Soldiers, marines and other high-performance users of our #1602 frame taught us a great deal about how a polymer frame should behave. Durability in all weather extremes, rigidity for better load stability, controlled flex for maximum range of motion and comfort while carrying heavy deployment loads, and proper fit over body armor were just some of the goals we strove for when we started a "clean sheet" redesign effort. 

The resulting DEI #1603 frame achieves all of these goals, and then some: it is lighter, slightly smaller, and made of a new polymer which is more durable and up to five times more impact resistant. We believe the performance and versatility of our new #1603 frame is unmatched by any other frame design, internal or external.

• Lightweight (2.2 lbs)
• Made from a new polymer for superior field durability.
• Designed with an innovative rib configuration that allows the frame to flex around the user's body for load bearing comfort and increased range of motion (with or without body armor), yet is rigid enough to be stable while supporting as much as 200 lbs.
• Numerous attachment points as well as eight built-in jam cleats.
• Impact resistant - capable of surviving 32 fps impacts with concrete (see below)
• Available in multiple colors and NIR reflectivity grades - including tan, green, and black.

Airdrop Survivability Test:

The standard military test for field ruck survivability in an airdrop is a 32fps impact into concrete with 120lbs. load.  For your viewing pleasure, here are two movies of this testing.  The accompanying photos were taken post impact.

Click to see the test

For an even bigger impact, check out this 25-foot vertical drop to concrete! (120# load)  Click to see the test

A conventional metal frame (ALICE) after one impact


Click to see the test
(Movie may take a few minutes to download, depending on your connection speed)