Vertx EDC Gamut Plus Backpack Review

It’s true, looks can be deceiving. While this backpack may have a low profile appearance, it packs an incredible amount of tactical functionality behind the scenes.

The Vertx EDC Gamut Plus backpack has so many features it’s tough to even know where to be begin.

Unlike other tactical backpacks, Vertx didn’t just make “another typical backpack’ and slap some coyote or multicam on it like most brands do.

The truth is, Vertx spent a serious amount of time going over every single inch of this pack. The way this pack was designed leads me to believe that it was built by the same people who actually planned on using it.

Needless to say, this is a pack made for the real world.

Quick Highlights

– Subtle external branding blends into everyday surroundings without standing out from the ordinary.
– Low profile pack design features tactical functionally without the attention-grabbing tactical appearance.
– Gusseted for motorcycle or similar helmet with aluminum G hooks.
– Light grey interior color throughout for better contrast and ease of finding things.
– Largest Vertx pack.
– 15” laptop and tablet sleeve.
– Velcro lined main compartment
– Customizable Tactigami (non-tactical looking accessories) firearm holster, flashlight holder, molle adapters, etc.
– Hydration hanger and pass through.
– Communication gear pass through.
– Oversized, easy to grab pull handle.
– Entire back panel can be fitted with Tactigami.
– Tactigami even works with your favorite kydex holsters.
– Armor panel sleeve with luggage pass through for use as arm shield (Captain America style).
– 1919 shoulder strap webbing stitched off every half inch to allow accessory/carabiner placement anywhere on strap.
– Quick release strap drops pack from body in the blink of an eye.
– Front pack opens completely for full accessibility.
– Full fold, loop lined concealment draw frame for quick access to arms. (Opens flat for organization)
– Dual-sized pockets and cinch-down side pockets with elasticized straps.
– Multiple interior organizational pockets.
– YKK Zipper
– Molle compatible front panel.
– Stretchable side pockets easily fit larger items including a 32oz Nalgene water bottle.
– Codura construction offers water resistance.

One of my favorite features of the Vertx EDC Gamut Plus backpack has to be the low-profile look. While you will find Vertx logos on the exterior of the pack, they remain almost invisible. Personally, I love how Vertx was able to incorporating their branding without it sticking out like a sore thumb.

In terms of overall design, you might confuse this pack for an LL Bean backpack should you take a quick glance. But that’s the point. This pack is meant to be carried every day and blend into virtually any surrounding.

And let’s face it, finding a tactical backpack that doesn’t scream tactical these days is pretty much impossible. All the non-tactical packs these days I’ve handled have had a serious lack of functionality. Luckily, Vertx has been able to offer the best of both worlds in one incredible backpack.

Front Compartment

Two (optional) buttons keep the front panel locked down alongside a small Velcro patch. When removed, you can yank on the pull tab and it will open up the entire panel compartment. A look inside will reveal a molle panel with Velcro to attach virtually any molle accessories that your heart can dream of.

If the pull tab isn’t for you, then you can always use the two side zippers for fast access.

Main Compartment

Just like the top compartment, two (optional) buttons secure the main compartment down. To open up the entire bag just use the two zipper pull handles at the top of the bag. Once opened, you’ll find multiple mesh and non-mesh pockets inside along a hook and loop interior for attaching anything Velcro. For staying organized, Vertx has given the end user plenty of options.

At the top of the interior you’ll also find a Velcro hook hanger for attaching a hydration sleeve. You’ll also find a pass through port just to the top left. Should you opt to not run a hydration sleeve you can always use the pass-through for communication gear.

To finish off this compartment, there’s also a dedicated laptop pocket which easily fits a 15” laptop with room to spare. Unlike other packs this pocket lets your laptop or tablet slide in and out with ease. You don’t have to wrestle it out.

Side Pockets

Side pockets make accessing essentials an easy task. Simply zip one of these pockets open and you’ll find multiple inner compartments featuring various sizes to fit just about anything.

To the right of these compartments you’ll also find a really nice black mesh pocket with an easy to located red zipper pull cord.

Side Stretch Pockets

On both sides of the Vertx EDC Gamut Plus backpack you’ll find two super stretchy pockets. To see what could all fit inside I stuffed in my 32oz Nalgene water bottle and it fit just fine with room to spare. I really like the depth and snugness of these stretch pockets as I feel I can easily run/sprint without having to worry about my water bottle/etc. slipping out.

Strap Detail

Another unique and really nice feature that I discovered with the Vertx EDC Gamut Plus backpack is the 1919 shoulder strap webbing, which is stitched off every 0.5 inches. By doing so Vertx gives you the ability to attach a carabineer/etc. anywhere on the strap you want.

I also like how Vertx finished off the ends of the shoulder straps in addition to the nice Velcro ties for the waist strap. If there’s one thing can’t stand its dangling straps; luckily those days are gone.

Tactigami And Armor Plate Compartment

Aside from the front and main compartment, the Vertx EDC Gamut Plus backpack features a Tactigami compartment. It’s this huge open area with a hook and loop fabric for attaching virtually any Vertx Tactigami accessory that your heart can imagine. In my review you’ll find I went with a Tactigami MAK full mag and kit holster. It fits 5.56 and 7.62 mags with perfection. Of course, even if you want to run your favorite kydex holster, Tactigami can do that too.

Best of all, you can access this section with an oversized pull handle. In the event of an emergency, one where you’re under high pressure, finding a tiny little zipper pull tab is going to be a serious struggle. With the oversized handle on this pack, getting this pack open is incredibly fast and easy every single time.

When it comes to the cool factor, it’s hard to top Vertx’s built in armor plate pocket. Simply unzip the compartment, slide in a plate and you’re good to go. But wait there’s more… Vertx has built in an arm pass through on the Vertx EDC Gamut Plus backpack so that you can literally use it as a shield. If you’ve ever seen Captain America’s shield, that’s exactly how it works. Slide your arm in and protect your body. It doesn’t get any cooler than that!

Very Top Pocket

At the very top of each Vertx EDC Gamut Plus backpack you’ll find zippered pocket that’s perfect for storing things like your sunglasses, keys, or anything you may need quick access to.

SBR Fitment

Can you fit a SBR or similar into this pack? The answer is yes, and quite comfortably.

All in all, when it comes to everyday carry and tactical packs, Vertx is the ultimate option. How in the world do you top such a low-profile pack while still packing in so much functionality? In short, this tactical backpack is easily one of my all-time favorites!