REVIEW: First Spear Field Ruck

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When a new backpack from First Spear comes out, it can't possibly be bad. Right! This year, FS is launching several new and innovative backpacks and other gear. Among them: the First Spear Field Ruck. Martin took a look at it for you.

Already at the founding of the company, the Hotel 23 backpack was part of the product range - a large backpack with plenty of space that could also accommodate a SPR or similar rifle. The Field Ruck is a brand new addition, essentially a smaller version of the Hotel 23.

With a volume of 32 liters, the Field Ruck initially appears quite compact and weighs just under a kilo. The exterior of the pack is also quite discreet, no Molle (or as First Spear calls it, 6/12 Tubes on the backpack), simple design - a true low vis pack.

If you now think that the backpack is only designed for light loads, you are greatly mistaken. An extremely comfortable hip belt with 6/12 Tubes for attaching additional gear carries the load on the hip, while a sturdy framesheet with aluminum struts (removable) gives the pack stability.

By the way, the hip belt is completely removable if not needed. The shoulder straps have a quick-release system and are thickly padded. In the shoulder area, they are reinforced again to provide support, for example when shooting. Where the shoulder straps are sewn onto the backpack, there is a Velcro opening on the right and left to allow hydration hoses to pass through.

Even the equipment is deceptive at first glance. For example, on the front there is a large beavertail that can hold additional equipment such as helmets or jackets, and a similar concept on the sides.

Here, flat pockets are integrated, allowing for the carrying of long weapons, rockets, tripods, etc. The bottom is open, allowing for the barrel of a long weapon to be passed through.

In addition, the centrally mounted eyelet can be used to further secure the barrel.

The lid of the Field Ruck has 2 zipper pockets: one flat "on top" and a slightly larger one underneath. The lid is designed to be raised quite a bit to transport a sleeping bag or mat between the lid and the backpack.

If the lid is removed, you have the main compartment with a roll closure in front of you.

On the back, there is a waterproof zipper that provides access to the main compartment and is intended for the passage of antennas, etc.

The main compartment itself has about 30 liters and is not divided except for 2 compartments located on the back. The first compartment is for hydration bladders, the second is intended for a radio.

There are 4 drainage eyelets at the bottom of the main compartment to prevent water from pooling in the backpack.

The Field Ruck is made of 500D Cordura and is available in the colors/patterns Multicam, Coyote, Black, or - as seen here - Ranger Green.

CONCLUSION: A 30-liter backpack that can easily handle heavy loads - that's the best way to describe the Field Ruck - simple, without much bling but with plenty of functionality - a form follows function pack of the highest class, in the usual high-quality FS construction.

The Field Ruck is available from First Spear for $336.67 or from the German distributor TACWRK upon request.

Many thanks to Pascal for providing the test and sharing his experiences during the endurance test with the backpack.

The Field Ruck with waist belt from the front.