Viper Tactical Recon Backpack

The Viper Tactical Recon Extra is a cavernous, 50-litre pack. With the relatively low retail price I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, as £50 doesn’t get you much these days, but when the pack arrived I was suitably impressed. It opens like a concertina, bellowing out to a huge size. Made of 600D Cordura, it’s tough and lightweight and is covered with external attachment points and compression straps, which allow you to alter the internal capacity.

Going inside

The largest compartment measures 19x12x6-inches, and is fully zipped on three sides, allowing you to lay the pack down on its back and open it like a hinged box, and allows you to remove selected items without having to dig down from the top like many backpacks. This compartment holds all the shooting kit, including targets, and has side pockets for smaller items. The next compartment is 17x9.5x3.5-inches and is zipped across the top and half way down each side. The third of the large compartments, on the front at the bottom, measures 10x8x2.5-inches and holds a 16oz flask and a good-sized plastic sandwich box. Above this, is a smaller, felt-lined compartment, for glasses or phones.

On the outside

In addition to two sets of horizontal compressions straps, positioned on the sides of the body of the pack, two straps are provided on the underside and these can be also be used to attach large articles like shooting mats. Once all these straps are adjusted, the load can’t move at all. Molle webbing attachment points are provided across the front of the pack and down both sides with Velcro panels covering the front of the top pocket. V-lock and D-lock clips are also provided. For speed of access, I always prefer to attach a first aid kit on the outside of my pack, and this is easily achieved.

The shoulder straps provide a comfortable carry and a sternum strap is provided to keep them in place. The back panel is well padded and vented and holds a hydration bladder compartment.

There’s a sturdy top carry handle and all the zips are substantial with pull tabs.

Filling it up

The great thing about this pack is you really can take everything you need in one bag, there isn’t quite room for the kitchen sink inside, but you can always strap that to the outside! I was genuinely surprised how much it will hold and ran out of stuff to put into it. Despite its size when full, the pack sits very comfortably on your back and does not cause you to overbalance. It has a good flat base and stands up unsupported when correctly packed.

Conclusion

This bag is great value for money. It is well built, well thought out and truly huge. The ability to compartmentalise your gear is great and the fact that there are three large pockets, rather than a myriad of little ones, makes a nice change from a lot of backpacks. The Viper Tactical Recon Extra represents a real bargain and is a very functional piece of kit. Well worth a look.