History of Crye Precision
Crye Precision is one of the worlds leading developers, manufacturers and distributors of high grade clothing and equipment not only serving US Military forces and Law Enforcement Agencies but also globally to other military and LEA's. Crye gear is used across the different arms of the military and at the base level, provides uniforms, tactical armour plate carriers and pouch systems.
For more info - visit Crye Precision website.
Why the Crye Precision AVS 1000 Pack?
The Crye Precision AVS is the plate carrier equivalent of a workhorse that is adaptable and reliable. Crye continue to design and manufacture new products and the AVS 1000 Pack which has been out for several years is one piece of sought after kit. With the AVS in its standard configuration, the operator is able to carry a wide range of ammunition, comms equipment, medical kit and much more. The ability to add pouches enables the operator to increase carriage, but sometimes you need something more than a large pouch to house extra gear. In comes the AVS 1000 Pack designed as a low profile, sleek add-on to the AVS or used in isolation as a pack. The AVS 1000 enables the operator to carry extensive ammunition, hydration bladders and other ancillary equipment in a multitude of pockets. Whilst similar to an assault pack, it's smaller size and lower profile enables it to be attached directly to the AVS in a variety of methods.
I spent an inordinate amount of time looking for a lightweight pack and the compatibility with my existing AVS platform meant that I kept coming back to it. Not being a larger 3 day assault style pack meant that for carriage of additional lightweight, smaller framed equipment, the AVS 1000 was a sensible choice.
Product details
Herein lies the product description from the website;
Description
The AVS 1000 PACK is a streamlined, lightweight assault pack designed to provide the user with a variety of access and attachment options. It can be configured as a standalone pack, a rear plate bag replacement, or attached directly to the plate carrier (or virtually any vest) to allow quick access without redundant pack straps. Made in the US from US materials.
Features
Removable frame sheet
3 row by 3 column external MOLLE panel
Bottle holder designed for .75 L bottle and smaller
Hydration bladder sleeve
Two ports for tube and cable routing
Three medium-sized pockets with exterior access
One inward-expanding medium-sized pocket
Can hold ballistic plate (up to XL) with use of frame sheet
Adjustable and removable sternum strap
Externally sewn compression straps
Main zipper pulls are designed to hitch together to secure around UHF antenna
Stow bars for attaching 1, 2, or 3 band cummerbunds
Configuration
AVS Self-Access - Low-profile option that's well-suited for quickly accessing pack contents and easy don/doff.
Fixed (Plate Bag) - Replaces the rear plate bag of either the AVS or JPC: accommodates all ESAPI and swimmer-cut plate sizes.
AVS Semi-Fixed - Low-profile option for carrying items that don’t require immediate access while retaining easy don/doff access.
Standalone - Geared toward everyday use as a lightweight backpack.
MOLLE-Attach - Allows the user to secure the pack to any PALS platform with a 4-stow by 6-row area available.
Packaging exterior
The AVS 1000 Pack was shipped in a standard large clear plastic sealable bag. The exterior of the bag featured one product sticker. The entire package in total weighed just over 1000 grams.
Contents
The AVS 1000 Pack package contained;
AVS Pack
Back Pad
Frame sheet (pre-installed)
Shoulder pads
Small plastic bag containing;
2x Self-access shoulder strap anchors
Left & Right hinge
2x Semi-fixed hardware (male & female buckles)
2x Self-access shoulder straps
Front adjustment strap
3x Adjustment straps
Sternum strap - female
Components in detail
The AVS 1000 Pack is manufactured using a mixture of Nylon, Polyester, Spandex, plastic zip tags, paracord and metal zips. The base fabric used throughout the AVS 100 Pack is 100% Nylon, whilst the stretch panels are a mixture of Nylon and Spandex.
AVS 1000 Pack Measurements
Height 46 cm
Width 32 cm
Depth 7 cm
The AVS 1000 Pack itself weighs approx 650 g
The AVS 1000 Pack can carry approx 20 litres
Front panel
The AVS 1000 Pack from the exterior has numerous accessible pockets of varying sizes.
The first pocket (images 1 & 4) is at the top front of the pack with a single small zip (19.5 cm across) that once opened allows access to a large interior pocket in the front flap running from the top of the pack to 3/4 of the way to the bottom as highlighted by the red box in image 1. Inside of the pocket in the base are two drainage holes which open into the interior of the largest main pocket.
The second pocket (images 2 & 5) with a single zip (22 cm across) is a medium sized pocket, the front of which is made using stretch material enabling operators to put slightly larger bulky items in here.
The third pocket (images 3 & 6) at the bottom featuring a double zip is for a small horizontal pouch, again with the exterior of the pouch manufactured out of stretch material using a small single zip (25 cm across). Inside of the pocket in the base are two drainage holes which open into the interior of the largest main pocket.
