This is pretty late but I figured I would throw out there my thoughts. I've been running a flatpack for a couple years now and have been pretty happy with it. I do think it is way more expensive than it should be and I agree it has been over-hyped for what it is. I still like to use it because we are required to use the standard issue plate carriers, so zipper panels aren't really an option, and a ruck fits over it *reasonably* well. I typically carry my hydration bladder, map case, protractor, markers, and random s-clips, batteries and stuff like that. It also works well for carrying a wet weather top. Basically it means I don't need to bring an assault pack inside my ruck and I can stick anything that I want for patrols but don't need instant access to in there.
You can buy the zip-on Molle adaptors and run the ggg and crye back panels and put em on everything just fyi if you want zip on panels. I have this ggg pack and my two complaints is that zipper and there is no external molle to add side or rear pouches. It’s a person petpev of mine cause while on deployment o used range finder a lot and had its pouch molled to the outside to where I could still reach it
@@jeffreyjohnson6968 Yeah I'm not sure if they weren't widespread or just didn't exist yet when I first bought my flatpack but I'm glad to see them catching on now. Personally I don't have enough of a problem with my current set-up to change it but for anyone looking I would agree that molle-attached zipper set ups is the way to go.
@@awilk418 very true they were pretty new back when I was using em obviously this pack didn’t exist quiet yet but I used to zip on my door breacher panel and throw my assault pack over top and my assault pack had quick detach buckles to mount to my armor and could be dropped and would still have my other panel on there and like you said also depends on what you are using it all for I could see where the flat pack would work with lots of ppl in a main stream application versus being more geared torwards specific jobs like an assaulters panel
I just started lookin into this myself. My last kit got stolen so I decided to go full Gucci with my current setup. Looking at attached rear packs for additional trauma gear. You see that Haley has those detach “hitch hike kit” adapter for their gear? My idea is to get a pack I can detach myself for extra med stuff but the Haley kinda puts me off since there’s no internal organization.
Thanks for the video and pack breakdown. I had the same concerns for the Flatpack and didn't even know about the Grey Ghost Assault Pack. Now I'm considering selling my Spiritus setup to go with a Crye JPC 2.0 setup. I thought your youtube name was familiar and I realized you helped me on reddit awhile back with some backpack advice. Appreciate your philosophy on how gear should be catered to the user, not copy pasted from someone else. Looking forward to more gear videos.
I use a Haley flat pack so I can toss my aid bag over top. I don't run anything more than water and gortex, maybe a snack or two. I use it because it stays relatively flat when compressed and Im not stuck fighting balancing my aid bag on a round pack.
I'm not a fan of plate carrier worn bags at all but that makes alot of sense. Might try that with my mystery ranch 3 day assault since there's a decent gap in between.
I'm one of those weirdos that still wears a chest rig on top of my plates (and in training I'll often just wear the chest rig alone). I generally wear my flatpack plus at the thinnest configuration and clip the straps in to my chest rig. I don't think I've ever direct mounted it to armor. Sometimes I put some aftermarket pads on the straps if my chest rig's weight goes above a certain amount of pounds. It fits semi-ok when a ruck is on top, and I'll move an item or two from my flatpack to my ruck if I know I'm going far. Year round, I'll keep a 1.5-2L bladder in it. In fall and spring I like to put a thin warming layer, one pair of hand warmers, and a wet weather top in it. During the summer, I'll just run the wet weather top. These are mostly things that I'd need to take off my chest rig/armor to use anyway. One of the things I like about having it is that if I'm in the patrol base and someone randomly decides to surprise me with a piece of gear to carry, I can shuffle my gear between my immediately accessible stuff (chest rig pouches, pockets, etc) to my less accessible stuff (flat pack, left behind at my ruck in the patrol base) to meet whatever surprise need is thrust on me. I know the pack is limited by how shitty the straps are, how I have to plan if/how I can access the pack, and how it fits with all my other stuff (ruck, chest rig, sitting in a vehicle, etc), but I've found that it has a few more pros than cons. My job changes as I promote/move/etc, and my knowledge on gear changes as well, so maybe I'll ditch the pack for something else later, but for now I like it.
