POLICE GEAR REVIEW 10.04.2011

TOPO DESIGNS - KLETTERSACK

Finding the right bag tailored to meet your personal needs can be a life long quest.  Most officers have one bag they use for everyday carry stuff, and most tend to use it both on and off duty.  The difficult part is finding a balanced bag that can be used in various inclement weather situations while possessing the attributes necessary to blend into society without that super tactical look and feel.

The Klettersack by Topo Designs is an excellent choice and is unique to the industry.  They have stepped into a congested market with an innovative approach.  Their philosophy is simple, make quality gear in their LEED certified facility, and make it here in the heart of the United States near the Rocky Mountains so the bags can be tested and abused in the harshest conditions.

We have one of their Klettersack bags, and use it on a daily basis.  The bag is very simple and is adaptively designed to transport whatever gear you want.  The construction on the exterior of the bag is 1000d cordura to withstand abuse, and as an interesting twist the vintage styled bag is lined with a coated pack cloth to keep your gear dry. 

The bag does not have a thousand zippered compartments so access is simple.  The bag is 1100 cubic inches which is smaller than the pictures might indicate (which was perhaps the most pleasant surprise) so taking the bag and tucking it between the front seats of a police cruiser was not a problem at all.  The bag really steps up its game with the strap system and aside from being one of most comfortable bags to wear, the draw strings, compression straps, and cargo tabs help load gear on the outside of the bag that you probably would not want inside anyway (muddy boots, ect.).   

The top pouch had ample room for sunglasses with case, ear plugs, headlamp, wallet, lighter, cigar, handcuffs, and a firearm (interesting mix we know).  In the main pouch we were able to stow a change of clothes, laptop case with computer, and small medical kit.  On the exterior of the bag we clipped a water bottle sleeve to one of the side straps and were ready to go.

The bag was taken on patrol, used on plain clothed details, taken in the woods on day hikes, into the prestigious lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel, and even to an office meeting while having the ability to blend seamlessly into each environment.

We cant wait to see what the Topo Design team releases next and are thrilled to see a humble company thrive in a mass production world.  For $139.00 you will not find a handmade bag better that is better!

http://topodesigns.com/