Condor Venture Pack – Tactical Backpack – Military, Survival, First Responders – Laptop Sleeve

3 reviews for Condor Venture Pack – Tactical Backpack – Military, Survival, First Responders – Laptop Sleeve

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Jim Pisello – October 25, 2013

   
   My intended use for the Condor Venture is as a travel pack. I’ll be carrying a 13-inch Macbook Air, but its padded laptop sleeve could accommodate 15-inch laptops. A zippered mesh pocket attached to the laptop sleeve is advertised for storing a tablet computer but it’s equally useful for a power supply, cables and other accessories. PALS/MOLLE webbing on the front and sides makes the venture almost infinitely configurable, though if you’re not into the Tacticool look these may be more of a turnoff for you. I purchased the Venture pack in black, so it doesn’t scream tactical– Mall Ninja maybe, but as long as you don’t hang all kinds of pouches off it, you should be able to pass for a civvy.The expandable “shovel” pocket behind the front pocket is great for stuffing a light sweater, jacket or magazine when you’re heading through TSA checkpoints. It could probably handle a bike helmet or similarly sized item. There’s a separate zippered compartment for a hydration pouch that could also be used for laptop storage if you didn’t want to store your computer in the main pocket (or if you wanted to carry 2 laptops, Ed Snowden style).The main pocket is large enough for a couple of days of clothes– perfect for a minimalist weekend trip if you pack judiciously. Both the front and main pockets offer multiple zippered mesh pockets for organizing smaller gear. The front pocket also has an admin section, equipped with slots for pens, notebooks/magazines/papers and the like. A fleece-lined pocket at the top is big enough for cell phone, MP3 player, wallet or glasses. All outside pockets have zipper pulls. Many have dual zippersThe Venture pack has a thick plastic framesheet (I believe it’s HDPE, but not sure) with a central aluminum spine. The framesheet rests in a nylon slip pocket with a hook and loop top flap, but its roughly trapezoidal shape makes it very difficult to remove from the pocket. I’d recommend leaving it in place unless you have some overriding reason to remove it. If desired, you could bend the aluminum spine to fit the curve of the sheet to your back, but this probably isn’t needed for most users. The framesheet looks like it will definitely allow for carrying heavier loads in this pack. I haven’t loaded mine up yet but I’ve heard of other users carrying loads up to 30 lbs.The Venture pack comes with a wide, thickly padded waist belt. If waist belts aren’t your cup of tea it can be removed, or do what I did– fold the ends back and tuck them into the slotted pocket that holds the waist belt in place. That keeps the belt out of the way, but ready for use if needed.The shoulder straps’ padding is not as thick, but it looks sufficient for moderate loads. With heavier loads I’d recommend using the waist belt to balance weight distribution between your shoulders and hips. The shoulder straps have sturdy looking 1-inch quick release buckles and are cut with an ergonomic S-curve. They feature attachment straps and D rings, plus a capable sternum strap adjustable for height.There are a number of thoughtful features on the Venture Pack. All of the strap ends are sewn with hook/loop “keepers”, allowing the excess length of strap to be rolled up and secured. Large tunnel loops on each side allow carrying items like collapsible hiking poles, a lightweight tripod, or a hatchet (for camping or the Zombie Apocalypse). A zippered slot at the top of the pack opens above the laptop sleeve, allowing the computer to be removed without opening the pack. There’s a small pocket behind the front with a loop panel where you could carry a small/medium sized handgun (if your state/local laws allow for such a thing) or other similarly sized items that you’d prefer to conceal. There are no water bottle pockets, but you could easily add them. Or just tuck your bottle into the front pocket, or get one with a loop and secure it to the pack with a carabiner.The only complaint I have– and this is purely a personal issue– is that the curved shape of the shoulder straps doesn’t lend itself well to setting the pack up for “sling pack” style carry with one strap across the chest. The top of the right strap can be buckled into the bottom of the left strap (and vice-versa), but when configured this way the shoulder strap does not lay flat against the chest. There’s also no place to put the unused strap ends, though the bottoms can be tucked in behind the waist belt and the tops can be secured with the side compression staps, so this isn’t a big deal. The shoulder strap is probably a bit short and narrow for this sort of carry in any case. If you need to sling the pack for limited periods it’s possible, but not as easy as with, say, the 5.11 Triab 18 bag or a purpose-built sling pack like Condor’s excellent Molle Tactical Sling BAG Backpack –Acu, Tan, Black, Od Green. None of the foregoing should be seen as a knock against the Venture pack. It’s not advertised as being convertable for sling-type carry.In short, the Venture pack seems to be well constructed and appointed, and its price makes it a bargain compared with similar offerings from other makers.

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   dubya – February 3, 2015

   
   Wow, better than expected. Excellent construction, with the exception of a couple of the plastic snap buckles, i’d say on par with my maxpedition. The buckles can be replace if needed, no problem, they just feel lighter.Form? it’s personal taste, but the pockets and storage work great for me, i have a med kit and a Geigerrig Hydration Engine resident, i add fold aways for other external storage, the large computer pocket fits my MacBook 13 inch, haven’t tried larger, don’t carry the PC anyway, just checked it for fit in case. Hydration pocket perfectly fit the 3L hydration engine from Geigerrig, the pump squeezes in nicely under one of the elastic bands on the shoulder strap without over compressing it, or making it hard to reach. Molle sticks work well with it, too.Function? Been on a 2+ mile and 3+ mile hike getting back into shape, packed it with various “heavy” things, including a take down rifle, and other stuff, about 40 lbs worth each time (remember, getting back into shape). I have a weak lower back from years of muscle damage in the gym and other “hobbies,” and i was able to do both hikes without back, neck, or shoulder pain (after some adjustments, and with the waist belt). The 2 mile hike was a 500 ft elevation increase for the first mile, and back down again, so didn’t have any problems with balance, shifting, etc. Cinching it down with the side straps made for sound free hiking, as well. Great for bugout, great for hiking.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   tony corgliano – November 25, 2014

   
   I own several pieces of gear from Condor. Each and every piece has proven to hold up well. This backpack is of the same high quality. I live in AK (Alaska).. The last thing I want or need is borderline or junk gear. If I lived in the lower 48 states and took a weekend to hit the city park, I would purchase a low cost bag. However up here where my life hinges on my gear, I need very good gear. This pack is exceptional for the cost. High quality in every area. It has enough room in it to allow me to stay in the bush a month if need be. In fact it is large enough to hold more gear and weight then I need to carry. If there is one area that I believe should be improved it would be the hip belt. I would prefer a stiffer and better padded belt. The provided belt is great where trekking miles are short, however long distances and very rugged terrain require better support. All in all for the money spent, this is a great pack.