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Gregory UM-21 SPEAR Backpack System
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Reviews
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Views
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Date of last review
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1
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3096
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7.8.2004
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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Average Rating
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100% of reviewers
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$350.00
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10.0
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Description:
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The Company/Military Line
Featuring the latest advancements in state-of-the-art technology, Bianchi International and Gregory Mountain products have developed the ultimate backpack system for the 21st century warrior. Designed to meet the stringent field requirements of the US Special Forces, Navy Seals and Army Rangers, this system combines superior load-bearing technology with advanced backpack design and offers a modular system capabale of efficiently carrying up to 120 pounds of equipment. This backpack system is part of the US Government Body Armor Load Carry Program (BALCS) and consists of three components. These three, the main ruck, the patrol pack and butt pack, have been uniquely configured, enabling a soldier to customize the load for specific mission requirements.
For over 25 years, Gregory packs have been world-renowned for their fit, comfort and performance. They have been used extensively as the pack-of-choice for world-class expeditions. Using a CAD/CAM system and precision technology, our R&D team, headed by Gregory founder Wayne Gregory, inventively modified a commercial pack that would transfer the load effectively, allowing for multiple adjustments to fit sizes ranging from the 5th to 95th percentile of the SOF operator. In addition to the packs patented suspension system, another key feature of this system is its modularity: the Butt Pack attaches to the Backpack or the U. S. Government Load Carry System (ELCS); the Patrol Pack attaches to the Backpack, and is also compatible with SPEAR BALCS components. The UM21 system is offered in woodland or desert camouflage configurations and can be procured as a complete system or in individual components
The Sales Line
Developed for long-range reconnaissance missions, this backpack, composed of aircraft-grade aluminum stays, a sturdy internal framesheet, Gregory’s Adjust-A-Cant™ hip belt and patented Flo-Form®II molding technology provides a highly efficient carrying system, capable of supporting extreme loads easily and comfortably.
The pack design provides for customized distribution of weight to allow the wearer to locate the optimum adjustment for various terrain or conditions of any march. By utilizing the pack’s suspension adjustments, weight may be shifted entirely onto the hips, entirely onto the shoulders or distributed evenly between the two. Issued to US Special Forces.
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Keywords:
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UM-21 SPEAR S.P.E.A.R. ELCS Backpack Military Special Forces BALCS
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Buy From:
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http://www.us-elitegear.com/
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Author
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Geezer
New Poster
Registered: February 2005
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Review Date: 7.8.2004
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: $350.00
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Extremely Durable, A pack for ALL occations, Great Looks, Great Functionality
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Cons:
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If you hate compression straps - stay away!
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Personal Experience
I\'ve got nothing but good things to say. So, let me find something negative -- price.
While you can find this pack for under $700, the list price for the entire system is $1,225. Either way, unless you like to camp or hike or really get into airsoft - this pack is EXTREMELY pricey.
On the plus side, you can buy each section of the pack separately. I suggest both the Patrol Pack and the Butt Pack for people who do that. The patrol pack is big enough for a 3-day excusion and the butt pack is MOLLE/ELCS compatible, so it makes an excellent addition to any MOLLE-type gear you have.
Let\'s get right into it:
Main Ruck
6337 Cu. In.
First - it will take you about 30-45 minutes to get it situated. Tucking away 100 compression straps takes time, as does sizing the unit. While the compression straps can and do get in the way - when you start packing a large load, you\'ll thank god that you have them. Anyhow, once that is all situated, you can get into the goodies.
The Adjust-A-Cant belt is a great idea. But, unless you do a LOT of hiking and carry a lot of weight, you probably won\'t feel like you need it.
The straps are extremely comfortable and at max weight, you don\'t feel overburdened. It makes the antiquated ALICE gear really show its age. No more special adjustments to keep the metal out of your kidneys -- it is maybe the most comfortable pack I\'ve ever had on.
The main pack has tons of room. You could probably fit the kitchen sink if you really needed to. It has FOUR, yes count them FOUR, MOLLE compatible packs that can attach anywhere on the pack or web gear (but look best on the sides of the pack). Each one can easily carry a throw pillow worth of dimensions.
