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The 3v Gear Surge Redline Hydration Backpack gives you a high quality 20L backpack with military level construction, loads of zip pockets and features and a free 2L hydration bladder for a price that should be twice as much. If ultralight isn’t on your tick list this bombproof bag is the last 20L bag you’ll ever need to buy with enough features for the trail and enough space for a laptop for weekdays too.

Note – At time of writing I was testing this bag pre-launch. Some specs and features may have changed since then.

Full Review

I’ve now reviewed a number of bags made by 3v Gear and I’m seeing a pattern. The Paratus, Smuggler Duffel and Nautilus Dry Bag all had military rugged heavy duty build quality and they also came in at prices that were half what they should be. The latest offering from 3v Gear builds on this with a 20L pack for hikers and trail runners with less of a ‘tactical’ feature driven bag and more one geared towards a day on the trails for us civilians.

On a hot humid summer day on trail in the USA I use about 22oz of water per hour so carrying enough water with me for the day is essential.

Fabric

The bag is made from a very sturdy cordura like fabric that I would estimate is 600Denier or more.

Zips

All of the zips are quality YKK zips and have sleeves that overlap over them so that rain doesn’t get in.

Pockets

Starting from the back of the pack you have a red bungee system on the outside which I tend to use for drying out wet rain jackets etc. From there is a sleeve big enough to store a large water bottle or jacket and then you reach the first zip which has enough storage space for things like washing gear, spare socks and underwear, first aid kit, batteries and headlamps.

The next zip give you access to the main storage area, which in my review I had a large down sleeping bag, camping hammock and rain jacket with plenty to spare. The pull chords on the side of the bag keep everything tight if it isn’t full. The next zip in is a small pouch area that’s perfect for keys and wallet and sunglasses.

Finally beneath the shoulder adjustment clips is the zip sleeve entry to hydration bladder area or an area you could keep a smaller sized laptop or tablet in on your weekday work commute.

2L Hydration Bladder

The bag comes with a well made 2L hydration bladder with hose that feeds through a small discreet slot in the top of the bag to the outside. You can run the hose down the shoulder under the loops and keep the mouthpiece stowed away until you need to drink.

There is plenty of room for an even bigger 3L bladder in that section instead. My top tip on a hot day is fill the bladder with ice before you go and enjoy cool water for a few hours and a cool pad against your back.

Gripes

I have a couple of small issues. Firstly the sliding chest straps can pull off the runner if you put the bag on too heavy handedly ( don’t worry they slide right back on!) and also Id like the side waist zip pockets to be a bit bigger to fit a decent sized cellphone.

Closest Contender

Ironically the closesets bag for size features and price is the 3v Gear Paratus 3 Day Operators Bag, if you remove all the molle attachment pouches etc. But the Surge Redline beats on the sheer number of built in sleeves and storage areas.

Verdict

The 3v Gear Surge Redline Hydration Backpack gives you a high quality 20L backpack with military level construction, loads of zip pockets and features and a free 2L hydration bladder for a price that should be twice as much. If ultralight isn’t on your tick list this bombproof bag is the last 20L bag you’ll ever need to buy with enough features for the trail and enough space for a laptop for weekdays too.

Features

Heavy-duty ripstop construction
• YKK zippers
• Includes a 2-liter reservoir
• Adjustable sternum strap
• Waist belt with 2 stash pockets
• External bungee system and pocket for
external carry
• 2 side water bottle pockets
• Front pocket is great for carrying tools,
snacks, and other gear
• Large main pocket will easily fit extra

clothing or large items
• Small sunglasses pocket
• Separate hydration reservoir pocket
• Nylon base and back panel
• 2 compression straps
• Rubber zipper pulls
• Reflective panels to be visible at night
• Unique VENI VIDI VICI topographical
printed liner custom to 3V Gear
• 18” tall x 9” wide x 7.5” deep
• 20 liter size

About 3v

Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountain range in Salt Lake City, Utah, we have one of the most amazing places in the world as our playground. We started designing backpacks that we would like to use on our adventures. We were also frustrated with the excessive prices for a backpack. This is why we decided to sell direct to you. We don’t have all of the extra costs of distributors and retailers. This allows us to have a relationship with you and make sure that you are always treated the best and give you a great warranty on your bag.