Viper Back Packs

When it comes to gear for weekenders where you need to carry a reasonable load, at 36.5L VIPER’s Ranger is a really useful design. Priced at £84.95, the Ranger features a single large main compartment with covered sturdy 2-way zippers. This opens wide for ease of access and has four zip pockets and a nylon pocket with elastic draw-cord and nylon retaining strap on the back panel for securing a hydration bladder. There are also hydration hose/ antenna ports, one leading to the back compartment and two to the outside. There are also two drainage holes at the bottom. A large pocket on the front of the pack sits behind a MOLLE platform, which can serve as an admin pocket as it has various pouches, pockets and pen slots for keeping everything organized. Above the admin pocket there is a small compartment with two zip pockets and two lined open top pouches. You also get two side zip pockets, one small top pocket between the sturdy carry handle and shoulder straps, and a fully padded compartment on the back that can be used for storing a hydration bladder of up to 3L or even a laptop.

On the top of the pack there are two ports to the main compartment for either a hose or communication wiring. A pair of heavy duty compression straps with quick release buckles are placed on either side of the pack, with a sturdy strong carry handle on the top. The Ranger has a stiffened and specially shaped padded back for extra comfort and maximum airflow (Ventex System back panel), ergonomically designed and adjustable padded shoulder straps, a chest strap with elastic section, as well as a removable waist belt.

Mission Possible

The final new model is the aptly named Mission. This again features one large main compartment with covered sturdy 2-way zippers which opens wide and has two zip mesh pockets on the front wall and four internal compression straps (two vertical and two horizontal) for load stabilisation. There Bill Thomas has a good long look at a couple of larger haulers from VIPER’s latest range… are three nylon loops on the back wall for securing a hydration pack, with hydration hose/antenna ports, and two drainage holes at the bottom. There is one large pocket on the front of the bag which is a perfect admin pocket, featuring three map/document pockets, two radio pockets with elastic cords, and pen slots. On the front of the admin pocket and just behind the MOLLE platform, there is a compartment with a vertical zip opening, and under the admin pocket there is a small compartment with internal zip and open top mesh pouches. The Mission also has small side pockets and a padded compartment on the back that can be used for storing a hydration bladder or a laptop.

On the top of the pack there are again three ports to the main compartment for a drinking tube, earphones or communication wiring. Two heavy duty compression straps with quick release buckles are placed on both sides of the pack, and there are three strong carrying handles on the top and over the side pockets. Again the Mission benefits from a stiffened and specially shaped padded back for extra comfort and maximum airflow (Ventex System back panel), ergonomically designed and adjustable shoulder straps, a chest strap with elastic section, as well as padded and removable waist system with a non-slip section. At 38.5L and costing around £85.00 this looks to be the perfect MilSim companion. Both pack models are available in V-CAM, Green, Tan, and Black. www.viperkit.co.uk