VIKTOS Perimeter 25 Backpack Review
For the past six months, I’ve been carrying the VIKTOS Perimeter 25 Backpack as my daily pack. From cross-country flights to walking tens of thousands of steps through Disneyland, this bag has proven itself as the perfect balance of size, organization, and rugged design. To be as clear as possible, this is the best backpack I've ever had and I absolutely love it. It's one of those things where you consider buying a few extras just in case the company stops making them.
Here’s my full review.
Size: Perfectly Balanced
My number one reason for loving this bag is the size. The Perimeter 25 is big enough to hold everything I need without being so big it feels bulky. That sounds like a weird reason to love a bag but I can't emphasize this enough. Not too big. Not too small. Just right.
On airplanes, it slides neatly under the seat in front of me while still leaving room for my feet.
Quality Construction
The overall construction of the Perimeter 25 is A++ across the board. It uses oversized YKK zippers with silent pulls, reinforced stitching, and durable, water-resistant materials. The bag maintains its shape and structure even when empty, which is something I value highly. It looks squared away, not saggy.
Other small details make a difference: the padded, dedicated sunglasses pocket, a reinforced grab handle, and a secondary grab handle on the bottom of the bag so you can quick grab it to stage it for drawing your handgun.
Built With Preparedness in Mind
VIKTOS designed this bag for those who live armed. It comes with a universal CCW holster compatible with their hook-and-loop system, making it quick to stage a firearm inside the bag for discreet carry. There are also dedicated magazine pockets for both pistol and rifle mags.
I personally carry in a KSG Appendix holster and don't utilize the holster that came with the Perimeter 25. If off body carry is your thing consider giving this a listen: Doing Off Body Carry Correctly With Beth Alcazar
If you’re into it, the Perimeter 25 also has a sleeve for an armor plate, plus a hydration bladder compartment. The padded laptop pocket is excellent for everyday carry needs, keeping your tech safe while still accessible.
Pockets & Organization
This pack easily carries my laptop, trauma kit, journal, portable power bank, glasses, headphones, pens, business cards, charging cables, a few spare mags, and more. The thoughtful pocket layout and internal organization keep things from turning into a black hole of gear.
On the outside, MOLLE webbing provides additional attachment points, and the side water bottle holder deserves special mention. When not in use it zips flat, but when I need it, it securely carries my oversized water bottle.
The Mountain Man Green River Trauma Kit is a perfect fit for this bag if you are looking for an IFAK to include.
Real-World Use
I’ve now carried this backpack as my primary bag for more than half a year, putting it through everything from conferences to family trips. The bag still looks brand new and performs flawlessly. I do think in the future I'll be looking to get the Black one. I currently have the Coyote color, which I like, but the black would lean more “gray man” in everyday environments.
Video: First Impressions
When I first got this pack, Riley and I filmed a video going over my initial impressions. Six months later, my respect for the Perimeter 25 has only grown. Here is that video if you want to have more visuals of this bag:
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a backpack that blends practical everyday carry with preparedness-minded features, the VIKTOS Perimeter 25 should be at the top of your list. It’s the rare bag that’s just the right size, incredibly well-built, and designed by people who understand armed citizens.
