REVIEW: ESSL STGTA1 Assault Rifle Bag

Whoever doesn't know Essl, has missed out on everything. Well, this might be true for Austrians, because the company from a side valley in the south actually produces backpacks. Those who were in the military know that you can acquire Essl products there, which are good quality and relatively cheap. The bag here, however, is more exotic and less known. It is the assault rifle bag STGTA1 - naturally made for the Steyr AUG (also StG77).So here it is, the Austrian assault rifle. However, it's not the military StG77, but a civilian A3. The military rifle would be inserted the other way around, with the folded grip the two compartments in the bag fit perfectly.

But since Rail and a fixed foregrip are being used here, the insertion direction is quite "whatever". However, the compartments are fixed. Modular thinking is not applied here.

The weapon's accessories can be packed into it. In the simplest case, two magazines can fit into each compartment.

Depending on the insertion direction, a Velcro strip at the front ...

... and one at the back on the stock secures the weapon. They are sewn into the bag, thus securing the sports equipment in place. Nothing will slip.

Close it. Everything you need is inside.

Others have name tags. We are so secretive that our name can only be shown blurred. A little secret about the bag: the sewn-on Velcro strip is male, but the Velcro on the name tag is female. That doesn't match.

The assault rifle bag also has a nice strap system, so the wearer has two free hands.

The straps can be clipped on. And adjusted in length. Notice the pretty plastic buckles, they ensure that the strap is always neatly tucked away. So the NCO won't complain ...

Ready to travel. The bag is not very discreet, nor should it be. "Concealed Carry" for the army, so to speak. Weapon in the bag, uniform in RAL7013. That color coordination is important.

On the man, seen from behind.

CONCLUSION: Overall, a very practical way to pack and transport the Steyr AUG. Ideally adapted for the StG77. Short AR15 variants also fit.

The ESSL STGTA1 Assault Rifle Bag is available directly from the manufacturer for 39.90 euros. 

ESSL on the Internet: www.essl-rucksack.at