Direct Action Dragon Egg MK II Pack Review

[hotpursuit]

Thanks for not dragging it on like other people's reviews. I dont need 5 mins of explanation of what I could put in a pen holder slot..
Great review!

[kpw]

I love the fact that they're offering this pack in solid colors now. (By the way, you say in the video that this pack, the Mk. II, is available in all of the camo colors, but for right now it's only showing the solid colors on the product page. I guess they will update it as time goes on.)

I loved the design of this pack when I saw your first review, but was disappointed to see that it was pretty much only offered in camo (except for ranger green).

Now that this version is offered in several different solid colors, I'm seriously considering getting one. Excellent video as always, Ben!

[PrestonGladd]

They took away the rubber coating from behind the laser cut molle which I don't like as it makes the molle less rigid. They are cutting corners to save money since they broke away from Helikon Tex. Plus I think the new logo is horrible but that's not really important I suppose. I ordered one of the old ones after I got the mk2 version to match the quality and logo of my ghost, dust, and messenger bag. Wish Helikon still owned them.

[OutdoorWanderer]

I have the original and really like it. The only improvement I would have liked to see would be the bottle holders be a bit taller. I run a cord with small carabiner to the bottle lid, because taller bottles felt like they may fall out. Other than that, great pack. High quality!

[tamasbarad]

Nice review. I didn’t find it flawless though. There is not much modularity in the main compartment (ie. molle, velcro, d-rings) and I find it unfortunate that the inner fabric is pitch black instead of some high contrasting light color. I think there are a couple other options with the exact same fabric and built as this one.

Hey, man! Loved your video! Looking at buying this pack myself, but have a couple of questions!

1 - loved how you showed the pack fully loaded on yourself, but could you say how tall are you to give better context? :)
2 - have you tried mounting a pouch on the side while also carrying a water bottle (on the same side)?
3 - 7 years later, are you still using that pack? :)

Cheers!

[kevinknight]

It's too bad that it doesn't have a hook and loop field somewhere on the inside for a CCW/CCW holster.

[nerys]

I would love one of these in orange!

I would prefer the original zip expansion as the elastic WILL fail. not if but when.

[jsmitty]

good bags and gear.  I only have 1 knock on DA and its not USA made, but the quality, durability and use of them are outstanding.

[Blackscorpy]

Hey, you mentioned this being used as a photography pack? I'm looking for a new pack, to replace some of my current ones. At the moment I have the Source Assault as my everyday pack, along with a ~1, 5 liter (3x4 PALS) zipped pocket on either side for a water bottle and thermo mug; besides that I have a Source Patrol and Eberlestock G3 Phantom for heavier work (atm lacking a proper rucksack/bergen).

Both the Source packs are very nice in general, but neither works ideally as a photo bag because they aren't panel loaders (c'mon, I can fit A4 papers and books below the lowest point of the zippers of the Patrol!), and the Patrol has far too big and non-compressible main space. I do love the hydration compartment though, fits a 17" laptop and tons of papers! The Assault works nicely as a generic backpack, but can't generally do more than one thing at once, and everything is layered on top of each other in the main compartment. It does a DSLR and a few lenses nicely, but anything bigger is problematic. On the other hand, I had a RAID-like pack on loan from a friend and loaded it with camera stuff - it wasn't stiff enough, the water and electronics had to be in the same space and you couldn't fit anything else on it properly. It did fit 3 camera bodies and big lenses without issues, though. Savotta Jääkäri was perfect when carrying, and did fit most of the stuff, but the side zip wasn't THAT good eventually.

So, any idea how much photo stuff the Dragon Egg can fit? Would it work better with the main compartment or the front compartment? How deep is it (I'm guessing 4-6" would be rather optimal)? Can the thing be used as a panel loader properly, or do I still need to dig deep into the pack? Would the pack be rigid or floppy (with the things digging into my flesh) with a low to medium load? Does the Ghost actually differ by much in the main compartment, and would it mainly be a better option for a jack-of-all-trades pack (with the removable flap etc)?

If you got this far, sorry for the long post and thank you in advance. :D

[wrgrm]

Thank you. Been looking for a pack that suits me. Had to ball out for it but it looks to be the one.

[kikconzuelo]

Nice! I'm waiting for mine to arrive! I it's nice watch your review on this pack.

[TheLusaso]

I've been watching your videos for a while now and have always appreciated the honesty in them. And I'm from Michigan too! I can't wait to get my DE MKII !!

[leonwp]

yeah im sure its a great idea to carry a bag with a logo so anyone that wants to know is pretty much aware of what level and quality of equipment you have

[ThermalDynamicSevices]

I wish they would have also put a mesh pouch like the one in the main compartment in the front compartment it would be perfect then in my opinion

[Anarkix]

wish they would put the elastic on the ghost pack too, the zippers don't hold anything. the paracord handle wouldn't hurt too.

[medic]

Hey Ben, you didn't mention anything about a concealed hook & loop or any such place for one. Everything I have researched about the Dragon Egg, I can't find anything about one either. So just to confirm with you, before purchase, is there a conceal pocket? Thanks for all you do! Chris

[gunsfuncajanajustin]

Nice fall colors out there already! Very cool packs awesome review as always!

[colwild]

I bought one of these based on your last video. Would be nice if those exterior side pockets would be an inch or two deeper so the standard nalgene bottle so would be a little more secure.

[caseybiggs]

I really like this one I'm stunned they couldn't change more but you're right, they did perfect a pack. I remember going crazy when you reviewed the original and this is just as good. I really need a bag like this it works for anything & I believe there is a ghost too but I think it's sling pack. where can I get this easily in the UK?