First Look: Tasmanian Tiger Companion

Thehunt · **on:** March 19, 2022, 09:34:38 AM

Or: News from the Geardo...
I just introduced the new MilOps30, but our friends from Tasmanian Tiger are restless, so here comes the next pack... The Companion.

The MilOps 30 is a hardcode, super rugged basic 30 liter pack, so far so good.
What makes the Companion different?

Almost everything.
No Molle. No Adamantium. Just no-nonsense. EDC as it was once meant to be, fast, light, reliable.

Here are the hard facts:
- Thermo Mold carrying system
- Height adjustable chest strap
- Possibility to fix a hip belt
- Internal side compression
- Handle
- Lockable zipper sliders
- Lid with zippered compartment
- Hydration system preparation
- Elastic cord included
- Daisy chain on the front

Made of CORDURA® 700 den with 30 liters distributed in 55 x 28 x 19 cm.

Over the last few years, I've had many a backpack in my closet that was "the latest half-stitched craze". Many of them I have sold again, because the promised benefit was just rather theoretical.
With the Companion it looks really different.
This is what we´re talking about:

The beard is longer, the main hair (thanks Dad, thanks Mom!) still full and "man-bun"-worthy long, the pack very light and versatile.
Where the MilOps can't hide its military roots, the Companion represents a clear Grey Man approach.

In pretty cool Coyote Brown we have a very unobtrusive 30 liter rucksack that both accommodates the concealed mission and does wonders for the "Workation-Warrior". ( Workation-Warrior is a registered term and trademarked. Whoever uses it should have a good lawyer or lots of beer :-) ).

Slim front with shockcord:

The zippers can be felt well even in "low-light" situations, in addition, the zippers of the main compartment (MP5/MP7/, you are meant...) can be additionally secured by means of a padlock. Of course, a P210 in a nice root wood case would also fit.

The back is kept simple with the "Molded Back" system, there is nothing to get stuck on and it slides over both the wax jacket and the Tactical Fleece. That's the way I like it.
You can tell by the stains that I've already explored the pack extensively, no "fake review".

For a waist belt we have removable 25mm webbing, better than nothing, of course the load carrying capabilities are limited, but when climbing you're glad for any stabilization on the back.
Jump over fences or a wall? Likewise.

The chest strap is, nothing else I expected, adjustable in height.

If you are looking for Molle, here you will find it: suitable for a compass, magazine, or multitool pouch.

When not in use, the double-sided D-rings can be hidden under the laser-cut.

Here in „high ready“:

The waist belt "in action" and, yes, Corona has left its mark....

On the back, the Companion is super snug, no hotspots or anything:

Thehunt · **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2022, 09:36:05 AM

To the pack itself. Less is more is the motto here.
We have the "Modular" lid compartment, I've already praised it many times, here the same.

The innovation here is the hex fabric at the zipper pockets. I dig it!
Knipex key, Israeli bandage, everything clearly visible. If a third party has to hand you stuff from your bag, its good to see what is in there. Same with the mini cobra and the nitrile gloves packed in the surprise egg for easy access.
Above, the Mini First Aid Kit, long a standard in our house.

Velcro bag:

That's it. Very well thought out, everything you need, no more.

The main compartment is also super simple:
One large compartment, Velcro on the back, plus bladder loop.

On the side, the compression cords, along with an outlet on both sides for hydration tubes:

And, of course, a decent carrying handle:

If you like you can upgrade with velcro pockets:

Shockcord is always handy, whether it's the iso mat or tactical yoga:

By the way: Without yoga I wouldn´t be as agile as I am at almost 50. Highly recommendet!

Back to topic.
A special feature of the Companion is its flat design.
Empty, the backpack collapses into itself and is even less noticeable:

Ready to go to town:

Flat as a stone:

...He who binds himself forever....
the bag will come in a future review… :-)

As always, if you have questions, shoot!