REVIEW: DG3(55L) backpack by CROSSFIRE PACKS

A backpack can either be too small or too big, comfortable or uncomfortable. In the tactical field, it is important to wear body armor or a chest rig underneath the backpack. With the DG3, CROSSFIRE PACKS has developed a 55-liter, 72-hour patrol backpack with a polymer frame based on the experience of soldiers, mountaineers, and biomechanics. The front/top loader has a look that is a blend of tactical and alpine backpack styles. SPARTANAT took a closer look at this backpack, used it extensively, and presents it to you today.

Specifications

DIMENSIONS
Height: 600 mm Width: 400 mm Depth: 250 mm
Volume: 55 l
Weight: 2.2 kg

MATERIALS
Nextec 500Den Ripstop Cordura, webbing, CF-exclusive Bug Out™ buckles, D-rings

Frame

The frame of the DG3 is a polymer piece with a spring-loaded load.  A spring-loaded (or dynamic) load is more ergonomic due to the way it moves with the body's motion. The size matches the backpack's volume.

The DG3 polymer frame, designed for flexibility while maintaining strength. In contrast to a static load from a rigid frame, like those found in steel or full aluminum frames like the old ALICE series.

Unlike a rigid carrying system, the backpack with a polymer piece sits very well on a plate carrier and is comfortable to wear.

Straps

The shoulder straps have a slight three-dimensional structure for weight absorption.
The departure angle of the load-lifting straps from the frame attachment points can be individually adjusted to the wearer. They are also anchored to the frame via the Lost Arrow system by CROSSFIRE, allowing for very quick adjustment and replacement if needed.

Quick-release buckles are attached to the shoulder straps. To prevent accidental activation by hooks, they are covered with a material flap.

The chest strap can be adjusted in height via a unique hook-and-loop plate and is also great for securely attaching other items like hydration tubes.

Thanks to the adjustable height of the chest strap, it is ideally adapted to the Chest Rig or plate carrier.

The shoulder strap is contoured, well padded, and positioned.

This allows the user to wear a plate carrier or Chest Rig for a longer period without additional strain.

The DG3 features a quick release system. A strong pull downward. The carrying strap opens. The backpack can be easily and quickly dropped.

The system is simple and can be quickly reassembled without tools or aids.

The waist belt is very functional in design.

Unlike traditional waist belts, the main back pads of this belt can be adjusted in tilt to fit the wearer's physique. The pads are movable and move with every movement of the wearer.

The wings of the waist belt are attached with the Lost Arrow system from CROSSFIRE PACKS, which allows the choice between a full waist belt or just a back padding. A major advantage of this detachable wing system is the segmentation it provides. If the backpack needs to be dropped, the waist wings tend to fall freely backward towards the user to minimize snagging.

With the hip pads removed, the wearer can carry his duty belt. The weight then rests on the shoulders. Thanks to the well-designed and padded shoulder straps, this is not a problem over an extended period.

The user can adjust the height and size of the DG3 with this system.

What is really convenient is that all straps on the DG3 can be rolled up and secured with a VELCRO® ONE-WRAP®.

The Backpack - Exterior

The material for the main backpack body is Nextec-encapsulated material. By encapsulating each individual woven fiber with a polymer coating before weaving, some interesting advantages and features are gained. One of these advantages is the increased waterproof and abrasion resistance of the backpack.

Starting from the top: The lid is statically attached to the backpack and shaped in a way that allows unrestricted movement of the head, especially when wearing a helmet.

A sturdy carrying handle for transporting the DG3.

There is a two-way zipper that allows access to the backpack for items such as manpack radios and hydration bladder tubes to be led out. This is protected by a weatherproof flap over the zipper.

On the outside of the lid, there is a section of hook and loop material for IFF and morale patches. This is divided by the signature coverable Crossfire patch made of Scotchguard reflective tape with roll cover in two halves. This allows the Scotchguard reflective tape to be covered or exposed as needed to provide a visual reference point for the poor guy following in formation during night or other low visibility movement events.

