Direct Action Dragon Egg MkII

At the IWA Show in Germany earlier this year, I spent some time with the Polish guys from Direct Action, checking out the updates to their pack line, and I have to say that things are moving on apace! I’ve been using their original Dust and Dragon Egg packs over the past couple of years, but new approaches mean that the new variations offer even more for the user.

The Direct Action line is a series of professional products dreamt up and brought to fruition by former Polish ‘SF’ guys, and their input really shows. The range includes kit made to the highest specification and features bags and rucs, MOLLE system pouches and accessories, head gear, tactical clothing and footwear. Designed with law enforcement and security personnel in mind, the Direct Action range, now steadily becoming more and more available, will answer the needs of all professional users.

As a tester for the original models, it was a real treat for me to receive the very latest DUST and DRAGON EGG models to try, courtesy of UK retailer Military1st who stock the entire pack line in multiple colourways, both block and in camouflage patterns.

Enter the Dragon

At 25L, the Dragon Egg MKII pack is absolutely perfect as a neat, day patrol pack. Made of durable and water resistant 500D Cordura material, and now available in a rather nice two-tone ‘look’, the Dragon Egg pack is a tactical, low-profile hydration backpack, perfect for tactical use. The pack comes with two hydration bladder compartments, a dedicated laptop storage compartment, an admin section with multiple inner sleeves and pockets, comfortably padded shoulder straps with added chest fastening for extra comfort, and a removable hip belt with quick release buckle. A very attractive laser-cut MOLLE/PALS compatible system and number of a lateral compression straps allow for high level of customisation and flexibility, while the multiple storage compartments offer a huge amount of carrying space; there’s even an awesome little paracord drag handle. Thanks to the egg shape, the pack is lower in height and narrower in width than other packs with a similar capacity and this makes it more comfortable with belt kits or ballistic vests.

Dust to dust

Again, made of durable and water resistant 500D Cordura fabric, the Dust MKII pack is the perfect tactical low-profile EDC hydration backpack. With a capacity of 20L, the pack comes with hydration bladder compartments, padded laptop storage compartment and large front admin organiser, with multiple inner pockets and a transparent map pocket. Padded shoulder straps and a removable hip belt allow for comfortable wear, even with belt kits or ballistic vests, while a laser-cut MOLLE/PALS section offers an additional platform for mounting of MOLLE accessories like water bottle pouches and first aid kits. Multiple side compression straps offer a high level of customisation and flexibility and allow the backpack to be adapted to the size of the carried kit, preventing it from shifting inside the bag. This uniquely flexible hydration pack represents a perfect storage solution for mission essentials, hydration bladders, EDC kit and laptops and is perfect as a one-day patrol pack or light travel bag.

Conclusion

The original Direct Action packs have proved massively functional and exceptionally durable, and the finish and quality of construction of both the upgraded packs is absolutely first rate; I’ve already loaded them and given them a good drag around and they show every sign of lapping up abuse and coming back for more!

If you’re in the market for a new ruc for 2018, then I’d suggest you take a very long, hard look at the latest Direct Action models; you’ll find the entire range at www.military1st.co.uk.