There are bags, and then there are bags. The new Viktos Counteract Duffel is a bag. The rugged, well-laid out Counteract is versatile enough for travel, camping, everyday use, or whatever else you need. I’ve been using the Viktos Counteract Duffel bag for a couple months now, and I’ve come to rely on it whenever I head out of town or just need a little extra gear space on day trips.
Viktos Counteract Duffel Bag Features
The Counteract Duffel is built around a 500D polyester ripstop chassis, making it both strong and supple. It has compartments galore, with lockable YKK zippers. Most of the compartments also have hook and loop attachment points. The exception is the large, vented footwear storage compartment on one end. I haven’t used it for that purpose, but my shoes do fit if I choose to.
The other end consists of a large, detachable concealed carry compartment, complete with loop lining and a Viktos Hookie universal holster. The holster, really a large, positive strap with strong elastic cords, can be placed anywhere on the loop lining. This lined panel is actually a Viktos Outright CCW pistol tray, and it can be easily removed if you prefer not to use it or just want a little extra space. The CCW compartment’s other side consists of two smaller, zippered pockets with mesh pouches on their outside. Perfect for magazines or anything else you might carry there.
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The main compartment has two large hook and loop-secured pockets on one side, and a horizontal sleeve on the other. A zippered mesh pocket adorns the inside of the top flap. Outside, the Counteract has a piggyback sleeve for attaching to wheelie bag handles. That sleeve also has loop material and a zippered pocket. A padded compartment between the CCW and main compartments holds and protects a 14-inch laptop or tablet.
I particularly like the bag’s carry handles. You can use them like standard carry straps as on any other duffel bag. Or you can use them as shoulder straps to carry your Counteract like a backpack. The straps are wide and padded for comfort. That’s a really nice touch.
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Counteract Duffel Bag Performance
The Counteract has accompanied me on two out of town trips so far. I’ve also used it for an EDC bag a few times, though it’s a bit too big for my needs there. But I wanted to develop my impressions of it by using it in different ways. Still, it gives me lots of options by just tossing it in the back seat. The bag is 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches deep with a 44-liter volume.
The voluminous main compartment provides plenty of space for overnight or weekend changes of clothing, while still having room for a toiletry kit, sundries, and a book or two. Its interior is light-colored, so no searching through a dark compartment. The footwear compartment is also large, and I stuff extra things in there.
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I like the concealed carry compartment because it can handle my largest handguns with no problem and still have plenty of room for magazines or whatever. Like stashing my Beretta 92G there. I will say, however, that neither the CCW compartment nor the Hookie universal holster are designed for quick deployment. I view any sidearm I carry there as deep concealment and primarily for transport purposes. It is not a substitute for on-body carry, if that option is available to you.
The CCW compartment is detachable, with a carry handle, and can be used like a small carrying case. I see that as more of a convenience than a tactical advantage since I’d be leery of ever setting the case down. But it may provide an option in situations I haven’t yet encountered or foreseen.
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The piggyback sleeve is wide and sturdy. It has no problems in that role. The backpack straps are padded, adjustable, and comfortable. Again, I really like that feature.
My Best Duffel Bag
The Counteract is easily my best duffel bag. I have some decent bags, but nothing of this quality. It’s well-designed, with useful features that maximize space. The construction is top-notch, with heavy stitching and canvas reinforcement in strategic spots. Hook and loop attachments help keep your stuff in place if necessary. The zippers are solid, and you can lock them with a TSA-style lock or something similar.
I love that Viktos provides me with options. Options for storage, setup, and how I carry it. The bag has tactical features but doesn’t scream “tactical.” Or you can just stuff your socks in the magazine pouches. Totally up to you.
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The point is that the Counteract Duffel is built for whatever you need it to do. Versatile gear is gear that gets used. I use this bag, and it’s built to handle that frequent use. I expect it to last a long time, unlike some cheaper bags that I had to replace sooner than I’d have liked.
So, if you’re looking for a quality bag that will give you options, check out the Counteract Duffel. Viktos makes good stuff, and this bag lives up to that standard.
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