Eagle Industries RAID R.A.I.D. pack

[Cryptic]

Eagle Industries RAID R.A.I.D. pack

In keeping with my current trend of picking up bags that are no longer being made, I picked up this Eagle RAID pack a short while ago. Of course, there are 40+ pages of people's comments and ideas on Lightfighter, but I wanted something out there other than that resource.

Overall, this is a good design with two flaws. Built tough, the (now current) ATS RAID II pack could be considered a cheaper alternative to the Kifaru Marauder. The side pockets can carry a lot of equipment- everything from water bottles to tripods. Placing something within the side pockets encroaches on the inside of the bag; more on that topic in a tick.

Access is pretty easy, even with the two clips on top fastened. Just pop those two and unzip the bag to the second set of clips- you'll have access to the top pockets, where most grab-it stuff is stowed. IDs, flashlights, keys, etc. can be kept there.

The two inner pockets are mesh so that you can see through them to the contents. In practice, since this is a black bag, it didn't work so well. The pockets are big enough to store a large variety of things, as well- med kits, water bottles(small ones), rations, etc.

The lash straps on the back side are pretty useless to me unless I am going on a trip and need to compress some clothes. They're there if you need them, though.

The shoulder straps are pretty thin, but I think that's by design and due to the age of the bag. The ATS RAID bag has thin straps to facilitate going over armor. They're OK in daily use, but I wouldn't want to carry heavy loads in this bag all day with them. The straps also directly attach to the top clips, to act as load lifters. After using them as such, I can now see why most people do NOT use them in such a way- the bag is far most comfortable without them! Unlike the Kifaru and modern ATS designs, these just seem to cause my shoulders to ache, no matter the load.

MOLLE? Yeah, it's everywhere! Obviously, there are a ton of mounting options on the bag.

Sewing quality is great, and (of course) it's backed by the famous Eagle Industries warranty!

[urso]

Wow, great pics and review!

I'm really starting to like these Eagle Industries bags.

[Synaptic Misfire]

Careful with buying Eagle stuff now, they have outsourced the civilian side of their manufacturing to the Dominican Republic.

[solocanoe]

Lightfigher rocks. RAID's rock. You got a great bag!

I've got an ATS RAID now, but I've had EAGLE packs in the past...they just do great work.
Love your pics! The RAID deserves it's long-term love fest, the pack is awesome!

[Cryptic]

Careful with buying Eagle stuff now, they have outsourced the civilian side of their manufacturing to the Dominican Republic.

Interesting- what is their "civilian side?"

From their site:

Made in the USA
Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Eagle offers Berry compliant manufacturing, operating out of four production facilities: St. Louis, Missouri; Lares, Puerto Rico; Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. In addition to Eagle’s manufacturing capabilities, customer outreach facilities strategically located in Fayetteville, North Carolina and Virginia Beach, Virginia further reflect the company’s standards of quality performance.

[Flexxx]

Thats a sweet pack!

[mmcc100]

Just bought an ATS RAID II. Can't wait to try it out. I had my mind set on a TAD F.A.S.T pack, but they are really hard to find and pricey. I liked the Maxped stuff (Condor) which will be my next try if I don't end up liking the ATS. I know what to expect with Maxped, but thought I would take a gamble on the ATS. I am just used to having a load-bearing padded waistbelt and nobody seems to do them on smaller packs.

[Flexxx]

Were did you get that pack, I been looking around and can't find it.....

[Cryptic]

Picked it up on USN.