Ferro Concepts has recently added a new Plate Pack to its product lineup, developed in cooperation with Flux Defense. At first glance, the design combines an unassuming urban backpack with the ability to quickly transform it into a front-mounted Plate Carrier. The manufacturer describes it as a discreet “go-fast” backpack designed to carry ballistic protection, mission-essential equipment and a PDW-class firearm without attracting attention. Once the task is complete, the equipment can be stowed back inside the backpack, allowing the user to return to a civilian appearance.
Ferro Concepts is a popular American manufacturer of tactical gear, with its product lineup including plate carriers, chest rigs, iconic gun belts, bags and other equipment-carrying accessories. The Plate Pack is a more unusual solution than a conventional “carrier” for tactical gear. Instead of concealing a traditional tactical platform beneath a civilian appearance, the manufacturer started with the form of an ordinary backpack which, when properly configured, reveals its tactical purpose.
Inside the Plate Pack is a pocket for a ballistic plate, positioned against the wearer’s body. The backpack is primarily designed to accommodate Medium ULV plates as well as other SAPI-cut plates approximately 24.1 to 26 cm wide and 30.5 to 33.7 cm high. While the Plate Pack itself does not provide ballistic protection, the manufacturer states that it can accommodate plates providing protection up to Level IV. The Plate Pack was designed around the Flux Defense Raider platform and is intended to accommodate a Flux Raider as well as a folded SIG MCX Rattler. A layer of foam has been added to the bottom of the backpack to reduce the visibility of the barrel’s outline through the material.
The backpack features an adjustable sternum strap, a removable waist belt and a carry handle on top. A general-purpose pocket is located on the exterior. Opening the main compartment provides access to an internal kangaroo pocket designed to accommodate magazine inserts, including Ferro Concepts Turnovers. The front of the pocket features a MOLLE panel for attaching additional equipment. The upper section of the backpack’s interior also features a Loop Velcro panel for attaching identification patches.
The Plate Pack is made from Challenge SailCloth, a weather-resistant material. The backpack is approximately 45.7 cm high, 32.4 cm wide and 8.9 cm deep. The dimensions of the external front pocket are approximately 15.2 × 21.6 × 3.8 cm.
An important part of the setup is the optional Plate Pack Insert - Carry Kit, an insert featuring a laser-cut thermoplastic panel secured inside the backpack with snaps and hook-and-loop fasteners. This design allows it to serve as a universal mounting platform for various types of equipment, including holsters and the Safariland QLS system. The insert features eight holster mounting points and is also designed to make the Plate Pack easier to use. An integrated 4-inch rigid strap helps maintain usable free space inside the backpack, while a hook-and-loop attachment point keeps the insert secured against the interior wall. The Carry Kit also features elastic side pockets designed to hold magazines.
The setup is complemented by a removable tear-away gun skirt, which can be attached inside the backpack to cover the tools and equipment being carried. Its design allows the cover to be quickly removed when full access to the equipment is required. The insert measures approximately 26.7 × 27.9 cm. The Carry Kit can also be purchased separately without the backpack.
The Plate Pack is available in two color variants, Denim Grey and Denim Blue. Both versions can be purchased either as the backpack alone or as a set with the Carry Kit. The Plate Pack therefore occupies a space somewhere between a civilian backpack and tactical equipment.
Photos: Ferro Concepts
