On the IWA in 2014 HELIKON-TEX introduced its new premium brand DIRECT ACTION. This brand now became an independent company with headquarters in Poland for Europe and Ballston Spa in the United States. Today we show you in detail the full available lineup of DIRECT ACTION backpacks.
DIRECT ACTION GHOST BACKPACK
The GHOST is with a capicity of 28+3,5 liters the largest model in the DIRECT ACTION backpack family. It`s a 3-day backpack for patrol and advanced tactical duties and has a weight of around 2kg. But before we get into the details of this backpack we take a look at the materials and some features we can find at all DIRECT ACTION backpacks.
MATERIAL & WORKMANSHIP (ALL MODELS)
All backpack models are made of the lightweight but very durable 500D Codura fabric and finished with a DWR coat to protect the content from penetrating moisture.
The camouflage versions in KRYPTEK & PENCOTT pattern are NIR treated. As already mentioned in the review about the Direct Action Messenger Bag the all over workmanship is excellent and used materials are from high quality (Duraflex® buckles & YKK® zippers).
As with all other products, DIRECT ACTION used for his backpack series the laser-cutted system which is compatible with MOLLE/PALS. This laser cutted system has two advantages opposite the regular MOLLE. We have a weight reduction of the gear which is small but noticeable and we dont have any bigger interruptions in the camouflage.
COMBAT VENT SYSTEM (ALL MODELS)
The new patended Combat Vent System® on all backpacks has a special wave structure which priovides a great air circulation for the user. The foam is comfortable to wear and not to hard.
ADJUSTABLE STERNUM STRAP (ALL MODELS)
The adjustable sternum strap is adjustable in vertical position to give more comfort options. The backside of the straps is flexible and therefore does not interfere while movement.
SIDE POCKETS (ALL MODELS)
On every side we find small side pockets with a zipper to extend the volume of it. These pockets are perfect for bottles or also longer equipped to fix it to the backpack with the lower 2 compression straps. Also here is the laser-cut MOLLE/PALS system available to extend the volume of the backpack with pouches or attach equipment.
BOTTOM OUTFLOW HOLE (ALL MODELS)
By the small outflow hole reinforced with a metal insert at the bottom of all backpacks, unwanted water can escape easily. During our practical tests in the rain of the alps we had no problems with water inside the backpack. So we can say the pack is waterproof at the normal rainy weather. For the Ghost and the Dragon Egg you have also the possibility to attach a sleeping bag or a sleeping pad with the retention straps at the bottom.
PATCH PANEL & ZIPPERS (ALL MODELS)
At the top of the frontside of each model we can find a velcro panel (9,5 x 8 cm) for ID or your morale patches. The Ghost is the only one with a second velcro panel which is larger and laser-cutted at the detachable external pocket.
As already mentioned above the zippers used by DIRECT ACTION are high quality by YKK and do not allow moisture. Attached to the zipper is a plastic covered paracord. This gives the paracord stability and makes it easy to catch at the end. It´s comfortable to use and even good looking.
DETACHABLE HIP BELT (GHOST)
The hip belt is very well padded and during our seminar in the Alps full and heavy loaded we had no problems with it. Its comfortable to wear and has a good breathability. The big hip belt is detachable from the backpack by a big velcro surface. This is very useful if you wanna use the pack for civilian use or as a EDC.
CARRY HANDLE (GHOST)
On the top of the backpack we see a big double layer carry handle with D-Ring attachment points on every side. Under the carry handle a Velcro flap gives us the possibility to bring the hose from the hydration pack out of the pack.
DETACHABLE EXTERNAL POCKET (GHOST)
The special about the Ghost backpack is the detachable external pocket with a lot of space (3,5 liter). The internal organizer can carry a tablet, a flashlight, a radio and a lot of other stuff. The flap is equipped with a mesh pocket to carry for example a map. It also can be used at the shooting range for your magazines. Just an idea!
The external pocket has a simple carry handle on the backside. Its basically attached to the backpack by four retention straps with buckles and the Shock Cord. It’s also possible to attach the pocket to the MOLLE/PALS system at the back as you can see it in the picture.
EXTERNAL POCKET – HELMET CARRIER (GHOST)
The External pocket is also attached to the backpack by a Shock Cord on both sides to carry a helmet. The Shock Cord is completly removable to ensure the fast detachment of the external pocket. If the Shock Cord is removed its not possible anymore to carry the helmet between the pack and the pocket.
