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HAZARD 4 SWITCHBACK
SLING PACK
A few years ago I came across some great gear from
US brand Hazard 4; the name is inspired by a standard
threat-classification index: ‘1’ low, ‘2 & 3’ moderate, and
‘4’ deadly, and their gear is designed to be the last line
of defence for its owner when things turn bad . Their
parent company, Civilian Lab, has great experience in
manufacturing top quality outdoor adventure, extreme
sport, and travel gear in innovative configurations and
forms, and as with many manufacturers these days the
tactical community has lapped up their output.
Our mates at Military1st in the UK recently provided
a Hazard4 pack for our evaluation. The Switchback Sling
Pack is the largest of their sling-style packs and features
lots of storage capacity and a generous size, yet is still
nimble enough to be swiftly rotated from the back to
the chest. The pack can be rapidly taken on or off when
needed which allows for quick access to frequently used
gear while carrying heavier loads on the back the rest of
the time. Slim shaped for fast manoeuvring, the pack can
be instantly taken off the back and stored in vehicles and
lockers. A wide, generously padded shoulder strap comes
with breathable air mesh, large lockable quick release
buckle, multiple MOLLE straps and 1” sternum strap; the
shoulder strap is optimised for right hand users but works
ambidextrously.
It also has a 3D thermo moulded back panel allows
for easy air-circulation and comfortable wear even when
bag is fully loaded. Behind the padded back is a separate
hydration bladder compartment/laptop pocket, lined
with extra soft material, with two-way zip closure, and a
loop and Velcro secured passage for a hydration tube. The
back compartment can be used for storing bladders with
up to 3 litres capacity. The Switchback includes one large
padded main compartment with two-way zip closure, soft
loop like fuzz material for attaching dividers, patches or
holsters, two zipped mesh pockets, two sleeve pockets,
nylon loops, a small top-zipper to pass though long objects
like antennas, barrels or cables and vent grille for easy
ventilation and drying. Numerous compression straps
allow the bag to be adapted to the size of carried kit and
prevent it from shifting inside the bag, which may cause
unnecessary noise, discomfort and disturbance to the
balance.
If you fancy something a little more conventional
though, then Hazard 4 have a wide range of styles and
sizes to choose from, and models like the Second Front
Rotatable; being the backpack version of the versatile
Switchback sling pack, this unique and professional day
pack offers generous size, and again is versatile enough
to be rotated from the back to the chest, or rapidly taken
on or off when needed. Once again the pack allows for
quick access to frequently used gear while carrying heavier
loads on the back the rest of the time.
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Now I am going to put in a word of warning here that
Hazard 4 gear is not the cheapest in the world, but it works
very well indeed, is massively innovative, and makes
use of the best design and components married up with
superb construction methods so you really are getting
your money’s worth!
For more information on the Switchback Sling Pack and
a host of other gear in Hazard4s extensive range please
visit www.military1st.co.uk
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