As part of its Every Day Carry (EDC) line of products, the Scarab day pack by Grey Ghost Gear is intended to give users a light, all day bag that is ideal for a variety of short-term settings.
Exterior
Made overall from Rip-Stop Nylon for settings when traditional Cordura or other military-type fabrics are not preferred, the Scarab is 100% nylon and an overall dimension of 17.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 7” (D) with a slight domed, low-profile appearance when worn. This gives the Scarab an overall storage space of 1, 037 in³. The material also has the added benefit of being up to 30% lighter than traditional military nylons.
At the front, the Scarab has two overlapping single pockets that are YKK zipper-secured with nylon pull-tabs, capped in a polymer pressure point. This allows for a low-profile appearance with the flexibility and positive control of opening or closing.
From the left (being the top most pocket), the first front pocket has an interior space of approximately 12” (H) x 6” (W). Inside it includes a nylon band (reinforced by a rubberized plastic base) that has two segments for pocketknives or other clip-type accessories, and a polymer key hook. At the bottom is an angled 6” envelope pouch.
From the right (and under the first), the second front pocket has an interior space of 17.5” (H) x 11” (W). The interior includes a large 9” (H) x 9.5” (W) hook-and-loop (female) field for mounting an associated EDC gun holster (not included) and/or other accessories. Below that is a 9.5” wide envelop pouch for note pads, a pen sleeve, and accessory pouch.
The back of the Scarab features extensive 1” thick, open-cell foam padding along two sides to create a central ventilation passage down the middle. This helps in airflow and heat dissipation. The shoulder straps themselves also have open-cell foam padding with a cross-yolk band of material at the top for stability and doubles as a carrying handle, and adjustable sliding buckles at the bottom.
The Scarab also includes a detachable rain cover that is hidden in a zipper-secured pocket on the bottom. This rain cover has an elastic outer band to maintain a secure hold over the day pack.
Interior
The main storage area inside the Scarab is a full-sized space and accessed via dual zippers with nylon pull-tabs. The tabs themselves are capped in a polymer pressure point that is contoured to the fingertip for tactile sensation. The zipper line is also water resistant with a protective casing to prevent moisture saturation.
Inside the main storage space is a 15” mesh and padded pocket for a laptop, notebook, or other sensitive item. Opposite on the interior, at the top is a zipper-secured elastic mesh pocket that allows items inside to still be seen for easy recognition. Near the bottom are two 4” (W) envelope pockets (reinforced with adjustable nylon straps) for rifle magazines, water bottles, power banks or other electronics.
The Scarab is available in Black Diamond/Grey Heather (featured), Multicam (featured), Black Diamond/Black Heather, Black Diamond/Black, and Coyote Brown.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): At a cost between $108.99-$131.99 (color dependent) the Scarab is about the size of an assault pack, with all the low-profile appearance of a non-descript EDC backpack. Made from a lighter Rip-Stop nylon, the Scarab allows the user to store enough for a light day out on the town, out on the range, or the trails while still having the essentials at hand. Close market alternatives would be Triple Aught Design’s Axiom 24 ($365), GoRuck’s 20L RUCKER ($129), 5.11’s COVERT Backpack ($89.49), or Helikon-Tex’s EDC Bag ($59). Fact is the more exotic materials, that maintain a low outward tactical appearance, cost more and while some inexpensive EDC packs maintain that role—their outward design still screams “tactical”. As such, while the Scarab is toward the upper tier of cost, for what you get in design and material places it at a good price point.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Scarab had sufficient padding along the back and shoulder straps that ensured that the wearer did not feel pressure from the contents, nor pinch in the arms/shoulders. Both sides of the back panel had a thick, deep padding that allowed the airflow channel down the center to mitigate some of the heat built up/trapped under the pack while walking. The shoulder straps themselves are wide enough apart that it allowed for good comfort across the chest. The only drawback noted here was a lack of a sternum strap to help maintain the chest straps in a secure fashion, nor elastic cuffs on the draw strap to control excess material. All YKK zippers functioned smoothly and did not bind nor pinch taking turns. For a day’s wear, the Scarab performed well and did not fatigue the wearer nor prove cumbersome.
- Durability – Excellent (5/5): The Scarab was made from the same nylon Rip-Stop material as many tactical and weather-resistant clothing. The purpose was to prevent gouges, tears, or cuts—and when/if that material was then the compromised threading would only be limited to that small segment and not further fray. Throughout evaluation keys, gear, cameras, guns, water bottles and other items were all carried or moved over the material. At no point did any material fray nor become compromised. Some over-threading was noted, but easily removed. Throughout the bag, double-line and bartack stitching was noted along all zippers, shoulder straps, and other key stressor points that helped ensure longevity while being carried, transported, or thrown around.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the Scarab was intended to serve as a small 24-hour pack, one with the EDC in mind. The overlapping front pockets did do well to carry the smaller essentials, including a G19 with two spare magazines that did not excessively print. One thing to note is that only the right-side pocket has the hook-and-loop field essential for mounting a holster/magazines, thus when the pack is slung to the front for immediate access, it limits the user to only a left-handed draw. In order to get a right-handed draw, you have you fully remove the pack and spin it around to access the correct pocket. Grey Ghost Gear may want to consider adding hook-and-loop fields to both front pockets to allow for the use of ambidextrous draw. Otherwise, the Scarab had good internal pockets for light use, and perhaps could have benefited if the zipper line for the main storage compartment had extend fully to the bottom of the bag to allow it to lay open. Users may want to note that while the rain cover is stored in the bottom of the bag, it does occupy a small amount of space in the bottom of the interior and may not allow the pack to relax sufficiently to stand up when placed on the floor or under a desk. The rain cover can be easily removed and alleviate this issue.
- Weight – Excellent (5/5): Weighing in at just 32 ounces, the Scarab owed a large portion of its relative light weight to its Rip-Stop material and minimal hardware that is considerably lighter than traditional nylons. That material and open-cell padding ensured that the Scarab was durable, functional, and comfortable throughout the day and regardless of the items carried. In contrast, the Axiom (37.6 ounces), 20L RUCKER (43.2 ounces), COVERT Backpack (48 ounces), or Helikon-Tex’s EDC Bag (38.44 ounces) all illustrate that the Scarab is among the lightest of these day packs in similar size, and gave it an excellent scoring.
Overall Rating – Good (21/25)
Product Link: https://greyghostgear.com/products/scarabdaypack
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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