VISM by NcStar Tactical Back Pack

I ordered this backpack for college supplies. I carried one laptop, and one small textbook and the bottom of the pack ripped. Not the seam, the actual material. So I had it repaired for $5 by a local seamstress. I paid $35 for it to begin with. I had just gotten it home and realized that one of the pockets was also ripping in 2 spots. I have not even used those pockets! I deal with a lot of tactical gear and this is by far the worst pack I have ever seen. I am ashamed to have spent money on this thing. You want quality? Go to a dollar store and buy a school bag and it will be better than this. I had read the reviews and got suckered anyway. *PLEASE DO NOT BUY!!!*

Just got the backpack and it has already busted at the seems in three different pockets and at the base. Thing is I am only using it for school too.

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I bought this pack recently and, despite having used it only once on a two mile bushwhacking trip through the woods, I thought some preliminary comments might help prospective buyers. I have many packs, including other military style ones, and I'm always concerned about the quality of cheaper ones. Example: a couple of years ago I bought 2 daypacks made by Diplomat (are they even in business anymore??), one is Coyote Brown and the other OD Green, each for $30. Nice design, strong material, good zippers, etc. BUT during one easy day in the field while using the brown pack two of the plastic buckles broke and some stitching started coming apart on the main seam between the shoulder straps. It's now my regular bag to carry gym clothes, so it's not a total loss. On the other hand the OD Green version has shoulder straps 3 inches longer (so possibly it's a bit newer) but, more importantly, I have used this one many times in the field with no problems. I'm sure the different pack color is irrelevant, but maybe later versions had better quality control?

These same types of problems with stitching and buckles are often reported for other inexpensive brands, including the NcStar Tactical pack. So with this in mind, some "pros" I can see with mine: Plenty of small pockets, all with large zippers. Perhaps the zippers are a bit stiff but this is really minor for me. One zippered mesh pocket inside the main compartment. The pack material appears to be thick and strong. In addition to the grab handle on top there is also one on each side of the pack so you can carry it like a suitcase. MOLLE webbing on the front and bottom for attaching things. At least one other reviewer mentioned the shoulder straps are only thinly padded. This is true, although I found them to be comfortable on my first trip, wearing the pack for two hours with about 15 lbs of weight. An important point: the shoulder straps are long and easily fit my 6'1" and 250 lb frame. Short straps (as in my Coyote Brown Diplomat) make a pack a lot less comfortable for me.

Cons: Although the waist belt is strong and easily removable, it's far too small for my 38-40 inch waist. It might work if your waist is 32 inches (?) but it's not even close for me, which is unusual in most packs. So my first hike with this pack was without the belt and it worked well anyway. For heavier loads I will find a substitute to use so it's no big problem. The back of the pack is not ventilated with mesh, etc. for cool air flow against your back and it's not well padded, either. The large pocket on the front bottom is simply a big pocket with no "admin" features such as pencil slots, key keeper, etc. Not a problem for me but it may be important for others.

Overall I like the pack: it carries a lot, has a useful arrangement of pockets, and is comfortable. For now the pack's stitching appears to be fine, but time will tell how durable it all is. Then consider the low price and I'd say this is really a bargain.

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Good pack for the price...

Pros:

Good size.

Decent construction.

Good straps (decent padding, sternum strap and waist strap).

Nice amount of external pockets.

Cons:

Only 1 main compartment (with hydration pocket)

Main compartment has a zippered mesh pouch but that's about it.

Not a lot of organizational sleeves or pockets internally.

Zippers are a little tight.

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