Hazard 4 fans have been after the California based company for a while now to release a true backpack design. Well, the wait is over with the introduction of the Hazard 4 Patrol Pack. In this article, I’ll share some first impressions now that I’ve had a chance to handle one in person.
Hazard 4 Patrol Pack
SPECS
The Patrol’s listed dimensions are 20.9″ L x 14.2″ W x 5.9″ D. I have to say that I expected a larger pack based on the description but at 1,751 cubic inches in volume, the Patrol Pack is still within the upper end of the size range that I consider when looking for an Every Day Carry bag.
MATERIALS
The exterior of the bag is constructed of Invista 1000 Denier Cordura nylon. The zippers are YKK. The Patrol is designed here in the U.S. and manufactured in China. I mention that because Hazard 4 opted to use Weisheng hardware instead of ITW Nexus on this pack and it’s a slight downgrade that I picked up on within minutes of handling the bag. There were also a few more loose threads than I’m used to seeing with this manufacturer. Even taking into account these minor complaints, the Patrol is still a very solid pack and a step above in materials compared to companies like Maxpedition or 5.11.
KEY FEATURES
HAZARD 4 did some good things with the Patrol Pack. For instance. the Admin panel is easy to access and seems to have a decent variety of slots and pockets.
I’d still prefer that they used a heavier, more abrasion resistant nylon here but they’ve been doing this for a while and I haven’t heard a lot of complaints from Hazard 4 owners that their tools are shredding the pockets.
I like the thermoformed cap designed to protect optics or other sensitive items. It’s large enough to fit my Peltor EVP Shooting glasses in their hard protective case and I’m sure I can find other uses for it as well.
The Patrol Pack is covered in PALS webbing for lots of flexibility when it comes to attaching additional pouches or other gear. There are side slip pockets on either side for hats, gloves, small water bottles, etc.
I let out the compression straps to show the true depth in these pictures, but this pack will compress down into a much smaller form factor when all the straps are tightened. Hazard 4 did an outstanding job with strap management as there are keepers everywhere to tame excess strap length.
There are carry handles on three sides of this pack including the bottom. The bottom compression straps also provide a lashing point for a sleeping pad or outer layer.
A sternum strap and a high quality load bearing waist belt is included. They are both removable and leave no hardware behind. I’m not real fond of the upper buckles, which interfere with top side access to the hydration compartment. The carry handle is standard on most Hazard 4 bags and one of the best I’ve encountered.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As you can see, there’s a lot going on with this pack and it’s similar in size and features to Triple Aught Design’s Fastpack EDC. Hazard 4 addressed some of the Fastpack’s shortcomings with the design… almost to the point where I wonder if they’ve put TAD directly in their cross hairs with the introduction of the Patrol Pack. Time will tell.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue to field test the Patrol Pack to gauge utility and carry comfort and follow-up with a full review including more detail on the pack’s interior storage. Stay tuned. In the meantime, questions or feedback via the comment section is always welcomed.
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