Insight tight as ever. Putting out quality tested alternatives to combat the social media hype is always a good thing, and an invaluable community service. Haley has always been great at marketing and, not infrequently, experimenting with what the market will bear for prices that support that hype. There are any number of laptop sleeves on the market that would do everything the Flatpack does as well as it can do them, for 1/4 the price, and I've seen dudes who tried that route before Haley was a thing. For standing/waiting around a range especially, the segregated tweave compression pocket on the Grey Ghost makes me think this might be a viable way to bring a Mountain Serape to training/admin/light duty use when you're wearing plates to give your snivel gear some staying power when the 2XL puffy, dead bird fleece, and wet weathers aren't quite cutting it. Not being a cop, and as most of us aren't fighting Zulus anymore, personally I've got very little tolerance for back panels because they require a combat squire. Back panels IMO are like how cutting your toothbrush in half is cool, using toothpaste powder is nerd, but sharing your SEAL dental hygiene kit with your battle buddy and introducing him to the glory of the combat bidet for maximum "Tactical Bathroom Techniques" feels... mildly uncomfortably incestuous. Standing behind the Bearcat peeling the velcro off every half hour to fetch another baggie of gummy worms while you wait for a methhead to go to sleep is fine if you're into that kind of degeneracy I suppose. Playing the "psst...pssssst...PSSSSSSSSST" soundtrack (bonus points for sensual suggestive chicken wing flapping/pointing) while traipsing through the woods with buddies is amusing, until it's not. But for actual work a true assault bag that can stand up to putting too much weight in if you have to, that can get doffed without losing your armor, thrown over a wall and around vehicles, laid out in front to access to, get into silently in the dark, stand up to strapping a rocket or Gustav rounds to, stash beltfed food in, and worn when you don't need plates but still need gear. Completely unrelated to this video, but for Fish: if you haven't already figured this out (doubtful) or for anybody randomly stumbling, on your vid talking about your giant ass bottle of chalk for marking purposes and looking for a quick upgrade, the little 1oz bottles of Gold Bond's foot/ball duster are a solid repackaging alternative and the colors of the chalk, white/blue/red/black correspond with the staying power of the dye used. White is just chalkboard chalk, blue is brushable, red is a little more water resistance, black is pretty much permanent. I make K9s keep a bottle when doing tracking work for last spoor, mostly because a light puff is an instant visual aid to help the handler/team understand local air currents and the dog's nose
I like the simplicity of the Hayley pack for small loads. Usually it holds rain gear, backup batteries, water, and some extra magazines. Sometimes I throw night vision in a hard case in there if I have nowhere else to carry it and don't want it on my lid. I usually just keep a small grab bag in the top of my ruck which has everything in it organized which I throw into the Hayley. But I do agree that it doesn't fill the niche well enough. It's too small for an assault pack, too much just to carry water. The G*3 bag looks alot more well thought out. A small frame sheet in the Hayley water bladder pouch when running it with a chest rig is how I like to use it. On a plate carrier sometimes I have it mounted to my SPC for the items above if I don't need an assault pack, but usually just end up using my filbe assault pack as it's more convenient to take off and throw onto my filbe ruck.
@@EODFish I really appreciate the insights you have on all of your videos, and some of the products you showcase. I wasn't aware that GGG made any crye-compatible products. I don't like having to swap back and forth between the Hayley and an assault pack depending on my mission set when I have to wear a plate carrier. Are you aware of any other third party manufacturers that make, or companies that do mods to allow compatibility with Crye zipper dimensions ? I love my SPC to death for what I do versus the AVS which was a bit bulky especially when trying to wear a ruck over it.
ATS and Grey Ghost (obviously) but also WTF make things that are crye compatible. Molle Monkey Tactical also does but he is swamped for the foreseeable future.
Haley pack works best with the plus version and the hitch hike kit they sell, totally changes the way its used. The loop on the inside is incredibly useful.
It is a series of four extensions so you can clip the flat pack to your rig and attempt to make it a self access configurations. I’m eagerly awaiting an attempt at this that isn’t more bulky than just using the straps in the first place.
