Ample space inside the Crossover Pack for gear

If we had to do a review on the Eagle Industries Crossover Pack, we would say it is all thumbs up. As per our first post, our staff that has been using the pack has all good things to say about the pack (perhaps only one area that he reckons may need some finer adjustment). Mind you, this is a guy who ditched a Kifaru X-Ray just after two weeks using it and decided instead to stick to a LBT standard 3 days assault pack. The Crossover wasn’t the holly grail of all packs within its category but it sure is a down to earth practical day use pack.

The Crossover Pack is a light, compact yet very adaptable pack. The internal organisation is probably where it scores the most. In the picture above, we stuffed a Large size British army Smock jacket right at the bottom of the pack just to show how roomy it is. There’s still lots of space to fit in a SOL survival blanket and other small items. The back sleeve is available for hydration or in this case, a large orange plastic sheet (typically used as an emergency shelter).

Nicely positioned sleeves inside the pack

Hydration port beneath the Eagle Industries logo on the top of the pack

On the back of the front panel, there are two sewn in pouches which we think are awesome. While some pack manufactures feel that covering this ‘face’ of the pack in molle is a good idea, we think having sewn in pouches is a better idea. Immediately, the pouches can be utilized.  They make organization easier and helps to keep those essential items (yet need to be kept safe inside the pack) easy to reach.

The internal sewn in pouches (with a key holder) is practical and easily accessible

The lower pouch on the inside of the Crossover can fit lots of stuff

Big enough for a compact FA Kit. Behind this pouch on a velcro closure is a key slot (or any other thing you fancy)

There is also a sleeve accessible from the outside of the pack for a laptop or a tablet. The back panel of the pack is well padded and we reckon there are no issued there Like all good tactical packs, there is a grommet at the bottom of the pack too. While some believe this is for draining water, we like to think of it as a breathing hole for the pack…especially when you have diapers in the pack…hahaha.

A nice, well padded laptop sleeve

Draining holes at the bottom if the pack

Now…the only not so great point that we think worth mentioning is the connecting point of the strap to the padded shoulder straps. The way it is designed and sewn allows the webbing o slide off the padding and at times can feel like it is cutting into the skin. This is not so much of an issue if one is wearing thick clothing but can be quite annoying if otherwise.

Probably the only part of the pack which we did not really like

The design allows for the strap to bite in when positioned at certain angle

We have to agree with our in house tester (well…he is our staff after all), that the Eagle Industries Crossover pack is a nice little day pack that is really light and practical for everyday use. Despite the lack of side compression straps (which is easily fixed) and the shoulder straps, overall we would give this pack a good thumbs up. If you are looking for a Crossover Pack to try out yourself, have a look on ebay or Amazon and you may find some good bargains for this awesome pack.

The post Thumbs up for the Crossover Pack appeared first on Garrison Packs.

Our short review of the Eagle Industries Crossover Pack

The  Crossover Pack is probably one of the lesser ‘popular pack within the Eagle Industries range of packs. You will not find much reviews or comments can be found on the internet about this particular model. We manage to get hold of a brand new Crossover Pack in 2014 and we have been testing it out as an EDC pack ever since. This is NOT a complicated pack and while some shun upon it (we think its purely because they are made out of the USA), we feel that it is a wee little pack that does the job. Here’s a closer look at the Eagle Industries Crossover Pack.

First of all, lets get one thing clear. At Garrison Packs, we invest in all sort of packs to test, review and discover for ourselves all the good and bad of a particular nylon product. Reviews are great but lets face it, it all boils down to personal preference (and a lot of ego). So, as you read this, bear in mind that we are writing this strictly from our own perspective. Lets agree to disagree.

Inside the Crossover Pack. All set for a radio and some other small items.

The first thing that struck us with the Crossover Pack is how light and compact it is. The outside of the pack is covered with molle and and inside has organisation which makes it like an ‘office’ or ‘urban’ pack rather than a combatant pack. The lack of side compression straps to us may indicates this pack is not intended to take heavy bulky loads where compressing contents is not a priority.

We manage to get our hands on a black Eagle Industries Crossover Pack

In terms of size, perhaps the Crossover is within the 20L range. We had a S.O. Tech MPMD with us and we thought the two would do a good comparison for sizing. It is obvious in the picture below how much smaller the Crossover is compared to the MPMD. We only lasted a few months trying to carry the monstrous MPMD as an EDC. It was way too heavy and bulky (but we found it an excellent pack for other uses)

A side comparison for sizing…the Eagle Industries Crossover and the S.O.Tech MPMD

The chap that tested the Crossover at Garrison Packs took the pack through almost every part of his daily routine. No…he is not a combatant in war nor is he the sort that gives a hoot about brands. It was his work bag during the weekdays, his kid’s diaper bag during the weekends and his go bag on extended trips (max 2 days). The molle panels on the pack made it easier to add more space to the pack as well as compression straps.

The Tatonka external pouch added packing capacity to the Crossover Pack

A smaller sized pouch on the Crossover Pack

The external pouch on the front panel made a lot of sense when you need additional space for things you would need to reach quick. While we would love to say that it held items like gun magazines or flash-bangs…. the most it carried throughout the duration of the test were baby diapers or other baby supplies. Not glamorous but that’s the truth. Its easy enough for us to put on side compression straps to the pack. Some US army repair kit buckles and a few lengths of milspec webbing does the job. The compression straps keep the pack from bursting at the zippers.

We have the parts and mil-spec material to add compression straps to the Crossover Pack

Zippers, stitching and everything else on the outside of the pack seems in order (for the pack that we had at least). One thing our in-house ‘tester’ liked particularly is the fact that the black color pack, although covered in molle in the front and sides does not really seem so tactical. If the pack was in coyote or worse…any of the DPM sort of shade, this pack in the city as a diaper pack would probably attract some weird stares.

The post A quick look at the Eagle Industries Crossover pack, Part 1 appeared first on Garrison Packs.