REVIEW: ALPS OUTDOORZ COMMANDER X + PACK

DEVGRU, SEALS and Co. set the example: If there isn't anything suitable from the tactical gear sector, they also like to resort to hunting or outdoor items. In addition to Realtree camouflage and civilian clothes from Patagonia, you often see other equipment from these sectors on the man. A hot favorite for this could also be the APLS Commander X + Pack, which we are presenting to you today.

Packs with external frames are a fine thing. You can - if the construction is designed that way - detach the pack from the frame and then clamp equipment or weapons in between. Another advantage is the transport of bulky items such as firewood, canisters, or similar. Here, you simply leave the pack bag in the camp and only go with the frame with the load.

ALPS OUTDOORZ comes from the hunting sector and accordingly offers suitable products. The backpacks of the EXTREME series are suitable, as mentioned above, for the military sector due to their extremely robust construction, color, and function.

The Commander X Pack is actually a double product: you can purchase the carrying system as a frame individually, as well as the pack bag. In combination, you get a well-tailored backpack that can be used for a wide range of scenarios.Let's start with the pack bag. This has a volume of 66 liters. The empty weight is 1.8 kilos, which is no wonder given the material used and integrated features. The backpack is made of 1680 D Ballistic Cordura and Robic™ Nylon material, which makes it practically indestructible. We know 500D and 1000D from the military sector, 1680D is new to us. The material feels close to 1000D, but with a significantly rougher structure - so you can really assume that no complaints will arise here.

The equipment of the pack bag leaves nothing to be desired. At the front of the backpack, you will first find a small storage pocket that can be removed. It is attached with Fastex closures.It has an elastic outer pocket, which is open at the top and closed with a Fastex closure. Due to the material, voluminous items can also be stored here.The bag itself can be opened with two zippers and reveals a spacious main compartment with a hydration bladder compartment.Beneath the bag and on the sides of the backpack, there are vertical loops intended for attaching additional equipment.

Below the bag is the compartment for the sleeping bag. It can be opened with two zippers and offers plenty of space for larger sleeping bags.If this is not enough or if you prefer to "reload", you can do so by opening the divider at the top of the sleeping bag compartment.

The outside is adorned with the company name "Alps OutdoorZ" as embroidery.Under the sleeping area, two buttons stand out, flanked by two male Fastex closures.The buttons are magnet holders that close a flat pocket. Inside is the rifle or bow shoe. When you pull it out, you can place the stock or one end of the bow in it and secure it.Now the second function of the attached front pocket is used: It is simply clipped on one side, the rifle is inserted between, and then reattached. This results in a stable platform for the long gun, which can then be quickly removed.On the bottom, there is another small pocket, which is extremely well hidden.It is located centrally towards the frame and is actually only discoverable by the small "Rain Cover" label.Inside is, of course, the rain cover, which is kept in a discreet gray color. The "X" of the Extreme series is printed in red in the middle. It is attached with an elastic band that can be adjusted at the top with a cord stopper. The cover is fixed with Fastex closures and webbing in the pocket, so it cannot be easily lost - but can be removed for drying when needed.Moving on to the sides of the pack bag. On the left side in the upper area, you will find the H2O port for the drinking hose.Otherwise, the left side is clean, with two compression straps and the obligatory water bottle pocket made of elastic material and drawstring on both sides at the bottom.

Instead of another port for the drinking tube, the right side has a vertical zippered pocket padded with soft fleece. This is perfect for riflescopes or spotting scopes.Despite the smaller zipper access, the pocket is very spacious and extends just above the water bottle pocket.

Before we tackle the main compartment, let's address the lid compartment. It is adorned with a large embroidered "X" and the word "Extreme" and offers space for additional equipment in two separate compartments. The compartment, operated from the backside, is relatively large and has no further divisions.The upper compartment on the front side is designed for smaller, flatter items.The inside has an open slot containing a flat hip belt.This way, the lid can also be worn as a hip pocket.

Lastly, the main compartment. It offers the designated space minus a few liters that need to be deducted for the lid and front pocket, roughly around 55 liters, we estimate. There is a hydration bladder compartment with two toggle holders and a small loop with a D-ring.