I always have thought direct mount packs are stupid. I want the option of dumping the weight anytime. Also, I want to be able to take if off during breaks to access snacks or gear.
Yea I agree. I am thinking the same. I right now put my extra stuff into my belts pouches but I would maybe need an assault pack if the mission makes me need more
I see your point, in comparison, do you know of any packs that are comfortable to wear with a plate carrier? This is mainly why I was looking for this kind of solution to begin with. My hiking Osprey Pack is great when wearing just that but that changes completely alongside my plate carrier
@@xj2736 Yes. The tactical tailor removable operator pack is a great option. It can clip into a pc but it is much better using the straps imo. I also love the kifaru antero.
Good thoughts. If I am not wanting an assault pack then I would throw a few saw pouches onto the back of my IBA or belt if there is room. HSG bag is something I want since it looks cool but otherwise it’s meh.
I owned a Haley Strategic Flatpack a couple years ago, traded it for a Tyr Zip On Panel shortly after. Direct mount packs are not good as they sag your rear platebag and add bulk.
There's a lot of brand loyalty/hype with Haley stuff, and the Flatpack was, if I remember right, fairly early in the game of packs mounted to the back of plate carriers. I have both and I use the Haley pack now more as an aid bag to throw in the car. Of the two, I'd say the Grey Ghost does it better for snivel gear and the like. Lately though, I've been looking at the First Spear VEP panel so I coul djust build my own "back panel". I really like the idea of being able to access the bag without removing my armor.
I bought the HSP Flatpack with the idea that I could toss my assault pack or ruck over it if needed. That's the theory anyways. I have not received it yet so can't confirm that.
My main thoughts on it is that it's not really going to fit a civilian use case because its purpose is less of an actual backpack and more "SERE". The use case for a flatpack is basically, you're a SOCOM dudeface in some random shithole tasked to go somewhere, kill/bag someone, and go back to base. If things go sideways you will probably ditch any actual backpack because it can get in your way of running/climbing/etc; the locals do not trust you and may even try to kill you themselves. The flatpack contains the minimum you need to get back to whatever exit strategy you have: velcroed in comms, maybe 1-2 stripped down MREs or a set of first strike bars, water bottles, spare mags, larger detailed maps and oil pencils, lockpick set, etc. Yes, you will have to take off your PC to get at this stuff. The point is to have these items on you in a way that doesn't sag or jiggle around or take up more horizontal space like a less structured bag will, and if necessary you can put a larger bag over it (especially in the collapsed format). Think of it less as a backpack and more as a more capable and streamlined version of the ALICE butt pack and canteen pouches that LRRP guys would use, or in place of using a Proteus/modern butt pack. In that regard, having these items is *not* for quick access but for compact *last resort* carry. I agree that the marketing for the bag to civilians is extremely dumb and most would indeed be better suited using the 1 to 3 bag or the MSM CYOA pack or Falcon II or AMAP III or basically an actual backpack that can be worn over a PC rather than directly attached, but it does have a purpose. That purpose just doesn't actually matter for regular people because they don't do that kinda shit.
I’ve seen people use the flat pack as an ASIP bag, cause our unit refuses to fix our 152’s and MBITRs, other than that it’s not really ideal other than for a bladder consider we ride around in strykers
I bought both flatpack models and I've been extremely dissatisfied. For one, they only give you four columns of molle. If you have a lot of gear in the pack, or God forbid actually expand it, the stuff makes the pack slosh side to side really bad. They really needed to allow mounting across the entire back to make it more stable. I bought some of their clear pouches for the large flatpack too and they're junk. Again, not enough mounting. They literally give you 2 small velcro strips that aren't very sticky. And that's supposed to hold up everything in the pouch. They become detached at the top and end up sagging. It just sucks.
Sorry for the late comment, this was a great review and I would really like to try out the GGG as an assault pack, but I didn't see an area where you could mount your helmet. I didn't catch that in the video. Conversely, how would you compare this pack to the Raptor Tactical Scavenger? I noticed on their website that they changed the zippers so it should fit a crye carrier better (but not ideally considering the length of the zippers). Thanks! (And I'm subscribed!)
