Whether you’re carrying your daily office loadout, expensive range gear, or a couple of days’ worth of supplies in case of an emergency, a quality bag is just as important as the contents it holds.
I enjoy testing backpacks and bags, and as a result, have more than I’d like to admit. I’ve tested and used all types, from ultra-lightweight and expensive bags to run-of-the-mill Walmart bags.
What I have found is that quality doesn’t always correlate with price. Often, you can count on a $300+ bag being made to a better standard than a $19.99 clearance bag. However, an affordable offering from a reputable manufacturer such as LA Police Gear (LAPG) can still get the job done without breaking the bank.
LA Police Gear did an excellent job of balancing affordability and quality with its Atlas Backpack and Bail Out Bag.
I find myself torn regarding backpacks because I love a good tactical pack, but I also like being discreet and blending in.
The Atlas 12 Hour Tactical backpack (also available in a 24 hour and 72 hour capacity) does an excellent job of incorporating tactical features without completely sticking out like a sore thumb.
Now, I know that going with Multicam Black doesn’t necessarily help reduce the “tactical” look, but I just couldn’t help myself this time!
I’m not a big fan of branding and logos, so I wish the bright white LAPG logo was not so visible, especially against a Multicam Black background, but you could easily stick some black tape over it if you want.
I’ve been carrying the Atlas for almost two months, primarily as a day bag/diaper bag every other day or so. It’s usually filled to the brim with things such as medical gear, spare clothes, extra magazines, a laptop, and diapers and wipes…hence the diaper bag designation.
The 2,142 cubic inch capacity has provided more than enough room for a full day’s worth of supplies. If I didn’t also pack a bunch of diapers, wipes, and things of that nature, I’d likely be able to make this a full two-day bag for myself.
So far, all of the zippers have performed well and held up, the bag has proven to be comfortable for hours at a time, and I haven’t experienced any issues to note.
Material | 900D Polyester w/ PVC Coating |
Overall Dimensions | 18”x13”x8.5” |
Volume | 2,142 cubic inches |
Weight | 3.5 Pounds |
When I ordered this bag, I missed the mention of hydration ports. When I received it, I thought the carry handle was attached to the bag via Velcro. I was not happy, to say the least. Thankfully, I was wrong.
There is a hydration port on each side of the handle. They are entirely covered and hidden when not in use, which I like from a functionality and aesthetic standpoint.
The bag blends in more than traditional tactical ones because the outside features laser cut MOLLE as opposed to traditional. It gives the bag a much more streamlined and sleek look while still providing the versatility MOLLE is known for.
You’ll find the laser cut MOLLE covering the front and sides of the pack, leaving you with seemingly endless attachment points.
If you’re like me and like to keep your packs organized, you’ll have no problem here. Ample pockets, small pockets, organizers, and even a fleece-lined compartment give you more options for configuration than you’ll know what to do with.
I often prefer a backplate, but the nice thing about this one is that it’s removable. It may make sense to run the bag without it, depending on how full your bag is or its contents.
Between where the backplate resides and the rest of the bag is a hydration bladder compartment. This compartment is great because if you aren’t carrying a bladder, you can keep a ballistics plate in this compartment for extra protection.
I like the Bail Out Bag overall. With that being said, I think it’s confused about what type of bag it’s intended to be. Let me explain.
One of the first things mentioned on the LAPGs website for this bag is that it now offers enough room to store your laptop comfortably. LAPG listened to the feedback and now offers this jumbo-sized version of the Bail Out Bag. That’s commendable.
Now, I don’t know which office or classroom you may frequent, but this is definitely a bag with enough tactical features to draw a ton of attention. Depending on how you plan to use the bag, that isn’t necessarily bad.
I chose to use it as a range bag. The various-sized pockets and compartments are perfect for pistols, magazines, ammo, and safety gear. But as a range bag, I found it narrow and hard to find things quickly from the main compartment.
The bag can serve you well in multiple settings, but it lacks a defined purpose. And that’s OK, but it is my first thought after using it.
I’ve used this as a secondary range bag for almost two months. It usually houses a couple of pistols, plenty of ammo and magazines, and some PPE like ear muffs and shooting glasses.
It’s held up well for the minimal time I’ve been using it, and the zippers, velcro, and carry handle all seem of good quality.
Material | 600D Polyester w/ PVC Coating |
Outside Dimensions | 20”x11”x15” |
Main Compartment Dimensions | 16”X5.5”X13” |
If you love to stay organized and have a separate pocket for every item, this is your bag. There are 12 exterior and seven interior pockets, so you’ll be hard-pressed not to have a place for your gear.
The bag offers several different sizes and shapes of pockets, so everything from your magazines to a laptop to a tourniquet can all have their respective homes.
The two large pockets on the exterior can easily hold select full-size pistols and a magazine, which is handy for range use.
Since I chose this as a range bag, the internal AR-15 mag storage has been utilized just as intended. All of your standard 30-round magazines fit just fine and allow you to minimize time reloading at the range.
I’m not sure if the two taller external pockets were meant for AR-15 magazines as well, but they fit perfectly. I prefer to keep my AR mags on the exterior so that I can grab them quickly and easily.
As you saw above, the main compartment can hold a ton of gear. While I’ve been using it more as a dumping area for various boxes of ammo and gear, there are zippered mesh compartments and a removable center divider to help you keep organized.
The bag is relatively narrow, so it may limit what you store in the main compartment. But, if you carry everyday items such as laptops and books, or magazines and ammo, you should be all good.
After my time with the Atlas backpack and Bail Out Bag, I can appreciate the value they deliver, thanks to their respective price points.
I’ve found the Atlas backpack especially to be highly versatile, with ample storage space, and comfortable for everyday use. The Bail Out Bag has served me well, but I’d like to see it have more of a defined role. If it’s for the range, I’d like to see it widened; if it’s for the office, I’d like to see a reduced number of tactical features.
All in all, if you’re looking for high-quality bags at an affordable price, I suggest you check out both the Atlas and Bail Out Bag.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.