REVIEW: Arc'teryx LEAF Khard 60

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All good things come in threes. After Arc'teryx LEAF released the Khard 30 and Khard 45, this year comes the brand new Arc'teryx Khard 60. As the number in the name suggests, this is a backpack with a 60L volume, so twice as big as the Khard 30 and slightly larger than the Khard 45. We are pleased to be the first in the German-speaking area to introduce the new Arc'teryx backpack, which Martin and Bekim have thoroughly examined.

This model is intended for those who want to covertly transport a carabiner (AR15 and similar) with accessories. Of course, it can also be used as a regular backpack, and for organization, the internally attached Velcro system for attaching pouches, such as those from LBX, is helpful.

The Velcro strips in the 60 model are longer and are located on all four interior walls. The material used in the Khard is 500D Cordura, and through this and the simple design, the pack weighs only 2.2 kg.

Other features include two long, flat outer pockets that are closed with zippers. These are intended for 3l hydration bladders and also have a hanger on the inside. Additionally, there is a pass-through for the hydration tube on each side, which can be threaded just above the shoulder straps and secured with the provided Velcro as needed. On the outer pockets, there are vertically sewn loops running from top to bottom alongside the zipper.

On the lid, there is a zippered pocket the size of a tablet for smaller items. On the outside, there are two rows of six wide loops each for attaching foam pads, jackets, or similar items. Another zippered pocket for small items is attached to the inside of the front flap. Like the Khard 30 and 45, the flap has shock cord on the outside for attaching additional equipment.

In terms of length, the Khard 60 can transport an AR15 with a 10" or 14" barrel disassembled, as shown HERE. The rifle can then be completely removed by simply opening the top lid.

For longer weapon systems, a flap can be lowered on the bottom to allow storage of weapons with a length of 88 cm. Unfortunately, German systems like the HK417 or Oberland Arms OA10 with a 16.75" barrel will not fit without significantly distorting the lid. However, 16" systems should fit, and if in doubt, the lower and upper parts of the rifle can be stored separately, although it will not be immediately ready for use in that case.

The carrying system is similar to the two smaller backpacks, Khard 30 and 45, using the C² Suspension System, consisting of an 8mm thick composite framesheet and 22mm aluminum stays. The hip belt and shoulder straps are designed like those on the Khard 45 (but wider than those on the Khard 30) and are relatively thin - whether this pack can carry larger loads is questionable, and at the time of the review, there is no definitive answer. The straps also have a quick-release system with partially covered Fastex buckles. Attached to these is a piece of cord that can be pulled to release. There is also a sternum strap in the chest area. To facilitate packing the backpack, it has a carry handle on both sides and on top.

CONCLUSION: The Arc'teryx Khard 60 is a well-thought-out front/top loader with a sleek design without much frills. Here, the most is extracted from minimal weight. Due to the thin shoulder and hip straps, the Khard 60 probably cannot handle larger loads, but it does provide perfectly organized access to the entire load, which is what the pack is primarily designed for. Thanks to the Velcro strips, the interior is fully modular, allowing for almost all configurations through MOLLE panels and Velcro pouches. However, Arc'teryx's advanced materials and design come at a decent price.

You can get the Arc'teryx Khard 60 at TACWRK for €430 in the colors Crocodile and Wolf.

Special thanks to Bekim for the pictures and to TACWRK for being the fastest in having the pack in Germany just two weeks after its announcement! Thanks to www.triebel.de for lending the weapons to test the storage capabilities.