I've been watching your videos for a while now and have always appreciated the honesty in them. And I'm from Michigan too! I can't wait to get my DE MKII !!
I love the fact that they're offering this pack in solid colors now. (By the way, you say in the video that this pack, the Mk. II, is available in all of the camo colors, but for right now it's only showing the solid colors on the product page. I guess they will update it as time goes on.) I loved the design of this pack when I saw your first review, but was disappointed to see that it was pretty much only offered in camo (except for ranger green). Now that this version is offered in several different solid colors, I'm seriously considering getting one. Excellent video as always, Ben!
Living Survival Yup. I'm thinking about getting the grey one, so that'd be a little easier to see the inside. A high-vis interior like orange would be great, though.
They took away the rubber coating from behind the laser cut molle which I don't like as it makes the molle less rigid. They are cutting corners to save money since they broke away from Helikon Tex. Plus I think the new logo is horrible but that's not really important I suppose. I ordered one of the old ones after I got the mk2 version to match the quality and logo of my ghost, dust, and messenger bag. Wish Helikon still owned them.
Im definitely getting the dragon egg! in your opinion do you prefer the zippered water bottle holders or the elastic? ive read a lot about how when the pack is loaded its pretty tight to get a Nalgene in the pocket. I will use mine primarily for EDC but on day hikes will have a water bladder, hammock, tarp, firebox, and more. my concern is I would like to have a Nalgene on one side and use the other to hold my fiskars x7. was getting the original dragon egg but now undecided with the updated one.
Hey Ben, you didn't mention anything about a concealed hook & loop or any such place for one. Everything I have researched about the Dragon Egg, I can't find anything about one either. So just to confirm with you, before purchase, is there a conceal pocket? Thanks for all you do! Chris
I have the original and really like it. The only improvement I would have liked to see would be the bottle holders be a bit taller. I run a cord with small carabiner to the bottle lid, because taller bottles felt like they may fall out. Other than that, great pack. High quality!
Nice review. I didn’t find it flawless though. There is not much modularity in the main compartment (ie. molle, velcro, d-rings) and I find it unfortunate that the inner fabric is pitch black instead of some high contrasting light color. I think there are a couple other options with the exact same fabric and built as this one.
Any idea how much weight this thing can carry? I travel frequently and need something that'll handle upwards of 50 lbs. Think this one can handle it without falling apart in a year?
I bought one of these based on your last video. Would be nice if those exterior side pockets would be an inch or two deeper so the standard nalgene bottle so would be a little more secure.
Hey, you mentioned this being used as a photography pack? I'm looking for a new pack, to replace some of my current ones. At the moment I have the Source Assault as my everyday pack, along with a ~1,5 liter (3x4 PALS) zipped pocket on either side for a water bottle and thermo mug; besides that I have a Source Patrol and Eberlestock G3 Phantom for heavier work (atm lacking a proper rucksack/bergen). Both the Source packs are very nice in general, but neither works ideally as a photo bag because they aren't panel loaders (c'mon, I can fit A4 papers and books below the lowest point of the zippers of the Patrol!), and the Patrol has far too big and non-compressible main space. I do love the hydration compartment though, fits a 17" laptop and tons of papers! The Assault works nicely as a generic backpack, but can't generally do more than one thing at once, and everything is layered on top of each other in the main compartment. It does a DSLR and a few lenses nicely, but anything bigger is problematic. On the other hand, I had a RAID-like pack on loan from a friend and loaded it with camera stuff - it wasn't stiff enough, the water and electronics had to be in the same space and you couldn't fit anything else on it properly. It did fit 3 camera bodies and big lenses without issues, though. Savotta Jääkäri was perfect when carrying, and did fit most of the stuff, but the side zip wasn't THAT good eventually. So, any idea how much photo stuff the Dragon Egg can fit? Would it work better with the main compartment or the front compartment? How deep is it (I'm guessing 4-6" would be rather optimal)? Can the thing be used as a panel loader properly, or do I still need to dig deep into the pack? Would the pack be rigid or floppy (with the things digging into my flesh) with a low to medium load? Does the Ghost actually differ by much in the main compartment, and would it mainly be a better option for a jack-of-all-trades pack (with the removable flap etc)? If you got this far, sorry for the long post and thank you in advance. :D
Oh, and a friend has a 5.11 RUSH 12 with a few external pockets and that seems to work for him quite well - panel loader, lots of organization and fits a few DSLRs and lenses - and it's likely the Source Patrol that would get replaced first.
