At our last Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous, 5.11 Tactical made a solid showing with a table full of products. As a personal fan of the company, and someone who has used its products for years, I got to spend some time with the Skyweight Survival Plus Chest Pack. As a backpacker, I like chest packs for their convenience. You can keep your most used items easily accessible without removing your pack. But I have never used one on a range until this.
The 5.11 Tactical Skyweight Survival Plus Chest Pack
As it turned out, the only one they had there was orange. However, that kind of worked for me, because I like orange in the woods. It is easy to see and can double for signaling in a pinch. Although it isn’t exactly clandestine, a chest pack in and of itself isn’t either. So, no issue with the orange here. Unfortunately, the only colors available at the moment are Ibex Tan and Desert BDU.
Part of the Skyweight collection, the chest pack easily integrates with the Skyweight Hip Belt for an additional carry option. Big brother to the Skyweight Survival Chest Pack, the Survival Plus adds another 1.5-liter capacity, going from 2 liters to 3.5 liters. Likewise, the new model features compression straps and a sleeve on the bottom for carrying a water bottle. Even though all of the other features are great, this was probably the one I used most at Rendezvous.
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Both the low-profile harness and the Silvadur anti-odor mesh back panel allow for high airflow to keep the pack comfortable. Likewise, the 330D nylon ripstop with DWR CO and HeiQ Barrier Eco Dry finish keeps the pack rugged and resistant to the elements.
The chest pack was quick and easy to fit up properly. I had to take it off to adjust the straps that go around the body, but it was a non-issue. Specifically with the quick-detach straps at all four points. Growing up backpacking the Colorado Rockies, you learn early that you must be able to get your pack off fast if you fall in a river. So, I love quick-detach straps.
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Using the Survival Plus Chest Pack
The pack has a lot of pockets to allow for easy organization. Likewise, the main, administrative compartment has a variety of pockets and dividers. However, if you need more storage, the front is covered by a MOLLE panel for easy expansion. Included on the MOLLE panel are two Velcro strips to accept patches for identification. Just behind the MOLLE panel is a small zipper pocket for incidentals.
Behind the main compartment is a large compartment with a Velcro panel for attaching a holster. The compartment is just big enough for my 10mm Springfield Armory Ronin 1911. If you are romping the woods, it is a good idea to carry a 10mm, because it is a good round for larger predators. I love that my 1911 fits.
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The two top corners on the front of the pack include nylon loops for fast access to the main compartment. Just set the two opposing zippers together at the loop, and all you have to do is pull the loop to open the compartment.
Similarly, the rear holster compartment features a nylon strap in each top corner of the compartment. If you are carrying and want fast access to your pistol, leave a strap exposed, sticking out of the zipper. When you need to access your pistol, pull the strap and the compartment quickly opens, providing fast access.
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However, I was a little apprehensive about how a chest pack would affect my ability to shoot. So, I wore the chest pack the entire second day of our Rendezvous, shooting a variety of platforms, and had no issues at all. I found myself leaning back a little while shooting, but I think it was just overcompensation on my part. Something that is easily remedied. I loved the fast access to my water and camera.
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Good Design, Solid Execution
I have used various front packs while backpacking for years. They help redistribute weight for a better-balanced load, with the front helping to offset the weight of your backpack. Likewise, they offer faster access to the items you may need on the trail, without removing your pack. Not to mention, a great way to carry your defensive pistol, because many backpacks have a belt that makes belt carry difficult or impossible.
The Skyweight Survival Plus Chest Pack is an excellent example of how a front-load system should work. It is lightweight, offers plenty of storage space, and everything is fast and easy to access. If you have never tried a front pack before, with an MSRP of $85.00, this is a great place to start.
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