Main pocket
The largest main pocket can be accessed by the double zip that runs from the left to the right hand side with a full width opening of approx 59 cm. The interior of the largest pocket can comfortably fit 44 x 30 cm sized itrems. At the top of the front panel interior is the product label 'CRYE PRECISION - POUBP1'. The interior rear of the pocket is split in two as seen in image two below. Foremost is a thin sheet material pocket that can be used to either hold in place a laptop, books, a kevlar plate or a hydration bladder, keeping those items separate from the rest of your carried kit in the main pocket. The top of this pocket is made using elasticated material enabling it to fit snugly against any items held within and the whole pocket is manufactured using a lightweight water resistant material (the same material as used for the SSE material bag). The back of this pocket also features 2 vertical slits on the left and right hand side as highlighted in image three. When the frame sheet is inserted into the rearmost pocket, it comes with a compression strap and buckle attached to it. The male and female parts of the strap can be fed through the vertical slits and used to compress / hold in place any items in this pack. This is especially useful for holding a hydration bladder, comms equipment or a non full width item in place. At the top of this large interior pocket is also a female buckle. This can be used as an attachment point again for a hydration bladder ensuring that once it starts to empty it doesn't sag to the bottom of the bag, preventing it being crushed or damaged.
Inner pocket
The rearmost pocket is the one in which the frame sheet is inserted. This frame sheet holds the shape of the pack when it's empty and provides some back support and attachment points (See above).
Left hand side (when facing pack)
The left hand side features a .75l water bottle pouch which can store either a water bottle, spare magazines or radio equipment if required. The pocket is manufactured using the spandex material and the top of the pouch is elasticated enabling the pocket to fit snugly around items inserted into the pocket. The left hand side also features a compression strap with male / female buckle parts. This enables the operator to compress the pack if it is bulky. Inside of the pocket in the base is one drainage hole which opens into the interior of the largest main pocket.
Right hand side (when facing pack)
The right hand side features 3x3 MOLLE loops that enables the operator to attach; another pouch (medical / tourniquet pouch for example), cyalumes, carabiners etc. The right hand side features an identical compression strap as the left hand side. Above the MOLLE is the atypical Crye Precision diagonal label stitched into the pack.
Rear panel
The rear features two large velcro loop panels running from the top to the bottom, measuring 39 x 6.5 cm. These panels are used to affix the H shaped back pad to the pack when using it in the shoulder pad configuration (worn as a pack). At the top of the velcro panels are the webbing stows, through which the shoulder straps can be passed / threaded through and connected to the velcro for fixtures. At the bottom of the velcro panels on the left and right hand side are two poppers used as MOLLE attachment points in the MOLLE-Attach configuration. The lower left and right hand sides of the rear panel feature 4 vertical MOLLE loops that enable the pack to be used in the JPC Fixed configuration.
Top
The top of the pack features a centrally located grab handle that is stitched into the interior of the pack. To the left and right hand side of the handle (best seen from the rear) are two comms / water ports enabling cabling or tubing to passed from the interior of the pack to the exterior.
Base
The base of the pack reveals two drainage holes in the base enabling water to exit the pack if submerged.
AVS 1000 Pack Configurations
The AVS 1000 Pack is designed to be multi functional and adaptable. It can be used in any of the five configurations with no additional purchases necessary. The configs are; Fixed, Semi-fixed, Shoulder pad, MOLLE-Attach and Self Access. The below section covers each of these configurations in detail.
AVS Self-access Configuration
This config is designed for when the operator wants to carry additional kit and equipment in their pack without the need for a larger pack. It is further designed so that the operator can easily install the pack onto the rear of their AVS and when required, quickly unclip the pack (on the left or right hand side) and have the entire pack accessible having been swung to the front.
This config is particularly useful if you're likely as an individual to require access to the kit without the need of a teammate.
The below images illustrate the AVS PACK 1000 worn in the self-access config.
AVS Semi-fixed Configuration
This config is designed for when the operator wants to carry additional kit and equipment in their pack without the need for a larger pack. This config ensures that the pack is semi-fixed on at the top of the pack and held in place generally by the horizontal waist strap.
Again this config is useful however you'll need a teammate on hand to be able to access or remove kit from the pack due to its' attachment method.
The below images illustrate the AVS PACK 1000 worn in the semi-fixed config.
Fixed (Plate bag) Configuration
This config replaces the rear plate bag on the AVS or JPC. As mentioned in the details section above, the pack can within the rear pocket house a kevlar plate.
Replacing the rear rear bag plate can be advantageous to some, however this does reduce the amount of real estate for pouches and equipment and due to the pack being attached to the AVS harness it is not quick to remove.
The below images illustrate the AVS PACK 1000 worn in the fixed config.
MOLLE-Attach Configuration
This is a fixed config whereby the pack is attached to the rear of the AVS carrier via a number of MOLLE attachment points via the PALS platform. The operator can also use the horizontal waist strap to keep the pack in place.
For the MOLLE Attach config you need to remove the zip panel from the rear plate bag therefore losing storage, however the pack replacement should make up for any space lost.
