Let's start with the main point: Get this bag. It's a great backpack, for an amazing price. In this review, I will go through the details, but it will all conclude in my recommendation.
First off, I do not have any military, or law enforcement experience. I am just a normal guy with a hobby or two. I fish, I hike, and I am going to learn how to hunt eventually. My perspective is going to be from a regular dude that grew up watching DBZ, Pokemon, played Halo and has way too many pop-culture references rattling around in my noggin.
I may not use all the correct terms, but my spelling will be imaculate.
I recently needed a new backpack, and made a purchase of the 5.11 Rush 12 2.0 backpack. "Rush" is the key word here. I wanted to make a good purchase, and fast. I got fast. On a recent hike, I got 100 feet up a steep hill when I realized two things:
1. I was out of shape
2. This is not what this bag is meant to do.
Sure, I could take it on a plane, or leave it in my bedroom and use it as a go bag. But that's not what I wanted. I wanted a duty bag that could function as an EDC/Go bag, not the other way around.
Enter the Rebel Raiders Phoenix. Exactly what I was looking for. Let's start where it begins for everyone.
Price: $150. I cannot believe it, but the 5.11 Rush 12 is in the same price range. The multicam Rush 12 is $150 as well, though the other colors are $110. I really don't know how it is done. For many, the review is over right there.
Comfort - I couldn't wait to load up the bag with everything I had in my 5.11 and walk around with it. Again, I am no expert. But I know how it feels to carry other bags around, and the Phoenix felt lighter. This is not just another bag. I even put on my chest rig, too. I felt perfectly balanced, as all things should be.
Versatility - When I first got the bag, I started transferring items from the 5.11 bag into the Phoenix, only to realize there just weren't a lot of organizing pockets for the various small items I had. Is that a problem? For some, it may be. But it's easily remedied by attaching an organizing pouch to the MOLLE on the inside of the bag. Which I did, and now I am set.
Durability - This is not some cheap knockoff bag. No string coming off at the seams, no cheap buckles and clips. Everything is solid, and I couldn't be more pleased.
Size - The bag is bigger than the 5.11 bag I had. I know 5.11 makes bigger versions of the one I had, but I can only go by what I had to compare. I was able to fit everything from the 5.11 bag and more. And I said above, it felt much lighter.
Helmet pouch - I don't go around with a helmet (yet), but it's a very convenient place to stuff sweatshirts or jackets when you are removing layers on a hike. It can hold a variety of items, small bags, etc. And you can adjust the straps and draw strings to keep everything secure.
The first job the Phoenix bag has right now is as a hospital go bag. My wife and I are expecting our 5th daughter, and I wanted to use a backpack instead of a duffel bag. It is much easier to help her get around while wearing a backpack.
We were able to fit multiple sets of clothes, including baby clothes. Toothbrushes, soaps and the like fit in the various pockets and were well organized. (Now I wait for the inevitable midnight trip across town to the hospital.)
Ok, so we are back at the beginning. My conclusion: get the Phoenix. You will not regret it. Make sure you get one, and your brother-in-law, and your nephews. Support good people that make quality products like this one.
