Direct Action Dust Tactical Backpack 20 Liter Capacity

Okay, so I purposefully waited a while before reviewing. I got this bag in June, 2015, and I was thoroughly impressed when I received it. I am a backpack guy, however, and I didn't want to praise the quality before I tested it. By the way, I do not work for any company associated with the brands which I review here, and I did not receive anything from them other than what I paid for. Here we go!The pack was shipped quickly, elegantly, and came with a canvas shopping-type bag with the company's logo on the side. It is the little things, folks. The canvas bag is slim and has two lengths of handles for shoulder carry or briefcase-style carrying. One thing about those canvas sacks - they are never masculine or stylish, no matter where you get them... unless you get it from Direct Action. Enough about the shopping bag.The first thing people notice about the pack is the paracord handle on top, and people do notice it. The handle is solid, extremely comfortable even with a full bag, and with a purposeful break in a melted seam, it will provide you with two cords totaling 5m. There are attachment points on either side of the handle. Under the handle, there is a flap for your hydration tubing. This pack will actually accommodate two bladders. There is a dedicated bladder pocket right behind the back padding, accessible by opening the velcro on the top and dropping the bladder down into the bag. I keep a three liter bag in that pouch for when I need to fill it up, but this pack can hold water bottles so well that I rarely use the bladder. Another bladder could theoretically be held in the padded laptop pocket which has fastener for the bladder if you choose to use it.The next thing people notice is the laser cut MOLLE on three sides of the pack. This is heavy duty, light, and low profile. I don't have attachments on the pack now, but I put them on when I got it and they fit swimmingly. Very stable. The pack is not waterproof, but I have never had any issues with water getting into the pack while wearing it, and I have been in some serious downpours with this backpack. If you set it on the ground, the drainage grommet will allow water in through the bottom. You could fit a #2 pencil through the grommet, so it isn't too big.The side pockets are very low profile and useful until you unzip one side of the pocket. Then your pocket is quite large, capable of fitting nearly any water bottle or adult beverage in a can/bottle. You'd think unzipping and expanding would make it flimsy, but the fabric is sturdy and the whole pocket it supported by an adjustable strap. While we are on the straps, the ancillary support/closing straps on the bag are well placed, quality built, and able to be rolled up into a velcro closure to minimize sound/snagging. When the bag is less than full or empty, cinch down the sides and the bag is very stable. The zippers are quiet, and the rope by which to grab the zippers are covered in heat shrink plastic. There is no jingling or worry of these breaking on my pack. I am impressed with this detail. The main straps are very comfortable and sewn incredibly well, but also lightweight. The curve of the strap gives me confidence even when I sling one over the shoulder and go. There are ample connection options on the straps and the chest strap is comfortable, but subdued so you don't even notice the strap if you choose to not fasten it.The size of the pockets is perfect for EDC. I have been very comfortable for a couple days with it. If you plan to stay out for much longer, you may need a bigger bag, but you didn't buy this bag for that anyways. The larger pocket will hold two six-packs of bottles on top of each other and a 15" Macbook Pro, to give an idea of the volume. The main compartment zips open about halfway down and is not clamshell, which I prefer. On a larger bag, I like the clamshell, but this size is perfect for half-zip and allows the bag to sit upright even when it is empty and open. The main pocket has a top-entry, zippered, mesh compartment on the front. This is useful, but out of the way. I keep a pair of gloves and miscellaneous small tools in it.One note: to get the 15" Macbook Pro out of the pocket, you have to fold back the top part of the pack, including the handle. This is not difficult and actually acts to better secure the device.The next smaller pocket is an organizer's dream. It is a clamshell pocket, giving easy access to all of the features. Three pen holders of various widths will fit chapstick or lighters. There are two stacked elastic bands next to that. I use them to securely hold both a knife and a flashlight. Another pocket on this row holds a wallet or multi-tool. It is a fold-over velcro closure so it keeps the contents out of sight and this makes the pocket somewhat expandable. Two flat pockets behind these are about six and seven inches deep (estimated, I don't have a ruler handy). Keep flat things in them if you want to use the velcro closures, but if you don't care about that, throw some food or books in them. It's your bag. Below all of these pockets is a velcro-closure mesh pocket that goes to the bottom of the pocket. I keep earbuds and an iPod in it, but it can hold more than that.The most unique pocket is on the other side (fold-down section) of the clamshell. It is clear plastic and would be great for easy map reference or identifying information. It is accessed from he bottom-up zipper. I keep a fun painting in it with laminated maps behind, just in case...Onto my favorite part of the pack... The outermost "small" pocket, right behind the webbing, is actually why I bought the Dust. It fits PERFECTLY a Bose Color Soundlink speaker, which I keep charged and in the pack at all times. When I am biking, hiking, walking around downtown, I am always playing tunes from my pack. My Dust really brings the party. I have to wrap the speaker in a handkerchief or shirt because it moves so much air that the webbing will occasionally rattle, but filling it up a bit removes the sound. This is such a great pairing that I had to mention it.Go ahead and buy this backpack for short-term trips and EDC. It is the best in it's class. My plan is to save up for a larger bag from Direct Action to replace my older 3 day bags. This is my first product from the company, I have no doubt that I will be just as happy with their other packs. Direct Action does things right. Good luck!Edit, 13 October 2016: Still loving this bag. It is showing no wear. I spent a lot of time outside in the rain during Hurricane Matthew, speaker and all. I just covered the bag with a universal waterproof pack cover which I keep in the bladder compartment at all times.