@@EODFish I own a Mystery Ranch 6500 as a main ruck. I'm searching for something that would function as a 24-48hr pack that can transition from urban to rural while carrying minor essentials for spring or fall (i.e. wet weather, woobie, poncho, water and filtration or sanitizing), food, fire, ammo, and warm weather mid layer). I'm going to watch your reviews, but if you have a top 3, I would love to hear what they are. Thanks!
They make swift clip piggy back straps so the FlatPack can be brought to your front without having to have someone else get it, and they have a whole line of compartments, pouches, pockets, organization systems for the flatpack. …that’s why the whole inside of the flatpack his hook and loop..for configuring the organization options how you want. Good job doing zero research over a product you’re griping about lol.
Been waffling and holding off on the Haley pack for about a year now because of similar misgivings. Good to know that not everybody loves the thing. While we're on the topic of back panels, do you have any experience with the RE Factor Aggressor? I'm looking to pick it up because quick-releasable medical kit is my jam, but I was just wondering if there are any little dealbreakers that aren't mentioned on the product blurb. There's almost no information on those panels out there... Thanks as always for your time and insight
@@EODFish Multicam preferred, but I wouldn't say no to ranger green or coyote if it's a deal. I do some homebrew gear modding so maybe I can dream up some solution to the problems you have with it
Hey bro I hope you're still active on this CZcams channel. I was wondering if this was the TAA complaint one? I'm asking just to see if there is a difference in material quality. Thanks
@@EODFish any chance you can start including the weight of plate carriers in your reviews out of the box? Also have you ever reviewed the JPC knock off by warrior assault systems?
@@EODFish understood, while I have you, any chance you can recommend a plate carrier that has a chest integrated admin pouch that has internal organization other than the JPC 2.0 and can potentially take a zipper upgrade like axl makes?
You could use a safety pin to secure that excess zipper at the bottom. But tbh it seems like a stupid pack design to begin with. Good video regardless. Thanks for sharing!
This is pretty late but I figured I would throw out there my thoughts. I've been running a flatpack for a couple years now and have been pretty happy with it. I do think it is way more expensive than it should be and I agree it has been over-hyped for what it is. I still like to use it because we are required to use the standard issue plate carriers, so zipper panels aren't really an option, and a ruck fits over it *reasonably* well. I typically carry my hydration bladder, map case, protractor, markers, and random s-clips, batteries and stuff like that. It also works well for carrying a wet weather top. Basically it means I don't need to bring an assault pack inside my ruck and I can stick anything that I want for patrols but don't need instant access to in there.
Seems well thought out and articulated.
You can buy the zip-on Molle adaptors and run the ggg and crye back panels and put em on everything just fyi if you want zip on panels. I have this ggg pack and my two complaints is that zipper and there is no external molle to add side or rear pouches. It’s a person petpev of mine cause while on deployment o used range finder a lot and had its pouch molled to the outside to where I could still reach it
@@jeffreyjohnson6968 Yeah I'm not sure if they weren't widespread or just didn't exist yet when I first bought my flatpack but I'm glad to see them catching on now. Personally I don't have enough of a problem with my current set-up to change it but for anyone looking I would agree that molle-attached zipper set ups is the way to go.
@@awilk418 very true they were pretty new back when I was using em obviously this pack didn’t exist quiet yet but I used to zip on my door breacher panel and throw my assault pack over top and my assault pack had quick detach buckles to mount to my armor and could be dropped and would still have my other panel on there and like you said also depends on what you are using it all for I could see where the flat pack would work with lots of ppl in a main stream application versus being more geared torwards specific jobs like an assaulters panel
I just started lookin into this myself. My last kit got stolen so I decided to go full Gucci with my current setup. Looking at attached rear packs for additional trauma gear. You see that Haley has those detach “hitch hike kit” adapter for their gear? My idea is to get a pack I can detach myself for extra med stuff but the Haley kinda puts me off since there’s no internal organization.
Thanks for the video and pack breakdown. I had the same concerns for the Flatpack and didn't even know about the Grey Ghost Assault Pack. Now I'm considering selling my Spiritus setup to go with a Crye JPC 2.0 setup. I thought your youtube name was familiar and I realized you helped me on reddit awhile back with some backpack advice. Appreciate your philosophy on how gear should be catered to the user, not copy pasted from someone else. Looking forward to more gear videos.
