Elite Survival Systems Stealth Covert Backpack Review
I've been discussing the idea of a travel backpack that's big enough to hold an AR for quite some time.
Not too long ago I reached out to our good friends over at Elite Survival Systems to see if they could point me in the right direction, and I'm happy I asked because they just happened to have something in stock to fit my needs in the form of their Stealth Covert Operations Backpack that I've made my official get-home-bag.
What is a get-home-bag?
I'm glad you asked. A get-home-bag is exactly what it sounds like. A backpack filled with goodies designed to get me home.
I recently brought this covert backpack on an overnight trip with me and have been using it as a get-home-bag of sorts for well over a month.
This backpack comes with me everywhere I go and has a few essential items in it that are specifically there to help me get back home if the stinky brown stuff hits the proverbial reciprocating device in the sky.
(Ya know, SHTF.)
Many of you may think I'm paranoid about this, but just taking a look around at all that's happening across our country is enough to make even the saltiest of freedom lovers cringe.
And in case it hits the fan when I'm out and about, having more than my trusty SIG Sauer P365XL on my hip becomes necessary.
What is in it?
Well for one, there is an AR pistol in there from CMMG chambered in 40 S&W. There are also a few 22 round mags and a few boxes of ammo. Ya know, just in case.
While 40 wasn't my first choice, a 180 grain slug in the body of my attacker(s) is nothing to scoff at.
I also added a couple of other tools in there that I find useful, like a knife, multi-tool, some extra (dry) clothing, and some snacks.
Finding its way in there soon will be one of the smaller med kits from Mountain Man Medical in case I need to stitch myself or a loved one together until I can make it to some real help.
I've got some other goodies also in there that I won't bore you with this time around.
Unique features:
This Covert backpack is filled to the brim with features. My favorite being its sheer size. The bag is big and meant to hold big things, like the AR pistol I have shoved in there right now.
The dimensions are 25″ x 12″ x 9″ and it allows you to break apart a standard size AR-15 rifle (think 16″ barrel) or a full AR pistol, like the one pictured.
The bag itself is cozy when strapped up onto my back, with extra thick padding on all points where it touches my body (strap and back).
It also allows for customization with the webbing and Velcro found on the inside. So you can stick whatever you wanted to on the inside as long as it fits, and with the size being so big, there's a good chance that it is going to fit, whatever it is.
Finally, there is another compartment that looks like it might be designed for a handgun, if you had a Velcro holster. I haven't gotten that far yet, however.
ESS Quality:
It's no surprise that ESS (Elite Survival Systems) makes high quality bags and backpacks. So when I say that the zippers are strong and the stitching on the seams is excellent, I'm not really saying anything new.
The quality of the bag and its overall ability to remain discreet (i.e. look like a regular, albeit bigger, backpack) set this thing head and shoulders above any other backpacks with similar intentions.
I have a few of these other, smaller bags from other companies that I can compare to in a future article if needed, but the main feature and overall quality of the bag will keep this as a staple in my concealed carry lifestyle.
Conclusion:
If you've been in the market for a pack like this like I have been, this is an excellent option. It may be a bit more expensive than you'd be willing to look for on a regular backpack coming in at $229.99, but the quality and function are both there.
This journey of mine, started right about the time I wrote this article.
