For Everyday Carry, sometimes a simple rugged day pack is the best option. When I just want to throw a few things in a pack and go, I don’t want to fuss with lots of organization or features that add complexity and unnecessary weight. The Recycled Firefighter Battalion 12 Hour Backpack is the type of pack I reach for on those days. Made from 1000D Cordura, the Battalion 12 Hour is 17″ H x 9″ W x 4.5″ D with a capacity of 12 Liters and an empty weight of 1 lb, 4 oz. Recycled Firefighter also offers the Battalion in a 24 Hour/22 Liter version. Here are the two side by side.
Recycled Firefighter Battalion 12 Hour (left) and Battalion 24 Hour (right)
Both feature a cushioned Cordura back panel and wide shoulder straps with firm 1/2″ padding, 1″ webbing, and d-rings.
The 24-Hour Battalion is 2″ Taller, 2.5″ wider, and 1.5″ deeper than the 12-Hour.
The Battalion 12 Hour has one long zippered pocket on the front panel, which is a great place to store hats and gloves in the winter or anything that you want to get to quickly.
Due to the vertical orientation, the pocket can be easily reached by just slipping the pack off one shoulder and rotating it to the front of the body.
The main compartment opens flat with two more zippered mesh pouches inside. The 400D Blaze Orange Pack Cloth interior makes it easy to spot the contents in either pouch.
One pocket is large enough is store a small admin pouch like this OV Innovations E Pocket Organizer. The other smaller pocket is for smaller items like this Peak Design Camera Strap.
The main compartment is large enough to store an extra layer – even a fairly bulky one like this Arc’teryx LEAF Naga Hoody.
With room to spare to take a full-sized 3L Reservoir.
The organization of the Battalion 24 Hour pack is identical except every pocket is bigger. The one exception is the padded, slightly raised laptop compartment.
Fit-wise, the 12-Hour is a little small on my 6’4 255 lbs frame.
Recycled Firefighter 12 Hour Battalion Backpack
Battalion 12 Hour – Profile View
I find myself carrying the larger 22 Liter more. I don’t always need the extra capacity but the larger pack just fits me better because its two inches longer.
Recycled Firefighter Battalion 24 Hour Backpack
Battalion 24 Hour – Profile View
Both packs carry weight better than they should considering they lack a frame sheet. Recycled Firefighter does sell a custom-made Rigid Molle Insert for both and I’d recommend the investment to add a bit of structure if you plan to carry heavy load outs. They also add organization if you want to attach Molle compatible pouches. Adding loop material to the main compartment would add to the cost but also provide a lot of versatility to the setup. A key keeper in the vertical pocket would also be a welcome addition. But overall, I wouldn’t change much with these packs. They work as-is.
At the time of this writing, the Recycled Firefighter Battalion 12-Hour and 24-Hour Backpacks retail for $129 and $159 respectively and can be purchased direct here.
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