Thanks dude. Happy to be of help.
@@EODFish One last question I forgot to ask. Did you ever notice any sagging on the rear plate bag with the GGG Assault Pack under load?
@@yurizen1461 that’s honestly a struggle with any load of significance on the rear plate.
Imo the spc is preferable to the jpc in most cases
I use a Haley flat pack so I can toss my aid bag over top. I don't run anything more than water and gortex, maybe a snack or two. I use it because it stays relatively flat when compressed and Im not stuck fighting balancing my aid bag on a round pack.
I'm not a fan of plate carrier worn bags at all but that makes alot of sense. Might try that with my mystery ranch 3 day assault since there's a decent gap in between.
I'm one of those weirdos that still wears a chest rig on top of my plates (and in training I'll often just wear the chest rig alone). I generally wear my flatpack plus at the thinnest configuration and clip the straps in to my chest rig. I don't think I've ever direct mounted it to armor. Sometimes I put some aftermarket pads on the straps if my chest rig's weight goes above a certain amount of pounds. It fits semi-ok when a ruck is on top, and I'll move an item or two from my flatpack to my ruck if I know I'm going far. Year round, I'll keep a 1.5-2L bladder in it. In fall and spring I like to put a thin warming layer, one pair of hand warmers, and a wet weather top in it. During the summer, I'll just run the wet weather top. These are mostly things that I'd need to take off my chest rig/armor to use anyway.
One of the things I like about having it is that if I'm in the patrol base and someone randomly decides to surprise me with a piece of gear to carry, I can shuffle my gear between my immediately accessible stuff (chest rig pouches, pockets, etc) to my less accessible stuff (flat pack, left behind at my ruck in the patrol base) to meet whatever surprise need is thrust on me. I know the pack is limited by how shitty the straps are, how I have to plan if/how I can access the pack, and how it fits with all my other stuff (ruck, chest rig, sitting in a vehicle, etc), but I've found that it has a few more pros than cons. My job changes as I promote/move/etc, and my knowledge on gear changes as well, so maybe I'll ditch the pack for something else later, but for now I like it.
Insight tight as ever. Putting out quality tested alternatives to combat the social media hype is always a good thing, and an invaluable community service. Haley has always been great at marketing and, not infrequently, experimenting with what the market will bear for prices that support that hype. There are any number of laptop sleeves on the market that would do everything the Flatpack does as well as it can do them, for 1/4 the price, and I've seen dudes who tried that route before Haley was a thing. For standing/waiting around a range especially, the segregated tweave compression pocket on the Grey Ghost makes me think this might be a viable way to bring a Mountain Serape to training/admin/light duty use when you're wearing plates to give your snivel gear some staying power when the 2XL puffy, dead bird fleece, and wet weathers aren't quite cutting it.
Not being a cop, and as most of us aren't fighting Zulus anymore, personally I've got very little tolerance for back panels because they require a combat squire. Back panels IMO are like how cutting your toothbrush in half is cool, using toothpaste powder is nerd, but sharing your SEAL dental hygiene kit with your battle buddy and introducing him to the glory of the combat bidet for maximum "Tactical Bathroom Techniques" feels... mildly uncomfortably incestuous. Standing behind the Bearcat peeling the velcro off every half hour to fetch another baggie of gummy worms while you wait for a methhead to go to sleep is fine if you're into that kind of degeneracy I suppose. Playing the "psst...pssssst...PSSSSSSSSST" soundtrack (bonus points for sensual suggestive chicken wing flapping/pointing) while traipsing through the woods with buddies is amusing, until it's not.
But for actual work a true assault bag that can stand up to putting too much weight in if you have to, that can get doffed without losing your armor, thrown over a wall and around vehicles, laid out in front to access to, get into silently in the dark, stand up to strapping a rocket or Gustav rounds to, stash beltfed food in, and worn when you don't need plates but still need gear.
