The paragon of bags within the Shadow Elite line of products, the Advanced Field Backpack by The Requirements Group represents the company’s best blend of tactical and field designs in a single pack.
Introduced in 2016, the Advanced Field Backpack (AFB) offers all the function, durability, and style of a tactical field backpack that draws on many modern materials. Built from 1000D nylon, the AFB is a medium, 24-hour pack that measures overall 21″ (H) x 13″ (W) x 9″ (D). It uses high-tensile composite nylon threading and YKK zippers/slide-release buckles throughout to enhance its overall durability.
External
On the front of the AFB (at the top) is a 4.5” (H) x 6” (W) fleece-lined, sunglasses/electronic accessory pouch secured via zipper, with a (female) hook-and-loop panel on the exterior. Below of which is an extensive laser-cut MOLLE field with reinforced stitching.
Behind the front exterior of the AFB is a 16” (H) x 10” (W) x 6” (D) administrative pouch, which is secured via dual zippers pull tabs. It includes a key lanyard, one mesh pocket (secured via zipper), three pen sleeves, and two accessory pockets (one with hook-and-loop flap and another with shock cord retention). On the interior of the pouch’s flap is a larger mesh pocket secured via zipper).
On either side of the AFB is a 6” (H) x 5” (W) x 2” (D) accessory pocket that open along on three sides, via zipper pull tab, to allow for maximum access. Dual compression straps, with slide-release buckles, are on both sides of the AFB and help ensure the pack’s contents remain secure.
At the top of the AFB is a reinforced nylon carrying handle that has dual access panels and a concealed access crease into the main storage compartment for hydration tubes or communication cables. The carrying handle itself is anchored via double stitching and creased webbing angles.
The adjustable, dual shoulder straps on the AFB are a split design with an adjustable sternum strap that can be moved along the attached nylon webbing. Each shoulder strap includes a plastic D-ring for attaching accessories or feeding a hydration tube (not included) through, and QD slide-release buckles at the bottom. The shoulder straps consist of a thick closed-cell foam padding that is carried over to sections in the AFB’s back panel.
Behind the shoulder straps is a storage compartment measuring 18” (H) x 10” (W) x 1” (D) and is a little over 1” deep that can accommodate a 15” laptop. The compartment can also double as a sleeve for soft body armor or a hydration bladder.
On the bottom of the EB is a single drainage grommet.
Internal
The main storage compartment itself features a large storage space the full height of the pack. On the interior of the main compartment’s flap is a mesh pocket secured via zipper, while opposite of the interior is a 15” hydration pouch sleeve with retention clip.
Specifications:
- Overall Capacity: 2700 cubic inches or approximately 45L
The Advanced Field Backpack is available in Olive Drab (featured), Coyote, Woodland Digital, and Black. The AFB is available in Vegetato in Europe and special order in North America.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Excellent (5/5): At $126.40 the Advanced Field Backpack (AFB) is priced very well considering the overall carrying capacity of the pack, quantity of 1000D nylon, and hardware involved. This also places it between the popular 5.11’s Rush72 Backpack ($169.99 @ 55L storage space) and its Rush24 Backpack ($129.99 @ 37L storage space). Likewise, Tru-Spec has its Tour of Duty ($177.95 @ 37L storage) and Pathfinder 2.5 ($131.95 @ 39L storage). So, the AFB’s cost is more beneficial for the consumer than other popular vendors using somewhat similar design and materials.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): The AFB was able to distribute the weight of its contents comfortably across the upper torso, while the top/bottom compression straps kept things secure. It’s good level of comfort was thanks in large part to its contoured shoulder straps and the use of closed-cell foam padding along the inside of the shoulder straps and back panel. The 1000D material was slightly more abrasive to exposed skin than 500D, and perhaps an improvement to the AFB would be to make the removable waist belt padded to avoid wear on the user’s waist while carrying significant weight.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): In contrast to the more common 500D material, the AFB was comprised of 1000D and thus offered a higher degree of abrasion resistance. Despite being loaded down with a number of hard-corner items and being carried to/from the range, the AFB held up to stressor drills. Extensive bartack, double line, and X-pattern stitching brought added durability to key stress points and webbing throughout.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Of similar design as Direct Action’s Dragon Egg, the AFB has a somewhat curved exterior design to it that accounted for the larger 45L overall carrying capacity while keeping it to a moderate frame size. It’s curved design also made it ideal for use aside from range work to include; day hikes, EDC use, or camping given its somewhat low-profile appearance. The extensive pockets and compartmentalization made the AFB ideal to keep things separate and easily accessible. The laser-cut MOLLE field provided ample room to expand the functionality of the AFB but maintained a low profile when not in use. I would have preferred the bottom compression straps be above the external accessory pockets, to avoid over compressing the contents and still retaining immediate access.
- Weight – Average (3/5): The Advanced Field Backpack weighs 3.5 pounds (empty) which is well under the Rush72 (5 pounds) and closer to the Rush24 (3.7 pounds) or Pathfinder 2.5 (3.35 pounds) Backpack. Given that the AFB falls between the latter two, then its weight is consummate to its carrying capacity and appropriate to its 1000D material and hardware.
Overall Rating – Good (21/25)
Product Link: https://therequirementsgroup.com/she-515/
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