Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1150145
the second weakest element of the product. The first place goes to the side pockets attachment system. RAID, covered with the PALS system oand, surprisingly, 2-inch ALICE straps (!), as every modern pack now (rant mode off), comes with two 5-liter side pockets (to increase total capacity up to 55 liters). The side pockets are attached to the main pack with push- through loops (on the pocket) made of double-sewn band. The loops must be inserted through the compression straps on the sids. There is no way to adjust the distance between the pocket and the backpack or to compress the pocket. One can easily imagine what happens when we pack a light sleeping bag or cooker, or a Nalgene bottle into the pocket (which, by the way, is pretty spacious), bearing in mind the low- quality, lack of rigidity, and the general slipperiness of the strap. Of course, the possibility of putting, for example, trekking poles between the backpack and the pocket is a benefit of this solution, but it is the only justification I can think of. Another disadvantage is the use of Velcro for top lid closure. The Velcro are simply too narrow. The backpack has extended storm-collar with doubled drawstrings. It can be considered as a great advantage, but once we extend the collar, the flpa itself is only attached to a small part of the Velcro and to four straps. So, it moves and may improperly secure the load. However, the ergonomics and arrangement of fixed pockets are very good. The inner mesh pockets are perfect for storing small items, the two pockets in the flap are very useful – you can fit a rain cover (not include) in the outer pocket and a power bank and a Kindle reader in internal one. The main compartment can be divided into two parts with internal zippered flap. Here, we start talking about my favorite part of RAID. I tested the backpack, among others, for two weeks of my wandering through roads and off-roads in Bieszczady Mountains, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Hungary. I used it both on a motorcycle as well as while hiking. The thing is that when the backpack is lying flat, I can access it through the two entries on the front that can be opened with two-way zippers – the first entry is on the bottom and provides access to the contents stashed at the bottom of the pack (or the bottom compartment, if we separate it). Thanks to that, it is possible, for example, to pack wet boots and clothes so that they have no contact with the rest of the gear. The second two-way zipper opens an elliptical front entry and gives access to the central part of the main compartment, without the need of opening top flap. It is very convenient in situations when the pack is attached to something flat lying or when it is on the back of another person and we do not want to take it off. I really like the load bearing system itself; I am a big fan of the "peeling", rigid mesh. The straps do not cause strain on the shoulders, even after a long march with a bigger load. The whole load is well-distributed and does not pull to any side. The wide waist belt has PALS grid, which is a great advantage, especially when marching. The adjustment system with Velcro straps at the whole length of the "back" of Raid is easy and convenient and it helps in adjusting the pack to the owner's height. The very long straps that pull the backpack towards the user's back and that can be easily grasped and drawn are a cool bonus. EQUIPMENT