Tasmanian Tiger Backpacks

As a premium supplier of professional military and police equipment, all Tasmanian Tiger products are made of the very best quality fabrics and components with the best functionality. Their comprehensive development work is always based on the user’s specific needs and requirements. From prototype to series production, all products are manufactured in the company’s own production facilities. This ensures that a consistently high level of quality is maintained. Every step in the production process, from purchasing materials to manufacture to the final checks, is precisely defined and checked regularly by independent test centres to international standards. Every product is checked before it leaves production and is given a serial number that is then stored in the company’s own database.

My first choice from them is a TT CHEST RIG MK II PC. A real quality chest rig made in 500D Cordura, it comes with four integrated magazine pouches and two utility pouches, and on top of that you can of course attach an infinite number of additional MOLLE compatible pouches to meet your own personal requirements. The four integrated magazine pouches with adjustable Velcro flaps, can hold the majority of magazines currently in use, and the two utility pouches on the sides can each handle a one-litre water bottle. The rig is designed with the option to carry ballistic side plates and is covered with MOLLE webbing for attaching extra pouches; Tasmanian Tiger offer an extensive range of different pouches to go with the rig. There’s a large map pouch on the inside, a removable bib with a small document pouch on the inside, and the whole thing is lined with 3D mesh. The H-style shoulder straps feature quick release buckles on both ends, and there’s a generous amount of adjustment in both height and width.

Devlishly Good

In terms of packs, Tasmanian Tiger offer an extensive range to cover all eventualities, but three specific models really caught my eye. The MKIII RAID is their flagship ‘gear lugger’ and it’s a classic military backpack with their new V2 plus carrying system. It extends the application range and flexibility with a removable hip belt and the greater adjustability of the back length. The MISSION Pack constructed in 500D Cordura is, at 37L, a bit of a classic patrol pack, with enough space for a few day’s worth of operational equipment. It offers a large main compartment, a large zipped compartment with an attaching point for a hydration bladder on the inside; an exit point for the hydration tube is found on the top, just beneath a sturdy carry handle. On the front is another large compartment with four antenna/cable ports, three open compartments, a zippered mesh pouch and a clip for keys. A flat compartment on the back with zips on the sides has yet more antenna/comms ports in both upper corners, and an even flatter zippered pouch on the back is great for storing notes, maps, or even a notebook computer. Last but not least is a zipped compartment on the bottom, which houses an OD Green rain cover.

On a Mission

The MISSION has acres of MOLLE webbing and some Velcro patches for insignia on the outside. The main compartment can be compressed with side straps for secure carriage of varying loads and there is a comfortably padded back with an internal support frame. The ergonomic shoulder straps are well padded and fully adjustable both at the top and bottom for a comfortable set-up. There’s a sternum strap with a neat emergency whistle buckle and a padded waist belt with two small zippered pouches, also fully removable. Last but by no means least, and again made in 500D Cordura, the ESSENTIAL pack is a small 6L all-round daypack. It features two compression straps around the whole pack, MOLLE panels on the back and side, a webbing carry handle, and comfortable yet now-profile shoulder straps, again featuring the sternum strap with an integrated emergency whistle buckle. The pack is simply one large compartment with a hydration bladder pocket, and makes a superb ‘grab bag’; the fact that it weighs just 480g is a bonus in itself!

Tasmanian Tiger are gradually making well-deserved in-roads into the UK, and all the models here are becoming more easily available from some quality stockists. All the packs and tactical gear are available in multiple colour options, including camouflaged versions so there’s something in the range to suit an environmental requirement.

Thus far in my testing I’ve been very impressed by the build-quality and attention to detail in all the models, and the comfort levels for all are very high indeed. If you are in the market for a new pack or chest rig, then I would thoroughly recommend you check out http://en.tasmaniantiger.info where you’ll find further details of both the products themselves and UK stockist details.