We understand how we got here and the way out is clear.

P. Alex Klein, founder of AttackPAK, spent many years volunteering with the Alpine Rescue Team in Colorado. Klein also served on the Berthoud Pass (Colorado) Ski Patrol for 5 years. At an elevation of 11,306’, on the Continental Divide, Berthoud Pass is an extreme skiing environment – testing the skills and equipment of every Patroller.

The inspiration for AttackPAK, a patented contoured frame along with a modular component concept, was starting to brew during this time.

Then, one day dirt bike riding, he had an epiphany and applied a mountaineering solution to a military problem. As his chest protector got stuck in on his kidney belt, it took the weight of his hydration pack off his shoulders. And that's when he developed the idea of an Integrated Load Carriage System (ILCS) for the military and tactical applications.

Klein made his first backpack in 1983. He was scheduled to go on a hike with the Adirondack Mountain Club, and had no pack for the trip and no money to buy one. The only option was to make one. Using fabrics and buckles from the REI CoOp, Klein matched his desire to get into the backcountry with his creative ability. The resulting pack was destined to change Klein’s life.

Later, as a teenager drawn to backpack design and construction, Klein took a job in the repairs department for Eastern Mountain Sports. Repairing many failed packs – some from the largest, most reputable manufacturers – he gained valuable hands-on experience that taught him why equipment fails and how to prevent failure. Seemingly endless hours of sewing repairs on broken equipment inspired him to build a better pack.

Our gear is engineered for generational durability. Built to serve you and your descendants. Should material or workmanship defects occur, we'll repair it at no charge. When you wear it out through hard use, we'll repair it at a fair price. This equipment is designed as a working tool, not a display piece. Put it to work in the field where it belongs.