hey ben, i was wondering your thoughts on durability between the dragon egg and the solo 21. especially on where the shoulder strap is attached to the bag. Thank you.
Thanks Ben. I bought the original Dragon Egg in Ranger Green from your review and agree with you a 110%--use it everyday as my EDC bag. The one small complaint I had was the zipper pills where the water bottle goes. However, after using it for a solid year now, it's no big deal. I can easily fit my Nalgene SL 32 ounce water bottle in there. I was just wondering if upgrading to the elastic water bottle holders is worth it? At the end of the day I do prefer the new style with the MK II. I am a big believer in water bottle holders and if a pack doesn't have one, I usually move on to the next, except the Fjallraven Stubben--which I had to purchase seperate water bottle holders and it's worked out great. I have a feeling what you will say, but I have been wrong many times in my life with that line of thinking:) Let me know if the upgrade is worth $129--which is a steal indeed. My pack still looks new. I am so glad you are still using yours as I haven't seen it in much of your videos or day hikes. Also, I would love to get a update on you and wife's BOB SYSTEM....you did a great, great video on Living Survival 2 last year and this was so helpful. I did run this by you months ago and you had mentioned that it was something you would definitely do--I'm not sure if I missed that video, I don't think I did? I also know you have changed things up. A new update I believe would help a lot of others as well as it was a genius idea. Never gets old seeing a new and improved system...Thanks for all you do Ben. -Shane
I really like this one I'm stunned they couldn't change more but you're right, they did perfect a pack. I remember going crazy when you reviewed the original and this is just as good. I really need a bag like this it works for anything & I believe there is a ghost too but I think it's sling pack. where can I get this easily in the UK?
Hey awesome review. I've seen this a couple times now, and think I am going to get it now to use as my get home bag in my car. I think that the mix between tactical and normal in this backpack would make it perfect for this...what do you think?
yeah im sure its a great idea to carry a bag with a logo so anyone that wants to know is pretty much aware of what level and quality of equipment you have
Most high quality bags have a logo on them--good thing about the Direct Action or Sabra Gear bags is that the logo almost blends in with the bag so it doesn't stick out like others. Very few people know about these brands in the grand scheme of things. I agree with the grayman approach Leon, believe me--right there with you.
Yep Shane exactly that and the few who know are the few who u really dont want knowing if the shit hits the fan, it is however another tell that lets u gather intel. My opinion for what its worth is this - Most people dont consider edc or hips until there is a problem on the horizon and fail because they dont realise at that point u have to focus on that horizon and not wether u have 2m of paracord etc, in the wrong situations you have to KNOW you are equiped not start to wonder about it, you cannot envisage every scenario but you can put yourself in a position that allows you to adapt and over come. Im quite severly disabled but i am more prepared if out at night etc than most could even consider, i know im a potential target and for me prevention has to be priority over cure but for that reason i wont be caught by surprise, eg im aware of who is at the bus station because i watch the place and the periferal, i dont use my smart phone i carry a cheap copy back up phone to check time etc, i dont want to get off the bus in my wheelchair to defend a £600 smart phone that has become the CAUSE of me being atracked not the solution to a problem, i dont fumble around, i only have half a finger and a thumb working on each hand but i know where everything is in every pocket and if a problem occurs what i need is probably already in my hand or up a sleeve. I have to live this way and fortunately it wasnt a sudden change of habit i needed just increasingly less mobility i had to cope with. This means i am a target but i sure as hell aint a victim.
As usual, you are very deliberate in your presentation. How can I support you? I'd like to purchase this bag, but wanted to ensure you get credit for it. Plus I'd love to get a coupon.
