[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” class=”cs-ta-left” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”true” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_video_embed no_container=”true” type=”16:9″][/x_video_embed][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Todays Review[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]Condor Elite Fail Safe Pack[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Primary Purpose / Usage[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]Recreational outdoor bag that has some crossover as a short term go bag. Would be a good EDC if you ride a bike or motorcycle daily. Here are some uses that I think would be appropriate for this bag.
- EDC
- Laptop / tablet bag
- Great for mountain bikers & cyclists, motorcyclists, and ideal for couriers on bikes
- Ski or Snowboarding
- Day use hiking bag
- Covert bag for urban use
- Short term Go-bag (12 hours)
[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Product Overview[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]The Condor Elite Fail Safe blends function and style. The streamlined design allows users to blend into urban surroundings. With strategically placed hidden pockets to keep all your gear organized, this double duty assault pack will keep you mobile, comfortable, and efficient on the most rigorous missions, or on your weekend adventures.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Product Price[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]$108 on Condors Site[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Features / Tech Specs[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]
- Constructed with Mil-Spec 500 denier Invista Cordura Nylon
- Side straps for attachments
- Hypalon Attachment Points
- Rhino Skin Drag Handle
- High Tensile Strength Webbing
- YKK zippers throughout the pack with paracord pull cords
- Main compartment with U-shaped zipper, internal mesh pouch, and hydration pocket
- Secondary compartment with organizer panel and internal zippered mesh pockets
- Air-Flow system on the back to maximize ventilation and back support
- Front quick Access Compartment
- Sternum strap
- Hook and loop ID panel
- Grommets on all compartments
- Detachable hidden rain cover with storage pocket
- Bag dimensions: 21”H x 13”W x 6.5”D
- Main compartment: 20”H x 13”W x 2”D
- Secondary: 20”H x 13”W x 4.5”D
- 16 Liter capacity
- Available in Black, Coyote, or Graphite
[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]My Thoughts[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]
General Impression
My immediate thought when I first got this bag was how sleek it looks. It has a very covert design unlike bags that have MOLLE straps encompassing all sides. It kinda reminds me of a turtle shell shape which is pretty unique. The other thing that I immediately noticed was how deep the ventilation channels were in the back padding. Probably the deepest channels I have seen on a bag so far. What this translates to is a relatively cool back and hopefully not drenched with sweat. The materials they use for the padding is corrugated and covered with mesh to provide even more cooling. I really love this about the bag.
Materials / Construction
Since the outer shell is made of 500D Cordura it is on the lighter side which is good as long as you are not abusing it beyond recognition. Bags that will take heavy abuse should be 1000D Cordura but will also be heavier. At first use I don’t see any issues with quality of construction. It is great for EDC, hiking, and around town use. Now don’t get me wrong, it is well built but time in service and some abuse will tell the tale a bit later down the road.
The plastic buckles and zippers all feel solid. Some manufacturers use hardware that you can tell is sub-par. Condors Elite line does not fall into that category.
On the outside there are also two vertical pieces of webbing, one on each side, that allow you to attach things to them. They are kinda like MOLLE but the stitching sections are much farther apart (3″ sections) so it doesn’t appear like MOLLE. There are also two Hypalon attachment points just below the vertical webbing.
For reference it is good to note that Condor has a lifetime warranty for the life of all their Elite Line of bags. I took this from their website “Basic Warranty – All Condor-Elite Packs have a basic lifetime warranty in which we will replace, repair or refund defective products. What does “basic lifetime warranty” mean: Our products are covered against any kind of production defect (poor stitching, broken zippers, for the lifetime of the bag).”
Organization / Options
This bag definitely has a unique layout and lets say an “interesting” pocket configuration. It has 3 main sections and two smaller external pockets on each side of lateral part of the lower bag.
The first main compartment has a spot to affix a hydration bladder and a divider that can accommodate a laptop or tablet. There is also a small mesh zippered pocket to keep cables or smaller items.
The second compartment has an admin area with several different size pockets, including a phone pocket. It too has a mesh zippered pouch for storing smaller items. The remainder of this compartment is fairly deep so you could store larger items in here.
The third main compartment is a bit funky as its zipper runs center vertically down the front of the pack. Inside its just one medium size area that extends to the left and right of the zipper. Im not exactly sure what this pocket was meant for but the zipper is shorter than the length of the pouch so putting larger items in there is a challenge. Maybe store a hat, beanie, shemagh, or other soft items. You decide.
The last set of pockets are identical on each side of the bag. It consists of two triangle shaped pockets the size of a medium jeans pocket. One is accessible from a zipper on the side and the other opens by pulling the Hypalon tab which separates the velcro enclosure. These pockets are good for smaller items like gloves and other items you might carry in a pants pocket.
The last notable option, which is AWESOME is the built in rain fly. This is great if you keep items that are sensitive to water in your bag and experience environmental moisture or rain. The fly pulls out of a small zippered area at the bottom of the bag and conveniently covers the entire pack, GENIUS!!! I really like this feature a lot.
Comfort / Fit
I have to say that this pack fits very well and is really comfortable. The sternum strap is adjustable so it sits in the right place for comfort. Condor included the hip belt which helps keep your shoulders from bearing all the weight.
Usability
I think this bag will work for various EDC type activities especially the ideas i listed in the above section.[/cs_text][rev_slider condor-elite-fail-safe][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Pros – What they got right[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]
- Another Innovative Design by Condor Elite. Very clean looking and not tactical looking
- Nice size bag for EDC
- Amazing Air flow Channel in back pad. Deepest I’ve seen on any bag. This means you stay cooler.
- Built in rain fly that easily tucks away.
- 7 different compartments (3 large + 4 smaller)
[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Cons – What could be improved[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]
- I wish they would have added another loop on the top of the shoulder strap to hold the hydration tube. My tube flares out to the side and easily snags when going through brush. This is a simple fix for the next round of production.
- The vertical zipper on the large outside compartment is way to short. I struggled to stuff my sweatshirt through the opening. The compartment is quite roomy but the zipper only takes about half of the length of the entire compartment causing a chokepoint when putting larger items in. It appears that there is more than enough room for a longer zipper. Not a deal breaker but something Condor should consider to make that outer pocket easier to use.
[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]The Final Verdict[/x_custom_headline][cs_text]This bag by Condor Elite will not let you down. I’m going to use this bag as my laptop/tablet/EDC bag.
I will recommend this bag without hesitation.[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]SRG’s Overall Rating (4 out of 5)[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class=”cs-ta-left”]
[/cs_text][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true”]Get Yours Here at Amazon.com[/x_custom_headline][cs_block_grid type=”three-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Black”][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Tan”][/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Foliage”][/cs_block_grid_item][/cs_block_grid][x_share title=”Share this Post” share_title=”Title” facebook=”true” twitter=”true” google_plus=”true” linkedin=”true” pinterest=”true” reddit=”true” email=”true” email_subject=”Hey, thought you might enjoy this article posted by SRG! Check it out when you have a chance:”][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]