Setting out to buy cool gear, most people outside of law enforcement don’t pay attention to police gear. But a lot of gear, like the Patrol Bag we are discussing in this article, works great for more than police work.
Cops are in the field every day, and because of this, they need gear that is built well enough to hold up to constant use. This doesn’t mean everything made for them is built extremely well. Like any field, there are good and not-so-good products in law enforcement. But when you are talking specifically about professional-grade gear for police, you know it is gear that will hold up to constant, heavy use.
I purchased my first “patrol bag” right out of the academy. Just about every cop under the sun either owns such a bag or has owned one in the past. It looks somewhat like a duffel bag but is made for a specific purpose. That is, organizing and carrying gear while at work, and to and from work.
My first bag was full of stuff; some I used daily, and other stuff I learned I didn’t need. Everything from my ticket book, to batteries, water bottle, extra handcuffs, and other accessories for my belt were kept in it. The large middle area would hold my duty belt and gun when I was traveling to and from work.
But just because it’s called the “Patrol Bag” doesn’t mean you have to be a cop to use one. So, if you’re looking for a new gear bag, check out this quick rundown of Safariland’s Patrol Bag.
The Patrol Bag
From my own experience, I know that Safariland gear is top-notch. I used a Safariland duty holster from my first day in the academy and continue to use one today. I’ve also used their backpacks, Hatch gloves, and other gear. It has always held up very well, and this patrol bag is made of the same quality.
It’s constructed from durable 600D fabric, which is known for its resistance to abrasion and water. The bag is also designed to withstand significant crush force. It can handle up to 200lbs of vertical load without tearing. For the size of the bag, 200lbs would be a lot of weight and gear.
Compartments
The bag’s main compartment is all open, so it’s perfect for larger items. You can also access stuff quickly by just opening the top of it. All the inside walls are covered in felt, so Velcro items can be placed wherever you need them. The zip-open top (lid) has two large zip-open compartments made from a netting, so you can see what is in them.
All the interior walls of the bag have padding-lined material to help protect your gear inside.
A large compartment goes across the front of the bag and has two zippers so you can lock it if needed. Inside this compartment is a divider where papers and other items can be slid. On the outside of this divider are six elastic sleeves for pens and two wider sleeves for business cards, cell phones, and such items.
On each side of the bag is a large zip-open compartment that is about 7 inches by 9 inches.
Specifications
- Material: Black 600D fabric
- External Dimensions: 22″ L x 11.5″ W x 12″ H
- Interior Dimensions: 17″ L x 9″ W x 12″ H
- Front Pocket: 15″ L x 2″ W x 10″ H
- Side Pockets: 7″ L x 2.5″ W x 10″ H (each)
- Pockets: Main compartment, two interior zippered mesh pockets, one front organizational pocket with various slots, two side pockets
- Features: Padded carry handle, D-rings for a removable shoulder strap, heavy-duty zippers
- Crush Force: 200 lb vertical load capacity on exterior
Other Uses for the Safariland Patrol Bag
As I mentioned above, the Patrol Bag was originally designed for police use. But I find myself buying police or military gear for everyday use because of the quality.
Another benefit is the size. Most duffel bags I’ve used in the past are larger than this, and the material is thinner. Those are fine for some tasks, but if I want to put together a gear bag or emergency bag, they don’t always work.
One of my favorite uses for this specific bag is an emergency bag for my car. It was made to be in a vehicle anyway, so it just makes sense, right? You can keep a medical kit, fire extinguisher, flares, rain jackets, stocking cap, gloves, and other gear in it.
If you have a family, you can even throw some of their items in it, or heck, if you want a really cool, tactical diaper bag…
Besides an emergency bag, it also makes a perfect gear bag for your doomsday gear or even a range bag. You can store ammunition, ear and eye pro, magazines, and other shooting accessories in it.
It’s also a fantastic gym bag. Even though it’s not a giant duffel bag, it’s the perfect size for your clothes, a towel, a water bottle, and other gear you take to the gym.
Because the inside walls are felt, you can even attach a Velcro holster if you carry a gun to the gym. The smaller pockets on the ends are great for keys, phones, wallet, pocketknife, etc.
You could also use it for a carry-on travel bag or a work bag. It’s just a great overall size for daily use.
Built for police, but works for anyone
While the bag was built for law enforcement use, it’s a high-quality bag that is well worth the $99 it retails for. It comes with a detachable shoulder strap, and the zippers are heavy-duty, made for constant use.
The metal rings on each end (where the shoulder strap attaches) can also be used with carabiners for holding water bottles, keys, and other items.
Safariland has been making quality gear for a long time, and at this price, you can’t really go wrong with the Patrol Bag.
