I have been using products from Drago Gear for quite a few years now. I was first introduced to their fine tactical rifle cases nearly 10 years ago, while I was still on our SRT Team at Union County S.O. Drago padded ballistic nylon cases provided protection and room for spare magazines and ammo for both my entry carbine and sniper rifle. Both cases have held up very well and are still used for carrying my patrol rifle while on duty at the Village of Baltimore PD.

In addition to rifle cases, I have worked with various carry packs from Drago, which most recently included their Atlus Sling backpack. This single-shoulder strap pack features a separate compartment for a concealed handgun as well as multiple storage compartments. I have used this pack for well over a year of almost daily carry to work and it still looks as good as new.

While at the NRA Convention this year, I made contact with the folks at Drago to check out some of their newest gear and was shown their new Ranger Laptop Backpack.

Before I get into the details of the Ranger, I want to point out the fact that it is not designed as a concealed carry system. There is no handgun compartment as there is in the Atlus backpack, even though it has a distinctly tactical appearance—which is a definite plus, as tactical designs can improve our interaction with even day-to-day, non-weapon objects. Even so, the Ranger has a small interior pocket where a pistol the size of a Ruger LCP or North American Arms .32 ACP Guardian pistol could rest quite comfortably.

My sample Ranger Laptop Backpack came in basic tactical black (additional available colors are gray, green, and tan). Its dual shoulder straps distribute the weight of an up to 15-inch notebook and its support supplies more evenly across both shoulders than does the single strap Atlus pack—which I also used for carrying my laptop in its main compartment. Both of the Ranger’s shoulder straps have breathable padding and a quick-release chest-connecting strap that keeps them together to bear the load.

Speaking of the main mission of the Ranger Laptop Backpack, the dedicated laptop compartment envelops an up to 15-inch notebook computer with a special protective padding. There is a Velcro flap to hold the laptop in place once it is inserted. Not only is the interior computer pocket padded, the laptop is further protected by the back-relief panel padding that keeps the Ranger wearer comfortable.

The Ranger exterior has MOLLE webbing on the front of the sides that allows attachment of load-bearing equipment. I currently use the MOLLE webbing on the front of the large frontal compartment to hold ink pens for quick access, and of course any gear that is MOLLE capable.

There are two main compartments on the front, with the top compartment being smaller. The large lower compartment has a secondary sub-compartment that helps to keep gear organized. Inside there is additional internal organization for flashlights, knives, keys, pens, spare ammo, and other gear. The aforementioned pocket that could hold a small handgun obviously can be put to other uses as well.

The Ranger dimensions are 18″ x 17.5″ x 12″—which is about ideal for the mission of a pack like this. Pulling open a Velcro secured compartment at the back of the pack above the back-relief panel reveals a compartment for a hydration reservoir, or a space for some additional hidden storage. At the front of the Ranger are two loops to hold a drink tube on either the left or right side.

Also on the front of the Ranger on the top compartment is a strip of Velcro that allows you to mount your favorite specialized patch. At the lower rear of the Ranger is a discreet clear compartment where you can insert a business card to identify the pack as yours.

As you can see, the Ranger Laptop Backpack is highly adaptable, and can be used for a lot of other missions besides hauling a laptop around. Since it is a military-grade item built to withstand the harshest of conditions, it should last forever when deployed for most mundane day-to-day uses. I have been carrying the usual assortment of personal/instructional gear in mine at work—I stopped carrying a briefcase years ago—and find its size to be ideal.

I checked the internet for pricing and found the Ranger Laptop Backpack available for sale at Cheaper Than Dirt for $55.99, which is an excellent price for a pack that will last a lifetime (rather than some cheap knock-off that will end up being torn to shreds in short order). Check out the Ranger Laptop Backpack and the other Drago Gear products at www.dragogear.com.