Large, multifunctional waist bag suitable for various specialized activities and tasks. Versatile internal organization and numerous external attachment points. Quickly attaches to backpacks in a variety of ways, allowing you to use the Askare as part of a modular, scalable backpack system.
“Askare” is Finnish for “task” or “chore”, it’s as simple as that. This backpack was originally designed for sniper teams to carry various shooter/spotter-related gear, but has proven to be a great asset for all kinds of tasks both inside and outside of military origins during development. The large seven-litre capacity plus numerous external mounting options make this a very versatile general-purpose bag.
On the inside, the bag has a number of options for organizing your belongings: elastic webbing loops of different sizes, flat pockets, attachment loops, and a loop surface for attaching organizers with hooks.
On the back wall, two rows of 50 mm elastic webbing are sewn, forming loops of different sizes. The bottom row is sewn in two large, approx. 17 cm wide loops (designed for .50 cal Barrett magazines). The top row is sewn in three smaller, approx. 12 cm wide loops (designed for HK417 magazines). Each end of the bag has an elastic loop for smaller items.
The front wall has two flat compartments with attachment loops at the top. A loop area of 35 x 10 cm on the inside of the front makes it possible to attach all kinds of organizers with hooks, etc.
A large, open compartment on the back of the backpack has a removable closed cell foam pad on the inside and allows you to store the waist belt if needed. This open compartment can also be used as a huge belt loop if you want to carry the Askare on a belt or the waist belt of a backpack.
The PALS webbing on the sides allows you to attach small pockets and accessories to the outside of the backpack. The horizontal webbing on the front of the backpack can be used to attach small pouches such as our Multitool pouch, Tourniquet pouch and Zipped GP pouch 2×2, or elastic drawstring loops. The many loops on the sides of the backpack can be used to attach elastic cord to carry all kinds of items on the bottom and front of the bag, turnstiles, ponchos, tarps, whatever.
WEARING OPTIONS
Due to its large size, the Askare carries the best on your lower back, rotate it forward for easy access. The strap is also long enough to carry the bag on your back like a sling pack. The strap is attached to large triangular wings for stability.
For longer backpack movements, you can quickly attach the Askare to the compression straps on the side of your backpack. To do this, you’ll need to add suitable buckles (2M PALS mount or split-bar female buckles) or use G-hooks. No quick-release buckles are included with the bag. You can also quickly attach the Askare to the side of your backpack by threading the compression straps on the side of the backpack through the large belt loops on the front of the bag. The strap can be stored in the open compartment on the side of the bag when you carry it on your backpack. Lower your backpack, detach the Askare, take out the strap, put on the packed bag and you’re ready to get to work.
KEY FEATURES
- Capacity approx. 7 litres
- 40 mm SR belt (max. circumference approx. 145 cm) attached to stabilizing wings
- Flat open pocket on the body side for storing the belt
- Thin, closed-cell foam padding on the torso side for shape retention and comfort
- One large zippered compartment
- Two small flat internal compartments
- Numerous elastic loops for internal organization
- Two attachment points on the inside for dummy cords and carabiners
- 35 x 10 cm loop area on the inside for organizers with hooks
- 2 x 2 PALS weaving tapes on both sides
- Numerous 25 mm webbing loops for elastic cords and backpack attachment buckles
- 15 x 10 cm loop surface on the outside for patches and identification plates
- Water drainage at the bottom
- All color options offer good NIR performance
- 5-year material and product warranty
- Made in Finland/Estonia
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 445 g
- Dimensions: 35 x 20 x 9 cm (W x H x D)
- Main fabric: 500D Cordura (100% Polyamide)
- Strap: 100% polyester
