Gear Review: TRUSPEC Pathfinder 2.5 Pack

We got our hands on the TRU-SPEC Pathfinder 2.5 Backpack, and after traveling with it outside of the country for a week, I have to say, I love this pack.

I haven’t rucked with it yet, but I can tell you unequivocally, it would carry a load over rugged terrain just fine. I had it loaded up with nearly 40lbs of gear, and once I had it on my back and the sternum strap buckled, I wouldn’t have thought I was carrying anything.

On first appearance, it looks like any other practical/tactical pack, with MOLLE webbing all over it, one could attach anything they like to it.

It has ample padding on the back and on the straps, this pack is built for the long haul. It has a rugged drag handle, and underneath it, and pouch to store mission essentials – ID, phone, keys, etc.

The TRU-SPEC Pathfinder 2.5 Backpack also boasts a padded laptop case, as well as a very novel pouch by the kidneys. This is designed to be a concealed carry pouch, and it does that flawlessly. A Glock 26/27 fits right in there, which is great if you want to go on a long ruck, but don’t want an IWB holster chafing against you; you can still get to your weapon very quickly if need be.

There is a rigid board inside the main compartment, and this is also compatible with up to a 2.5 liter bladder (hence the 2.5 in the name, get it?).

You have your desk organizer in the front, along with your standard key clips, pen holders etc. In addition, you have two moderate side pouches on the side to keep anything from a laptop charger to extra ammo. Internally, you have more mesh compartments in the main pouch, and strong YKK zippers all around. The zippers on this bag are uber secure, let me tell you.

The top accessory pouch also has a mesh pocket to store other items, bringing this pack in with 2 side pouches, two pouches on the front, a massive main compartment (which can be cinched with compression straps), the laptop pouch, and the kidney CCW pouch – basically making this an outstanding bug-out bag, daily carry, or rucking pack.

Overall, I highly recommend the TRU-SPEC Pathfinder 2.5 Backpack to anybody looking for a pack to suit multiple roles, and multiple loadouts – from a range bag to something to have ready to go by your nightstand – this pack is what you need.

Comfort: ***** Very comfortable, 40lbs seem to disappear once this is on your back and cinched up.

Capacity: ***** For it’s size, this thing can pack out almost anything. Plus, anything you can’t fit in it, you can fit on it, with carabiners or MOLLE clips.

Looks: ***** It looks pretty damn cool, but functions to back it up.

Ruggedness: ***** From the stitching to the zippers to the drag handle, this pack is ready for duty. We will do a full after action report here on SGPT after we put this through some serious paces… Maybe a GORUCK or two…

Value: ***** You’d be hard pressed to find another pack of this quality for the price point. But you don’t have to take it from me, if you look at reviews on Amazon or elsewhere this pack rivals the competitors like 5.11.

Practicality: **** It’s pretty practical for damn near anything – from a trip to the range to a camping trip. However, given the look, you may look a little too tacticool for your surrounding. If you’re trying to blend in, I’d go with something a little more low key.

Update 7.2017 – I love this pack, it’s my go to travel bag with ample space, but I also use it for the range as I can MOLLE hook on a whole lot of gear. It’s held up great after several cross country trips and range days. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex Castiglione lives in Atlanta, and is an avid outdoorsman and competitive shooter.

Where-abouts include getting after it in his garage gym, practicing martial arts, hitting the trails, or running CrossFit and Strongman competitions for his non-profit, Barbells for Bullies, which holds fundraiser fitness competitions dedicated to aiding Bully breed rescues, dog rescues, or other non-profits with similar missions.
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