511 AMP 12 Backpack

Great EDC

I LOVE this bag. I use it every day for commuting into the city. I got the black one because it blends in better in the urban environment. I'm toying with the idea of getting the sandstone version for day trips to the woods because it is so good. I've used it every day for 3 years and there is zero wear and tear on it.

There are lots of features with this bag and it is easy to configure for almost any mission. I especially like the fact that I can stuff my coat without opening the main compartment. This means it is easy to grab and nobody gets to see what else you are carrying, making it safe to carry your laptop in the hydration compartment. I keep a small umbrella in one of the mesh side pouches and a 75ml Klean Kanteen water bottle in the other. A 1 litre would also fit and be pretty secure. These can be fixed with the compression straps to stop them falling out when you have to run for the train.

There is room inside for a jumper in winter and a large headphones set. There is still room for other stuff in there after that e.g. a couple of bottles of wine, a lunch box or whatever else I need to pop in there for my every day / miscellaneous needs. I keep a hat, gloves and a Buff in one of the side zipped pouches.

I used to keep my personal and work mobile phones in the rear segment but I was always a bit worried that some pickpocket would be able to get at them so I attached a molle admin pouch to the top for phones, wallet and keys. Previously I was going in and out of 3 pockets to get at all these things so this addition was better for me. I occasionally notice people watching my bag on the tube. Maybe they are looking for clues as to where I keep my valuables. Maybe they just think the bag looks good quality.

When you pick the bag up, it feels heavier than every other daypack I have used. That might put people off but what I think is really great about this bag is the load-bearing system. The curve on the back makes it feel like you are not even carrying a bag as long as you keep the contents to the bear essentials. To be honest, even with all your extra warm kit for winter it is still comfortable to carry.

There is plenty of room to allow air into your back. This means my back doesn't get too sweaty when I'm trying to look smart for work when moving around in the day. This is another reason why I'm thinking about getting this in sandstone for woodland use.

The only downside about this pack is that the shoulder straps tend to loosen over time and whist it is relatively easy to re-tighten or loosen them, the retaining loops are a bit fiddly for me. I end up taking it off my back and rolling the straps up so they don't get stuck in the train doors.

I will say that occasionally the bottom of the load-bearing pad can rub or pinch if you are wearing a belt. This can be sorted by tightening or loosening the shoulder straps. You cannot stand the bag up so you will need to prop it between your legs if you get a seat on the tube. It's kind of heavy to put on your lap for long durations, which might be a problem if you have limited leg room e.g. on a bus with no overhead stowage space.

You can personalise the bag with some morale patches and molle pouches to suit your own personal style.

The last thing I needed to mention was the grab handle. It is comfortable to grip and made of strong stuff. I think it has a nice balance to it when the bag is full.

Close your eyes when you check out. It is quite expensive for a 12 hour pack but the fact that this is so durable will mean that you can use it every day, thus reducing the cost per use significantly. Go on, treat yourself!