New in 2021, the Urban Assault Pack from Trident Tactical Technical (T3) Gear is a continuation of its previous Urban Ruck line with a pack that is more condensed and capable, be it for everyday carry or practical purposes.
Made from genuine 500D Cordura nylon, the Urban Assault Pack (UAP) has an overall dimension of 20” (H) x 11.5” (W) x 7.5” (D) and can accommodate most day items or other essentials.
Exterior
At its most direct front and starting at the top, the UAP has an 8.5” wide accessory pocket that is 7” deep and secured via thick YKK zipper with paracord pull tab. Inside the accessory pocket are two smaller divided pockets for further storage. On the exterior of the accessory pocket is a 9” (L) x 3” (H) hook-and-loop (female) field for attaching identification or morale patches or panels.
Below the accessory pocket is a kangaroo pouch/panel with extensive MOLLE webbing both inside and on the exterior, along with an attached polymer D-ring to secure items. The sliding buckle nylon straps that secure the sides of the pouch/panel also serve as compression straps for the greater UAP, and the straps come with additional hardware to manage any excess strap material.
At the top of the UAP is a nylon carrying handle with laminate nylon wrap for added grip. Underneath the handle is a laminate nylon pass-through by which to pass hydration tubes or communication cables.
Woven along the top and down along the sides is a length of adjustable shock cord that can be used to cinch the upper portion of the UAP and minimize unused space.
Both sides include additional MOLLE fields for attaching associated accessories. Toward the bottom of both sides is a concealed, zipper-secured pocket that extend 10” up underneath the side material with an internal plastic D-ring for securing radios or other items.
On the bottom of the UAP is an additional MOLLE field with two compression straps for sleeping bags or ground pad.
The backpanel includes closed-cell foam padding across the back. Both shoulder straps are contoured and anchored at the top of the backpanel with extensive bartack stitching, with QD slide-release buckles at the bottom. The shoulder straps have an adjustable sternum strap with multiple nylon webbing loops to hang accessories. There is a pass-through at the bottom of the backpanel for optional waist belts, but those are not included.
Interior
The interior of the UAP is accessed via oversized YKK zippers (again with paracord pull tabs) that allow for a clamshell opening along top and both sides.
On the inside of the UAP is a large and unobstructed storage space that can accommodate up to a 15” laptop, with anchoring tabs on the bottom and a hydration strap at the top.
On the inside of the opening are two mesh pockets for storage of accessories, clothing, or other items.
On both sides of the interior is a water bottle pocket (two total).
The Urban Assault Pack is only available in Multicam Black (featured).
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Fair (2/5): With an initial MSRP of $448 the Urban Assault Pack is the latest in solutions by T3 Gear to bridge the resources between EDC use and in the field. With its quality Cordura and extensive reinforcement stitching, the UAP is as durable as it is functional. Market alternatives for similar packs of the same design include the 3 Day Pack ($487) from High Ground Gear, the Fast Pack EDC ($395) from Triple Aught Design, the GR2 ($375) from GoRuck. All market alternatives follow the approximate same design, incorporate similar materials, and use extensive reinforcement that make the UAP towards the upper end of its competitors and at a fair price for its qualities. T3 did state that their initial price will eventually be adjusted as supplies and other COVID factors become abaited, and when it does the UAP’s scoring would obviously improve as well.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the UAP offered a good deal given its thick padded shoulder straps and wide backpanel. The shoulder straps themselves did have included height support straps to aid in finding a comfortable position. Its non-framed backpanel provided good comfort and contoured to the back while worn, and the 500D Cordura material had sufficient flexibility to not give the pack any hard edges or angles. All the YKK zippers functioned smoothly and did not bind, while the slide release buckles snapped/secured cleanly. Weather worn for a few hours or all day, the UAP was consistently comfortable.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): There was extensive use of bartack/reverse stitching throughout the UAP, as well as double and X-pattern reinforcement (especially at all key stress points). That translated to excellent durability to the shoulder straps, the pack’s pockets, and all MOLLE/PALS webbing. In addition, the carrying handle was wrapped in laminate nylon that increased abrasion resistance and tactile control to one of the most utilized contact points of the entire backpack. Clearly the UAP was designed for field use and the durability of its 500D Cordura and stitching helped ensure it handled the abrasive weight of a variety of daily carry items, ammo, a hydration bladder, and other gear.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): The UAP was lightweight and functional as an EDC backpack in any urban setting, or just as a field pack. As such it was able to fit a variety of gear or clothing that would even make it ideal as a 72-hour bag. The external kangaroo pouch did provide immediate access to desired contents, although larger items, such as an EXFIL helmet, was a little tight in it with a full pack. One noted aspect of the compression straps was the sides straps had MOLLE webbing clips to manage excess material, but not the front kangaroo pouch—which left some material to dangle unnecessarily (something maybe T3 could add an elastic band to or something in future designs to resolve that issue). 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 from 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 access port on the top also had overlap material that helped to keep a communication cable or hydration tube organized, with minimal opportunity for moisture to reach inside. One notable bonus to the function of the UAPs overall design was the clamshell opening had very tall sides that allowed the zipper to open along all three sides so that items could be packed easily without risk of spillage. The water bottle pockets on the interior were a bit of an oddity—something traditionally on the exterior that on the inside took away from internal storage—but this design aspect lent itself to the overall aspect of EDC low-profile.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 4.6 pounds (empty), the UAP was lightweight for its larger size and extensive materials. It was however, able to fit considerably more items and support the larger weight of items added. The backpanel had sufficient padding and structure to keep a majority of the weight from being uncomfortable against the back and focused entirely on the shoulders. However, the inclusion of a waist strap (not included with the bag although configured for one) would have distributed the weight equally between the shoulders and hips (and something T3 may want to consider including in the future). The listed weight of alternative bags; the 3 Day Pack (5.4 pounds) from High Ground Gear, the Fast Pack EDC (4.5 pounds) from Triple Aught Design, and the GR2 (4.75) from GoRuck illustrate that the UAP is well within the average weight range for its expected design and material.
Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)
Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com/t3-urban-assault-pack/
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.
The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.