Let me start by saying I am not in the military nor am I a contractor in the field. I am however a person who carries a backpack everywhere with a lot of crap inside. Kinda like an office on my back. This pack replaces and old NorthFace Surge that refused to die. I retired it anyway and moved into the Tactix. After two weeks of research I finally found the pack that would hold as much as the NorthFace. It is well thought out and everything about this bag screams quality. There are almost too many pockets and and places to hide stuff. Not a complaint I used every square inch of space in this thing. The straps are adjustable and I have finally got it just right for me and the load I carry. It holds my concealed carry with two clips, a laptop. rain gear, hearing and eye protection and all my other junk. The only complaint I can come up with is the lack of a water bottle pouch. I lashed a carrier to the side and all is good. Love this pack and look forward to more cool things from First Tactical. Let me say their website does not mention that this pack is made in Vietnam. I tried to buy an American made pack but they were twice the price for a pack that would be too small for my needs. Let me say that the Vietnamese make some really good stuff. This bag is sewn to perfection with not one thread out of place. I would buy this pack again but for now I am waiting to see how it holds up to the abuse I will be throwing at it. Thanks First Tactical for a 5 star design and a great quality pack. Please make and offer a waist belt for this pack. I will purchase it as soon as you make it available.