Completely unrelated to this video, but for Fish: if you haven't already figured this out (doubtful) or for anybody randomly stumbling, on your vid talking about your giant ass bottle of chalk for marking purposes and looking for a quick upgrade, the little 1oz bottles of Gold Bond's foot/ball duster are a solid repackaging alternative and the colors of the chalk, white/blue/red/black correspond with the staying power of the dye used. White is just chalkboard chalk, blue is brushable, red is a little more water resistance, black is pretty much permanent. I make K9s keep a bottle when doing tracking work for last spoor, mostly because a light puff is an instant visual aid to help the handler/team understand local air currents and the dog's nose
Nice video. That Grey Ghost bag looks like a lot of thoughtful design went into it.
It is a pretty well thought out solution to a problem that may or may not exist.
Great video. I saw you reference this pack on FB and it looked promising to zip onto my JPC 2.0. Might keep an eye out on sales for one.
I like the simplicity of the Hayley pack for small loads. Usually it holds rain gear, backup batteries, water, and some extra magazines. Sometimes I throw night vision in a hard case in there if I have nowhere else to carry it and don't want it on my lid. I usually just keep a small grab bag in the top of my ruck which has everything in it organized which I throw into the Hayley. But I do agree that it doesn't fill the niche well enough. It's too small for an assault pack, too much just to carry water. The G*3 bag looks alot more well thought out. A small frame sheet in the Hayley water bladder pouch when running it with a chest rig is how I like to use it. On a plate carrier sometimes I have it mounted to my SPC for the items above if I don't need an assault pack, but usually just end up using my filbe assault pack as it's more convenient to take off and throw onto my filbe ruck.
This is the perfect response. You have very clearly found the limitations and usefulness for your needs. I applaud you.
@@EODFish I really appreciate the insights you have on all of your videos, and some of the products you showcase. I wasn't aware that GGG made any crye-compatible products. I don't like having to swap back and forth between the Hayley and an assault pack depending on my mission set when I have to wear a plate carrier. Are you aware of any other third party manufacturers that make, or companies that do mods to allow compatibility with Crye zipper dimensions ? I love my SPC to death for what I do versus the AVS which was a bit bulky especially when trying to wear a ruck over it.
ATS and Grey Ghost (obviously) but also WTF make things that are crye compatible. Molle Monkey Tactical also does but he is swamped for the foreseeable future.
@@TriadAgone direct action gear also makes crye compatible backpanels
Thanks for the info. I wasn’t tracking that one.
Haley pack works best with the plus version and the hitch hike kit they sell, totally changes the way its used. The loop on the inside is incredibly useful.
I do like the functionality the kit adds but I still want someone to share a successfully loaded and used flatpack or plus.
What does the hitch hike kit do?
It is a series of four extensions so you can clip the flat pack to your rig and attempt to make it a self access configurations.
I’m eagerly awaiting an attempt at this that isn’t more bulky than just using the straps in the first place.
I always have thought direct mount packs are stupid. I want the option of dumping the weight anytime. Also, I want to be able to take if off during breaks to access snacks or gear.
Yea I agree. I am thinking the same. I right now put my extra stuff into my belts pouches but I would maybe need an assault pack if the mission makes me need more
I see your point, in comparison, do you know of any packs that are comfortable to wear with a plate carrier? This is mainly why I was looking for this kind of solution to begin with. My hiking Osprey Pack is great when wearing just that but that changes completely alongside my plate carrier
@@xj2736 Yes. The tactical tailor removable operator pack is a great option. It can clip into a pc but it is much better using the straps imo. I also love the kifaru antero.
@@blackhatch46 thank you my friend im gonna check those out! I appreciate it
Another great review and food for thought.
Thanks for the comment and for watching!
Good thoughts. If I am not wanting an assault pack then I would throw a few saw pouches onto the back of my IBA or belt if there is room.
HSG bag is something I want since it looks cool but otherwise it’s meh.
I owned a Haley Strategic Flatpack a couple years ago, traded it for a Tyr Zip On Panel shortly after. Direct mount packs are not good as they sag your rear platebag and add bulk.
