Hey all

I have ordered and received GW's new "Tactical Backpack" (from Gaming Figures, of course - link ) - i thought i would write a mini-review:

- the backpack seems very solid, well built and cleverly designed.
- the handle on top has a moulded grip, and extends under the material (i wouldnt be afraid of this coming off).
- the Imperial eagle badge is a nice touch, but is also discrete.
- the shoulder straps are padded, with added grip on the back, and are adjustable.
- there is an adjustable (and elasticated) chest strap, which prevents the main straps from moving apart or slipping off your shoulders (this is great, IMO).
- in the main compartment, there are large flat pockets, for Codex books/WD/army lists etc (although i wont be using these much, as i keep these things in my cases - might be good for comics etc that you want to access quickly whilst on the train though) and a number of smaller pockets (although these dont appear to be usable when the main compartment has a figure case in it). it is big enough to take a standard GW case on its side, with a ~4" tall gap all across the top (ive used this for my counters, dice tin, tape measure etc - it could also be used for tanks). the flap unzips all the way down, making it easy to get your case in and out. the zip looks nice and sturdy too. there are adjustable straps on the side of this compartment, allowing you to make it smaller (i guess if you just wanted to put books in it, or use it for the Gamer's Ed figure tin etc) - i wont be using these personally, but they are nice to have.
- when you want to use it, the secondary compartment expands from the front of the main one, using poppers (the Tactical arrow opens up). once opened out, it takes a second standard case (again on its side), but it is a very snug fit (no room for anything else, except papers or maybe a comic book). this zip only opens around the top of the compartment, making it a little more difficult to get the case in and out, but its not an issue IMO (just use both hands). there are secondary popper backs on the outside of the compartment for the 2 halves of the Tactical arrow to stick to when opened out (a neat feature IMO - stops them flapping and getting caught on things).

something i noticed is that the secondary compartment is set a little higher up than the main one. this means that when you put the backpack down with 2 cases in, it leans forward (towards the secondary compartment). however, with my cases in, it isnt unbalanced and doesnt topple over (a problem i usually have with rucksacks). this is very good IMO - i wouldnt be afraid to set this down unsupported.

personally ive found that it comfortable to wear and isnt too heavy (even with 2 cases loaded with lots of metal models), despite me having a bad back - the padded shoulder straps and chest strap help spread the weight too. i dont feel like im going to fall over either!

i am very impressed with this purchase (especially at the reduced price thanks to GF), and i have already loaded it with everything i need to play tomorrow. ive gone from needing to carry 2 cases and wear a small rucksack to just needing to take this backpack, leaving both my hands now free to open doors/use my umbrella etc. i foresee that this will make my life a lot easier, not just when going to games club, but also when travelling to AoS meetups and going on holiday.

to anyone considering getting one: i would strongly recommend it.

hope this little review helps

cheers

~ Tim
p.s. i had mine delivered using the GF courier option, and i was very happy with this aspect of the service - well worth the slight difference in postage costs, IMO.

wow, I'm tempted myself having read that Tim, well done.

I'm also gladto hear the service from our store was up to your expectations also,

Tim quick question,

Once you have the two cases in, do you reckon it has enough room for a laptop (very small thin one) ?

I travel alot so having this backpack would enable me to carry an army and travel essentials.

to be specific it is this tablet pc : Click

thanks,

conscriptboris

i just opened the zip around the main compartment, to see how much space there was spare. its not much... i took a pack of poly-pockets and i couldnt slide it into the gap, and thats only 1" thick. so you have less than 1"... sorry mate. i think the gap is just designed to fit the big apoc templates in - you could fit a WD for example.

would the laptop fit inside a GW case, instead of one of the layers of foam? if so, that would work.

otherwise, it would need a separate bag (or have you considered the GW bag on wheels?), or a compartment to itself (instead of one of the 2 cases).

hope that helps

~ Tim

hmmm, having it in the case is a spot on idea, i will only take about half, the other one is too big, when i travel i carry about two 25-30kg each bags, so i only really have my back left.

I think i will go for the back pack one.......i will find a way

conscriptboris