Direct Action Halifax Medium Backpack 40 l - Shadow Grey

The backpack is very well made, using high-quality materials, and the craftsmanship and design are truly world-class. The construction is well thought out. The only downside is the impression that the backpack seems smaller than the declared 40 liters, although that may just be a subjective feeling. Installing the hip belt is a bit tricky, but after removing the Velcro you can easily take off the buckle, which makes things much easier.

A versatile 40-liter backpack, designed with various uses and longer trips up to 72 hours in mind. The materials used for production are high quality, as expected from Direct Action products. It can be opened traditionally from the top or fully unzipped. Equipped with laser-cut PALS panels, AVS zippers for mounting MOLLE accessories and dedicated panels, which makes it easy to expand the backpack and integrate it with plate carriers. The hip belt can be detached and used as a tactical belt, and the straps are contoured with removable padding for comfort. There are also additional pockets, hydration system compatibility, and quick-release feature. The side pockets can fit bottles. It’s equipment intended for professionals. Theoretically, it looks excellent; practice will show how it performs during longer use. The design and build quality can be recommended without hesitation!

I returned the backpack because it turned out to be too advanced for my needs. The stitching is very meticulous, and the zippers work great. However, it is heavy and exceptionally solid. The backpack is rather narrow and tall, quite bulky for a 40-liter model, and it doesn’t stand upright on its own. The ability to add Direct Action panels, such as two extra pockets, makes it look great. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me as equipment for amateur purposes despite the excellent quality and brand reputation. It may be perfect for people looking for a tall, narrow backpack, such as for a car, since it doesn’t take up much space; it opens conveniently like a suitcase; it’s exceptionally durable for tough, long outdoor trips. I rate the quality very highly, but keep in mind that this is a strictly specialized backpack and it won’t suit everyone.