In our first look preview of the Hazard 4 Patrol Pack, we covered the many exterior features but hadn’t really done any field testing to judge how it carries. Over the past month, we put the Patrol to good use and overall it’s proven to be an extremely versatile pack that many users will like but it also has a couple of design quirks that surface if you happen to have a larger frame. For more details, read on.
The Patrol Pack is 1,751 cubic inches in volume, which makes it a nice mid-sized option for both everyday carry and day hike loadouts.
Hazard 4 Patrol Pack
In the previous article, we showed how the Patrol can be expanded in increase the internal carry capacity. It can also be pretty low profile with the various compression straps tightened. The lower compression straps don’t interfere with pouches attached to the side PALS webbing. Below, I’m using the well padded Hazard 4 Big-Koala pouch for my Galaxy S3 smartphone and the strap is hidden from view. Above the Big-Koala is a slip pocket which fits my Maxpedition Janus pouch like a glove. I use the Janus as a medical kit.
Hazard 4 Patrol Pack with the Big-Koala Pouch
On the other side, I attached a Mil-Koala pouch to the upper PALS webbing. The Mil-Koala is a padded sheath that can hold a multi-tool or knife. The upper compression straps might interfere with larger pouches attached there but that really wasn’t an issue with the Mil-Koala. However, the upper straps do have to be disengaged to unzip the main compartment. I mention that because some users will find unclipping the buckles to be a tedious exercise should they need to get in and out of their bag constantly.
In the other slip pocket, I have a pair of Camelbak work gloves readily accessible.
Hazard 4 Patrol Pack with the Mil-Koala Pouch
The main compartment is spacious and includes a slip pocket for documents, file folders, or it can fit up to a 14″ laptop (the pocket is not padded).
There is another shallower zippered compartment that can hold an extra layer or other smaller items.
The hydration pocket can hold the new 100oz Camelbak Mil Spec Antidote Reservoir Long. The Patrol includes a nylon loop to anchor it (although I detached it here to get a better shot of the bladder in the pocket). The compartment will also fit a 15″ laptop and the back panel is sufficiently padded to the point where it’s reasonably comfortable to do so.
The Admin Pocket is laid out well although I’d prefer more nylon loops versus the number of sewn pockets. As I mentioned in the First Look review, I don’t care for the thin material Hazard 4 uses here. I’m quite certain, given repeated use, the strong clip on my Zero Tolerance 0350 would shred the pocket.
The pen slots are fairly shallow. They are perfect for my CRL Compact Tactical Pen but a longer pen would stick out further than I would like. The back slip pocket fits the Spec Ops Pocket Organizer like it was made for it.
Fit-wise, I found the pack to be long enough to look proportional on my 6’4″ frame.
I liked the removable padded waist belt, which shifted some of the pack’s weight to my hips. The belt rode a little high on me and I tried to adjust the straps to move it an inch lower without much success (more on that in a minute). Regardless, the belt did it’s job and at the price point, it’s great to see Hazard 4 include it at no additional cost.
The Patrol also includes a removable sternum strap, which uses both hook and loop plus snaps to attach to the pack. It’s great but you’ll probably notice that it’s pretty high on my chest here. The strap is positioned as low as it will go.
I felt like I had the shoulder straps tightened adequately so the pack is not riding too low on my back so it took me a while to figure out why I couldn’t get the waist belt and sternum stap adjusted to fit me properly on a 20.9″ long pack. The problem lies with the shoulder straps. Pictured below is the Hazard 4 Patrol on the left and the Camelbak Mil Spec HAWG on the right.
You immediately notice three things. First, unlike the HAWG, the Patrol’s well padded straps are attached to the bag about one inch inside the outer edge of the pack. Also, the Patrol’s straps are curved inward versus outward. Finally, the length of the pack straps are (by my measure) about two inches shorter than the straps on the HAWG. Overall, the result is a shorter and narrower harness.
So, I couldn’t get the Patrol adjusted to the point where it felt completely comfortable on my large frame given my broad shoulders and long torso. I don’t think a person of smaller stature (say under 6’2 with narrower shoulders and a shorter torso) would have the same issue. And even though I couldn’t adjust it exactly the way I wanted, the pack was still reasonably comfortable under load. Your mileage may vary and if you’re in-between then you’ll likely have to purchase and carry the pack to know for sure if it will be an issue. Of course, Hazard 4 could have made all of this mute if they had gone with a different strap design.
I’ve sounded a bit negative during parts of this write-up but overall I really did like the bag. In my opinion, it’s a great looking product that has a wealth of features. If you’ve considered high end options from Triple Aught Design and others but lack the three bill entry fee, then the Patrol Pack should definitely be on your radar – especially if you’re not John Wayne sized like me. 
The Hazard 4 Patrol Pack retails for $209.99 and is available direct from the Civilian Labs Gearbunker Store and other authorized retailers.
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