Initially designed as a light day pack or assault backpack, the HANS Backpack by Trident Tactical Technical (T3) Gear was modified in 2021 into a hunter variant with high visibility orange panels. Now civilians can enjoy the same high-degree of military quality in manufacturing, for more regular hunts or outdoor outings.  

Introduced in 2014 and made from a 500D, solution-dyed Cordura, the HANS backpack was designed specifically for members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams—but the hunter variant can now be utilized for a day’s hunt outing or for day hikes.

On the front of the HANS is a top-open kangaroo pouch with mesh on three sides, and secured with two compression straps/Fastex buckle on each side (four total). On the exterior of the kangaroo flap is a 1.5” (H) x 6” (W) (female) hook-and-loop field for identification patches, and a pouch secured via zipper for smaller items.

On the exterior of the kangaroo pouch is a zipper-secured 7” (H) x 7” (W) x 2.5” (D) accessory pouch that opens 2/3’s down the sides for easy access. On its exterior is a square 4” (H) x 5” (L) (female) hook-and-loop field for identification or morale patches. The bottom of the accessory pouch has a single drainage grommet. At the top of the interior of the kangaroo pouch is a 9.5” (H) x 4.5” (W) zipper-secured accessory pouch for sunglasses, electronics, or other immediate-need items.

At the top of the HANS pack is a hook-and-loop access panel for three ports (any combination of hydration tubes or radio antennas/cables). Each as a separate pull tab for customization. Over the ports is a reinforced carrying handle with an internal rubberized tube that gives the handle its rigidity. The nylon material of the carrying handle continues down the sides and covers an access port on either side of the pack for extra communication cables.

On either side of the HANS is a 4” (W) x 8” (H) x 2” (D) vertical storage pouch designed to fit the standard C4 charge, or more practically a Nalgene water bottle. The bottom of each side pouch is a single drainage grommet.

The backpanel has a series seven MOLLE/PALS webbing panels, down two separate rows, of the back. Combined with the extra length of nylon affixed at the top of the pack, will give the HANS the ability to mount to a plate carrier or pack (not included). The 2.5” wide shoulder straps have ¼” thick contoured padding, an adjustable sternum strap, and are removable at the top and have Fastex buckles at the bottom.

On the bottom of the HANS is a drainage grommet, and two MOLLE/PALS webbing panels on each side for securing a shooter’s mat or sleeping bag.

The HANS main storage compartment is 9” (W) x 17” (H) x 6” (D) and secured via dual zipper that opens the top 1/3 of the pack. Inside is a mesh hydration sleeve almost the entire height of the pack with an anchoring strap on the top. The HANS comes with a 100-ounce hydration bladder.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 14” (W) x 17” (H) x 12” (D)
• 500D Cordura
• Fastek Buckles

The HANS Backpack is available in Hunter Orange (featured), Multicam, Black, Coyote Tan, OD Green, and Desert Digital.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At an MSRP of $282.00 the HANS Backpack incorporates many materials that allow it to double as EOD or Assaulter’s pack, or as an effective EDC or bug out bag. Other market alternatives are the Exigent Circumstance Pack ($281) by First Spear, or the Huron Assaulter’s Sustainment Pack ($299) by TYR Tactical. All options follow the same design and incorporate similar materials that make the HANS of average and equal cost to that of its competitors.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): Given the HANS had multiple means of mounting, the comfort of the pack was related to how it was carried.
  • In its stand-alone backpack configuration (the method most commonly used for hunters), the HANS was comfortable given its shoulder pads that, while contoured, only had a ¼” closed foam. When worn loaded down with items for an extended time (3+ hours), the shoulder straps did mitigate some of the weight, but was not as comfortable as other market shoulder pads utilizing thicker open-cell/air mesh padding. It was evident the principle design of carrying the HANS was for it to be on a plate carrier or pack.
  • When mounted to a plate carrier or perhaps a load-bearing vest, the weight was far more comfortable, integrating itself into the weight distribution of the carrier and over the entire upper torso. There is little risk of overloading the HANS as the size of its main storage compartment and other pockets would be well within the abrasion resistance and tensile strength of the materials and hardware.
  • A final observation noted were the zippers, although not YKK, functioned easily and did not bind or cross-feed. In the hunter’s variant the high-visibility color panels were bright and easily identifiable.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): There was extensive use of bartack/reverse stitching, as well as double and X-pattern reinforcement at all key stress points. That included added durability to; the shoulder straps, the pack’s pockets, and all MOLLE/PALS webbing. The HANS is designed for field use and the durability of its 500D Cordura and stitching helped ensure it handled a FAST helmet, ammo, hydration bladder, and gear.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): The HANS was lightweight and functional as an EOD or Assaulter’s pack, and now even moreso now as a hunter’s backpack. As such it was not intended to carry extensive amounts of gear and supplies. The external kangaroo pouch did provide immediate access to contents, although bulkier items were a bit tight with the mesh materials. User’s should note any items stored in the kangaroo pouch should be either waterproof or in a protective container/bag as the elements (specifically the rain) will penetrate the sides. The alternative was to place items in the accessory or main storage compartment because both had overlap material over the zippers to avoid moisture penetration. The three access ports on the top and two sides provided a unique means to keep communication cables and hydration tubes organized but accessible. The high-visibility safety orange panels were easily identified from significant distances and through dense brush.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 2.3 pounds the HANS Backpack was very lightweight thanks to a traditional blend of Cordura and mesh fabrics. Thus, for a light pack it was a very functional piece of gear that carried daily and mission essentials without wearing on the body. The HANS was worn for approximately three hours (completely loaded) to gage its effects on the back and shoulders, with minimal fatigue noted during stressors. In comparison, the newer ECP weighs 2.0 pounds and the Sustainment pack came in at 1.5 pounds, both of which owe their lighter weights to newer fabrics while still keeping similar designs.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

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