REVIEW: Be-X Kangaroo Assault Pack

With this little backpack, there isn't much in common with the hopping Australian marsupial, at least not at first glance. Australians carry their bags in front of their bellies. This backpack from Be-X is designed as a hydration pack, a kind of water bag carrier that somehow resembles a small cycling/leisure backpack and might even have been inspired by one. It is very compact with dimensions of 45×21 cm but can surprisingly carry a lot. This is due to its efficient design, which does make one think of the pouch of the Down Under animal and justifies the name.

The main compartment and secondary compartment are not sewn together, but connected by a net and two straps. These essentially create a pouch in which items can be quickly stored…

…whether it's fleece jackets or cameras. This pouch also has an integrated elastic band to secure the items inside.

On the secondary compartment, there are three rows of MOLLE loops and a small compartment accessible by a horizontal zipper. In the secondary compartment, measuring 28×18 cm, a small plastic carabiner and two small mesh pockets are built in to keep track of small items inside. A reduced MRE easily fits in here.

The main compartment is very straightforward and with its 45×21 cm large enough to store the essentials for a day of play. There is a small compartment on the bottom for a rain cover (not included) or similar items. Between the back padding and the main compartment, there is another compartment intended for the water bladder and has an outlet for the tube on both shoulder straps. This compartment also has a water drainage hole - deliberately not an eyelet - located at the bottom between the padding.

The shoulder straps are equipped with D-rings and rubber loops, and the strap adjustment can be secured with integrated Velcro.

Conclusion: For those who need a backpack for a water bladder and a few additional items, the BeX Kangaroo is simply perfect. The workmanship is very good, and many good ideas have been innovatively implemented. Good price for a good product that dimensionally corresponds to a classic Modular Assault Pack (MAP).

Available at Begadi for Euro 39, or at the Softaircenter, the direct distributor in Austria. Our model here is in AUSCAM camouflage. Other colors (Tan, Woodland, etc.) can be found on the Begadi website.