It's safe to say "tactical" backpacks have taken over in the last 10 years. Whether it's a slick everyday carry pack, or one absolutely slathered in PALS webbing, it's got roots in the military. The USMC FILBE Assault Pack is perhaps the truest "original" tactical backpack that inspired hundreds of knockoffs, and frankly nothing in the same style has beaten it yet.
FILBE stands for Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment, which was the marine corps' way of saying "Yeah, this MOLLE II Stuff kinda sucks in our opinion, lets make it better". To anyone who's ever owned a pack made by SOG, Red Rock, or 5.11 this will feel like a way better built walk in the park.
The pack has two main pockets, secured by water-resistant zippers, with a combined volume of 25 Liters — just about perfect for 2-3 days of sustainment. The main compartment features mesh pockets for organization and a sleeve that houses a removeable plastic stiffener. The front pocket also features mesh organizers and a name tape field on the outside.
The exterior of the pack is covered in PALS webbing for mounting accessories, and it has two sets of compression straps around the sides. The shoulder harness is padded, and both it and the optional hip belt can be tucked away when not in use or when securing it to the FILBE main pack.
The pack overall is way overbuilt for its size, featuring a double-box-stitched carrying handle and ample reinforcements around the whole pack and on the PALS webbing to make it completely grunt-proof.
A Note on the internal plastic frame:
We've seen these cause a common failure point on these packs by rubbing up against the nylon on the corners of the pack. If you're feeling up to it, find a way to round out or otherwise make the frame more blunt (or just get a different frame sheet all together).
Specs
- Made in the USA
- Part of the USMC FILBE Pack System
- Coyote Brown
- 1525 Cubic Inch (25 Liter) combined capacity
- Two pockets with internal mesh organizers and water resistant zippers
- PALS webbing all around
- 2 sets of compression straps on sides
- Stowable padded shoulder harness with webbing for PTTs or Hydration tube routing
- Stowable hip belt
- Bedroll straps and additional PALS webbing on bottom of pack
- Heavy duty carrying handle
- Name tape field on front pocket
- Internal plastic frame
Condition Guide
Excellent:
Assault Pack has minor to no cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use. May exhibit writing.
Good:
Assault Pack has clear cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality. We found for the "Good" condition this generally manifests in a minor hole where the back stiffener digs in to the pack, but does not impede the function of the pack and can be easily repaired if the user so chooses.
Serviceable:
Assault Pack has significant cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality. For the "Serviceable" condition this generally manifests in a cut to the main body of the bag, to the compartment that holds the back stiffener, or a shoulder strap seam beginning to rip where the shoulder strap is connected to the bag. Will definitely take some repairs to bring the pack back to 100% functionality, but can still be used without if need be.
