NcStar Tactical Backpack Green Review

The NcStar Tactical Backpack Green Made a Bold First Impression

The NcStar Tactical Backpack Green arrives looking exactly as you’d expect a budget-friendly tactical pack to appear. The NcStar name isn’t synonymous with high-end gear, but rather with affordability. At a price point of just $28.99, my expectations were tempered, yet my curiosity was piqued. Could this pack offer genuine utility without breaking the bank?

I’ve always needed a reliable, but not overly expensive, backpack for quick day trips to the range or short hikes where I only need to carry essentials. I wanted something more robust than a school backpack, but less of an investment than a premium tactical brand. This NcStar offering seemed to strike a balance.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the PVC construction. It felt reasonably sturdy, though the material’s synthetic nature was undeniable. The zippers, advertised as “Heavy Duty,” seemed adequate, though time will tell if they live up to that claim. The overall design is a classic tactical layout: a large main compartment flanked by smaller pockets and covered in PALS webbing. I was cautiously optimistic.

Compared to my Condor Outdoor 3-Day Assault Pack (significantly more expensive) and a basic Fieldline Pro Series daypack, the NcStar Tactical Backpack Green landed somewhere in the middle. The Condor offers superior build quality and more sophisticated features, while the Fieldline is lighter and simpler but lacks the tactical organization. I chose the NcStar pack hoping for a decent compromise between durability, functionality, and cost.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The price is undeniably attractive, and the pack seemed to offer a reasonable level of features for the money. I wasn’t blown away, but neither was I immediately disappointed. The real test would be how it performed in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Tactical Backpack Green to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the NcStar Tactical Backpack Green at my local shooting range. I packed it with essential gear: eye protection, ear protection, a few boxes of ammunition, a first-aid kit, and some water. The various compartments allowed me to organize everything effectively. I also utilized the hydration bladder compartment, which worked as expected. The green color blended reasonably well with the surrounding vegetation.

During the range session, the weather shifted, and a light rain began to fall. The PVC construction offered some water resistance, keeping my gear reasonably dry. I was using the pack for about 3 hours and did not experience any significant issues with the pack’s shoulder straps or weight distribution.

I did, however, notice that the zippers felt a little stiff, especially when wet. I also found myself wishing for slightly more robust padding on the shoulder straps. But overall, the initial experience was acceptable, particularly considering the price point.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the NcStar Tactical Backpack Green has held up reasonably well. I’ve used it for multiple range trips, a couple of short hikes, and even as a carry-on bag on a short flight. The main compartment has proven spacious enough for my needs, and the various pockets have been helpful for organization.

I have noticed some minor wear and tear. The PVC material shows some scuff marks, and the stitching around one of the side pockets is starting to fray slightly. The zippers are still a little stiff, but they haven’t failed yet.

Maintenance is simple. I’ve wiped it down with a damp cloth after each use, and it seems to clean up easily. Compared to my more expensive packs, the NcStar lacks the refinement and durability, but it has proven to be a functional and affordable option for light to moderate use. It’s certainly outperformed my expectations given the low price.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Tactical Backpack Green

Specifications

• The main compartment dimensions are 18 H x 12 W x 6 D. This provides ample space for essentials like clothing, food, and gear.

• The side pockets (two on each side) measure 5 H x 5 W x 1 D. These are ideal for storing smaller items like water bottles, snacks, or radios.

• The front pockets are sized as follows: Top 8 H x 4 W x 2 D and Bottom 9H x 9W x 3 D. The smaller top pocket is perfect for items you need quick access to, while the larger bottom pocket can hold bulkier gear.

• PALS compatible webbing is present on the front pockets and the bottom of the backpack. This allows for the attachment of MOLLE-compatible pouches and accessories.

• The backpack is constructed from durable PVC. This provides a degree of water resistance and abrasion resistance.

• Heavy Duty zippers are used throughout the pack. While they are not top-of-the-line, they appear to be reasonably durable.

• The pack is hydration bladder compatible, with a separate internal compartment. This is a convenient feature for staying hydrated on the go.

