Vertx recently released an update to their Gamut line of everyday carry backpacks, and after a month of testing, I have some opinions on the latest line of “gray man” bags. Vertx designed this bag from the top down to optimize everyday carry. It has storage to accommodate your more mundane needs, like laptop storage and internal pockets for chargers. But the Gamut also features a purpose-built back panel to hold your EDC pistol in its holster. Let’s take a look at the new Vertx Gamut 26L backpack and find out if it lives up to its namesake’s reputation.
Built as the next generation Gamut EDC packs (read AmmoLand’s review of the original Gamut), this bag is packed with features to accommodate all of your gear needs. Vertx offers the Gamut in five different sizes. Three backpack options are available from 22L, 26L, and 32L, as well as two sling bag options in 18L or 22L. The bag that Vertx sent us for testing is the 26L model. Prices range for each pack, the 26L bag has an MSRP of around $249.99.
Vertx Gamut 26L Backpack
Live Inventory Price Checker
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Vertx Gamut Backpack Rapid Access Black Nylon | Ammunition Depot | $ 208.99 |
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Vertx Gamut Backpack Cedar Brown | MidwayUSA | $ 249.99 |
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Vertx Gamut Backpack Depth Charge | MidwayUSA | $ 249.99 |
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Vertx Gamut Backpack Black | MidwayUSA | $ 249.99 |
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The flexibility of the 26L pack size allows for some interesting options in terms of what this bag can bring to bear in a pinch. As a result of that, I found myself gravitating towards using the Gamut 26L backpack to hold my Sig Sauer MCX SBR in the main storage compartment. With the stock folded, I was able to fit the rifle in the pack with a 30-round magazine inserted. Storing the rifle in the bag will work in either muzzle-up or muzzle-down, depending on your preference. The advantage of storing the rifle muzzle down is that it presents the pistol grip at the top of the bag, allowing for easy access and deployment. One quick pull on the zipper, and that rifle is ready to roll right out of the bag and into my hands.
When I saw that this bag could comfortably carry an SBR, I put it to work at a local rifle match as my range bag. None of the stages shoot beyond 200 yards, meaning a 5.56 SBR is a good choice for the match. That meant adding considerable weight to the pack, as I would need at least six loaded magazines and an additional 200 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition. The Gamut would also have to hold all of the other gear I might need: a suppressor to save my ears, gloves to save my hands, a knife for cutting things, a chamber flag for safety, a small med kit with a tourniquet, a magnifier for my optic, as well as eye and ear protection. There was still room for water, snacks, and my Haley Strategic chest rig.
All of that gear fits in the main compartment and front admin pocket. I still haven’t even flipped the pack around to reveal the purpose-built EDC back compartment. This is where the real magic of Gamut lies and where it outperforms the other bags.
Vertx has included an integrated large BAP strap inside the back panel for carry and quick access to your EDC pistol. This piece of velcro ingenuity allows you to securely attach your IWB holster to the strap inside the compartment. This allows you to set up the bag for yourself and determine how you intend to draw your pistol from it. Left or right-handed, it does not matter. Simply set up the BAP strap for your draw, throw in your holstered pistol, and carry with the confidence of knowing your pistol will be right where you need it to be.
With additional BAP straps, you could also hold spare magazines, flashlights, and other gear. But the back panel also serves another purpose beyond storing your pistol and spare magazines. There is also a pouch for body armor that can be installed in the bag. Vertx offers Premier Body Armor level IIIA armor inserts designed specifically for the Gamut 26L.
With my EDC option secured in the back panel, a Sig Sauer P365 XMacro, and my MCX in the main compartment, the bag is easily able to securely hold both firearms loaded and accessible.
Now, the fact that the Gamut can hold two guns and armor is important. I think most of us can think of a scenario, whether it’s a truck gun or just transporting a rifle from the range, where you might want two guns in a bag. In today’s world, people need to stay prepared. Unlike other bags, the Vertx Gamut allows you to prepare for any number of scenarios you can envision. The 26L size allows you to choose the loadout that best suits you. Whether that’s an MCX or using the Gamut as a diaper bag with a gun, the important thing is that this bag easily affords you that maneuverability without looking like something you got at an Army surplus store.
Most of the time, this bag will be loaded with everyday gear, and that’s where the Gamut really shines. Starting with the front, the Gamut features an admin pocket with four elastic pockets: two of the front pockets are smaller, suitable for pistol magazines, a knife, or a suppressor, while the other two pockets are large enough for AR magazines. On top of the bag, you will find a deep pocket for sunglasses or a spare med kit. On both sides of the bag, you will find elastic pockets, perfect for spare mags or water bottles. The left side of the bag features one zippered compartment with two deep internal pockets. Inside the main compartment are two zippered pockets that sit below a row of five narrow elastic pockets, perfect for pens, Snickers bars, and another pistol magazine.
Vertx Gamut, Worth it?
The Vertx Gamut 26L is the Mary Poppins’ bag for the tactically inclined. Perhaps a bit too long-winded, but you get the idea. The Gamut holds a surprising amount of gear without sacrificing comfort. This makes it the ideal bug-out bag, range bag, or even everyday carry option. Due to the size of the 26L bag, you can use this Gamut for a few days of travel or as storage for your truck gun. With a price tag of $249.99, the new Vertx Gamut 26L is a great choice for gun owners who don’t want a neon light above their head that says “I have a gun in this bag.”
The Vertx Gamut achieves the gray man look while providing the flexibility to fully load it for any scenario.
About Duncan Johnson:
Duncan Johnson is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and a strong defender of the Second Amendment, where “shall not be infringed” means exactly what it says. A graduate of George Mason University, he enjoys competing in local USPSA and multi-gun competitions whenever he’s not covering the latest in gun rights and firearm policy. Duncan is a regular contributor to AmmoLand News and serves as part of the editorial team responsible for AmmoLand’s daily gun-rights reporting and industry coverage.
I always appreciate a well written, honest, thorough product review. Thanks, Duncan!