Viper 25 litre recon bag

Designed to carry various size loads conveniently and comfortably, the Viper Recon Bag is made from a tough 600D polyester fabric, and has a main compartment measuring some 17” x 9” x 3” (43cm x 23cm x 7.5cm) with a chunky double-ended coil zip closure running around both sides and the top.  On the side against the wearer’s back, there is a zip-closed mesh pocket some 7” deep and 9” wide at the top, narrowing to 5.5” wide at the base.  On the other, padded “front” side there is an open-topped pocket approx 9” x 9”.  At the top there are twin “antennae holes” with Velcro-closed flaps for your radio (that can be carried in the pocket).

Mounted on the front of the main compartment there is a secondary compartment approx 16” x 9” x 1” with a chunky double-ended zip running from approx one-third the way up the sides and over the top of the compartment.

Inside this compartment, on the “back” side, there is an open-topped pocket some 7” x 4.5” faced with twin open-topped mesh pockets.

Mounted on the face of the secondary compartment are 2 pockets, one above the other.  The top pocket measures 4” x 7” x 2” with a curved top and has a single ended coil zip running from 1.5” from the pocket base, round to 1.5” from the base the other side.

The lower pocket measures approx 10” x 7” x 2” with a single pullered coil zip running from half-way up one side, over the top to half-way down the other, while inside, on the “back” are an open-topped pocket approx 5.5” x 6” faced with 3 pen pockets and a 3” wide open-topped pocket.  A key keeper on a webbing strap is also found in this pocket.

The face of the lower pocket features the fully adjustable, quick-release buckle closed main closure/helmet holder/compression strap which divides into 2 straps above the buckle to join the top of the main compartment either side of the top grab handle.

The front of the front pockets, sides of the main and secondary compartments and base of the secondary compartment have webbing loops that can be used to mount Viper Modular Pouches and most Molle compatible pouches, while under the base there are fully adjustable straps that can be used to compress small loads or attach extra kit, and each side of the bag there are 2 side compression straps that have quick-release buckles and which can also act as extra kit attachments.

Behind the padded back contact panel there is a compartment designed to hold a hydration bladder.  There are Velcro “fur” panels to locate the bladder and a hose hole (with Velcro closed flap) at the top under the grab handle.  This compartment closes with a coil zip running across the top and one side.

Webbing

As well as the padded and chevron stitched (for ventilation) back contact panel, the bag’s harness comprises “S” shaped padded shoulder straps with “D” rings and webbing loops for mounting more kit, (and possible a sternum strap) and a mesh body contact fabric, and an unpadded but fully-adjustable half inch wide webbing waist stability strap with a quick release buckle.

As you might imagine from the list of attachment and compression straps, this bag is capable of carrying a wide range of loads – and carry them in surprising comfort at that!

The narrow/deep design allows ease of passage through doorways or thick brush, while the variety of pockets allows clear organisation and retrieval of small items.

I have found the Viper Recon Bag versatile, comfortable and made from strong materials and components to the standards you have come to expect from Viper. Available in Olive Green or Black, the Viper Recon Bag costs around £39.95 and offers great versatility.