@livingsurvival hi I’m considering buying this pack for daily carry and hiking. I wanted to ask how it’s holding up? And is it worth hit? Is it comfortable? I’m considering the dragon egg or goruck gr1, the later is expensive though. Any advice will help. Thank you.
@@livingsurvival has yours got any tears or stitching coming undone? My pet peeve is poor stitching. And thank you for answering, a lot of channels do not answer my questions. Keep the good videos up.
Ive got the MK I and my only gripe about the bag is that the buckles rattle way too much. I can see the buckles on the MKii are different..... but do they still rattle as much?
I have a question Could you please review the hidden woodsmen mike Charlie pack. It is a bit pricey but looks great. I need a new pack and want to see if this one is good. If you can't that will be fine.
I've had the Mk 1 for 2 years! NEGATIVE After 2 years of light use were it virtually sat in my car or work locker with a light load it was still in perfect condition until I took it on a couple bike rides to work. So, after 3 bike rides totalling about 1hr of riding the bag had numerous tears inside where stitching has torn apart and the bags internal mesh/material has separated from the stitching and frayed, especially in the front compartment, some big 6 inch tears. Even though it had a light load, I used compression straps it appears as soon as I put a bit of strain on the bag it failed. POSITIVE Contact Direct Action (Europe) and without hesitation they sent a courier to pick up (in Australia) and will repair or replace, awesome customer service, still waiting on a result though. NOTE Even at 25L it feels like a really small bag, just the way it's designed. If you're like me and need to take a change of clothes and lunch to work, it's too small, the main compartment is very narrow. The pockets on the Mk1 were useless (Mk2 good fix), it's only 500D unlike a 5.11 Rush for EG which is 1000/1050, it's not a heavy duty bag, I'd say medium. Grab handle is awesome, the layout is awesome, super comfortable, despite the problems I've had its well made/designed, top quality zips. Front compartment where tears are I'd label this area as flimsy, little compartments/pockets are soft and weak. Pretty water resistant. Do I recommend the bag? Yes, but only if you don't plan to put it under decent strain, I think walking, hiking, EDC I reckon it will be all good. But, if you ride, for some reason run with it, maybe pick something with a higher strength, like a Rush 24, which is my old trusty that I've gone back to for now.
I got mine Friday. Only negative so far is pen slots, or what ever they are for, are very deep and my pen slip to the bottom and I had to work it back out. Much heavier than I anticipated. Quality is high. Time will tell. SS/SS - Stan
I agree, it is a pain in the butt locating stuff on the inside since it is all black interior. I wish I would have gotten another color other then black.
This pack is awsome but i think that the ghost works better for me .I have their messenger bag for one and a half year and its still like new! (Sorry for my bad English) Greetings from Greece!
Living Survival Hey Ben! Thanks for responding. I love this pack, but there's one improvement I'd ask for. I wish the pack had hi vis on the inside. Even light grey would be helpful. I'd get the black, but it's like looking in a black hole inside lol. Thanks for listening.
all packs have that issue. just go to the outdoors store and get some hunting wrap and wrap them. i do that to my hunting packs and it makes them silent
TonydlP650 I think you can fix the noisy buckles by bending them a little bit outward with heat, that should do the trick, I hope mine doesn't have that problem, I've seen that it's only in backpacks with Woojin buckles, not in the duraflex ones.
Got the pack today yeah the noisy buckle suck big...b.... If I keep this pack I'll going to change out all buckle to ITX buckle. OP "All packs have that issue" I wouldn't say that is actually opposite for me. My MR 3 Day , Kifaru EE, Vanquest 20, Maxpedition Falcon, Camelbek Hawg Mil, 5.11 R24.. non have this noise issue with the buckle. Plan and simple they just used cheap buckle and is not duraflex for sure. Other than that it is a awesome pack hope it last as it looks pretty tough.