There's a lot of brand loyalty/hype with Haley stuff, and the Flatpack was, if I remember right, fairly early in the game of packs mounted to the back of plate carriers. I have both and I use the Haley pack now more as an aid bag to throw in the car. Of the two, I'd say the Grey Ghost does it better for snivel gear and the like.
Lately though, I've been looking at the First Spear VEP panel so I coul djust build my own "back panel". I really like the idea of being able to access the bag without removing my armor.
I have a different video on the VEP. I wasn’t a huge fan.
@@EODFish I figured it would be too gimmicky. I assume your overall feelings would be the same about their VEP modular panel?
Pretty much.
I bought the HSP Flatpack with the idea that I could toss my assault pack or ruck over it if needed. That's the theory anyways. I have not received it yet so can't confirm that.
How did it work out? I have the same plan. I have received mine but still not tested
@@Torikkaa Worked great for me
@@tylerthomas9059 Cool. Any other lessons learned? Anything you got helps!
you should check out the AMAP III
My main thoughts on it is that it's not really going to fit a civilian use case because its purpose is less of an actual backpack and more "SERE".
The use case for a flatpack is basically, you're a SOCOM dudeface in some random shithole tasked to go somewhere, kill/bag someone, and go back to base. If things go sideways you will probably ditch any actual backpack because it can get in your way of running/climbing/etc; the locals do not trust you and may even try to kill you themselves.
The flatpack contains the minimum you need to get back to whatever exit strategy you have: velcroed in comms, maybe 1-2 stripped down MREs or a set of first strike bars, water bottles, spare mags, larger detailed maps and oil pencils, lockpick set, etc. Yes, you will have to take off your PC to get at this stuff.
The point is to have these items on you in a way that doesn't sag or jiggle around or take up more horizontal space like a less structured bag will, and if necessary you can put a larger bag over it (especially in the collapsed format). Think of it less as a backpack and more as a more capable and streamlined version of the ALICE butt pack and canteen pouches that LRRP guys would use, or in place of using a Proteus/modern butt pack. In that regard, having these items is *not* for quick access but for compact *last resort* carry.
I agree that the marketing for the bag to civilians is extremely dumb and most would indeed be better suited using the 1 to 3 bag or the MSM CYOA pack or Falcon II or AMAP III or basically an actual backpack that can be worn over a PC rather than directly attached, but it does have a purpose. That purpose just doesn't actually matter for regular people because they don't do that kinda shit.
I likey the Grey Ghost!! The Douche Bag Bag would be a good SSE Bag
That’s what they are intended for. They work well enough until you try shoving an “interrogated” pressure plate in it.
I’ve seen people use the flat pack as an ASIP bag, cause our unit refuses to fix our 152’s and MBITRs, other than that it’s not really ideal other than for a bladder consider we ride around in strykers
I really need to find a clean way to mock up a couple of these larger radios because I wouldn’t have thought any of them fit the Flatpack.
@@EODFish I know it fits and asip, and I’m willing to bet it may fit a 117
I bought both flatpack models and I've been extremely dissatisfied. For one, they only give you four columns of molle. If you have a lot of gear in the pack, or God forbid actually expand it, the stuff makes the pack slosh side to side really bad. They really needed to allow mounting across the entire back to make it more stable. I bought some of their clear pouches for the large flatpack too and they're junk. Again, not enough mounting. They literally give you 2 small velcro strips that aren't very sticky. And that's supposed to hold up everything in the pouch. They become detached at the top and end up sagging. It just sucks.
We all know we use it because it looks cool. How do you win gun fights? Looking cool. In the words of Joe Biden "cmon man!"
Sorry for the late comment, this was a great review and I would really like to try out the GGG as an assault pack, but I didn't see an area where you could mount your helmet. I didn't catch that in the video.
Conversely, how would you compare this pack to the Raptor Tactical Scavenger? I noticed on their website that they changed the zippers so it should fit a crye carrier better (but not ideally considering the length of the zippers).
Thanks! (And I'm subscribed!)
It’s much more practical in function and cost than the raptor. No provision for a helmet.
@@EODFish I own a Mystery Ranch 6500 as a main ruck. I'm searching for something that would function as a 24-48hr pack that can transition from urban to rural while carrying minor essentials for spring or fall (i.e. wet weather, woobie, poncho, water and filtration or sanitizing), food, fire, ammo, and warm weather mid layer).
