Recycled Firefighter (RF) is a brand that was started by Jake Starr, who is a full-time firefighter in Louisville, KY. Jake Starr began sewing in 2014, and from then to date, his garage has been able to produce more than 20 000 wallets and many other items. RF has recently created one of the most stylish backpacks on the market, and we’re going to review it here today.
The “Battalion 12L” Multicam backpack is a sleek and sturdy backpack suitable for EDC, outdoor, tactical, and survival use. Designed with some of the most durable materials on the market, the Battalion 12L backpack is a bag that you can depend on to withstand tough outdoor conditions. It has a 12-liter capacity, which is enough for you to carry the things that you may need in a day.
Technical Specifications of the Recycled Firefighter EDC Backpack
Features |
Recycled Firefighter Backpack |
| Construction: | 1000D Military Spec Cordura |
| Main compartment: | 1 |
| Storage Capacity: | 12-liter |
| Side mesh pockets: | 2 |
| Front zipper pocket: | 1 |
| Mil-Spec binding on the interior: | 1 inch |
| Mil-Spec webbing carry handle: | 2-inch |
| Mil-Spec Webbing on shoulder straps: | 1 inch |
| Cord Zipper Pulls: | 550 |
| Adjustable straps: | Yes |
| Padded shoulder straps: | Yes |
| Bar tacks: | Yes |
| All USA-made plastic hardware: | Yes |
| Velcro loop field: | Yes |
| Pack cloth: | High-visibility “Blaze Orange” high-density 400D |
Featuring a sleek and comfortable design, the Battalion 12L backpack can be your EDC backpack as it can carry a 23inch laptop, water bottle, jacket, and compartments for storing extra items. The 1000D military-Spec Cordura construction will ensure that the bag doesn’t wear out easily. These and many other features that we’re going to discuss in this review make the Recycled Firefighter “Battalion 12L” backpack a great backpack.
Recycled Firefighter Backpack Review
- 1000D Military Spec Cordura
- 12-liter storage capacity
- Reverse #10 YKK Mil-Spec Zippers
- One main compartment
- Two side mesh pockets
- One front zipper pocket
- High-visibility “Blaze Orange” high-density 400D pack cloth
- 1-inch Mil-Spec binding on interior
- Padded shoulder straps
- 2-inch Mil-Spec webbing carry handle
- Bar tacks
- Velcro loop field
- 550 Cord Zipper Pulls
- 1-inch Mil-Spec Webbing on shoulder straps
- All USA made plastic hardware
- Lay flat design for easy access
- All stress points are double or triple sewn
Features and benefits
The Recycled Firefighter Battalion 12L backpack is durably constructed to defy anything that is thrown at it. It doesn’t matter if you intend to use it in rough areas or as an office bag; it will still protect your items. The Battalion 12L pack also features reverse #10 YKK Mil-Spec zippers that allow smooth opening and closing. In addition, the backpack has 1-inch mil-spec binding on the interior for added durability. The plastic hardware found on the bag is all made in the USA and is extremely durable.Being a 12-liter capacity backpack, you will be able to carry a lot of things for use throughout the day. The bag has a main compartment, where you can store most of the items. Inside the main compartment, there are two mesh pockets for keeping items that you don’t use regularly but can access quickly if required. It also has one front zipper pocket for keeping items that you use on a daily basis.
This backpack can be easily accessed even in the dark as it has a high visibility interior pack cloth in the main compartment. You will be able to see what you’re looking for within no time. The 2-inch Mil-Spec webbing carry handle is very easy to grab and comfortable for people who love carrying their backpacks by hand. So, there is no straining even if your backpack is fully loaded.
What I love most about the RF Battalion 12L backpack is that it is very comfortable and stylish. It comes with ½-inch padded shoulder straps for all-day comfort. This means that no matter the load in the backpack, you will still be comfortable walking or running with it. For added durability, the backpack has bar tacks on shoulder attachment points, 0.35-inch thick foam bottom, and back for stiffness, and all the stress points are double or triple sewn.
The lay-flat design of the Battalion series backpack makes it easy to access whatever you’ve kept inside. You can keep a water bottle, 13-inch MacBook Pro laptop, pen, notebook, jacket, and a few items. If you have a 15-inch laptop, it won’t be able to fit in this compact backpack.
Built by a firefighter, the Battalion 12L backpack is a suitable bag for firefighters, survivalists, campers, civilians, emergency responders, and even hunters. It might be small in size, but it will still serve you for 12 hours and keep your items safe and secure. The Recycled Firefighter brand offers various colors to choose from, which are black, Coyote black, black Multicam, Typhon, and tactical grey.
No matter the color that you pick, the Battalion 12L bag remains a sturdy, lightweight, spacious, easy to carry, and comfortable backpack. You can use it to carry out your daily errands or carry things that you will use for a day.
One of the things that RF should improve on this backpack is its space and warranty. The product should have a warranty. Overall, this is a wonderful backpack at a very favorable price.
Pros:
- It has a large storage capacity
- The bag is sturdily made for longevity
- It is comfortable with adjustable and thick padded straps
- Easy to access items as the main compartment opens fully
- Sleek and stylish design
- Has high visibility 400D pack cloth that helps you easily find items even in the dark
Cons:
- The company doesn’t offer a warranty, unlike similar backpacks in the same price range that offer a lifetime or several years warranty.
- It doesn’t have MOLLE webbing on the outside, which limits the number of things that you can carry.
- Not an ideal laptop backpack. The backpack cannot fit a 15-inch sized Macbook pro but only a 13-inch or less Macbook pro laptop.
GoRuck GR1 Vs Recycled Firefighter Backpack Comparison
| Features | GoRuck GR1 | Recycled Firefighter |
| Material: | 1000D Cordura Nylon | Fire Hose Material |
| Capacity: | 12 Liters | 12 Liters |
| Weight: | 2.9 lbs | 1.8 lbs |
| Durability: | High | Moderate |
| Comfort: | Ergonomic padding | Basic padding |
| Price: | $295 | $200 |
| Water Resistance: | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty: | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Conclusion
The Recycled Firefighter “Battalion 12L” backpack is a nice pack for people looking for a 12-hour bag. It is sturdily constructed, stylish, and comfortable to wear. The backpack also has enough storage for a day, and you won’t feel any fatigue carrying it as it has wider straps with padding. You can access the items in the main compartment at night due to the high visibility interior pack cloth.
But if you want a backpack with lots of compartments for proper organization of your items or a slightly larger bag to take you for 24 hours, then this is not the backpack for you. However, this is a lovely and durable pack that you will use for many years to come.
FAQ
Question: Does this backpack come with a belt or loop for Conceal carry?
Answer: No, it doesn’t have one. If you’re looking for a backpack with a Conceal carry compartment, then look elsewhere. You can try out the 5.11 tactical Covrt 18 backpack. This one has a CCW pocket, and it can be accessed from both sides.
Question: Is there padding on the bottom of the backpack to protect the computer?
Answer: Yes, there is. It has .35 inch padding on both the bottom and back of the bag. But this protection is suitable for laptops that are 13-inches or less. So, if your laptop is 15 inches or more, then you shouldn’t put it in this backpack as it will not be very safe.
Question: Is this backpack comfortable to carry?
Answer: Yes, it is. The RF backpack is very comfortable as it features shoulder straps and a back with thick padding for comfort. It is also lightweight and excellently made for easy carry.
Still, have a question after reading this Recycled Firefighter Backpack Review? Comment below.