Since its establishment in 2009. Vertx has been incrementally building its brand specifically tailored to versatile and low-profile EDC carry options. Over the years they have developed shirts, pants, and shorts with enhancements for on-body carry and several iterations of backpacks or travel bags tailored toward off-body carry and supplemental load-out options.
Prior to SHOT Show 2024 our team received a variety of carry packs to help navigate the travel getting to and while at the show.
The Long Walks Pack 28L is a pack with a minimalist appearance and a variety of every day and EDC options. Measuring in at 22.5” x 12” x6” The Long Walks Pack looks and is ideally suited to day hikes and general everyday travel.
The bulk of the pack is centered around a spacious main compartment with a full-length VELCRO loop back panel to accommodate any hook and loop attachments. The pack straps are contoured and padded with small stretch storage pouches and a chest strap. The back panel has 3D air mesh for better breathability.
On the flanks of the pack, there are two stretch pockets with draw cords for water bottles and other common items.
Access is through a traditional top-load design that unzips ⅔ of the circumference of the pack. Toward the top is a smaller dump pocket sized for a wallet, keys, and other small items.
The interior also has a hook and loop strip for attachments and a key lanyard. On the exterior, a roomy stretch fabric dump/stuff pouch perfectly sized for a light raincoat, map, or anything else you may need rapid access to.
— Pat DuFriend, More Articles by This Author
Fifty Shades of FDE had this to say about his:
It is lightweight, for me — a medium-sized pack that looks like any other pack and does not scream ‘tactical’. It weighs in under two pounds and has one big main compartment with a light grey velcro backing, making it easy to see your items. Tactigami inserts are compatible with the main compartment, which help with organization.
There is a smaller front compartment that has a velcro strip inside to add retention if needed and a key tether. Below that, there is a large dump pouch. Bottle holders are on the sides.
I put the Long Walks Pack to the test during my few days at SHOT Show, which started with the Media Range Day at the Boulder City Shooting Range.
Range Day was cold this year, with light rain around noon. I had my raincoat packed in the main compartment, along with my camera equipment and battery banks. The exterior of the pack is water resistant, and with the light rain throughout the day, the items in my front compartment were only a little damp when I checked back at the hotel. It did very well for inclement weather.
I had water bottles on each side. I appreciated being able to grab and put away a bottle without having to take the pack off. The shoulder straps were low profile and padded enough to keep it comfortable.
I highly recommend the Tactigami inserts.
The true challenge and test for the Long Walks Pack would be Tuesday on the show floor. That was my main full day on the SHOT Show floors. I had the Tactigami attachments inside, which I highly recommend. They take care of organizing your stuff so you don’t have to dig through the cavernous main compartment to find what you need.
I packed my portable keyboard, camera equipment, jacket when not in use, note pads, and pens in the main compartment and organizers. I used the front dump pouch for my battery pack and cords to make them quickly accessible. Data reception is just terrible, especially in the basement level, and using the SHOT Show app to navigate booth to booth drains your phone’s battery.
As the day went on, I got more and more swag, and the Long Walks Pack kept taking it. I was surprised with how much the pack could take and the weight as well. I racked up over 15,000 steps on Tuesday, and I was beat by the end of it. The shoulder straps did their jobs well. My shoulders were still sore, but that is unavoidable. I will say that they did not hurt as bad as in previous years with different packs.
The Long Walks pack is perfect for a long day when you need your belongings readily accessible.
To sum it up, the Long Walks Pack is perfectly suited for SHOT Show or any convention. It is very adaptable to many uses, and I see it excelling in any type of activity that requires a day pack loadout. Whether you are on a hike, going on a plane with it as a carry-on or personal item, or going to a theme park with your family, the Long Walks Pack won’t let you down.
Ryan Houtekamer’s Thoughts:
With the Tactagami, you can easily configure the inside of the pack to carry only what you need. You don’t end up with 100 pockets to lose things in. The shoulder strap pockets are perfect for tossing hand sanitizer, pens, and snacks. I would like the stuff pocket in the front to utilize a G hook so that it can be fully opened. I also would like the back pads to be a bit thicker as I found the nylon got a bit sweaty.
It’s a great little bag for a day out, and once I modify the stuff pocket, I think it will likely ride with me in the passenger seat.
Tristan White:
Rating: ★★★★ (4/5)
“When I travel, having the right backpack can make all the difference, and the Vertx Long Walks Pack 28L mostly scratches the itch for a lightweight pack. It is a reliable, well-made bag that looks sleek and minimal. This backpack seamlessly combines practical design, durability, and user-friendly features, making it a top choice for adventurers on the go.
Design and Construction (4/5)
The Long Walk 28L boasts a sleek and modern design that doesn’t compromise on functionality and customizability. It has a wide top handle that makes it easier to take it off your back. Having a sternum and waist strap releases the weight more evenly, which is nice because the shoulder padding leaves a little to be desired.
The large dump pouch on the outside of the bag was very handy. It allowed me to store my raincoat and other layers when not needed. The flexible water bottle pouches on both sides of the bag were big enough to hold my Nalgene, and I was able to reach back and get my bottle without having to take off the pack.
The Vertx Magazine Pouch is a great complement to any Vertx bag or pack.
Smart Organization (5/5)
One of the standout features of the Long Walks Pack is its organization system. The multiple compartments, including a dump pouch, allow for easy access to essentials. A smaller front pouch holds smaller items.
The main compartment is spacious enough for a couple of days’ worth of clothes, while the front pockets and side compartments provide designated spaces for items like passports, chargers, and water bottles. The main compartment does not come with a laptop sleeve, which I don’t love, but the entire back is covered in Velcro, which means you can fully customize it to fit your needs. This thoughtful layout minimizes the need for rummaging through your bag, saving you time and effort.
Compact and Carry-On Friendly (5/5)
Measuring within standard carry-on dimensions, the Long Walks is perfect for air travel. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on capacity, making it an ideal choice for those looking to avoid checked baggage fees. It easily slides under the seat in front of you and still leaves you with plenty of legroom when you are on your flight.
I do wish it had a luggage pass-through on the back, but I understand that it doesn’t have it because it was designed to be a day pack.
The Long Walks Waist Pack is another great option, ensuring lightning-fast access to your belongings.
Conclusion
In summary, the Vertx Long Walks Pack 28L earns its reputation as an easy-to-travel-with, lightweight companion. Its thoughtful design, durable construction, and user-friendly features make it a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable and hassle-free backpack for their adventures.”
Overall the Long Walks Pack is a versatile “blank canvas” that when coupled with Tactigami or other hook and loop attachments can be configured to fit most needs. Additionally, it is ballistic panel compatible for additional piece of mind. Hiking day-pack, truck gun platform and/or IFAK — you can make the Long Walks Pack your own.
More Articles From This Author
Don't miss out on the latest updates!
"*" indicates required fields
0 Comments