VISM by NcStar Tactical Back Pack

I bought this pack recently and, despite having used it only once on a two mile bushwhacking trip through the woods, I thought some preliminary comments might help prospective buyers. I have many packs, including other military style ones, and I'm always concerned about the quality of cheaper ones. Example: a couple of years ago I bought 2 daypacks made by Diplomat (are they even in business anymore??), one is Coyote Brown and the other OD Green, each for $30. Nice design, strong material, good zippers, etc. BUT during one easy day in the field while using the brown pack two of the plastic buckles broke and some stitching started coming apart on the main seam between the shoulder straps. It's now my regular bag to carry gym clothes, so it's not a total loss. On the other hand the OD Green version has shoulder straps 3 inches longer (so possibly it's a bit newer) but, more importantly, I have used this one many times in the field with no problems. I'm sure the different pack color is irrelevant, but maybe later versions had better quality control?These same types of problems with stitching and buckles are often reported for other inexpensive brands, including the NcStar Tactical pack. So with this in mind, some "pros" I can see with mine: Plenty of small pockets, all with large zippers. Perhaps the zippers are a bit stiff but this is really minor for me. One zippered mesh pocket inside the main compartment. The pack material appears to be thick and strong. In addition to the grab handle on top there is also one on each side of the pack so you can carry it like a suitcase. MOLLE webbing on the front and bottom for attaching things. At least one other reviewer mentioned the shoulder straps are only thinly padded. This is true, although I found them to be comfortable on my first trip, wearing the pack for two hours with about 15 lbs of weight. An important point: the shoulder straps are long and easily fit my 6'1" and 250 lb frame. Short straps (as in my Coyote Brown Diplomat) make a pack a lot less comfortable for me.Cons: Although the waist belt is strong and easily removable, it's far too small for my 38-40 inch waist. It might work if your waist is 32 inches (?) but it's not even close for me, which is unusual in most packs. So my first hike with this pack was without the belt and it worked well anyway. For heavier loads I will find a substitute to use so it's no big problem. The back of the pack is not ventilated with mesh, etc. for cool air flow against your back and it's not well padded, either. The large pocket on the front bottom is simply a big pocket with no "admin" features such as pencil slots, key keeper, etc. Not a problem for me but it may be important for others.Overall I like the pack: it carries a lot, has a useful arrangement of pockets, and is comfortable. For now the pack's stitching appears to be fine, but time will tell how durable it all is. Then consider the low price and I'd say this is really a bargain.

Ahhhh.!!! The NCSTAR assault pack, what can I say? Well for starters 2-3 years ago I got one as a gift and I was not at all impressed. Basically it failed miserably chiefly the pic coating on the inside so I tossed it. February of 2016 I purchased one mainly because I needed a big go bag but had a WHOLE lot of bags sized in between. This time around and after some tough use no problems, grant it I pack as intelligently as possible, grant it if the inside coating is a weak point don't stress it, and I would imagine that the manufacturer has addressed the issue although I cannot say for sure. What I can say is sometimes you have to take measures to ensure your gear does not fail and at the price point a little common sense when loading up greatly offsets the cost of the product. Speaking honestly I have had bags costing 4 times as much fail so sorry to say it but nothing is indestructible. Keep sharp edged items away from the front just as a precaution and you'll be fine. The molle is bar stitched the side pockets hold up, the material isn't 1000d but personally I don't like 1000d it's to heavy and to stiff if that's the right word. It's like a trunk and it is inexpensive, so if you have a family or need several packs this is worth picking up. Before writing this I tried to email the company and ask if they ever addressed the pic issue but I have yet to receive a reply I have noticed more double stitching so who knows, buy it and take care of it you'll be fine, as of yet no sign of wear and I tried to mess it up to be honest (Amazon's got that A to Z) garentee so what the heck, but it held up for $30.00 I have pouches that cost more than that. In closing: times are hard for some people and low cost items regardless of where they are made are a necessity for some people and as of my writing of this I believe this product simply has a lot to offer at a ridiculous price everyone can't afford all high end stuff and this product will work, again if you read or hear of a potential weakness AVOID stressing that area it's really simple. P. S I added a Y strap, really easy to do. Keeps everything from moving around a potentially abrading the pvc coating.