The S.A.T.L military field backpack (SOCOM Assault Top-Loader) from the American company Mystery Ranch, which is still officially produced, has a rather long history. The development of this 56-liter backpack in cooperation with the US Navy Special Forces, the so-called Navy SEALs, started back in 2004, and already in 2006, after passing all tests and tenders, the backpack was officially adopted. In addition, the shoulder pad received its own individual NSN (NATO Stock Number) number, which differs depending on the color.
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The review presents a well-worn model in medium size and in Coyote colors with the reference number NSN 8465-01-557-1570. Judging by the available tags, the backpack, which belongs to the first generation, was created back in 2008, and entered use only in 2009. It is important to note that in its history, the S.A.T.L model has undergone at least two major updates. The first key update took place in 2013, and mainly concerned the harness of the backpack. And it was during this period that the S.A.T.L Bridger Assault Pack was renamed S.A.T.L Assault Ruck.
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Main features of the unloading suspension system
The S.A.T.L backpack provides its own integrated harness system with individual height adjustment, which was created on the basis of the fully removable external NICE frame (NICE Frame System), except for the design of the harness, if you can call it that. The basis of the unloading and suspension system is formed by removable and lightweight arcs of small diameter made of fiberglass (they should be checked first of all before buying, since the material is quite fragile), which are complemented by rigid polymer sheets, including the proprietary "paddle", and flexible foam dampers ...
It is important to take into account that the harness of this backpack, including the vertical elements of the BVS (Bolstered Ventilation System), was developed taking into account the wearing of a full-size body armor, and at that time such systems as MBAV, CIRAS, etc. were in use.
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In 2013, the harness was almost completely updated, the changes affected both the BVS system and the design of the unloading belt, which was almost identical to the removable belt, at that time still the actual NICE Frame System (NICE Frame System). It is by these two elements that it is very easy to determine the "generation" of the backpack. As you know, in 2016 the NICE system was superseded by the GLF (Guide Light Frame) frame, and in 2019 the new GLMTF (Guide Light MT Frame) system was released. These updates, in turn, influenced the design of S.A.T.L.
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The outdated BVS system consists of two non-removable vertical dampers covered with mesh material, the main task of which was to create the necessary level of rigidity and fixation of the backpack harness when using standard platform body armor. In 2013, it was replaced by the RBVS (Removable Bolstered Ventilation System) version, which was more versatile, compact, lightweight and completely removable. In recent years, this system has undergone several more updates, including taking into account changes in the design of personal protection systems.
The design of the unloading belt of the first and second generation is strikingly different. The belt of the first generation backpack was designed taking into account the possibility of mounting on top of an individual combat belt, or it had to be located between the combat belt and a soldier's body armor, without creating problems and restrictions when moving. It was also possible to thread your belt up to 12 cm wide under the waist cushion, or use a base belt with removable damping cushions such as Contour Waist Belts.
As a result, the base belt was thin, light and with minimal support, and had little or no role in weight distribution. In addition, it can be completely folded into special niches under the side open pockets, including for ease of transportation when unloaded. The new generation has already used a two-layer construction, added enlarged belt dampers and changed the direction of the tightening.
Functionality and Available Departments
As far as the design of the compartments is concerned, there have been no major updates. The S.A.T.L backpack (79 x 38 x 33 cm, 2.64 kg), which is predominantly made of 500 density nylon, has four compartments. The compartments are divided into a main compartment with three access points to the contents, two vertical large front compartments (47 x 10 x 10 cm) and an upper compression compartment (33 x 25 x 10 cm), the design of which, like the front two, was borrowed from the expedition the Terraplane backpack, developed back in the 80s. By the way, the upper compartment can be used separately as a small shoulder pad by connecting the buckles together to form the shoulder straps.
Among other things, on the outside of the backpack there are relatively small open side pockets (16 x 16 cm), several pairs of compression straps, as well as rows of standard PALS straps to expand the basic volume and functionality of the backpack. The free ends of the lines are not fixed in any way and are dangling with an annoying fringe. In models from 2013, this problem was solved by adding retainers. At the same time, the buckles of the compression lines themselves have a rather interesting design, they can be easily unfastened with one hand and provide a movable "stopper" for quick loosening of the line.
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Inside the main compartment of the 56-liter backpack there is a detachable harness system for an AN / PRC-117 radio station, or any other compatible equipment, and two spacious vertical pockets (35 x 21 x 15 cm) for three-liter standard drinking systems for hanging which has a pair of loops at the top of the main compartment. For the outlet of hoses and antennas of the radio station there is a top flap with a zipper.
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Strengths and weaknesses of the product
At the end of this review, I want to note the strengths and weaknesses of the first generation S.A.T.L Assault Ruck backpack, and from the point of view of a civilian user. The first significant disadvantage is the specific design of the unloading and suspension system, which is already outdated, and was not originally designed for civilian use. This applies to both the discharge belt and the BVS system. Some people manage to cut off the BVS, or extract their content, I do not know how this will affect the situation, I have not checked. The second minus is the overall geometry of the backpack, its center of gravity is shifted back, which is great when fully loaded. The third significant disadvantage is the useful volume of the backpack in relation to its total weight, which is just over 2.64 kg. That in modern realities, including, taking into account the shortcomings of the elements of the suspension system, is already beyond the permissible.
Of the advantages of this model, we can note the general high quality of workmanship, the use of high-quality and wear-resistant materials and accessories that meet military standards. In addition, subjectively, I can also positively note the comfortable shoulder straps, the rather convenient location of the compartments with quick and wide access to the contents, as well as the overall high capacity.
Conclusion
The S.A.T.L Assault Ruck backpack will be of interest to those for whom it was designed, namely for military personnel and law enforcement officers, as well as those who are directly interested in military topics. The use of this model for hunting, or simply for hiking, seems to me impractical and ineffective.
For the preparation of this introductory review, the S.A.T.L Assault Ruck was provided by Punisher Specialty Retailer, where it is available in Coyote, AOR1 and AOR2 colors. The approximate cost of the one-color version is about $ 310, excluding shipping.
Source: https://www.gearshout.net/oznakomitelnyj-obzor-ryukzaka-mystery-ranch-satl-assault-ruck/
Author: Nikolay Strigunov