The main ruck is also protected in three ways from the rain and moisture. The first is the water-proof material that the pack is made from. This material also makes the pack NEAR IMPOSSIBLE to tear. Only a light washing with straight water is ever needed, I do not recommend anything but water to wash the pack. The next protective later it has is the top drawstring, elastic cover. This cover flips over and faces downwards and is closed tightly. Anything less than the being on the Titanic would be hard pressed to get water in there. The next layer is a drawstring inner seal - just in case you happened to be on the Titanic.
Another perk of the main ruck is the back foam compression pad. It seems gimmicky, but it folds into a small seat. It isn\'t much, but the way the pack leans and is connected, it gives you back support and a nice cushion to sit on. I use mine all the time.
Finally, the main ruck will and does connect to the other two parts of the UM-21 SPEAR Backpack System. It also comes with two compression packs for various things and waterproofing.
The only downfall of the pack is that there is no built-in hydration. The new MOLLE II has the Camelbak built-in. The UM-21 should also have had that feature. A minor oversight, to an almost flawless product. The upside to this is that there is plenty of room for any hydration carrier throughout the pack and plenty of webbing to strap it on the side.
The Patrol Pack
On the airsoft front, you\'ll quickly realize with the UM-21 System ... it is not convenient to got o war with a LARGE pack on your back.
So, in comes the patrol pack.
Arguably the most efficient pack in the bunch. Since we are talking mainly about airsoft products, the patrol pack does the trick to the letter. If you know how to pack properly - you can pack a nice lunch, a couple changes of clothes, spare batteries, and all your airsoft goodies (scopes, etc).
It is also a very comfortable pack with cushioning in every possible area. You\'ll feel like a King when you pop that thing on your back. (plus you\'ll look awfully cool and super SF with that sucker on your back)
It is small enough that you could probably skirmish with it on, although I wouldn\'t suggest it. It is supposed to work in conjunction with the ELCS gear - and it does - but it isn\'t the most comfortable tandem in the universe. It is much more comfortable to wear one without the other.
The patrol pack is also fitted with the foam cushion seat. It is the exact same as the main pack\'s seat, so no further elaboration is really needed. Good idea, and nice that both packs have it.
There is some webbing on the pack to allow for MOLLE/ELCS pouches to be attached.
Also, like it\'s big brother, it has TONS of compression straps. With the zip of a few cords - you can make that oversized load that much smaller!
This could easily work as a primary camping backpack as well.
As with the main ruck - there is no built in hydration support. There is plenty of room to place your hydration gear inside the pack or lash it to the outside.
The Butt Pack
Certainly not the main reason for buying the UM-21 package, but it shouldn\'t be overlooked.
As a buttpack it is probably the most efficient and uniquely designed unit out there.
One of the unique features is that it can double as a waistbelt, or you can chose to stow the belt portion of the pack and use it as a MOLLE/ELCS pouch and latch to your gear. It also has a built in carry handle, so that you can port it around like a bag.
Another interesting feature is that it is built with two compartments. This allows for more efficient storage.
To really understand the love put into this pack, you just have to own one. You can feel the quality put into the little thing. It blows away every other miscellaneous pouch I\'ve ever seen or owned.
UM-21 Overall
Man, it\'s hard to beat this backpack. But, it is also hard to justify spending that much money on a backpack (even if it is the coolest pack money can buy).
If you do a lot of other outdoor activities besides airsoft (such as camping, hiking, cross-country) then the entire UM-21 system might be up your alley.
If you are looking for the best AIRSOFT backpack that you can get your hands on -- look no further then the UM-21 Patrol Pack. No need to buy the entire menu, when you can pick the pieces you need.
If you want a great buttpack that has all the SF look and feel, then pick up the UM-21 Butt Pack as well. It isn\'t cheap - but quality never is.
Overall, I wouldn\'t hesitate in recommending this product to an avid sportsman that loves military gear. Have at it!
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