I've had mine for two months now, I haven't had a single issue with buckles, all of them are silent and have held up pretty nicely, I think the noise it's because of manufacturing tolerances in Woo Jin Duraflex Buckles. Again, bending them outwards should solve the problem.
To be honest, the bag is poorly designed. The two thin sections right behind your back that are supposed to hold documents or notebook, or water pack - they are internally spaced well, but their wrap where external zipper is sewed in does not allow them to stretch fully. So my 14'' ultrabook Lenovo T440s can barely fit there (so tight). And once it is in, I cannot insert my documents into the next section. Even more - those two sections actually take up the space in the biggest section. So even if it looks like providing enough space, that is not true. Also flapping shoulder straps to get stuff from thin sections is annoing. That small pocket with the logo in front, on the top - cannot accomodate glasses that I use when shooting or driving. Instead of logo they should have thought about bigger pocket. I also do not understand why side straps "upper front" are sewed to the front piece - they do not allow to fully open the front compartment. They should be between the front and the middle compartments - as the side straps "lower front" are. Buckles make so much noise that I had to disconnect them. Could not they use more precise forms to have better contact of parts? The only advantage of this bag is that it is standing straight when empty - that is convenient.
Thanks for not dragging it on like other people's reviews. I dont need 5 mins of explanation of what I could put in a pen holder slot..
Great review!
Nice fall colors out there already! Very cool packs awesome review as always!
Thank you. Been looking for a pack that suits me. Had to ball out for it but it looks to be the one.
I've been watching your videos for a while now and have always appreciated the honesty in them. And I'm from Michigan too! I can't wait to get my DE MKII !!
Nice! I'm waiting for mine to arrive! I it's nice watch your review on this pack.
glad you did this updated one cheers
I love the fact that they're offering this pack in solid colors now. (By the way, you say in the video that this pack, the Mk. II, is available in all of the camo colors, but for right now it's only showing the solid colors on the product page. I guess they will update it as time goes on.)
I loved the design of this pack when I saw your first review, but was disappointed to see that it was pretty much only offered in camo (except for ranger green).
Now that this version is offered in several different solid colors, I'm seriously considering getting one. Excellent video as always, Ben!
the black is awesome. hi-vis interior would make it better but you can go hi-vis with your pouches.
Living Survival Yup. I'm thinking about getting the grey one, so that'd be a little easier to see the inside. A high-vis interior like orange would be great, though.
Definitely considering this pack after your great review; do you have any active discount codes?
I would love one of these in orange!
I would prefer the original zip expansion as the elastic WILL fail. not if but when.
They took away the rubber coating from behind the laser cut molle which I don't like as it makes the molle less rigid. They are cutting corners to save money since they broke away from Helikon Tex. Plus I think the new logo is horrible but that's not really important I suppose. I ordered one of the old ones after I got the mk2 version to match the quality and logo of my ghost, dust, and messenger bag. Wish Helikon still owned them.
It's too bad that it doesn't have a hook and loop field somewhere on the inside for a CCW/CCW holster.
Ben did they address the issue with the buckles on the bottom rubbing against the back on this new MKII?
Im definitely getting the dragon egg! in your opinion do you prefer the zippered water bottle holders or the elastic? ive read a lot about how when the pack is loaded its pretty tight to get a Nalgene in the pocket. I will use mine primarily for EDC but on day hikes will have a water bladder, hammock, tarp, firebox, and more. my concern is I would like to have a Nalgene on one side and use the other to hold my fiskars x7. was getting the original dragon egg but now undecided with the updated one.
elastic is deeper, therefore i like that.
Hey Ben, you didn't mention anything about a concealed hook & loop or any such place for one. Everything I have researched about the Dragon Egg, I can't find anything about one either. So just to confirm with you, before purchase, is there a conceal pocket? Thanks for all you do! Chris
good bags and gear. I only have 1 knock on DA and its not USA made, but the quality, durability and use of them are outstanding.
I have the original and really like it. The only improvement I would have liked to see would be the bottle holders be a bit taller. I run a cord with small carabiner to the bottle lid, because taller bottles felt like they may fall out. Other than that, great pack. High quality!
the new ones are higher.
