Into the Forest - Battalion 12 Hour Bag Review

Into the Forest - Battalion 12 Hour Bag Review

 

Welcome back to another gear review here on the EDC Blog! Today it's going to be a bit different because I'm reviewing one of our own products....The Battalion 12 Hour Backpack.

 

Recycled Firefighter 12 Hour Bag Review

  

For starters, let me share a bit about me. My name is Anthony and I run an outdoor adventure/gear review site on the side. I've worked with Jake for a couple of years now. I came aboard as his web guy and eventually began blogging for him.

The reason I mention this is because I want you to know this is not a bias review. I always tell people - I work with specific companies because I genuinely love their gear. Not because they're a paycheck or a way of getting "free stuff". If I don't love a company's gear, I don't use it or promote it....As simple as that.

When Jake and I began working together I tested some of the earlier prototype bags and knew he would find success with them. And now, with the Battalion series of bags - I believe he's found a recipe for perfection. Let me share a bit about my latest outing where I packed everything into the little 12 Hour Battalion Bag, for a full day of fun & adventure.

 

 

Recycled Firefighter 12 Hour Pack Review

 

I recently set my mind to see how far I could push our Battalion 12 Hour Backpack. I wanted to load this thing up with all of the gear I would need for a full day of adventuring. So, late Tuesday Night I sat down with a pile of gear and found the perfect loadout. Comprised of a double hammock, a simple cook set, some trail essentials, and emergency equipment.

I ended up leaving the house early Wednesday Morning to set out for a local trail section. The morning was already steamy, at around 90°. However, it was set to reach over 100° on the heat index. So I knew I was in for a hot one, but I couldn't wait to get out and set forth on this adventure.

 

 

The first part of my venture went straight up 1,700 feet elevation (according to the maps I have read). I trekked for around 2 miles or so to the top before settling down to take the photos above.

 

The importance of Balancing Your Backpack:

I had already pre-balanced the pack so it would ride comfortably. I placed my heavier items up top and the lighter ones down below. I also made sure no heavy items were in the exterior pocket, as this would pull the pack away from me.

Even though this backpack does not have a hip belt and I was not using the optional sternum strap, I was really amazed at its comfort. I have obviously used this pack many, many times before. But I'm always taken back at its level of comfort since it does not have a hiking style frame or hip belt. In fact, i've found this pack is honestly more comfortable than some "hiking packs" out there.

 

 

I could've stayed at the lookout points a lot longer, but I knew I needed to make the best use of my time if I was going to get anything else done during the day. So I moved on. I ended up hiking back down in elevation a bit to find a shaded area, as the morning sun was scorching. This is where I decided to make my day camp & chill out for a bit.

 

 

My Loadout for the Day:

 

The goal for this day trip was to show that you don't have to pack excessively on a day hike, or even an overnighter. And also, to show you that even with quite a bit of gear - The 12 Hour Backpack is plenty capable of handling it.

The load out I put together is pretty simple. I really only brought items that I knew I would use. Some were luxuries, while others are what I see as essentials if you're going to venture outdoors. (You could also pair a tarp + extra food and make this an overnight kit)

 

 

Once I found the perfect spot, surrounded and covered by tree canopy - It was time to throw up the hammock and lay my ground blanket down. I also strung up my backpack, water bottle and other gear with the paracord & caribiners I brought along.

 

 

By this point in the morning, it was high-time for some breakfast. So, I set up my Optimus Crux canister stove, tore open my steak and began cooking.

 

 

Within a matter of minutes, my steak was done and it was time to retreat back to my hammock for some relaxation.

 

 

As I laid back in my hammock, I was amazed at how quickly I was able to unzip the Battalion pack and assemble a nice, comfortable base camp. It proved my theory that this backpack can certainly hold everything you need for a full day of adventuring. And, as I mentioned above - An overnighter if you paired a couple of extra items.

 

 

Though this adventure was simple and nothing elaborate, it was a really fun one. And it put the 12 Hour Bag to a test that I personally hadn't completed before. I typically bring this bag along when I'm running errands, going to the zoo with the family or something along those lines. So, it was a lot of fun to get out and really push this backpack.

I found that the Battalion 12 Hour backpack was plenty capable of swallowing up a lot of gear. It was more than comfortable for miles of use. I attribute that to its size, the shoulder straps, and their padding, as well as how it rides on your body. It's almost like the pack is a part of you as you're wearing it.

 

 

How are you using your Battalion Bag?

 

We wanna hear it from you! How are you using your Battalion Bag? Drop us a comment below and tag us on Instagram with the hashtag #RecycledFirefighter.

 


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


You may also like View all