REVIEW: LBX Arc'teryx Khard Series

We never thought we would actually introduce you to just the interior of a backpack. Here it is: LBX - a subsidiary of London Bridge Trading - manufactures the pockets that allow the owner to customize the interior of their Khard backpacks from Arc'teryx LEAF. We have already introduced you to the Khard 30, here are the matching pockets for the belly of the backpack.

Just to show where everything goes. Here is a Khard 45 in Crocodile on the man (left) and on the right the storage space. Arc'teryx provides a lot of space. This is practical, because some people do not want interior design. For everyone else, LBX has now produced a variety of pouches that fit in the Khard and make it customizable. The installation is easy: you can see Velcro on the sides and on the back plate there are also sewn-in black bands reminiscent of MOLLE.

Here is a small selection from the range of pockets: At the top is the Padded Side Pouch (27.90), the Slim Wallet Pouch (left center; 18.90), right in the middle the Medium Slim Pouch (19.90), the Medium Window Pouch (bottom left; 21.90) is shown here in the color Wolf (gray) and provides a view of the contents through the window. The 15" Laptop Insert (26.90) is on the right and is the largest pocket. We have added the prices in euros here so you can get a feel for the LBX price level.

Colorwise, we see Tan, which is slightly lighter than Arc'teryx's Crocodile, as well as a pocket in Wolf (gray). All pockets are also available in Multicam. In the picture, you can now see the back of the pouches: No surprise, for most it is simply male Velcro that does the installation. The laptop bag has a lacing system that docks onto the MOLLE loops in the Khard.

Here the pockets are unfolded. Some are simply empty. Others have coarse mesh pockets to keep things organized. The large elongated pocket has Velcro covering the entire inner surface so the pocket can be attached inside the bag for even more organization. On the right is the laptop bag. In addition to the padded main compartment that holds the computer, it also has an outer compartment for documents.

Here is the Large Padded Pouch (26.90), which strongly resembles the classic 200 round MG belt pouches from LBT-1195. LBX goes back to the roots of LBT.

CONCLUSION: Being an interior designer for once is quite appealing and practical. The backpack - in this case the Khard - becomes exactly as one wishes. A charming way to customize the Khard according to the needs of its owner. It's amusing that there are also a few MP7 pouches (holders for the MP7, magazine pockets) that turn the Khard into an exclusive weapons case.

The LBX pouches for the Arc'teryx Khard series are available in the LBX brand shop at TACWRK Berlin, where all pockets are listed with prices. If you want an overview of the pocket offerings, you can also check directly on the LBX homepage.