I had originally been trying to get my hands on a TAD Gear Fastpack Litespeed (same capacity as Rush 12), to replace my bigger TAD EDC pack, which is a great pack but just too big for everyday needs or my typical day hike. TAD packs sell out way too fast though, and after missing the last three restocks in a row (their stuff literally sells out within an hour of going live on their website these days) I decided it just wasn't worth it to keep waiting.
A coworker had purchased a rush 12 a few months ago and I was impressed enough that it stayed on my mind while waiting for another TAD restock. After missing that one, I decided to "settle" for a rush 12. Received the pack today, and I have to say, I don't think I would want the Litespeed now even if it were available.
This pack has better organization features, feels just as tough, and is more configuable with addon pouches, which I've already placed an order for. It's also very comfortable even after loading it up with all my EDC gear. I like that there's no waistbelt (though I can add one if I want), and I can remove the chest support strap from the shoulder straps - good for during the work week when I only need to sling the pack over my shoulder going to and from the car, etc. and don't want extra dangling straps.
Thats another thing I like about the Rush 12 - no unnecessary extra belts or straps hanging everywhere. Theres only two compression straps (all you need on a pack this size), and the extra bits on the shoulder straps, all of which were quickly cleaned up with the elastic strap keepers, leaving a very clean looking pack.
Tons of webbing on this thing, leaving me plenty of options for pouches. I'm going with a mix of 5.11 and maxpedition pouches to round it out for easy adaptation between EDC and hiking.
One last little bonus I love about this pack is that my iPad with leather book cover fits perfectly in the zippered hydration pocket.
The only small complaint I have is that I'd like to see a couple of small loops inside the main pocket at the top for attaching key chains or other tools like ziplights etc. - something I liked about my TAD pack. But I can just rig something with paracord on the webbing at the top and feed it through one of the hydration tube holes as a work around. Not a big deal.
I'm pretty big on quality gear and prefer to spend more up front to get the best rather than spending more over time and having to replace inferior products. I was a bit concerned about the low price of this pack but it really does look like a good quality item, and for half the cost of a TAD pack, I feel like I got a deal. Time will tell I guess. Will update this review if I have any problems with it.
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