Ample space inside the Crossover Pack for gear
If we had to do a review on the Eagle Industries Crossover Pack, we would say it is all thumbs up. As per our first post, our staff that has been using the pack has all good things to say about the pack (perhaps only one area that he reckons may need some finer adjustment). Mind you, this is a guy who ditched a Kifaru X-Ray just after two weeks using it and decided instead to stick to a LBT standard 3 days assault pack. The Crossover wasn’t the holly grail of all packs within its category but it sure is a down to earth practical day use pack.
The Crossover Pack is a light, compact yet very adaptable pack. The internal organisation is probably where it scores the most. In the picture above, we stuffed a Large size British army Smock jacket right at the bottom of the pack just to show how roomy it is. There’s still lots of space to fit in a SOL survival blanket and other small items. The back sleeve is available for hydration or in this case, a large orange plastic sheet (typically used as an emergency shelter).
Nicely positioned sleeves inside the pack
Hydration port beneath the Eagle Industries logo on the top of the pack
On the back of the front panel, there are two sewn in pouches which we think are awesome. While some pack manufactures feel that covering this ‘face’ of the pack in molle is a good idea, we think having sewn in pouches is a better idea. Immediately, the pouches can be utilized. They make organization easier and helps to keep those essential items (yet need to be kept safe inside the pack) easy to reach.
The internal sewn in pouches (with a key holder) is practical and easily accessible
The lower pouch on the inside of the Crossover can fit lots of stuff
Big enough for a compact FA Kit. Behind this pouch on a velcro closure is a key slot (or any other thing you fancy)
There is also a sleeve accessible from the outside of the pack for a laptop or a tablet. The back panel of the pack is well padded and we reckon there are no issued there Like all good tactical packs, there is a grommet at the bottom of the pack too. While some believe this is for draining water, we like to think of it as a breathing hole for the pack…especially when you have diapers in the pack…hahaha.
A nice, well padded laptop sleeve
Draining holes at the bottom if the pack
Now…the only not so great point that we think worth mentioning is the connecting point of the strap to the padded shoulder straps. The way it is designed and sewn allows the webbing o slide off the padding and at times can feel like it is cutting into the skin. This is not so much of an issue if one is wearing thick clothing but can be quite annoying if otherwise.
Probably the only part of the pack which we did not really like
The design allows for the strap to bite in when positioned at certain angle
We have to agree with our in house tester (well…he is our staff after all), that the Eagle Industries Crossover pack is a nice little day pack that is really light and practical for everyday use. Despite the lack of side compression straps (which is easily fixed) and the shoulder straps, overall we would give this pack a good thumbs up. If you are looking for a Crossover Pack to try out yourself, have a look on ebay or Amazon and you may find some good bargains for this awesome pack.
