Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black Review

The Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black Made a Bold First Impression

The Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black entered a crowded market, promising a blend of durability and affordability. This pack, from Full Forge Gear, boasts a water-resistant exterior, MOLLE webbing, and organizational pockets. I was intrigued by the potential to find a budget-friendly tactical pack that could withstand rigorous use.

My search for a new tactical backpack began after my old faithful, a now-discontinued brand I’d used for years, finally gave up the ghost during a particularly grueling backcountry SAR training exercise. I needed something durable, water-resistant, and capable of carrying a substantial load of gear. I had been looking for a replacement that wouldn’t break the bank. I wanted to replace my previous top-dollar pack with something more affordable.

Upon unboxing the Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black, my initial impressions were mixed. The material felt surprisingly robust for the price point. The stitching appeared solid and the layout of the MOLLE webbing seemed well-considered. The pack felt lighter than I expected, which was a welcome surprise.

Compared to my old Condor tactical pack, which felt overbuilt and heavy, the Hurricane appeared more streamlined. Compared to a 5.11 Rush 12, which costs significantly more, the Full Forge Gear seemed to offer a similar feature set at a fraction of the price. While I have previously used ALICE packs, they are very dated and I wanted something more modern. I chose the Hurricane hoping it would strike a balance between functionality and affordability.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it could live up to the hype. The price point was enticing, but durability was paramount.

Real-World Testing: Putting Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. This was a moderate use case for the pack. The terrain varied from packed trails to overgrown, brush-filled areas. I loaded the pack with approximately 25 pounds of gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, cooking supplies, and water.

The weather was unexpectedly wet, with intermittent rain showers throughout the day. The Hurricane’s water-resistant exterior performed adequately, keeping the majority of my gear dry. The padded shoulder straps were comfortable enough, even with the weight, although I noticed some slight chafing after several hours of hiking. No time to get used to it, just slap it on and get moving!

After the first day, I did notice one of the zipper pulls on the exterior pouch had come loose. It was easily fixable, but it raised concerns about the long-term durability of the zippers. This seemed like a fairly easy fix, however.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black has held up reasonably well. I’ve used it for everything from day hikes to range trips to carrying groceries. While it isn’t my primary pack for extended backcountry trips, it has proven to be a reliable option for shorter excursions.

The durability has been acceptable, but not outstanding. There are some signs of wear and tear, particularly around the seams and stress points. The water resistance has diminished slightly after repeated exposure to rain, although the interior still remains relatively dry. The pack is holding up for the price point, however.

The Hurricane is relatively easy to clean and maintain. I’ve simply wiped it down with a damp cloth after each use. So far I have not had to machine wash it, however. Compared to my old, bombproof Kifaru pack, the Hurricane requires a bit more care to prevent excessive wear and tear, but that’s to be expected given the price difference. It is a lot more durable than a lot of the other low-cost options out there.

Breaking Down the Features of Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black

Specifications

• 500 denier polyester fabric: This is the main outer material. It offers a decent balance between weight and water-resistance for a pack in this price range.
• 210 denier polyester lining: This lining is a thinner, lighter material for the interior. It keeps the weight down while providing a basic layer of protection for the pack’s contents.
• Nylon monofilament thread stitching: This thread is relatively strong and durable for its size. However, it’s not as robust as the bonded nylon thread found in higher-end packs.
• Polyester EVA 10mm thick foam: This foam provides padding and support for the shoulder straps and back panel. The padding is adequate but not exceptional.
• 10-gauge nylon zipper: The zippers are a common size and material. They are often a point of failure in budget packs, so it’s important to monitor their performance.
• Large internal hydration pocket: This allows for easy carrying of a hydration bladder. It helps to stay hydrated.
• Water-resistant: Offers some protection against rain and moisture. It is not submersible.
• Reinforced nylon straps: These provide strength and durability for carrying heavy loads. These are critical to the pack’s long-term viability.
• Customizable velcro patch: Add your favorite morale patch. This is a cool personalization option.
• 2 exterior pouches with interior organizational pockets: These provide storage and organization for smaller items. These are extremely important for organizing mission-critical items.
• 2 large interior pockets with interior organizational options: These provide storage and organization for larger items. It is important to be organized.
• Hydration reservoir: Allows you to hold water while traveling. Drink on the move.
• Reinforced carry handle for heavy loads: Important for lifting and carrying the pack when not wearing it. It can also be useful when loading the pack into a vehicle.
• Padded shoulder straps: Provides comfort when carrying the pack. Reduce fatigue.
• Buckled waste band: Provides support and stability when carrying heavy loads. This is critical for a heavy pack.
• Additional MOLLE webbing coverage: Allows you to attach additional pouches and accessories. This expands the pack’s carrying capacity and organizational options.
• Lockable zippers: Provides added security and peace of mind. Stop prying hands.
• Weight: 3 lbs Lightweight and easy to carry. Important in choosing a pack.
• Dimensions: 18″ x 11″ x 11″ This size is suitable for day trips and shorter excursions. It is relatively versatile.
• Approximate Capacity: 1,870cu in This is a decent capacity for a daypack or small tactical pack. It is not suitable for extended backcountry trips.

Performance & Functionality

The Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black performs its intended function adequately. It is a capable daypack that can carry a reasonable amount of gear in a relatively organized manner. It meets expectations for its price point.

The strengths of the Hurricane lie in its affordability and versatility. The MOLLE webbing allows for customization. The organizational pockets are helpful for keeping gear sorted. A key weakness is the overall durability.

The Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black definitely meets expectations given its price point. It is a surprisingly capable pack for the cost. I was very happy with the value.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price, although the materials feel somewhat budget-oriented. The pack sits comfortably on the back. There is some learning curve, but overall its a well designed pack.

The design is functional and straightforward, with a tactical aesthetic that is both appealing and practical. The weight is reasonable for a pack of this size and capacity, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black should last for several years of moderate use. However, it is unlikely to withstand the same level of abuse as higher-end tactical packs. It is not a bombproof pack.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Wiping down after use will keep it clean.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black does not come with any additional accessories. The most significant customization option is the ability to add MOLLE-compatible pouches and accessories.

It is compatible with a wide range of MOLLE accessories from various brands. You can attach extra storage.

Pros and Cons of Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black

Who Should Buy Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black?

The Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black is perfect for:

• – Budget-conscious individuals
• – Casual hikers and campers
• – Airsoft and paintball enthusiasts
• – Anyone needing a versatile daypack for everyday use

Who should skip this product? Anyone who needs a bombproof pack. Someone who needs the absolute best durability.

Must-have accessories or modifications? Higher quality zipper pulls and seam reinforcement.

Conclusion on Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black

The Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black offers a compelling value proposition. It provides a solid feature set and decent performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end tactical packs. It is worth the money.

While it’s not the most durable or feature-rich pack on the market, it’s a great option for those on a budget. It is a very versatile choice.

I would recommend the Full Forge Gear Hurricane Tactical Backpack – Black to anyone looking for an affordable and versatile daypack. It is a great entry point into the world of tactical gear. Give it a try!