REVIEW: Warrior Assault Systems Elite Ops Predator Pack

Warrior Assault Systems (WAS) delivers well thought out and high-quality products. Today we want to introduce you to the Elite Ops Predator Pack. But let's start with the bare facts. The Predator Pack is a backpack with a capacity of approximately 42 liters made of water-repellent coated 500D Cordura with genuine US MilSpec Webbing and a low IR signature. What stands out about this backpack is its significant weight of 2700g (empty!). This already raises the question of where all that weight is hidden. SPARTANAT has the answers.

The entire backpack is equipped with MOLLE loops all around. This applies to both the hip fins and the bottom.

The company also takes into account areas (such as the bottom or hip straps) that are all too often overlooked by many, even reputable manufacturers.

The hip fins are designed quite thin and can be velcroed or stowed in the back when needed. This is because they are not intended to transfer the weight to the hips, but rather serve as a waist belt to stabilize the backpack on the body.

Because the Predator Pack, with its medium to short, non-adjustable back length of about 47cm, is designed to be worn with a belt aka battle belt.

The shoulder straps are anatomically shaped and equipped with a chest strap. What is special is that they are closed with clips, which allows the shoulder straps to be crossed in case one of these clips breaks during use.

At the top, there are three (!) cable ports. This provides enough space for an antenna, hydration tube, and the like. Another clever detail is that each strap can be properly secured with velcro, preventing it from getting caught somewhere in a helicopter, vehicle, etc. Unfortunately, the backpack does not come with a rain cover.

Now for the weight. Depending on the version/option, the Predator Pack can be retrofitted with a separately available back plate consisting of polycarbonate and two aluminum rods for increased stability. This gives the backpack a much better shape and stability, significantly improving wearing comfort, especially with increased and/or unevenly distributed weight. Therefore, the backpack should always be worn "with" it. The back plate is inserted into the usual hydration bladder compartment, leaving space for a bladder of up to 3L.

The Predator Pack basically consists of three pockets. Firstly, the main compartment designed as a front loader with a continuous, non-self-locking spiral zipper, and secondly, two outer pockets. These are ideal for organizing materials such as maps, A5 notebooks, hand radios, spare batteries, and the like.

The main compartment stands out for its simplicity. The hydration sleeve is equipped with MOLLE and the "lid" has three fixed mesh pockets. At the bottom, there are drainage holes and two Fastex buckles. That's it. In short, everything is designed to quickly and easily access mission equipment.

So what are these two fixed clips for? They are there to quickly clip in/out an - also separately available - insert. This insert consists of a fairly stiff plate, which is also equipped with MOLLE loops on both sides.

This feature is well thought out and shows practical considerations by the company. This modular design ensures that users can optimally adjust their equipment for the respective task.

For example, the backpack is ideal for use as a medical kit backpack. In a large/pure medical kit version, the panel helps bring only the items the patient really needs. In a small version, the medical kit can be stored in front, while the normal medical equipment remains stored behind the insert.

Also useful for reconnaissance, where the large radio, for example, remains in the backpack while all important observation equipment can be set up in a silhouette-saving manner.

A good back can also be delightful: Well padded and equipped with mesh to allow some air to reach the back while carrying the load.

CONCLUSION: The Warrior Assault Systems Elite Ops Predator Pack is a well-thought-out mission backpack that serves its purpose, and will be appreciated by reconnaissance operatives, EODs, medics, firefighters, THW, and many others.

The Warrior Assault Systems Elite Ops Predator Pack is available in Coyote, Multicam, A-TACS FG, A-TACS AU colors. It costs around Euro 199.95 at retailers carrying WAS - such as RECON COMPANY.

A mission backpack is always more than just a backpack. Here it is worn over a Vulcan plate carrier from Zentauron, which works great. The waist straps of the backpack sit so high that they almost act as an extension of the battle belt. You can never have enough storage space.