External pocket – FRONT COMPARTMENT (GHOST)
The big front compartment of the External pocket is laminated inside and gives us a quick access to tools or documents.
MAIN COMPARTMENT (GHOST)
Like in the External pocket we see here also a big storage pocket made of mesh. The back is equipped with a hydration pack holder & compartement. Through the hole with the flap we can bring the hose outside of the pack as already seen before.
The Ghost is available in Black, Olive Green, Polish Woodland, Coyote Brown, Camogrom, Ranger Green, PenCott BadLands, and GreenZone and Snowdrift.
DIRECT ACTION GHOST – GALLERY
DIRECT ACTION DRAGON EGG
Lets check now the Dragon Egg backpack. What is difference to the Ghost? First of all the Dragon Egg has less space with around 25 liters.
SMALL FRONT POCKET (DRAGON EGG)
On the front we have 1 small pocket which is padded inside with a fleece. The rest of the front is equipped with the laser- cutted MOLLE system.
PARACORD CARRY HANDLE (DRAGON EGG + GHOST)
PADDED SHOULDER STRAPS (ALL MODELS)
All backpacks have a different level of padded shoulder straps. The Dragon Egg has the thickest of all. The straps of the Ghost are wider but not so strong padded. The Dust packpack has only really easy padded straps.
The packs are all well equipped for their purpose. During our tests we had no issues! Please check the detailed images for comparsion.
All shoulder straps have rubber bands for a hydration hose or headset equipment and D-D-Ring attachment points.
FRONT COMPARTMENT
Like the External pocket of the Ghost the smaller compartment on the frontside of the Dragon Egg has a full organizer storage and a mesh pocket for equipment and documennts.
The storage space is a lot bigger. So you can easily accommodate three a trouser and a light Softshell jacket. The main compartment is equipped like the Ghost backpack.
BACK COMPARTMENT (DRAGON EGG + GHOST)
For the both bigger backpacks a zipped back compartment is built in. So you can carry a small notebook/laptop or tablet with you. A strap with velcro keeps it into his place. It can also be used for flat hydration pouches.
The Dragon Egg is available in Coyote Brown, Black, Olive Drab, Ranger Green, Camogrom, Polish Woodland, Kryptek, and PenCott BadLands, GreenZone and SnowDrift.
DIRECT ACTION DRAGON EGG – GALLERY
DIRECT ACTION DUST
With a volume of 20l the Dust is a typical EDC pack. Inside the Main compartment it features mesh and hydration pockets.The second one can also be used for your laptop/notebook or tablet.
FRONT COMPARTMENT AND SIDE POCKET
In the front compartement the Dust has also the same organizer as all other models. The flap is instead of a mesh equipped with a transparent plastic pocket for maps. As you can see on the picture the space of this compartment is enaugh to carry a medic pack, a glasses etui and a light softshell jacket.
The side pocket on top of the front compartement is only accessible from one side. Its flat so perfect for documents or similar.
The adjustable waist belt with a big buckle is completly removoable and can be storaged in the back.
The Dust is available in Coyote Brown, Black, Olive Drab, Ranger Green, Camogrom, Polish Woodland, Kryptek, and PenCott BadLands and GreenZone.
DIRECT ACTION DUST – GALLERY
COMPARISON LIST
| DA DUST | DA DRAGON EGG | DA GHOST | |
| Weight | 1210g | 1425g | 1990g |
| Volume | 20 liters | 25 liters | 28 + 3,5 liters |
| Quick release shoulder straps | X | X | X |
| Additional side handles | X | ||
| D-Ring attachment points | X | X | X |
| hydration carrier main compartment | X | X | X |
| Hydration/Laptop carrier in the back | X | X | |
| Detachable hip belt | X | X | X |
| Detachable external pocket | X | ||
| Paracord drag handle | X | X | |
| Bottom retention straps with buckles | X | X | |
| Side retention straps with buckles | X | X | X |
CONCLUSION
All DIRECT ACTIONs backpacks are well made with highest standard quality, comfortable to wear at longer range, great in functionalty and definitly worth every penny. We are sure everyone will be happy with this packs which are available in a lot of colors and camouflage patterns.
What is your favourite? Write us a comment below!
Thank you to DIRECT ACTION and HWESTA SHOP to providing us this sample items!
VIDEO – OVERIVEW DIRECT ACTION GHOST @ IWA NUREMBERG 2014
LINKS
DIRECT ACTION Website
DIRECT ACTION @ facebook
HWESTA SHOP – DIRECT ACTION