Dude, Please make a detailed video for us on ""5.11 rush 24 vs Direct Action Dragon Egg MK II""
Nice review. I didn’t find it flawless though. There is not much modularity in the main compartment (ie. molle, velcro, d-rings) and I find it unfortunate that the inner fabric is pitch black instead of some high contrasting light color. I think there are a couple other options with the exact same fabric and built as this one.
I wish they would have also put a mesh pouch like the one in the main compartment in the front compartment it would be perfect then in my opinion
Any idea how much weight this thing can carry? I travel frequently and need something that'll handle upwards of 50 lbs. Think this one can handle it without falling apart in a year?
How well does it adjust to a person who is long waisted? I have trouble getting a pack to fit correctly.
Awesome reviews !!! Is this bag still holding up ?
Awesome review! I liked how you should yourself wearing it too!
thanks.
Nice review :)
Cheers
Is the bag water resistant? Does the zips let in water or not? Thanks.
thanks for the fast response! would you say that the side storage that was changed is taller. also check out the Badlands packs
yes it is about one row of molle taller.
I bought one of these based on your last video. Would be nice if those exterior side pockets would be an inch or two deeper so the standard nalgene bottle so would be a little more secure.
they are deeper now. very secure.
Hey, you mentioned this being used as a photography pack? I'm looking for a new pack, to replace some of my current ones. At the moment I have the Source Assault as my everyday pack, along with a ~1,5 liter (3x4 PALS) zipped pocket on either side for a water bottle and thermo mug; besides that I have a Source Patrol and Eberlestock G3 Phantom for heavier work (atm lacking a proper rucksack/bergen).
Both the Source packs are very nice in general, but neither works ideally as a photo bag because they aren't panel loaders (c'mon, I can fit A4 papers and books below the lowest point of the zippers of the Patrol!), and the Patrol has far too big and non-compressible main space. I do love the hydration compartment though, fits a 17" laptop and tons of papers! The Assault works nicely as a generic backpack, but can't generally do more than one thing at once, and everything is layered on top of each other in the main compartment. It does a DSLR and a few lenses nicely, but anything bigger is problematic. On the other hand, I had a RAID-like pack on loan from a friend and loaded it with camera stuff - it wasn't stiff enough, the water and electronics had to be in the same space and you couldn't fit anything else on it properly. It did fit 3 camera bodies and big lenses without issues, though. Savotta Jääkäri was perfect when carrying, and did fit most of the stuff, but the side zip wasn't THAT good eventually.
So, any idea how much photo stuff the Dragon Egg can fit? Would it work better with the main compartment or the front compartment? How deep is it (I'm guessing 4-6" would be rather optimal)? Can the thing be used as a panel loader properly, or do I still need to dig deep into the pack? Would the pack be rigid or floppy (with the things digging into my flesh) with a low to medium load? Does the Ghost actually differ by much in the main compartment, and would it mainly be a better option for a jack-of-all-trades pack (with the removable flap etc)?
If you got this far, sorry for the long post and thank you in advance. :D
Oh, and a friend has a 5.11 RUSH 12 with a few external pockets and that seems to work for him quite well - panel loader, lots of organization and fits a few DSLRs and lenses - and it's likely the Source Patrol that would get replaced first.
Are you still using it? Looking for a new EDC backpack and can’t decide between Dragon Egg MK2 and 5.11 Rush 12 2.0
I Love this bag. I also love the Vanquest Falcon. Could you do a video comparing those two? I'd get both if I could...
I'd go with this bag vs. the Vanquest unless you need a specific built bag for camera gear etc which is what vanquest does well.
wish they would put the elastic on the ghost pack too, the zippers don't hold anything. the paracord handle wouldn't hurt too.
will they offer these in camo? Also you should do a review of the Badlands HDX or the Badlands RAP18, both are awesome packs
Not sure about camo, but they do have some awesome colors. With the change between the two going with the original is just as good.
hey ben, i was wondering your thoughts on durability between the dragon egg and the solo 21. especially on where the shoulder strap is attached to the bag. Thank you.