• Padded shoulder straps with D-rings provide comfort and attachment points for accessories. The D-rings allow for attaching items like carabiners or small pouches.

• Heavy Duty carry straps are located on the top and side of the backpack. These allow for carrying the pack in different orientations.

• Adjustable compression straps are located on the sides of the backpack. These help to secure the load and reduce bulk.

• Adjustable sternum and waist straps provide added stability and weight distribution. This is especially helpful when carrying heavier loads.

These specifications combine to create a functional and versatile tactical backpack. The various compartments and attachment points allow for organized storage and customization. The PVC construction and adjustable straps provide a degree of durability and comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar Tactical Backpack Green performs its intended function adequately. It provides ample storage space and organizational options for a variety of gear. The hydration bladder compatibility is a welcome feature, and the PALS webbing allows for customization.

However, the backpack does have its limitations. The PVC construction is not as durable as higher-end materials like Cordura nylon, and the zippers can be stiff. The padding on the shoulder straps could also be improved.

Overall, the backpack meets expectations for its price point. It’s not a top-of-the-line performer, but it provides a reasonable level of functionality and versatility.

Design & Ergonomics

The NcStar Tactical Backpack Green features a classic tactical design with a focus on functionality. The various compartments and attachment points are well-placed and provide ample organizational options.

The build quality is adequate for the price point. The PVC material is reasonably durable, but it lacks the refinement and feel of higher-end materials. The weight is manageable, even when fully loaded.

The shoulder straps are padded, but the padding could be thicker for improved comfort. The sternum and waist straps help to distribute the weight, but they are not as supportive as those found on more expensive packs.

There is a slight learning curve associated with utilizing all the various compartments and attachment points, but overall, the design is user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The NcStar Tactical Backpack Green is not designed for extreme durability. The PVC construction is susceptible to scuffing and tearing under heavy use. The stitching is adequate, but it may not hold up to prolonged abuse.

With proper care and maintenance, the backpack should last for a reasonable amount of time. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is recommended. Avoid overloading the pack and exposing it to extreme temperatures.

Repairing the backpack may be difficult due to the PVC construction and the potentially low quality of the stitching. Replacement parts may also be difficult to find.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar Tactical Backpack Green does not come with any additional accessories. However, the PALS webbing allows for extensive customization with MOLLE-compatible pouches and accessories.

The backpack is compatible with a wide range of accessories from other brands. This allows users to tailor the pack to their specific needs and preferences. Popular accessories include magazine pouches, first-aid kits, water bottle holders, and radio pouches.

Pros and Cons of NcStar Tactical Backpack Green

Who Should Buy NcStar Tactical Backpack Green?

The NcStar Tactical Backpack Green is perfect for individuals on a tight budget who need a functional and versatile backpack for light to moderate use. It’s suitable for:

• Casual range shooters
• Day hikers
• Campers
• Students
• Travelers
• Airsoft and Paintball enthusiasts

Those who should skip this product are individuals who require a highly durable and reliable backpack for demanding outdoor activities or professional use. Those needing premium comfort and top-tier build quality should invest in a higher-end brand.

Must-have accessories or modifications include adding MOLLE-compatible pouches for specific gear and potentially upgrading the shoulder strap padding for improved comfort during extended use.

Conclusion on NcStar Tactical Backpack Green

The NcStar Tactical Backpack Green is a budget-friendly option that offers a surprising amount of functionality and versatility. It’s not the most durable or comfortable backpack on the market, but it provides excellent value for its low price.

The price is definitely justified. You get a functional tactical backpack with ample storage and customization options without breaking the bank.

I would personally recommend the NcStar Tactical Backpack Green to anyone looking for an affordable and functional backpack for light to moderate use. It’s a great option for casual users who don’t want to invest in a more expensive tactical pack.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tactical backpack that gets the job done, the NcStar Tactical Backpack Green is worth considering. Just don’t expect it to perform like a $200 pack. It’s a solid value proposition for the price. Go ahead and grab one, it might just surprise you.