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The Vault Pack – Modular, Expandable, EDC focused backpack.

July 4, 2024

Modular EDC backpack/sling with flexible carry configurations, removable organization panels, and integrated TSA lock.

Story

Vault Pack: Bring Everything!

How it all started.

Vault Case Co began as a solution to a problem.  We couldn’t find an EDC case built for people who collect and want to display their collections.  EDC cases were an afterthought.  Some were not even intended for collectibles but cases for other activities repurposed for collecting.

We’ve seen so many methods of carrying EDC.  Magazine pouches, tackle boxes, hard cases with foam inserts, and cheap knife cases at the local flea market.  They work… but they don’t feel right.  All of them have their faults. Hard cases are heavy and bulky. Knife pouches can feel cheap.  All of them have a very rigid method of organization.

*Vault Case has entered the chat*

We design EDC cases that are modular, light, and purpose-built for the EDC, Tech, and Collectible community.  All of our products feature Flex Panels that are removable and interchangeable.  The panels feature elastic loops in various configurations to carry just about anything.  The panel surface allows for velcro hook to attach.  This allows our accessories or anything with a velcro backing such as a moral patch to attach to our panels.  

The ability to remove panels offers many advantages.  

  • Moving items in and out of the panels is much easier when removed from the case.
  • Panels can be swapped or removed to change the purpose and function of the case.
  • Additional panels can be added to a case.
  • If a panel is damaged only the panel needs to be replaced, not the entire case.
  • Panels can be used independently in other bags/packs.
  • Displaying your collection looks much better with all panels out of the case.

V.A.U.L.T. is an acronym:

Yes, even our name has a function!

  • V.ersatility – Our products are built to serve many functions.
  • A.ccessibility – Our panels are removable for easy load-in/load-out.
  • U.tility – Functionality is a key component of all our cases and bags.
  • L.ayout – Designed to display your collection in all its glory!
  • T.oughness – Built to last.  All products have a lifetime warranty.

“Can you make something that holds more?!”

Our audience collects A LOT of stuff!  Our most commonly asked questions are “How many things can I fit in this case?” And “Can you make something that holds more stuff?”  While our EDC Cases offer plenty of space for a modest collection, there is always people who have more.

We’ve seen people walk around with roller luggage.  Hard cases on wheels.  Breaking a sweat trying to carry it all!  We had to come up with a way to CARRY BETTER!

The weight of the loaded Vault Pack is about the same as a typical hard case empty.

*VAULT PACK has entered the chat*

We had to be more than just more.  We had to be BETTER (after all, it is in our motto…). The Vault Pack was designed to offer the rigidity of a hard case, the lightweight of a soft case, with the portability of a backpack.  We wanted to be a cross between a hard case and a soft bag.  

Vault Pack in action
Designed to be compact, but expansive on the interior.

This has been a work in progress for a while…

The Vault Pack has been a concept for over two years.  Owner and head designer Lawrence Ho always envisioned the Vault Pack as having a specific look and function.  

“The Vault Pack was meant to be a continuation of the current product line, but be very different simultaneously.  We wanted the Vault Pack release to represent the next evolution of Vault products and a gateway for even greater design progression. This meant it had to offer more functionality and stand out from a highly competitive market in backpacks and travel bags.  Many EDC/gear bags have the traditional military/duty look and I didn’t see it as very befitting for the EDC community that is into more contemporary styles.  Bags that have contemporary looks were more suited for tech. We wanted to blend the functionality of a gear pack with the look of a trendy tech bag. It was critical to maintain our own product identity.”

Early Concepts

Originally the Vault Pack was to be a soft pack using ballistic Nylon.  However, we felt it strayed a little from our original product character.

Vault Pack Early Concept
Early concept Vault Pack drawing.

The layout of the bag has remained intact.  It mirrors the panel configuration and function of our smaller travel cases.

Original layout drawing.  This carried into the production design.

EDC Your Way

Like all Vault Case products, the Vault Pack was meant to organize in a way meaningful to you!  We want organization to be fun and personal.  

The Vault Pack has high capacity and modularity to display and carry your items creatively.  As your collection changes so can the way you carry it!

The Vault Pack is compact but inside the capacity is quite expansive!