Thanks Ben. I bought the original Dragon Egg in Ranger Green from your review and agree with you a 110%--use it everyday as my EDC bag. The one small complaint I had was the zipper pills where the water bottle goes. However, after using it for a solid year now, it's no big deal. I can easily fit my Nalgene SL 32 ounce water bottle in there. I was just wondering if upgrading to the elastic water bottle holders is worth it? At the end of the day I do prefer the new style with the MK II. I am a big believer in water bottle holders and if a pack doesn't have one, I usually move on to the next, except the Fjallraven Stubben--which I had to purchase seperate water bottle holders and it's worked out great. I have a feeling what you will say, but I have been wrong many times in my life with that line of thinking:) Let me know if the upgrade is worth $129--which is a steal indeed. My pack still looks new. I am so glad you are still using yours as I haven't seen it in much of your videos or day hikes. Also, I would love to get a update on you and wife's BOB SYSTEM....you did a great, great video on Living Survival 2 last year and this was so helpful. I did run this by you months ago and you had mentioned that it was something you would definitely do--I'm not sure if I missed that video, I don't think I did? I also know you have changed things up. A new update I believe would help a lot of others as well as it was a genius idea. Never gets old seeing a new and improved system...Thanks for all you do Ben. -Shane
thanks for the comment Shane. i wouldn't upgrade, it's not that big of deal.
Thanks Ben....
I really like this one I'm stunned they couldn't change more but you're right, they did perfect a pack. I remember going crazy when you reviewed the original and this is just as good. I really need a bag like this it works for anything & I believe there is a ghost too but I think it's sling pack. where can I get this easily in the UK?
amazon maybe?
Are these bags worth it i'm looking to buy one of these on the military 1st website for €139.....good review btw
Hey awesome review. I've seen this a couple times now, and think I am going to get it now to use as my get home bag in my car. I think that the mix between tactical and normal in this backpack would make it perfect for this...what do you think?
i agree with you.
Ordered it
Are you glad you bought it?
@@jdavis6630 it's a good bag. Check out my second channel Tranq Tactical I just did a video with it
how has this pack held up since you uploaded this video?
I cannot decide between the Dragon egg or the Rush 24. Which do you Recommend?
dragon egg.
Living Survival Thank you!
DE must be compared with rush 12. Rush 24 is much bigger than them
do you like it more than the ibex 30?
#LivingSurvival Thanks for the review as always! Purchased this pack in the "desert" camo and now just waiting for it to arrive, lol.
Enjoy.
Outstanding vid. I’m buying one
What color you got and How you like it ? I'm looking to get one soon
How do you feel about this pack compared to the First Tactical One Day pack for EDC use?
Never tried that pack. Will see what I can do.
great job!
yeah im sure its a great idea to carry a bag with a logo so anyone that wants to know is pretty much aware of what level and quality of equipment you have
Most high quality bags have a logo on them--good thing about the Direct Action or Sabra Gear bags is that the logo almost blends in with the bag so it doesn't stick out like others. Very few people know about these brands in the grand scheme of things. I agree with the grayman approach Leon, believe me--right there with you.
Yep Shane exactly that and the few who know are the few who u really dont want knowing if the shit hits the fan, it is however another tell that lets u gather intel. My opinion for what its worth is this - Most people dont consider edc or hips until there is a problem on the horizon and fail because they dont realise at that point u have to focus on that horizon and not wether u have 2m of paracord etc, in the wrong situations you have to KNOW you are equiped not start to wonder about it, you cannot envisage every scenario but you can put yourself in a position that allows you to adapt and over come. Im quite severly disabled but i am more prepared if out at night etc than most could even consider, i know im a potential target and for me prevention has to be priority over cure but for that reason i wont be caught by surprise, eg im aware of who is at the bus station because i watch the place and the periferal, i dont use my smart phone i carry a cheap copy back up phone to check time etc, i dont want to get off the bus in my wheelchair to defend a £600 smart phone that has become the CAUSE of me being atracked not the solution to a problem, i dont fumble around, i only have half a finger and a thumb working on each hand but i know where everything is in every pocket and if a problem occurs what i need is probably already in my hand or up a sleeve. I have to live this way and fortunately it wasnt a sudden change of habit i needed just increasingly less mobility i had to cope with. This means i am a target but i sure as hell aint a victim.
