The First Tactical Tactix 1-Day Plus Backpack: Tested and Approved by MilspecMonkey
As we could have guessed, First Tactical did a good job in designing its product range, including some nice backpacks. As a preview of First Tactical's design style, I had the chance to test the "Tactix 1-day Plus" backpack. And the surprise was pleasant!
At first glance, the Tactix backpack has a good intermediate size. It is well organized, with modern equipment. The name "1-DAY PLUS" backpack indicates that it has about the carrying capacity of 24-hour bags, even a little more. But I think it would be more realistic to call it "2-Day" given its overall size (40.5 liters). And just out of curiosity, the mention "PLUS" does not mean that there is a smaller "Tactix" bag. First Tactical does offer smaller backpacks but they are labeled under the "Specialist 0.5-Day and 1-Day" series. First Tactical also plans to release the 0.5-Day+ and the 3-Day later this year.
Always in a modern approach, the attachment system is of the MOLLE / PALS type with laser cuts. This contrasts with traditional, heavier MOLLE loops. First Tactical calls this technique the "Lynx Laser Cut Platform," which involves laser cutting two 500D nylon strips and then assembling them. They claim that this system is 20% stronger, which is honestly hard to believe, but the wide choice of attachment positions is indeed there. With the slots, you gain the equivalent of a half-step in height attachment, also offering more options on the sides. With traditional loops, the ends are rarely usable. Quickly observing the bag, we see that there are a number of PALS loops, including 6 columns on the front and 4 on the sides, which is rare on bags of this size.
With so many options, it's going to be a long journey to list them all, so hang on! I'll start the journey with the external equipment. There is a nice sturdy handle at the top in the usual place and others on the sides in an elastic material to stay discreet by default. The shoulder straps are equipped with another attachment system that looks like a sliding handle but functions more like a harness. It's an interesting option that people either love or hate, and it's the first time I've seen such an adjustable and removable attachment.
The back of the bag and the shoulder straps are well padded with breathable material to optimize comfort and allow air circulation. Most of the padding space incorporates a small air circulation channel under the spine, which is minimal but better than nothing. Although not included, the bag is configured to integrate a hip belt with lumbar protection. If you need a simple belt, there is 1.5" of space and three sliders to attach it. Some will be disappointed that the belt is missing. However, the bag is just below the size of the range where the belt is highly expected. I can understand the decision for this configuration to keep prices low.
The back of the shoulder straps is well designed, with its many outer grooves and a space with a velcro loop to attach small items. The chest strap is functional, although we use 3/4 of the length. I'm not a big fan of the sliding tube adjustment system to adjust the height of the placement. If you wish, you can easily remove the chest strap by sliding it until it comes off completely. Other cool features are included, such as an elastic on the main buckles to prevent accidental velcro release and manage the strap play. At the bottom, there are few attachments, but enough to add items like a sleeping bag. We also see eyelets on the lower sides because there is a small zippered pocket hidden at the bottom.
As you have understood, I am not a fan of the compression straps of most bags, but the adjustment of the Tactix bag is rather nice. The material used allows you to move or remove the straps, and with this grooved system, there are enough possible positions. The little extras are always there, like the elastics on the main "SRB" buckles and the strap play. It is interesting to note that if you manage to break your shoulder strap buckle, you can use the compression strap as a replacement and attach it easily without having to sew it. I think it would be a good idea if First Tactical sold additional compression straps for those who need more than two. I made this request hoping that the offer will be available soon.
The last rear compartment is more focused on the rigidity of the backboard and shoulder straps. You will certainly have no problems with this, but if needed, you can remove the backboard or extend the shoulder straps. I hadn't thought of it before watching the first First Tactical video, but they also added good emergency spaces on the backboard that integrate a support for a shovel or paddle. A little further, we find what some will call a hydration pocket, which closes with a zipper at the bottom and can be offered with two systems: the "Tactical" with hooks or through a suspension system. I didn't have the opportunity to try it, but you can see examples of the interface in the photo with the "Tactical's Rifle Sleeves" model, which is a very interesting option. This compartment has "G-hook" hooks that are part of the system with some additional storage pockets. In the series of extras: the slot to secure the bottom zipper. Some might have hoped for specific tubes, but the double zippers have the same function.
Let's move to the front of the bag. The middle of the anterior area has a zippered compartment on each side for ambidextrous use. The inside of each compartment has some small storage pockets of different sizes for good hiding spots and storage areas. Note that the outer face benefits from a solid loop about 6"x3" which offers many attachment possibilities. Behind this area is a double-zippered compartment that offers good storage space. The pocket sizes are varied to offer several possibilities. There is also a zippered pocket at the back to offer more secure spaces. A simple plastic pouch is at the top left, but they compensate by offering suspension loops for nice keychains at the top right. Easy to ignore, just a little higher, is a unique CCAC compartment. The area is a good size and contains a space in the loop to connect to a back hook to support accessories like a pistol. It's a bit of a shame to have only one zipper here, but I understand the compromise, as a double zipper would make the opening smaller and it would be harder to quickly pull out the pistol.
Let's move to the upper front compartment. A single zipper is used, and the interior has nothing special. But the exterior has PALS slots and enough loops to hang items such as a cap or headband. You would certainly have preferred a closure with pockets here, but the "PALS" slots are practical for attaching and taking items with carabiners. At the top, there is a smaller zippered pocket lined with a soft material, which is perfect for putting glasses or small electronic devices.
Finally, in the main compartment, the show reveals a double-shell style with double zippers. The zippers are unique and grippy, but the cord seems a bit long compared to others that allow you to grab the zipper more easily. These fancier zippers are only used in the main compartment and the largest front compartment, perhaps to help identify the areas. Inside, there is a nice large compartment with a soft back and velcro-compatible material. There is no velcro on the entire surface, but you can still attach some accessories to store later. The sides benefit from some storage pockets with the right size for water bottles and good hiding spots. The front interior space has nice mesh pockets with simple zippers that attach with velcro. I think there is only a small piece of velcro to easily take items out of the pockets. These easy-to-open pockets are used to store medications and are also practical for storing all sorts of things. Additionally, with the support hook, you can attach your mesh pockets to the back of the main compartment for better hold. Under the mesh pockets, there are more vertical pockets that open with a zipper. It seemed a bit strange to me at first, but after questioning the designer, they made sense in the context of having ambidextrous hiding pockets accessible with the front device. Even if they are not used as hiding spots, the pocket configuration is an option rarely seen in other bags.
The Tactix backpack is made abroad. However, special care has been taken with the overall structure and materials used. The retail price of €179.95 remains a good price for a bag with so many options. Finally, I really like the flexibility and attention to detail of this bag. With its larger main compartment to carry a lot of stuff, while having other compartments to put lots of small items, it perfectly matches my style for a versatile bag. The First Tactical backpack always seemed great to me, but once I started using it, the design really appealed to me because overall, it's really easy to find the right place for each piece of equipment. However, if you need more storage capacity and fewer storage spaces for small items, you can first check out the Specialist 3-Day backpack with a capacity of 56 liters at €159.95.
Originally, the article was published on MilspecMonkey.com by CEO Clayton Montgomery. To learn more: https://www.milspecmonkey.com
To learn more about the Tactix 1-Day Plus backpack, click here.