We were looking forward to no backpack more this year: The Tasmanian Tiger (TT) Modular Pack 30. We first held it in our hands in December 2016 and have tested it thoroughly since then. Here is our report.

The principle of the Arc'teryx LEAF Khard backpacks was not new, but the combination of Velcro backpack and panel loader for quick organized access was already very innovative. The TT Modular Pack 30 used the same principle and it is clear that the Khard 30 was used as inspiration.

The shape and size of both backpacks are almost identical. However, the Modular Pack 30 is not a simple copy - only the mentioned features were used and built into a more versatile pack.

But we don't want to make a comparison review with the Arc'teryx LEAF Khard, but introduce the Modular Pack 30.

As the name suggests, it is a 30-liter backpack. The dimensions of the pack are 46cm height x 30cm width x 18cm depth. The empty weight is 1.65 KG. It is made - as most of TT's products are - from 700d Cordura: for more durability than 500d and less weight than 1000d Cordura.The front and sides of the Modular 30 are very simple. The untrained eye could classify this backpack as a civilian backpack - especially with the Modular Pack 30 models in black or olive. This is thanks to the unobtrusive laser-cut MOLLE, which gives the backpack a smooth surface. On the front, you have 4x7 rows + 2x1 row for accessory pouches. On the sides, there are 4x6 rows each.But that's not all the exterior has to offer. If you look closer, you will discover a flat pocket under the front laser-cut that can be opened on the left side. It extends across the entire area of the slits and has a partition wall so that no dirt can enter through the slits. This also applies to the drainage eyelet (visible in the middle at the bottom), which only drains liquid from the slits and not from the front pocket. The front and back walls of the pocket are rubberized for content protection.Also a perfect application example for the side loops: Ten Speed magazine pouches from Blue Force Gear. These lie extremely flat when not in use and can accommodate magazines as well as 0.5 liter water bottles or similar items.You have probably also noticed the loops on the front side on the right and left. There are eight in total, serving as preparation for bungee cord to fix a jacket, for example.Here we have installed bungee cord and chosen the drainage eyelet as the starting point. This way, you have a little more space to fix items. The downside of using bungee cord on the front side: the flat pocket is not very usable as the elastic band runs over it. It would have been smarter to have access from the top or bottom. Alternatively, you can work with mini hooks or similar to simply unhook the band on the left side.

Of course, the obligatory velcro patch field on the front should not be missing.

Back to the sides. Here you can see two or three more details. One is the hydration tube opening (top left) available on both sides at the top of the pack.The other is an inconspicuous drawstring with stopper (top right), which is visible just above the laser-cut slits. This is something really ingenious: an internally running compression strap. This way, the user gets rid of the annoying webbing on the side wall and can still easily compress the backpack.

The third detail (seen in the title image just behind the hydration tube) is only available on the left side at the top and bottom edges. It is a flat piece of rubber material with two holes. The two rubber plates are intended for securing trekking poles or similar long devices.

When you turn the backpack to the back side, you will find what Tasmanian Tiger or the parent company Tatonka do best: the carrying systems. No matter which backpack we have held in our hands before, there has never been one that has worn poorly or disadvantageously. This is also the case with the Modular Pack 30. The back panel strongly resembles the TT TAC Pack 22 - HERE in the review. So you have two thick mesh pads on the right and left with a recess in the middle to promote air circulation.As an additional bonus, the complete area behind the mesh pad can be used for flat items. So you could attach a hydration bladder there (a loop is provided) or, alternatively, use the space for a sleeping mat - as seen here - the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xtherm - HERE in the review.The carrying system is rounded off with a detachable two-piece hip belt. This has additional zip pockets for smaller items. It is closed with a large Fastex buckle with the belt direction towards the back. Elastic loops are available to secure the excess belt material.The shoulder straps are padded with mesh. A chest strap is not missing, nor are D-rings and elastic bands for securing. The straps can be quickly released with Fastex buckles to be able to throw off the backpack. The buckles are hidden under elastic loops held in place with webbing. These can also be used to store the remaining belt.As an additional feature, the pack is equipped with load distribution straps that can be comfortably operated while carrying.