Need a review on the D.A. utility pouches.
i will see what i can do.
As usual, you are very deliberate in your presentation. How can I support you? I'd like to purchase this bag, but wanted to ensure you get credit for it. Plus I'd love to get a coupon.
you could try this one although not sure it works. LIVING4FREE
Good tough pack.
I like it.
Hey Ben, what's your thoughts on a blow dart gun for a bug out bag
blow dart, slingshot, takedown bow, takedown rifle. all good.
In Brazil, the name of this is Wolf.
@livingsurvival hi I’m considering buying this pack for daily carry and hiking. I wanted to ask how it’s holding up? And is it worth hit? Is it comfortable? I’m considering the dragon egg or goruck gr1, the later is expensive though. Any advice will help. Thank you.
It’s lighter I believe than the GR1 but the materials on both are rock solid.
@@livingsurvival has yours got any tears or stitching coming undone? My pet peeve is poor stitching. And thank you for answering, a lot of channels do not answer my questions. Keep the good videos up.
Not sure these are actually improvements but still a cool pack.
Ive got the MK I and my only gripe about the bag is that the buckles rattle way too much. I can see the buckles on the MKii are different..... but do they still rattle as much?
Add some cloth tape.
+Living Survival Sorry to sound like an idiot but could link me to the kind of tape you're talking about?
amzn.to/2n2qwMU
+Living Survival Many thanks!
Looks like a good pack
Are they making/ have they made a upgraded version of the ghost as well?
not that i know of.
Dragon egg or Tactix 0.5-Day Backpack? for EDC I'm undecided
Those are the same two packs that I'm trying to decide between. They both look so good, it's a tough decision.
Is it waterproof or water repellant?
I have a question
Could you please review the hidden woodsmen mike Charlie pack. It is a bit pricey but looks great. I need a new pack and want to see if this one is good. If you can't that will be fine.
i will most likely get one to review at some point.
Can"t decide on one of these or a Rush 12 - any thoughts anyone , appreciated :)
This one.
Rush 12
How do you like this next to a Rush 12?
Not even in the same ballpark. Never liked much from 5.11
👀🎯👍👍
I've had the Mk 1 for 2 years!
NEGATIVE
After 2 years of light use were it virtually sat in my car or work locker with a light load it was still in perfect condition until I took it on a couple bike rides to work.
So, after 3 bike rides totalling about 1hr of riding the bag had numerous tears inside where stitching has torn apart and the bags internal mesh/material has separated from the stitching and frayed, especially in the front compartment, some big 6 inch tears. Even though it had a light load, I used compression straps it appears as soon as I put a bit of strain on the bag it failed.
POSITIVE
Contact Direct Action (Europe) and without hesitation they sent a courier to pick up (in Australia) and will repair or replace, awesome customer service, still waiting on a result though.
NOTE
Even at 25L it feels like a really small bag, just the way it's designed. If you're like me and need to take a change of clothes and lunch to work, it's too small, the main compartment is very narrow. The pockets on the Mk1 were useless (Mk2 good fix), it's only 500D unlike a 5.11 Rush for EG which is 1000/1050, it's not a heavy duty bag, I'd say medium. Grab handle is awesome, the layout is awesome, super comfortable, despite the problems I've had its well made/designed, top quality zips. Front compartment where tears are I'd label this area as flimsy, little compartments/pockets are soft and weak. Pretty water resistant.
Do I recommend the bag? Yes, but only if you don't plan to put it under decent strain, I think walking, hiking, EDC I reckon it will be all good. But, if you ride, for some reason run with it, maybe pick something with a higher strength, like a Rush 24, which is my old trusty that I've gone back to for now.
