most of Vertx's® Low Visibility, Outerwear, Tactigami™ and Backpack products in different sizes, colors and more recent models are available for the Italian B2C market only on Tactyka®.
Image 1: Vertx® logo
• Overlander
The essential criteria to choose the right backpack are actually quite simple: robustness, internal capacity and accessibility. The first model is the Overlander, which we could call the extra-large version of its 'ancestor' Gamut Overland, thanks to the addition of depth to the CCW compartment.
Built with high-quality materials and solid components (all critical seams and attachment points are made of nylon thread for added durability), it has a capacity of 45 liters, ensuring ample space to carry everything you need. Adjustable padded shoulder straps with multiple attachment points for key accessories and stabilizer strap allow you to distribute weight correctly, while 3D molded foam back panel with new low profile design makes the carrying super comfortable.
Accessibility, precisely because of the large capacity offered by this model, is essential to make the backpack practical: the central compartment with 180 ° opening, the Rapid Access Pull tab that can be swapped from zipper to zipper for a customized configuration, the upper pocket together with the two side pockets and the double central pocket (all external), allow quick access to the gear, and the light-colored interior improves visibility of the content.
Equipped with Tactigami Double Admin Panel (click here to check out all the Tactigami™ you can configure) and adjustable stretch water bottle pockets, it is suitable for prolonged excursions or as a 3Day pack.
Image 2: Overlander in (respectively) Black, Royal Blue and Brick Red colors
• Contingency Duffel Bag
Equally spacious, ideal especially if the transport needs are different (other types of equipment with large or non-compressible dimensions), the Contingency Duffel Bag fulfills this task by offering a 45 liter or 85 liter version.
This capacious travel bag has different transport options with padded handles and shoulder straps: it can be worn as a backpack, over the shoulder or carried by hand, by changing the carrying straps to quickly switch from one mode to another.
The robust construction of this bag allows you to safely carry heavy loads, while the integrated organizational features help you keeping the equipment organized and tidy. The main compartment, with a "U" shaped access opening, features shockproof padding on the bottom and both sides, while the full-length zippered side compartment has a ring-lined panel, four large drop-in organizer pockets, four pen/flashlight slots, a zippered mesh pocket and a key ring clip.
This bag represents a perfect solution also for training days at shooting range as a range bag, thanks to the large VELCRO® panels to position the holster and other Tactigami™ and the maxi-final pocket that conceals the padded and quick-access weapon case, compatible with loads up to 20 inches long.
Image 3: Contingency Duffel Bag 45 liters
• Gamut
Another backpack as robust and practical yet smaller, most suitable for day trips, is the Gamut, available both in the classic bestseller version 2.0, and in the latest 3.0 model, both with 25 liter capacity. Let's find out more about the common features and differences between these two 'cousin' backpacks.
Both are equipped with:
- Convertible front flap behind the MOLLE panel, to change the appearance of the backpack from tactical to low profile and vice versa in a few seconds;
- G-hooks to prevent accidental opening and increase the transport load;
- Main compartment with 180° opening;
- Padded and adjustable shoulder straps and adjustable waist belt that tucks away when not in use - which we have seen to be both fundamental accessories for a correct weight distribution, especially in case of excursion;
- Stretch water pockets;
- 3-D molded foam back panel (with the difference that, in the 3.0, it has a new low profile design);
- Both are compatible with laptops up to 15".
On the other hand, the main differences are:
- The Rapid Access Pull tab for quick access to the tools, which in the case of 3.0 can be swapped from zipper to zipper for a completely customized EDC configuration;
- The Velcro CCW, compatible with ballistic panels and other Tactigami™ accessories, which in the case of 3.0 has been made more spacious;
- In the 3.0, the padded modular case for the laptop is adjustable via a tear-off tab;
- Lastly, the Tactigami™ Double Admin Panel is included in 3.0.
If you want to see Overlander, Contingency Duffel Bag, Gamut and all other Vertx backpack models available on Tactyka, click here.
Image 4: Tactigami™ Double Admin Panel included in the Gamut 3.0
This is the second article of the “Excursions” series, which continues on our blog Tactykal Tips with three more not-to-miss articles! Coming soon: the necessary technologies for good outdoor shoes.
If you want to read the previous article of this series on fabrics and technologies ideal for summer season, click here.
If you have any curiosity, send us an email to info@tactyka.com with the topic you want to know more about.