The Viktos Kadre backpack carries the credo of adaptibility in every stitch of its design. Built with rugged features perfect for carrying weapons, but compact enough to put under the seat on a plane.
About Viktos
Headquartered in Janesville, WI, Viktos was founded by Jeff and Justin Fox in the Fall of 2017. Viktos, put simply, is an innovator of apparel and accessories for the tactical user. Avid shooters with a passion for the firearms industry, Jeff and Justin set a goal to bring greater design and innovation to the tactical apparel industry. The name Viktos is a derivative of the Latin word invictus, meaning unconquered. The company's branded spelling of VIKTØS includes the Norwegian Ø character. This character which forms the basis of the trademarked logo of a shield crossed with sword.
What separates Viktos from the rest of the gang? I think it's the details. Viktos takes many of the technical aspects you might see in the outdoor industry, and applies them to features that are appreciated in the firearms market. As Viktos General Manager David Corcoran says, “After talking to some designers that they had previously worked with in a similar industry, they found a way to bring the technical aspects of that industry into the tactical world. In doing so, Viktos has created a design philosophy of everyday tactical apparel. Meaning that you can wear our gear in every facet of life.”
Kadre: for the Range
There are a number of intricate features of this bag that make it worth every penny of the $200 price tag. For a day at the range, the Kadre backpack has all the features you'll need.
First, and most importantly, the backpack is capable of carrying a pistol and a full size rifle. Two internal, padded pistol pockets fit full-size pistols. Even my Glock 43 with a magazine extender fit into the padded pocket. There was easily room in there for another magazine. Next, the bag has the capability to store a rifle up to 35 inches in length. The rifle is easily lashed to the internal MOLLE field with the included dual-side Velcro straps. Just the fact Viktos included these straps made me extremely happy. Top and bottom pouches support the protection of the rifle at both ends. The frame system and padding makes for a comfortable ride.
Second, the bag is very resistant to weather. The Ranger Green and Nightfall colors are made from weather-resistant 500d hybrid NP Cordura chassis with durable, water-repellent (DWR) coating. The Multicam Black version is made from a weather-resistant 500d Nylon chassis with DWR coating. For those unfamiliar with DWR finish, virtually all rainwear is treated with a DWR. While a waterproof/breathable membrane found in performancewear will stop water from penetrating to a bags interior, the DWR is a coating that prevents precipitation from saturating the bag's exterior. If that weren't enough, the bag also includes a removable water-resistant rain fly that fits over the entire bag. This is the perfect amount of water resistance in order to keep it at a reasonable price. An internal frame sheet provides support, and a Milspec Duraflex hardware helps round out this rugged and durable profile.
Lastly, the bag has all the features you'd expect to see in a mountaineering bag. Padded shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap make for a great fit. The waist strap is removable and is stowable inside the bag.
Kadre: for the EDC
The Kadre is perfect for a day at the range, and also for vacation. The Kadre traveled with me on a flight, and the ability of the bag to be dual purpose was a plus.
First, the dimensions of the bag are perfect for EDC. The overall dimensions are 21 x 13 x 9 inches (HxWxD) equaling 45 liters of volume. The smooth and simple exterior provide a sleek design with no risk of snags. There is an exterior MOLLE field, but it's so subtle and minimal it doesn't scream “tactical” when walking through an airport. Even having the Multicam Black version, there was little notice. The dimensions for the bag were perfectly convenient as I slid the bag under my seat with an almost intentional fit. As a reference, most airline size guidelines call for a maximum carry-on size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Lastly, when not using the main, and larger, compartment for a rifle, I was able to keep a good amount of clothing inside. Additionally, the bag has a water resistant internal integrated compression sack. This sack was ideal for segregating workout shoes, or even dirty clothing, from the other contents of the pack. The inner compartment is perfect for work items such as a laptop, tablet, notebooks, etc… Specifically, the felt-lined insert where you put a laptop was convenient.
It's challenging for a brand and its designs to stand out in the highly competitive field of tactical hard goods. Viktos, a relatively new name in the tactical industry, is entering with products that share a strong understanding of the end-user's needs with an unmistakable aesthetic.
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