The TRIAB 18 isn’t an ordinary backpack, it’s a survival backpack which is made by 5.11 tactical who are really well known for making great backpacks. It isn’t even considered a backpack since it converts into an awesome sling bag in a matter of seconds. You can cram everything you need in it without worrying about it. There is nothing that could make this backpack better. It is beyond that type of amazing. It shows you how storage should be handled, but in a really useful, functional, and stylish type of way. It doesn’t matter if you plan to use it to carry your gear, hiking, or you just really want an awesome sling bag to take to school, then you need the TRIAB 18 by 5.11 tactical. Check out the difference in packs from 511 tactical:
Features of the backpack
The features are beyond impressive, so let’s discuss why this backpack is so great. The fact that it turns from a backpack to a sling bag, and it is easy to convert. Simply unbuckle one of the straps, twist and insert into the pocket it goes into. Then you can cross the strap you want to the other side. There are also two different chest straps. One for the sling bag mode, and one of the backpack mode. There is plenty of storage space and this allows you to get what you need at that moment instead of digging around for it constantly.
Additional features
Another awesome feature is the pack handle. It has a different design when it is compared to any other traditional backpacks. It is reinforced and super sturdy, plus its vertical and front facing, instead of being placed on the top of the bag. I will say that the handle is very convenient, simply because I have to grab it constantly off the ground, and it just makes it easier, not to mention how all the weight is evenly distributed in my hand when my pack is full. There are some things that I am not a fan of, such as the holes for the hose of a hydration pack, basically covering up the whole case for sunglasses, which makes it about useless. It then gets really hard to grab your sunglasses when you need them. Let’s talk pro’s and con’s.
Pro’s:
- It’s a hybrid pack so it can be a backpack or sling bag
- Very comfortable
- Easy to access everything in the pack
- Lots of storage
- High quality materials
Con’s:
- The placement of the holes for the hydration hoses
- Can’t access sunglasses case very easily.
Basically, this is a great backpack for the price. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who is looking for something to double as a gear or day pack. It works and there are plenty of places to stick what you need in. The only issue is not being able to get to my sunglass case because of the hose holes. Another great backpack you might be interested in is the Rush 12 Survival Backpack which is also made by 5.11 tactical. These items can be fairly expensive so I’ve got a 5.11 coupons page so you don’t have to pay full price.