Review: 5.11 Skyweight Utility Chest Pack – Perfect for Outdoor Adventures!
Morgan Rogue 06.21.23
I’ve always wanted a chest pack. I’ve just never found the right one.
That is, until 5.11 Tactical released the Skyweight Utility Chest Pack!
The family and I went out on a weekend-long off roading trip to break in the new ATV trails on opening weekend here in Alaska. We have to wait until after breakup (meaning the spring break-up of the ice on the rivers and gradual melting away of snow and drying out of soil on land) for a while to make sure the trails stay in good shape. Or at least in better shape.
Anyway, having a chest pack is an easy way to access anything I might need while I’m adventuring with my family.
Most of the packs I’ve seen have been bulky and just don’t look comfortable in the least.
The Skyweight Utility Chest Pack is lightweight, easily adjustable to my smaller figure and has a quick release so it can come on and off quickly and easily without assistance from anyone else.
What’s neat about this is that it also has a removable harness so it can also be used as a waist pack should you want to change it up.
I haven’t yet fully outfitted this chest pack, but for me, being able to easily access a knife, flashlight, my phone, maybe a compact pistol, is an ideal setup for me. I don’t need a whole lot weighing me down in the front. To me, this is a quick access pack and I can have a pack on my back for more stuff if need be.
I can also stuff wild edibles into this front pouch, too. It’s quite convenient!
Speaking of a compact pistol, there are quick pulls which allows for the quickest draw of the pistol from the chest position.
I also have the 5.11 Packable Poncho in the front compartment there but I’ll review that another time. It fits snuggly up in front and doesn’t compromise the weight or size of the pack in anyway, it’s very nice!
I think what I like best about this is the many compartments on the inside. Like most 5.11 gear, it seems to have compartments among compartments among compartments. Plenty of space for whatever you may want to carry!
While most people might be wondering where the molle is on the outside to attach more stuff, I’m actually happy that it doesn’t have any of that on the outside so I can stay grey man while also not being tempted to put a lot of extra stuff on the outside that I really don’t need to have swung around.
There are a couple loops that you can attach a carabiner or two on, but in general, it doesn’t have a lot of room for outside gear, which I’m totally fine with.
This adds a whole new layer to my gear. I can wear this chest pack, a waist pack and a backpack! I can be loaded down with gear! But seriously, this adds a layer of gear that allows for accessibility but also continues to allow me to stay mobile and lightweight without being weighed down.
If you’ve been looking for a chest pack, whether male or female, this is definitely the pack to check out for all of your hunting, wild foraging or family outdoor adventures!
Coming in at $60, the Skyweight Utility Chest Pack will make you eager to wear each time you head into the woods.
