REVIEW: Mayflower RC Low Vis E&R Messenger Bag

There are backpacks galore, practically every manufacturer of tactical equipment has one of these messenger bags on offer, all outdoing each other with features like Velcro, PALS webbing, padding, holsters, and pockets within pockets, only the designer's imagination sets limits. Mayflower R&C from the USA is taking a different approach here and offers a consciously civilian model under the name Low Vis E&R Bag, which has few but well-thought-out features that pack a punch. E&R stands for "Evasion and Recovery," such as escaping from captivity or danger zone and returning home.

It should be clear that a militarily styled model with MOLLE loops and Velcro is not necessarily suitable for such endeavors. Actually, because hardly any manufacturer has addressed this issue so far. Mayflower R&C, on the other hand, has been offering this GoBag for over five years and has continually improved it based on end-user feedback.

We received a Gray E&R Bag for testing. The color is similar to anthracite. The main material of the bag is deliberately civilian Cordura, as used in the outdoor market. The material appears very thick and gives an almost noble impression.

The main compartment of the bag is a large zipper compartment (a 15" laptop and 2 Nalgene bottles fit comfortably), which is lined with loop Velcro on the inside facing the body to further modify the interior. Here, for example, the Velcro modules from Zentauron are recommended. On the inside facing away from the body, there are two spacious slip pockets, which can hold three Israeli bandages or a tablet PC, for example.

Now it gets interesting: On the front of the bag, there is a wide Velcro pocket where four AR15 magazines can be securely stored using sewn-on, flat rubber bands; this pocket is also interesting for flat documents.

On the back of the Low-Vis Bag is an identical pocket for magazines, which, however, is closed with a zipper to conceal the magazines. The front magazines are covered by a flap typical of messenger bags, which can be closed with black 20mm ITW Nexus quick-release buckles.

The flap has a spacious zippered compartment where not only small items but also a wide Velcro panel with 2 metal eyelets at the unsewn end can be stowed.

This panel can be easily pulled out of the bag after opening the zipper and attached to the 20mm buckles using shock or paracord, which is ideal if the situation requires IFF or activity markers. A successful idea, in our opinion.

On each side of the main compartment, there is a mesh pocket into which a small beverage can fit, for example. Behind these rather obligatory pockets, there is a small hidden storage compartment on each side, which can hold either two pistol magazines or a miniature binoculars, a small but nice feature.

The E&R Bag is worn over the shoulder with a 50mm adjustable strap over two plastic bars attached to the messenger bag using an ITW carabiner system.

CONCLUSION: The messenger bag works in many roles, from a simple companion in everyday life to a carrier for ammunition and/or medical supplies that is visually indistinguishable from civilian models. With the three main compartments and their division, this product can even be excellently used as a Low-Vis Medic bag. The possibilities are virtually limitless, and outsiders hardly recognize that it is a product for tactical use.

The Messenger Bag is available for private customers at Gearmaniacs; authorities and bulk buyers should contact LUPUS Training & Mentoring Resources. The E&R Bag is offered in gray, dark blue, dark green, and black. Directly from Mayflower RC, the RC Low Vis E&R Messenger Bag costs 200 dollars.

MAYFLOWER RC at VELSYS online: www.velsyst.com