TT Base Pack 52 – Robust backpack with MOLLE loops

This article is sponsored by Tasmanian Tiger.

The Base Pack 52 is a backpack that stands out visually due to the MOLLE loops running around it. The backpack can be used with or without the lid compartment and features a well-sized carrying system for its volume. It can be expanded as needed with MOLLE pouches (e.g., TT Tac Pouch 15 Set).

Data

Material: CORDURA® 700 den, T-Square Rip FD
Volume: 52 liters (expandable to 65 liters with roll-top)
Weight: 2.67 kg
Carrying system: V2 Plus system (TT)

Carrying System

The V2 Plus carrying system is designed by TT for medium to heavy loads. In my experience, it can handle up to around 20 kg quite comfortably.

The shoulder straps are height-adjustable. I’m 1.92m tall, and at the maximum setting, the back system fits me just right. There’s also a handle between the shoulder straps, making it easier to load or lift the backpack.

For the load control belts you have two loops, with which you can adjust the height a little.

With the higher loop, the back system fits ok for me. More on this in the conclusion.

The shoulder straps come with an adjustable chest strap and each has a D-ring at the front.

The V2 Plus carrying system features a particularly stiff hip belt that sits well on the hips.

It is also removable. Here, you can clearly see the aluminum struts that further stiffen the back.

These run the full length of the back and are slightly curved.

Even without the hip belt, they can be fastened into the back system with Velcro.

The hip belt is fully equipped with webbing. You can attach compatible pouches here. Keep in mind that this is not MOLLE webbing, as the straps are not aligned or spaced in the usual MOLLE configuration. Thus, the belt can also be used as a battle belt.

When mounted on the backpack, pouches can only be attached to the sides.

At the front, there’s a buckle, and you can tighten the straps directly to the sides without any detour.

Lid Compartment

The lid compartment features a Velcro panel on the front.

On both sides, the lid compartment has adjustable quick-release buckles. This allows for easy removal or optimal adjustment of the lid position when the backpack is fully loaded.

The sides of the lid compartment can be tightened with an elastic drawstring.

On top, there are MOLLE loops and four square rings.

The compartment can be fully opened, giving you easy access to an internal pocket. There are no additional organizational features inside.

On the underside of the lid compartment, there is a pocket marked for first aid.

The lid compartment is attached to the upper strap with a tri-glide buckle.

Main Compartment

There is a Velcro panel at the top and plenty of MOLLE on the front. The lid straps are removable.

MOLLE is also present on the sides, along with two compression straps.

At the bottom, there are two loops for ski poles or ice tools. One of the included holders is shown lying on the backpack here.

The front straps also run across the bottom of the backpack. The webbing runs through a square ring at the front.

Thanks to the square ring, you can secure a sleeping mat or other items at the bottom and front without them sliding down together.

The bottom compartment looks quite small from the outside at first glance. However, there is enough space inside for a Defence4 sleeping bag, for example.

The partition between the main compartment and the bottom compartment can be opened with a zipper.

When the backpack is closed at the top, you can compress it further by tightening the side straps downwards. The side straps are removable and can be placed anywhere thanks to the MOLLE loops.

This allows the backpack to be comfortably carried and compressed in height even without the lid compartment.

These black buckles are designed so that both parts are identical. There is no male and female version here; both buckles function as both.

So, you can alternatively close the top of the backpack like a stuff sack. This is especially useful when using the lid compartment.

Here is the upper strap where the lid compartment is attached. It can also be used to securely fix additional gear, such as a rope, to the backpack.

This strap is also removable.

The strap and buckle at the front of the backpack can also be removed.

At the back, there is a flat compartment for a hydration bladder. It can be secured at the top with Velcro.

Inside, there’s some MOLLE-compatible Velcro.

Example of Use

Thanks to the MOLLE loops, the backpack can be easily customized. For example, I’ve attached the side pouches from the Mil Ops Pack and the Focus ML camera bag on the outside. Both are, of course, sold separately.

Conclusion

Usage
I primarily use the backpack for day trips with a lot of gear (such as climbing tours) or for bivouac trips. Thanks to the long lower compression straps, a sleeping mat or bivy roll can be easily attached to the outside of the backpack. For cold-weather tours, I think it could use a bit more volume, but there are other backpacks for that (like the Base Pack 75). The MOLLE system also allows you to upgrade the backpack with additional pouches if you need more capacity.

Carrying Comfort
I also own a TT Raid Pack MKIII, which has the V2 Plus back system, but it lacks the extra strap for the load control. I notice that the back system feels a bit short. On the Base Pack 52, I find the V2 Plus system stronger, and I can comfortably carry up to 20 kg over a longer period. The grab handle between the shoulder straps is quite close to the pack and not that easy to grasp, which can be a bit inconvenient when lifting or loading, but it doesn’t affect the carrying experience.

Conclusion
Initially, I was a bit skeptical about the many MOLLE areas, but I’ve grown very fond of the backpack and use it frequently. It perfectly fills the gap between a slightly larger daypack and a full-sized backpack.