Viper VX Backpacks

Considering Viper already has a very comprehensive range of backpacks, it might seem strange they’ve added another series to their roster. However, the new VX series follows more of a sport/leisure theme, while including a definite tactical element. They’re manufactured from 700D Polytech material, which is the company’s own blend of denier and nylon weave. This gives them a tough and smooth outer stretchy shell, plus high resistance to abrasion, wear, and weather.

Clunk click

Measuring 35 x 24 x 22cm and weighing 0.54kg, the Viper VX Buckle Up Charger Pack consists of the main body compartment and one front lower compartment. Both are expandable, which means that the carrying capacity can be boosted from 2 to 14 litres. It will work in conjunction with any Viper VX Buckle Up system and also due to it having a large MOLLE panel on the back, the shoulder straps are not only adjustable but fully removable. Both straps also have twin elasticated loops on the outer edges.

while internally, there’s a bladder pouch and a bladder/ comms outlet at the top.

Go fast

The VX Express Pack has a 15-litre capacity, weighs 0.56kg and measures 44 x 24 x 15cm. The main compartment can be accessed using the twoway full-length zips or what is termed as ‘an express opening system.’ The latter consists of a horizontal grab handle positioned top/ front of the rucksack. When this is pulled outwards, it will quickly draw down both zips, whereupon the pack fully opens out. You then have access to five internal zipped compartments (four of which are of an open mesh design) plus a useful tear away grab bag. The latter measures 18 x 20 x 4cm and has a Velcro sealed main compartment and two outer mesh pockets, which makes it an ideal place to store something like a first aid kit.

On the pack itself, there are two Velcro fastened Spandex side-pockets, each with a single MOLLE panel positioned above. There is also another large panel on the front, towards the base, which considerably helps expand the bags overall versatility. The well-padded rear panel is covered with full 3D mesh for better grip and ventilation, plus the two adjustable shoulder straps are fully padded and include D-ring attachment points.

In a whirl

Measuring 45 x 32 x 12cm and weighing 0.68kg, the 15-litre VX Vortex main compartment is accessed via a double two-way zip. Internally, there’s an elasticated top nylon sleeve and directly behind a dedicated bladder pocket. The back panel features 3D mesh padding and the chest harness consists of two padded adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable sternum strap. The upper section of the straps includes elasticated loops for extra carriage. There are two zipped Spandex pockets on the front and one elasticated pouch on the left-hand side of the bag. There is a MOLLE panel on the other side and some compression straps.