The below images illustrate the AVS PACK 1000 worn in the MOLLE attach config.
Shoulder Pad Configuration
This config enables the pack to be used as a standalone traditional pack using shoulder straps and can be worn in conjunction with the AVCS or any plate carrier if required.
This config is best used when in a low profile role or for use as a civilian. It can be used with carriage kit such as a plate carrier or weapons system though the operator needs to ensure that they can quickly don / doff the pack if required.
The below images illustrate the AVS PACK 1000 worn in the shoulder pad config.
Maintenance
As with all clothing and tactical equipment, maintenance should be a part of the routine of handling, using and storing your gear. Gear that is cleaned, repaired and looked after will last longer which is essential when considering replacement costs of damaged gear through negligence. The AVS 1000 Pack can be maintained using the following guidance;
Use stiff / medium brush to clean off large pieces of debris from exterior of pack.
Use soft brush to remove finer debris from exterior.
Hand wash in warm water with a mild detergent.
Use soft brush or cloth to clean interior of pack.
Hang and allow to dry naturally.
Testing
The AVS 1000 Pack was tested in each of the configurations in several environments; range, urban woodland. I have ranked them in personal preference of config for interest.
AVS Self-access Configuration - the pack was fixed to the rear over the top of the Crye Precision Zip on Panel 2.0. Whilst generally this double config would not be used, this does actually enable the operator to carry kit (less essential) stowed in the zip panel which can be accessed still by teammates if required. The ability to quickly snap two buckles and have immediate access to the Pack and its' contents is very useful, especially if it is used for carrying sensitive equipment, additional ammunition or other equipment. Throughout usage in the urban and woodland environment when more movement was used, the adjustment straps should be tightened to reduce likelihood of the pack bouncing around. Even after use for several hours the straps were not seen to have loosened.
Shoulder Pad Configuration - the atypical config used to transform the AVS 1000 Pack into a traditional shoulder pack. This config certainly has its uses either on the civilian street as a simple low profile pack or used in the field to carry additional equipment. This config in the field does enable the operator to use it as a lightweight daysack designed to carry for example OP gear into position, drop the pack in position and then allow the operator to proceed on patrol without any pack hinderance. This config is useful, though with the addition of 2 shoulder straps it's imperative to ensure that your sling is on underneath of the pack to enable the operator to quickly ditch the pack and move off without getting tangled up in the shoulder straps and sling.
AVS Semi-fixed Configuration - in this config the zip panel was removed as it would typically be. This config does reduce the amount of kit that can be carried and means that the pack is not easily accessible by the operator and is reliant on teammates to access it and the kit inside. There is slight movement up and down in the pack if it's loaded with equipment as it's only fixed in place by buckles at the top and the front adjustment strap. Whilst the config is useful, I feel that it's not one that's of immediate use.
MOLLE-Attach Configuration - similar to the AVS Semi-fixed config, there are reduced contact points between the Pack and the AVS meaning that there is some movement if the Pack is loaded with equipment. This config does require the removal of any rear zip on panels therefore again carriage of equipment, ammunition, medical supplies etc are reduced.
Fixed (Plate bag) Configuration - this config was my least favourite option. Whilst the pack is able to accommodate a kevlar plate, having just the pack on the rear of the AVS removes some of the AVS capabilities and compatibility options. With only 3x3 MOLLE rows on the exterior of the pack, there is very limited expansion space on the rear of the AVS in this config. Depending on deployment requirements, I can see this config in used if performing a Medic role enabling the storage and carriage of extra / bulky medical equipment.
Thoughts and opinion
The AVS 1000 Pack is a compact low profile pack suited for a multitude of uses, environments and enables the operator to pack light or pack heavy. Midway between a combination of large pouches and a 3 day assault pack it is certainly useful for those deployments requiring carriage of lightweight kit for short periods. Depending on needs, it's certainly advisable to test kit in the pack for load and comfort especially if not having used one before. The multitude of configurations is hugely advantageous and with the fact that all of the config parts required are included in the package and price, this a positive.
I use the pack during range days predominantly in the self-access config as that is my favoured config when carrying a weapons system. I've also used it several times in the shoulder pad config, with it being green, low profile and not too dissimilar from other packs in a civilian environment.
Crye Precision is a brand that's reputable and dependable but also it's not cheap due to the quality of materials, craftsmanship, research and development that go into their products. The AVS 1000 Pack is not cheap however if you're after a pack but don't want to carry a larger 3-day assault pack around and want a pack to stow medical, ammunition or comms equipment, the AVS 100 Pack is likely to be a go to piece of equipment.
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Final Note
I am not paid for my blogs by the manufacturers or companies that I purchase my items from. I am not offered freebies to promote a product. These blogs are purely written from my own experience in truth to help advise and inform others who may wish to purchase the items or understand more about them. If I am sent a freebie to review this will be stated at the beginning to make you aware.