Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Review: FieldLine Sling Backpack

ROE Sling Bag
By FieldLine Tactical (Made in China) purchased at Wal-mart
Price: $26.95

Alright, I know, you’ve already read a couple things I know that have turned you off. Made in China and Wal=mart. I’m a prepper on a budget, so I don’t always get the pack I want. 5.11 hasn’t come out with a pack in my price range so until they do, its time to get creative. This pack is basically a clone of the 5.11 RUSH 12. But is it worth the $27?

Lets start with the construction of the bag. It’s your standard backpack material. Its heavy and double stitched. It’s clearly not intended to be a survival pack but as a daily bag, its fantastic so far with a few exceptions. It has 3 different compartments no including the bladder compartment. The exterior is covered in molle strapping. Then there are all kinds of straps and basic garbage. The plastics are junk and should be replaced immediately. On my first adventure out with it, I threw it over my shoulder and it went straight to the ground. I was confused thinking maybe I forgot to connect the quick release buckle. Quick check showed me that it was good, but the strap had come undone and come out. Quick fix! HOWEVER, that is a mark against it.

I’ve taken it out on several occasions on errand runs and runs with the dog. Its held up. Its been efficient. Nothing is visibly falling apart or coming undone, and its held everything I needed it to, sometimes its been tight as the width of the largest compartment is kind of small. I’m also happy with the look. Utility and efficiency is most important.

3 out of 5 – Its cheap, but its not garbage. If you’re looking for a new pack for your daily running or maybe for your trunk bag this is worthy of your $27. If you’re looking for a long term bug out bag, save another $130 and get yourself something nice.

Now, I’ve never done this before because I’ve not had the opportunity until now. If you’re on the fence about it, buy it. Then go about the store and pick up some thread and needles, a higher quality carabineer, some adhesive-backed hook and loop, and if they are available some different quick release buckles. With some creativity and some time a couple extra dollars and you’ve upgraded the bag.

My only continued gripe are the zippers, NOT that I’ve had a problem with them, I just feel like they’re going to break. 

4 out of 5 - With the necessary upgrades and some personal touches you have yourself a real solid bag for $35. 









No comments:

Post a Comment