I can't complain about my job. After all, I work from my home office about 95% of the time. The only way I think I'd enjoy it more is if I could work WHILE CAMPING that 95% of the time. Then again, I enjoy indoor plumbing and air conditioning too much for that. If I COULD though, the Cyclone backpack would be another pack from BlackHawk that I'd consider useful. It's certainly big enough for weekend outings (unless you demand those creature comforts) and versatile enough to perform other duties as well.
Let's get the basic info out of the way first. The Cyclone pack has more than 1900 cubic inches of storage space spread amongst three storage compartments. The largest is the primary compartment inside and on the outer face there are two smaller compartments divided approximately into 1/3 and 2/3 sections. As you can see from the photo the entire outer surface of the pack is covered with STRIKE (MOLLE compatible) attachment points. So if, for some reason, the pack doesn't carry everything you need it to carry OR if you just want to add gear-specific pouches, it's easy enough to do (especially using BLACKHAWK!'s speed clips). The hydration system is a 100 ounce reservoir with an insulated drink tube and 360 degree bite valve.
The pack has four compression straps (two on each side) to help you keep your gear from shifting around. If you, for whatever reason, need to carry a radio inside the pack there are three covered antenna ports out the top. The padded shoulder straps are adjustable and have a sternum strap to help keep pressure off your deltoids. The adjustable waist belt is nice and wide and is also padded for comfort. All in all, the carry system is quite secure and comfortable even if you have a full load in the pack. If you're carrying the pack as an over-nighter on an airplane, the rubber wrapped and double-stitch reinforced carry handle at the top is quite convenient. If you're going to do that though, don't use the info you'll find below.
Now for my own special (paranoid) adjustments to the pack that gave me a special appreciation for it. When I called BLACKHAWK! asking about a pack that had STRIKE webbing INSIDE the outer pockets I was almost laughed at. Thankfully - and as a sign of just how professional the folks at BLACKHAWK! are - no one laughed. They thought hard and then said, "Nope. But we have one with hook-&-loop in the outer pocket." Hmmm... My old brain started spinning. You see, the whole reason I was asking about the STRIKE webbing was because I wanted to mount a SERPA holster in the outer pocket along with a knife and a flashlight. Yes, yes... I still remember my uncle telling me, "Never leave the house without a knife, a gun and a lighter." While the lighter goes in my front pocket I've added the flashlight to my daily carry list. Now if I'm going out for a "weekender" in the boonies and don't want to have the gun on my waist for the whole world to see (or get upset by) I wanted to have a way to carry it that would make it accessible without a TON of work. Slide the pack off, unzip the pocket, reach in and viola!
Since there's always more than one way to skin the infamous cat, I acquired one of BLACKHAWK!'s hook-&-loop panels for mounting SERPA holsters or other accessories inside their many comparably equipped briefcases, etc. I mounted the holster for my Government Model 1911 on the panel and then placed that where I wanted it in the pocket. I also acquired a Mod-U-Lok holster for my Gladius flashlight and snapped it onto the ALICE webbing that IS in that pocket. Finally, at the opposite end I slid in my Masters of Defense knife. Knife, gun and LIGHT in the pocket, easily accessible.
There is still room in that pocket for other kit such as batteries, spare magazines, etc. The one word of caution I would give is that if you're going to do this be careful what you put in that top outside pocket. Softer and lighter materials are good. Heavy items will bog down on top of the zippers for the lower pocket; the zipper you need to get open to get to your gun.
On the BLACKHAWK! website the Cyclone is listed at $174.99. A quick Google search found me several for less than $140. However, if you want an ARPAT or Coyote Tan model they are only $107.99 on BLACKHAWK!'s site right now (8/10/08). That is one heck of a good price for a pack with this capabilities and design features.
Check it out and see what you think.
Happy trails!
