I think of Eberlestock’s EMOD System as the Alien Gear Holsters of the “military” backpack world. They attempt to solve multiple problems but fails in execution. For now I’ll stick on strictly reviewing the Mission Assault Pack: Has good Cubic Volume on paper but when in use it quickly fills up and due to the importance of pockets, you may find yourself adding a few GP pouches due to the lack of usable pockets on the pack itself, which ends up taking up quite a bit of real estate in the pack. On the topic of pockets, I was extremely excited to utilize the interior lid pockets only for them to be tiny, I understand it’s for “sensitive items” but isn’t this supposed to be a “modular pack”? The lid pockets would’ve been a great home for wet weathers to live and be able to access from the side. I’d certainly would have expected more maximization of UNUSED real estate. Under heavier loads you’ll find the pack to sag even with a frame, which is a common theme across their ruck line, quite a disappointment that I wouldn’t be able to trust their equipment in a ruck configuration. Overall a bust. They have good intentions but are bad at executing them. Mystery Ranch is still the king of backpacks in this game.

The Assault Pack is great. It's extremely well-constructed, and includes a lot of the sorts of thoughtful details that come from extensive field testing. The zippers have wide fabric loops on them to make them easy to manipulate with gloves on, and are placed in ways to give you multiple sensible ways into the main compartment. The way it self compresses for stability is simple and easy to use, and the attachment options to the EMOD Frame, both when attaching to the frame directly, and when attaching over a Medic Pack are easy.

I've found myself reconfiguring what's attached to my Frame multiple times over the course of a month, and the Assault Pack is one of the nicest pieces of the kit to work with.

I have two minor nitpicks, but they're both more a matter of personal preference than they are problems with the bag itself. First, the integrated straps are extremely thin, which makes sense given that they're designed to be easily tucked away, and I know some people prefer the style, but I find them uncomfortable with my usual use-case when I'm not carrying the Frame. Second, there's a thin plastic sheet sewn into the back of the bag to provide just a hint of rigidity, but it's so thin that I feel like it doesn't do much, and would have preferred it either be exluded, or be heavier to provide more support. Neither of these are significant issues for my use of the bag, but I figured I'd mention them in case they matter to someone else.

Solid modular mission pack

The whole system with the frame is awesome, but mainly if you are carrying body armour. I would go with another option if I could do it again. That being said the whole modular system is amazing.
(Also, the mission straps are very thin...I understand why, but I wouldn't use the mission assault on its own. The frame, I think, is a must)

Great for everyday use. Paired with the mission lid it is great for on-the-line Acft MX.

Great bag, lots of room. I love how much it packs down as well. Bag is being used for unmanned systems support without the frame. Only things that would make it better would be a detachable sleeve for a laptop/tablet and a chest strap.

This backpack is great quality. I have about 40 pounds of gear loaded into it and it is super comfortable. No pinch points. The only change I would make is to add a chest strap on the built in straps. I really like the modularity of the pack with other components. I can’t wait to get more of the attachments and the frame.