I'm going to watch your reviews, but if you have a top 3, I would love to hear what they are. Thanks!
How do you prevent these zip on packs from dragging backwards and choking you with your front plate?
Structural cummerbunds
They make swift clip piggy back straps so the FlatPack can be brought to your front without having to have someone else get it, and they have a whole line of compartments, pouches, pockets, organization systems for the flatpack. …that’s why the whole inside of the flatpack his hook and loop..for configuring the organization options how you want. Good job doing zero research over a product you’re griping about lol.
You must be new to the channel, welcome.
Been waffling and holding off on the Haley pack for about a year now because of similar misgivings. Good to know that not everybody loves the thing. While we're on the topic of back panels, do you have any experience with the RE Factor Aggressor? I'm looking to pick it up because quick-releasable medical kit is my jam, but I was just wondering if there are any little dealbreakers that aren't mentioned on the product blurb. There's almost no information on those panels out there... Thanks as always for your time and insight
That’s actually one of my next videos. I hate it
@@EODFish That bad huh? I'll be looking forward to hearing your thoughts then. Glad I haven't thrown the money down yet
@@nadoProducer what color were you hoping for? I have two and will gladly give you a deal if my review doesn’t turn you way off.
@@EODFish Multicam preferred, but I wouldn't say no to ranger green or coyote if it's a deal. I do some homebrew gear modding so maybe I can dream up some solution to the problems you have with it
@@nadoProducer hit me up on IG when you can.
Does the grey ghost zippers marry up with TYR zipper adapters?
No. Crye
Will the GGG SMC 1 to 3 zip-on pack accommodate 3 liter CamalBak?
I’d go 2L to play it safe.
@@EODFish thanks for the tip!👍
Hey bro I hope you're still active on this CZcams channel. I was wondering if this was the TAA complaint one? I'm asking just to see if there is a difference in material quality. Thanks
There weren’t both options when I bought it, so probably not.
Can you fit a Camelbak 3 liter bladder in there?
Yeah, the wide ones even better.
what about fitment of flatpack on spc?
How well do you think as a 3 day pack for a RTO?
There are certainly better options.
Have you looked at the Amap III from Agilite?
I haven’t.
anyone know if the grey ghost zippers compatible with Spiritus System or if there’s a way to make the two work!?
No. They are not.
Do you think the 1 to 3 Day Pack would zip onto the fcpc?
Nope. I stand by my assessment that compatible zippers doesn’t equate to compatible packs.
Can the GGG SMC accommodate a 3L Source WLPS bladder?
I don’t see why not but I also don’t have the realistic dimensions on hand.
Just got my SMC in. I can confirm that it does fit the bladder, but it's pretty tight.
Do u know if the grey ghost 1 to 3 would work with a ferro FCPC v5?
I don’t know. I need to get my hands on a ferro so I can test these things.
@@EODFish I just ordered a medium FCPC v5 RG, if you’re in SoCal. We can test.
I am not.
Work with ferro plate carrier?
I’ll try that real soon.
@@EODFish plz do asap 🙏
The hitchhike kit haley sells now allows for easy self access.
I’ll look into it but I still won’t like the Flatpack.
@@EODFish any chance you can start including the weight of plate carriers in your reviews out of the box? Also have you ever reviewed the JPC knock off by warrior assault systems?
@@michaelnyden8056 I don’t think I’ll get around to doing that; outside of being noticeably heavy or light it is really splitting hairs.
@@EODFish understood, while I have you, any chance you can recommend a plate carrier that has a chest integrated admin pouch that has internal organization other than the JPC 2.0 and can potentially take a zipper upgrade like axl makes?
@@michaelnyden8056 why not a JPC 2?
You could use a safety pin to secure that excess zipper at the bottom. But tbh it seems like a stupid pack design to begin with. Good video regardless. Thanks for sharing!
I’m honestly curious to hear more about what you think is stupid? This channel exists to drive discussion.
@@EODFish I like simple, functional solutions. Need extra storage space? Carry a separate patrol pack.