Viper 25L Recon Bag

Military-type packs are also ideal for we hunters as the role they fill is about the same! Manufactured from 600D nylon the Viper Recon is a good compromise material for this type of bag as it’s tough and light. At 25L you’d not think it’d carry that much but it’s a good day sack plus offers external stowage too. Visually it looks like the Maxpedition Falcon II, but then again this seems to be the current style!

The build offers three compartments, a full-length main with two on the outside. The main measures 17 X 10 X 4 ½”, the lower second is smaller as the zip doesn’t reach all the way to the base and measures 10 ½ X 8 X 2”. The top pocket uses a single zip fastener and measures 4 X 7 X 2”. The sides are reinforced by a pair of adjustable, QD buckle compression strap, which can also be used to hang extra gear off. Already I was liking what I was seeing with the ability to prioritise stowage as to ready-use items.

Inside

The top pocket is plain inside, whereas the bottom has an open top slip pocket with pen holders, a compass pouch and what some term a ‘key keeper’ on a webbing strap. The middle section has an elasticated slip pocket facing you and two mesh pockets on the outside of this. The main and largest compartment has an internal mesh pocket on the inner of the clam shell and a smaller lower cut off V-shaped pocket. Here you’ll notice military features such as a radio antenna slit.

There’s a grab handle at the top and the front and sides are covered with webbing loops for attaching Viper and Molle compatible pouches. A pocket behind you, in contact with your back, can hold a hydration bladder. The harness is well designed with a padded mesh back, ergonomically contoured shoulder straps with D-Rings and webbing loops for mounting kit in small pouches such as mobiles, radios, knife etc…

Out

Adding to this are QD buckled, adjustable, waist belt and sternum strap. For extra security there’s a QD Y-harness that covers the back of the pack. When full this narrow/deep design sits comfortably on the back, all pockets and compartments are PVC-lined so anything stored is well protected from the elements. Build quality is superb and without a doubt this is one of the most versatile, comfortable to wear packs of its type for the active hunter.

•Name: Viper 25L Recon Bag Available in Olive Green or Black

•Price: £39.95

•Contact: Thatchreed Limited, 01234 740327 www.viperkit.com

•For: Good size, shape and stowage

•Against: Not a lot

•Verdict: At under £40 this design is hard to beat

Pic Caps

•1: The Viper 25L Recon Bag; without a doubt this is a versatile and comfortable pack for the active hunter – note the D-ring on the back under the ‘yoke’ attachment point

•2: Harness detail – note the padded shoulder straps, D-rings, adjustable waistband and removable and repositionable sternum strap

•3: Side View - the bag that seemingly keeps on growing…