It's a small day pack. Easily holds laptops or tablets and keeps it separate from your sweat shirt or whatever else you're carrying without having to dig in and out. Very front side zipper works great for quickies and the admin pouch makes sure you're not hoarding 15 fire starters. Inside pockets do not feel cheap and they work well. Pen pouches are big enough for tactical pens, pen lights, and sharpies. Meaning, you have more then enough room in them for anything else. Rest of the pockets pretty much are what you think. They fit what they are made for and do so well. The handle is all paracord and feels great. Overall this is a great little pack. It's small so it's going to leave out a lot of stuff other packs have but it gives you what you need and does it well. Plus with the added laser cut you can expand to carry more stuff you don't need... Good pack, I will be buying from them again soon. 2 weeks shipping to California. Also comes with a added bag for your dearest babe.

I've had this back pack since October 2017. I wanted to wait a while till I had used it enough to write about it.Frankly, its awesome. Lots of little details that make me think the designers were really thinking when they came up with this; drainage holes, velcro straps that wrap around loose, long straps to keep them out of the way, para-cord handle, map pocket, etc. It's very durable, very tough. I'd take it anywhere.I have used this pack on 10 day hikes since then. Just the right amount of space for day hikes and very stable (doesn't shift at all on the back when moving, climbing)I love it. I bought the Shadow Grey color. I'm tempted to buy a second pack in one of the Kryptek choices, just because...

The pack is exactly as described. I use it for everyday items that I need for specific jobs. I work for a local fire department and a police department, and I volunteer for a fire department and an ambulance company. I carry my radios and ems gear to and from work with it. I have one of these for each of my jobs so I don't need to remember what to swap out or what needs to be brought where. Both packs are stocked with each respective jobs gear and ready to go. This just makes my life easier. All in all it's a great pack. I own three of them right now and appreciate all of them. Now it's important to keep in mind it is a small pack at most I could see an overnight bag being made from it. But it won't go much further than that. If you need a 24 or 72 pack you should look for the dragon egg as it's the same design for the most part but large enough to handle a 3 day load. (depending on what you pack of course). You won't be dissapointes with this bag. Enough said.

I purchased this bag as an EDC bag. I’ve used similar sized bags from other companies and by far the DUST is the best. Just modular enough for actual use of the pockets and still be able to really pack it out. The size is absolutely perfect for a day pack. I’ve found with larger bags I want to fill them, so I end up with a heavy bag and a lot of stuff I don’t really need in an EDC. The DUST is just large enough to hold EDC essentials without a lot of extra space.My only complaints (minor ones) is the lack of laser cut molle/pals on the sides of the pack. I’d like to see the webbing go down inside the side pouches and up the sides a little. Also I’m disappointed by the change in logo. I’m sure Direct Action has their reasons, but I really liked the Chameleon w/the trident.

I was looking for a backpack suitable for serving as a get home bag that would live in my car until I needed it. I shopped around, looked at dozens of military/tactical packs and then I came across Direct Action. They may be a little on the expensive side, but the build quality and attention to detail on this pack is flawless. Absolutely no faults with it whatsoever.The thing I like most about the dust is that it is a tactical bag, but the laser cut molle is a lot more low profile and makes the bag look tidy, almost plain in design but incase a situation arose where I would need to "get home" I would not be as easily distinguished as a pepper.The pack is a little smaller than I expected, but I did manage to get everything I wanted in the bag and there's room for a bit more incase I revise my get home gear.Delivery wasn't bad, it came from mainland Europe(Germany or Belgium) and took a total of 6 days to arrive, still a day earlier than expected! I don't feel like I can say much more about this pack, or any of the Direct Action line other than if you don't mind paying a little extra for a quality, sturdy and perfect pack then I recommend it to you.EDIT: I've had this pack for a few months now, I've carried it as part of my edc, climbed a mountain and went numerous long hill walks with it and I can honestly say this is the most comfortable pack I have ever used. It is such a great pack and I urge people to buy this.

This backpack is excellent and I would recommend without any hesitation at all...It’s materials and manufacture is excellent...The bag is very adaptable and has plenty of scope for your personal configuration and needs...It’s very comfortable to carry and has brilliant padding...The inside of the bag has plenty of compartments of varying types to carry every day items...The bag is more expensive than others but there is a reason for that and it’s blatantly obvious once you get it...

Rapid delivery ...... with an outstanding piece of kit, jaw dropping construction & build quality ! to be fair a little smaller than expected at first, but lots of room available after readjusting the many pockets and support harness & tension straps ....... did think at the outset that this may be an expensive, over rated rucksack ? How wrong i was, not one to scream bargains from the rooftops , but this is what it is, a Brilliant Rucksack ! Credit where its due. Worth every penny and some.

If you want a solid day bag/edc this is the bag for you if you want a slightly bigger version get the dragon egg I have both

This is a fantastic backpack brought for a very good price. The pack is as described and the real deal. Seller was always quick to respond, but be warned postage is an issue - their estimates are hard to believe but indeed accurate.