Design Features

Objectives when designing the Vault Pack:

  • Modularity and Flexibility.
  • Maximum Capacity.
  • Looks and Feels Great.
  • Maximum Utility.
  • Maximum Versatility.
  • Built to Travel.

Maximum Modularity and Flexibility: All Vault Packs feature Pack Panels which are the largest panels we’ve made to date.  

Maximum Capacity: We wanted a configuration that allowed for up to 4 times the capacity of our current largest case (Vault Secure).  At the same time keeping a low profile and not be too oversized or bulky.

Look and Feel Great: We wanted to act the part, but also look the part!  Your carry method should look and feel awesome.  A faux carbon fiber leather surface matches the brand’s look and feel.  Depending on funding we may be able to offer different colors.

Maximum Utility: We added a back zipper pouch that was designed to fit a 15″ laptop as well as our Vault Slip EDC tray (included in the Vault Pack Loaded, or bought separately).

Maximum Versatility: The straps are removable and can be repositioned.  This allows for the case to be used as a crossbody sling, a standalone case, or a backpack.

Built to Travel (TSA Lock):  If you check in your bags and it has anything with a sharp edge it is likely to be searched.  The Vault Pack features an integrated TSA-compliant lock.  This allows TSA to easily open the case for inspection without disorganizing your items and damaging a non-compliant lock method.  

Key Features:

  • Large main compartment with felt lining compatible with Velcro hook material.
  • Back compartment that can hold up to a 15″ laptop.
  • Detachable Straps.
  • TSA-compliant lock.
  • Hard molded shell for additional protection.
  • Vault Slip EDC Panel to organize your items on the move. (Included in the Loaded model only or purchased separately). *More info below.

More on the Vault Slip

The Vault Slip is an EDC panel/tray that doubles as a maintenance panel to hold tools and loose parts while you service your collectibles. 

The main vertical and horizontal separator is 1/3rd the height of the border and compartment walls which allows for more organizing flexibility.  Larger items can be placed over the low walls if needed.  Small cutouts allow for charging cords or easier access to items. 

Bottom of the Vault Slip.  The trays are molded out of polyurethane with a carbon fiber pattern.

Unlike other EDC trays, the Vault Slip is low profile with a thickness of only 0.5″ (12mm).  The low height allows it to fit in the back compartment of the Vault Pack or other bags without taking up too much space.  This makes it a perfect travel companion when you’re on the move.  

The Vault Slip is included in the Vault Pack Loaded and can be purchased separately as a stand-alone item.

What can the Vault Pack carry?

That’s completely up to you!  Unlike other cases we want all Vault Products to be versatile enough to be used for a variety of functions.  We have seen Vault Cases be used for:

  • Knives and tools.
  • Coins.
  • Watches.
  • Electronics, tech, and accessories.
  • Flashlights.
  • Lighters.
  • Pens.

It’s really up to you how you utilize your Vault Pack!

Dimensions / Specs:

Outer Pack:

  • Height: 14″
  • Length: 10″
  • Depth: 6″
  • Weight: 4.5 lbs

Pack Panels:

  • Height: 13.5″
  • Length: 9.5″

Vault Slip EDC Tray:

  • Length: 11″
  • Width: 8″

A perfect fit for travel…

If you’re not checking in the Vault Pack it will fit under most economy airplane seats. The picture below shows the height of the Vault Pack is the exact width of the underseat storage of most passenger aircraft.  

Vault Pack perfect fit under airplane seat.
Perfect width for under most airplane seats.  Plenty of room for your feet!

Inspired by the Community

Vault Case has had such a great experience working with the EDC community.  Our product features, improvements, color choices, and other design choices come directly from user feedback.  Vault Case products started as a proof of concept.  A concept confirmed by the community itself.  

The Vault Pack is no different.  We were asked to design the ultimate everyday carry bag and this was our answer.  But we can’t do it without you.

This project is our most complex product design to date. The Vault Pack has to be manufactured in a different factory that builds our current cases. We found a great partner that we believe can bring this project home. However, the MOQ for projects this complex is high. To make this project happen we need to raise enough capital to pay for production, shipping, packaging, and other additional costs.

With your support, we can carry even better!