REVIEW: 5.11 Tactical All Mission Pack AMP 12

Every day Carry? So a backpack for all situations? For work, the commute to the office, or a family trip to the countryside? That would be something. 5.11 Tactical aims to achieve just that with the AMP (All Mission Pack) series. The concept: Through a series of features - which we will take a closer look at below - a platform is provided that can be quickly and easily modified to suit your needs. This way, all missions can be mastered, hence the name.

The series is divided into four models, each designed for different periods of time: AMP 10 and AMP12 (25 Liters), AMP24 (35 Liters), AMP72 (40 Liters). You can probably guess: the numbers represent the intended hours of use. We shared our daily life with the AMP12 as an everyday backpack for urban areas.

The AMP12 from the front. With the compression loops, the backpack can be made nice and compact. The upper material is made of waterproof nylon. And yes: it lives up to its promise. The backpack has been in use almost daily for the past two months. It has never been wet inside, despite heavy rain experiences.

Overall, the backpack has four compartments. Prominently shown is the carrying handle, with the 5.11 logo peeking out on the left. High quality workmanship and feels good to the touch.

There are four sliders on the zipper of the main compartment. This allows it to be opened from various angles and sides. The ends of the zipper are reinforced with a band that covers the slider and any possible remaining opening. This way, the contents are additionally protected from moisture.

All AMPs come standard with a HEXGRID 9x9 Gear Set. The combination of a Velcro base and the Cordura HEXGRID allows for gear to be attached at various angles.

The Gear Set can be hooked onto the backpack with G-hooks. This ensures that everything stays in place. HEXGRID is specially developed by 5.11 Tactical and has the advantage over normal, horizontal MOLLE loops that pockets can be mounted in all directions.

However, the majority of support is provided by a large Velcro area on the outside of the backpack. The Gear Set can be simply "hooked on." Removing the Gear Set allows for various other Velcro items to be attached to the AMP.

The graphic visually explains the concept of the Gear Sets. Behind it are other pockets that are tailored to fit the AMPs and can be easily attached to the backpack like the HEXGRID.

The shoulder straps are well padded and can be quickly opened with a snap closure. Thus, the AMPs have a kind of drop system. The chest strap can be removed as needed. Simply thread out the hooks and you're good to go.

A close-up of the chest strap hooks.

The backplate is made of a semi-rigid plastic. Semi-rigid because the backpack maintains its shape, but there is still some flexibility. The backpack sits comfortably on the back. The two vertical contours also provide some airflow.

Practical: When needed, the backpack can also be labeled. Mine is mine.

Now let's look at the interior. The rearmost compartment is right after the backplate. According to the concept, it should accommodate either a hydration bladder or a laptop. The hydration bladder can be hung on a loop. However, the tester's laptop (38.16 cm x 25.9 cm) unfortunately did not fit by one or two centimeters, but not all laptops are that large.

An opening on the inside gives a view of the backplate.

Good detail: Two sewn loops in the lower part of the interior prevent the carried technology from hitting the ground directly.

The main compartment filled with some stuff. It offers surprisingly much space and satisfies organization freaks. Although optimized for only twelve hours, the backpack has space for multiple days. A four-day trip abroad was successfully done with just the AMP12.

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
Send us your news: [email protected]