BORELLI CONSULTING: Recreational Equipment Reviews

Two Packs from BlackHawk Outoodr
26 November 2007

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BlackHawk Products Group, and all of its sub-companies, has long been a leader in developing new and innovative products for Law Enforcement and the Military. Just a couple years ago they took their experience in design and construction and crossed over the line into the outdoor recreational field. They did it right. The two backpacks we’re going to look at this week are excellent examples of what they’ve done and continue to do. The BlackSummit and BlackTimber would serve any hunter or other outdoorsman well. Let’s look at why...

The Black Summit
The BlackHawk promotional material for the Black Summit claims that it has over 100 external STRIKE (improved MOLLE) attachment points. That makes it easy to add on pouches should the 1,987 cubic inches of storage space be insufficient. Measuring 19.5" high by 10.5" wide and 6" deep, the Black Summit can be had in your choice of three "colors":
- ARPAT
- Advantage Max-1 HD
- Mossy Oak Break Up

Of course, none of those is a single color. In the below compiled photo you can see the options. In the center photo you can see the pouches, of matching "color", mounted on the STRIKE webbing.

And while you're out walking in the woods and fields it's important to stay hydrated. Both packs we're looking at today incorporate a 100 ounce / 3 Liter hydration system. If you use the disposable bladders available from BlackHawk HydraStorm you don't even have to carry them back when they're empty.
1) You can load them with whatever you want. Sugar content no longer matters. Gatorade? Tea? Soda? Whatever floats your boat (I don't recommend any alcoholic beverages on hunting trips).
2)When the bladder is empty - should you need a place to relieve yourself without leaving a scent trail - you can always go in it. If you don't and are camping out, the empty bladder burns clean so you don't have to hump back the empties. HydraStorm put some thought into that and did it right.

As is industry standard the shoulder straps are padded. The advantage is that they are made with HawkTex (non-slip) to keep them from sliding around on your shoulders... and to help keep your rifle sling in place. The internal polymer frame is reinforced with aluminum and is contoured perfectly to fit your back (unless you're REALLY over weight). The waist belt - which I highly value - is removable if you don't. As a final tidbit, BlackHawk included an emergency whistle attached to the front harnass strap.

The Black Timber
Just a little bigger than the Black Summit, the Black Timber offers you more than 2,500 cubic inches of storage space and is available in the same colors with the same STRIKE attachment points. Hmmm... what's enough?

The Black Timber sports all of the features of the Summit but with an additional (approximate) 600 cubic inches of space and a pull out blaze orange panel that is 244 square inches in size. Hanging that out of your pack will add to your visibility and safety this hunting season.

Perhaps there's a hunter in your household or family that would enjoy one? With a quick online search I found the BlackTimber for as low as $147 with free shipping during the Christmas season. The BlackSummit was close at $149. For the versatility and capabilities these packs demonstrate, those are good prices. To find out more visit BlackHawk online.

BE SAFE!

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Don't forget to check out our Tactical Equipment Review about Tac-Pack Emergency First-Aid packs.

This week's Training Article about recommended training mandates for Active Shooter / Immediate Response.

For a listing of all reviews in chronological order, GO HERE.

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