The DG3 is a modified top-loading arrangement and features a single zipper on the outside running from the top of the neck to the bottom of the backpack for easy access to the contents.

The top of this zipper has a Fastex buckle to relieve stress and strain.

The neck can also be narrowed only by bungee cord and cord stopper.

Compression straps are attached and extend around the backpack to relieve the main zipper. The front of the backpack features MOLLE/PALS loops to allow attachment of modular pouches. 

There are also D-rings for attaching the included Beavertail.

The Beavertail attaches to the DG3. The D-rings are a simple and effective way to quickly and easily attach the included equipment parts inside and outside the backpack.

On both sides of the DG3 there is a corrugated plate with MOLLE/PALS loops for modular pouches, allowing long items to be securely stored behind it. It helps maximize the usable space and load capacity of the backpack. However, some carried items can rob the interior volume of the main compartment.

Each bottom corner has a small pocket for storing water bottles or other items. The pocket is adjusted accordingly with a bungee cord and cord stopper.

Flat bottles in the familiar kidney shape have proven to be very useful. Round Nalgene bottles also fit in, but do not hold as securely in the pocket.

Long items can be passed through the sealed area when needed. The bottom of these pockets has a drainage hole and is also lined with Hypalon to prevent abrasion.

Long items can be carried close to the backpack in a neat and tight manner. This improves carrying capacity and prevents snagging on objects.

At the bottom of the DG3 there are additional MOLLE/PALS loops for attaching equipment, sleeping mat, or sleeping bag.

The bottom of the DG3 is triple-lined and has a kind of padded foam between the outer 500D exterior material and the inner lining. Drainage holes are present.

There is also the option to insert a plate to stiffen the backpack (not included). A folded sleeping mat also fits inside.

Interior

View of the internal structure of the DG3:

All seams are glued at the edges to prevent snagging on stored equipment.

There are areas of hook and loop material combined with D-rings to use the Crossfire Lost Arrow attachment system for the removable inner pockets and accessories. A strap in the middle is used to secure equipment.

On each side next to the main zipper, there are two lightweight, fixed pockets, for a total of four pockets to store small items.

The additional mesh pockets in the DG3 are secured and fastened with the hook and loop. An adjustable strap in the middle of the interior prevents the equipment from sliding around during movement.

Lid Compartment

At the top of the lid, there are two accessory pockets with zippers.

The top pocket has internal organization for small administrative items.

At the bottom, there is a mesh pocket that is also accessible from the inside of the lid. Inside there is a fabric-lined pocket for delicate devices, binoculars, glasses.

The lower pocket also provides access to the main compartment.

The lower lid compartment is equipped with mesh. This makes it easy to see what is inside. The main compartment of the DG3 can be accessed from the outside via the zipper.

Accessories

The DG3 package included the internal pocket set from CROSSFIRE PACKS:
Two removable mesh pockets with Velcro on the back, which can be used to store equipment.

Two waterproof hydration bladder covers. Why? It's a 3-day backpack and for 72 hours you need more to drink.

A Manpack radio pocket sized for the Harris device currently in use in the USA and Australia. It also provides space for other equipment or supplies.

In addition, there is the detachable beavertail, which is attached to the outside of the backpack.

CONCLUSION: The DG3 from CROSSFIRE PACKS made a very good impression. The experiences of mountaineers and professional emergency personnel have been well combined and integrated in this backpack. The backpack can handle everything. Whether running, jumping, climbing, rappelling, trekking/marching, with/without chest rig/plate carrier, the backpack is not a burden and is very comfortable to wear. The DG3 is very robust and simply designed.

You can get the DG3 from CROSSFIRE PACKS directly from the manufacturer or from retailers carrying this backpack starting at 324 EUR in the colors coyote, ranger temperate, and Multicam.

CROSSFIRE PACKS online