No stranger to innovation or adaptability, the Flatpack Plus by Haley Strategic offers the wearer the ability to functionally bridge between an Every Day Carry (EDC) pack, Patrol pack (augmenting a chest rig), or Assaulter’s pack (augmenting a plate carrier).
Exterior
The exterior of the Flatpack Plus offers a very straightforward design that, when compressed, is nearly flat. On the front of the pack is a 12” (H) x 10” (W) accessory pocket that is secured at the top via zipper using a plastic pull tab. Beneath the opening of the accessory pocket is a 3” (H) x 10” (W) field of (female) hook-and-loop for attaching identification panels or morale patches.
At the front base of the pack is an administration pouch that measures 10.5″ (H) x 7″ (W) x 1” (D) with a 1” gusset that, when unzipped, adds more depth to the pouch’s storage capacity.
The height of the Flatpack Plus is adjustable from two fully adjustable shoulder straps with a hook-and-loop field along the length of the straps. There are two hydration loops on each outward side, and the shoulder straps themselves end in slide-release buckles to adjust fit. Because of the increased size of the Flatpack Plus, Haley Strategic has also included the added feature of a quick release sternum strap to help stabilize the overall weight in the pack.
Interior
The primary storage compartment for the Flatpack Plus measures 14″ (H) x 10″ (W) x 3.5″ (D) with a 2.5” gusset to further increase the overall storage capacity. The Flatpack Plus features a three-sided zipper that gives the pack a “peelable” opening allowing the pack to be fully opened for maximum accessibility. Inside there is a full field of (female) hook-and-loop for customizable accessories with compatible mounting systems.
At the top if the interior, is a zippered access pouch for an accommodating a 1-liter hydration system (not included) with a “pass through” slot for the drinking tube to pass.
Specifications
- Made from 500D Cordura
- Functionally alternates between a flat profile to over 1400 cubic inches of storage
- When worn in its patrol configuration, the Flatpack Plus replaces the shoulder harness of compatible chest rigs, in conjunction with the provided Swift Clips
- When worn in its assault configuration, the Flatpack Plus uses the provided MOLLE webbing/mounting system on the backpanel
- The Flatpack Plus is Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a) Compliant
The Flatpack Plus comes in Ranger Green (featured), Black, Coyote, Disruptive Gray, Multicam, and Multicam Arid. Users should note however, the Disruptive Gray Flatpack Plus does not feature the MOLLE backpanel nor a front-facing (female) hook-and-loop panel to maintain its low-profile appearance. Also featured in this review, but not evaluated, is one of Haley Strategic’s large clear-top insert bags to demonstrate the interior’s hook-and-loop field.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): At $165.00 the price of the Flatpack Plus has to be considered in light of its functionality. As an assault pack its price is of average cost and comparable to other packs by Trident Tactical Technical, Tactical Tailor, or RE Factor. As a light EDC backpack or patrol pack, other market options are available at a lesser cost, but lack either the Flatpack Plus’s innovation and flexibility in design, or have lesser quality materials or hardware.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): The comfort of the Flatpack Plus was a bit of a mix. In its patrol or assault configuration the Flatpack Plus was extremely comfortable, integrating itself and its weight (or that of its contents) directly into part of the overall chest rig’s harness or that of the plate carrier. But as a light EDC pack, the comfort of the expanded Flatpack Plus was a little hindered due the increased weight of the contents and the lack of padding on the shoulder straps when worn for long time periods (2hr+). It was recognized that the EDC pack configuration its role as a long-term day pack wasn’t the primary role of the Flatpack Plus, but it was something that should be considered if you are looking at the product for that role. But the ability to adjust the length of the shoulder straps and sternum strap helped improve the distribution of the weight on the upper back. Otherwise the Flatpack Plus was of overall good comfort throughout stressor drills (lunges & pushups) and did not shift the weight of the pack off the shoulders.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): Aside from the 500D Cordura that the Flatpack Plus was constructed from, the Flatpack Plus has an extensive amount of bartack and X-type stitching throughout the pack that ensured it was heavily reinforced. This is important especially on the interior, with the (female) hook-and-loop field, as it will endure a lot of tug-and-pull from attached accessory panels or bear the weight of items placed inside.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): The function of the Flatpack Plus was extremely well thought out, as its gusset system allowed the pack to easily go from virtually flat, to over 1,400 cubic inches of storage space. It’s adaptability to represent three packs in a single design allowed for the wearer to choose the appropriate role necessary for the task (or load) needed. Using the included Swift Clips to reconfigure the Flatpack Plus from pack to part chest rig with a D3CRX, and then deconstruct the pack to mount on a plate carrier was all very intuitive and straightforward. The interior (female) hook-and-loop also allowed for customization or compartmentalization based on pouches or accessories with the necessary associated (male) hook-and-loop. It would have added to the functionality of the Flatpack Plus had that interior hook-and-loop panel had included laser-cut MOLLE spacers, similar to what we see in many range belts today, so that webbing or accessories without hook-and-loop could likewise be secured.
- Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing approximately 19 ounces (empty) the Flatpack Plus is lighter than what it would be otherwise from a similar pack with the same max volume of storage. Most such packs on the market are typically several ounces heavier due to additional material for pockets or other design features. But in those cases, you won’t have the adaptability of the Flatpack Plus as most are simply static packs.
Overall Rating – Good (21/25)
Product Link: https://haleystrategic.com/shop/soft-goods/flat-pack-plus
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