I've used the crap out of mine, no issues.
I got mine Friday. Only negative so far is pen slots, or what ever they are for, are very deep and my pen slip to the bottom and I had to work it back out. Much heavier than I anticipated. Quality is high. Time will tell. SS/SS - Stan
What's the point of an outdoor bag that isn't waterproof?
I'm referring to the zippers not having coverings.
So, dragons didn't go extinct, they just adapted.. Nice!
The only improvement they could do to it, is have the inside hi vis. But, yeah..other than that, the pack is perfect.
I agree, it is a pain in the butt locating stuff on the inside since it is all black interior. I wish I would have gotten another color other then black.
is this water resistant?
This pack is awsome but i think that the ghost works better for me .I have their messenger bag for one and a half year and its still like new! (Sorry for my bad English) Greetings from Greece!
great quality stuff no matter which pack you get!
Living Survival Totally agree with you Ben!
Would this fit a 15.6 inch laptop
Might be late, but it does.
Where do you get yours for $129.00 & is it rain proof?
Antonio Botello currently on Amazon, black version only
Maybe Ben can make a suggestion to Direct Action?
sure, what is that?
Living Survival Hey Ben! Thanks for responding. I love this pack, but there's one improvement I'd ask for. I wish the pack had hi vis on the inside. Even light grey would be helpful. I'd get the black, but it's like looking in a black hole inside lol. Thanks for listening.
Where is this bag made?
Poland. Direct Action is a sister brand of Helikon. Great quality stuff.
crap I just ordered one, and a new one comes out. Grr...
is dat Polish camo?
It's a polish bag.
$169 Make Backpacks Affordable Again - it's beautiful but way too much for a 25L bag 🙄
did they address the noisy buckle issue also?
all packs have that issue. just go to the outdoors store and get some hunting wrap and wrap them. i do that to my hunting packs and it makes them silent
TonydlP650 I think you can fix the noisy buckles by bending them a little bit outward with heat, that should do the trick, I hope mine doesn't have that problem, I've seen that it's only in backpacks with Woojin buckles, not in the duraflex ones.
Got the pack today yeah the noisy buckle suck big...b.... If I keep this pack I'll going to change out all buckle to ITX buckle. OP "All packs have that issue" I wouldn't say that is actually opposite for me. My MR 3 Day , Kifaru EE, Vanquest 20, Maxpedition Falcon, Camelbek Hawg Mil, 5.11 R24.. non have this noise issue with the buckle. Plan and simple they just used cheap buckle and is not duraflex for sure. Other than that it is a awesome pack hope it last as it looks pretty tough.
I've had mine for two months now, I haven't had a single issue with buckles, all of them are silent and have held up pretty nicely, I think the noise it's because of manufacturing tolerances in Woo Jin Duraflex Buckles. Again, bending them outwards should solve the problem.
its school backpack?
To the buyers of Dragon egg... What are you gonna do when it hatches ? 😏
To be honest, the bag is poorly designed.
The two thin sections right behind your back that are supposed to hold documents or notebook, or water pack - they are internally spaced well, but their wrap where external zipper is sewed in does not allow them to stretch fully. So my 14'' ultrabook Lenovo T440s can barely fit there (so tight). And once it is in, I cannot insert my documents into the next section. Even more - those two sections actually take up the space in the biggest section. So even if it looks like providing enough space, that is not true. Also flapping shoulder straps to get stuff from thin sections is annoing.
That small pocket with the logo in front, on the top - cannot accomodate glasses that I use when shooting or driving. Instead of logo they should have thought about bigger pocket.
I also do not understand why side straps "upper front" are sewed to the front piece - they do not allow to fully open the front compartment. They should be between the front and the middle compartments - as the side straps "lower front" are.
Buckles make so much noise that I had to disconnect them. Could not they use more precise forms to have better contact of parts?
The only advantage of this bag is that it is standing straight when empty - that is convenient.
$260+ AU dollars. Black is a bad colour to review as nobody can see the bag very well.