An Honest Review: The FCS Mission Travel Pack

I’ll be upfront, I haven’t run a backpack in 15 years.

I’ve typically gone for duffles or shoulder throws. Perhaps I thought they looked cooler, but that’s all I’ve ever run with since school. What piqued my interest in two-strappers was reading this. Ashton is a walking shit show. He’d have to be the most disorganised person I’ve ever met, god love him. I felt like if he was going down this route and surviving, then there must be something in it. So, I got a backpack from FCS and here’s my synopsis.

It fits in the overhead as hand held luggage, which is key. And, every single accoutrement you own has its own home, which gives it a major win over duffles. Ease of access to the important things is invaluable when you’re travelling—wallet, passport, sunnies, sleepers, small and important things. It’s also extremely comfortable, like silk on the hips.

It’s black, slick and has more hidden pockets than I’ve got secrets. Size wise I haven’t been questioned (it’s 40 litres but doesn’t seem to raise eyebrows when checking in) and I’ve just gone through four different airports. I still think duffles are a little sleeker for a weekender, but I’m here for practicality so the leathery’s resigned for the Melbourne/NY runs. However, just because you’re wearing a backpack doesn’t mean you have to turn into that core prick who wears flat brims. In fact, please don’t.

You barely notice it when it’s on, and that to me is comfort. It’s equipped with waist clips if you’re carrying a load. I’ve not had to use these but I would imagine they’re paramount if you’re lugging around some volume. In terms of functionality I’d give this a 9.3/10. Leaving .7 purely because nothing is perfect. The laptop placement puts the weight right up near your back. It’s padded, safe and you wouldn’t know it’s in there. I’m sure this is standard issue, however, it’s assisting me in seeing the light as to why Backpacks are so popular. It zips fully open, meaning you put it down and it opens up like a duffle. For me this is the two for one I’ve needed. You can see into it like a regular shoulder bag, but have the efficiency of being able to get to it from all angles.

The pocket situation is near perfect. If you’re a bit disorganised, you just need to have to know where things live and ensure they remain in their spot. Get this formula down and you won’t be needing to dive into the main compartment. 

All the pockets mean that you don’t need to put things in bags. Typically I have totes, or multiple little bags within my duffle for different products. I went socks and jocks in the side zones, then kit and shoes and the bigger items in the main compartment. All tech, toiletries etc live in their own pockets. Glasses have their own world on the side of the pack, as does your water bottle. Passport and wallet lives in pole position up the top of the back. Chargers, power banks and all tech cords are visible and easy to see. Toiletries have their own compartment, eliminating the need for a toiletries bag (unless you own a nice one).

Let’s be honest, for a travel pack it’s practically the perfect size.

Now for the hidden extras. There’s a semi-hidden compartment in the main zone which is waterproof. I’ve got wet boardies sitting in there as we speak, as I just had a lengthy layover in Hong Kong and found a sauna to reset. Straight back in soaking wet: no issue. There’s also a stealthy rear pocket (you actually need to look to find it) that holds some size. I keep two sets of fins in there. Safe as. The Mission Travel Pack will set you back $189.95 (AUD), which seems very reasonable to me considering the tricks in this fucker. I’ll definitely be telling my friends about it, which in my opinion is marketing’s holy grail. This black little pouch of practicalness makes you wanna hit the tarmac and explore.

Get your mitts on an elegant, highly-practical piece of equipment here.