Start with the right Back Panel Water variant
The Back Panel Water is an ADAPT System back panel designed to hold a hydration bladder. Before you mount anything, decide whether you need the panel alone or the bundled version with the Ferro x Hydrapak 1.8L Reservoir. The panel is available in six colors—Multicam, Multicam Black, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green, Black, and Wolf Grey—and each color comes with or without the reservoir.
If you already own a compatible 1.8L bladder, choose the “Do Not Include” option. If you are starting from scratch, the “Include” variant saves you a separate purchase. The panel holds up to a 1.8L bladder or reservoir, and internal elastic retention keeps it in place.
Back Panel Water at a glance
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Back Panel Water: Provides storage for up to 1.8L hydration bladders/reservoirs. This capacity determines which bladders fit and how much water you can carry.
Back Panel Water
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Back Panel Water: Equipped with side attachment zippers for quick and secure attachment to the FCPC V5 plate carrier. These zippers are the primary mounting method for FCPC V5 carriers.
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Back Panel Water: Has a second set of zippers allowing it to be layered in between other ADAPT back panels. Layering lets you combine hydration with other back panel functions.
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Back Panel Water: Can be installed on MOLLE compatible carriers like The Slickster MOLLE Rear Plate Pocket with the use of our ADAPT Back Panel MOLLE Zipper kit. This expands compatibility beyond FCPC V5 carriers.
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Back Panel Water: Universal Carrier Attachment Standard (UCAS) compatible. UCAS compatibility means the panel can work with a broader range of carriers.
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Back Panel Water: Weight: 4.93 OZ. Knowing the panel weight helps you estimate your total setup weight.
How to install the Back Panel Water on your carrier
The installation method depends on your carrier. Follow the steps that match your setup.
- For FCPC V5 carriers: Use the side attachment zippers to zip the panel directly to the carrier. The zippers are designed for quick and secure attachment.
- For MOLLE compatible carriers: If your carrier has a MOLLE rear panel, such as The Slickster MOLLE Rear Plate Pocket, you will need the ADAPT Back Panel MOLLE Zipper kit (sold separately) to attach the Back Panel Water.
- For UCAS compatible carriers: The panel is UCAS compatible, so it can be attached to carriers that use the Universal Carrier Attachment Standard. Check your carrier's compatibility before mounting.
- Layering with other ADAPT back panels: The second set of zippers lets you layer the Back Panel Water between other ADAPT back panels. Plan the order based on which panel you need to access most often.
Routing your hydration bladder
Once the panel is mounted, insert your 1.8L bladder or reservoir into the panel. The internal elastic retention helps hold the bladder in place. The supplied information does not specify a particular hose routing path or retention method for the drink tube, so you will need to route the tube according to your carrier's design and your personal preference. Check that the tube does not interfere with your movement or gear access.
Layering and compatibility notes
The Back Panel Water is part of the ADAPT System, which means it can be combined with other ADAPT back panels. The secondary zippers let you stack panels, but keep in mind that layering may affect access and weight distribution. The panel is also compatible with MOLLE carriers when using the appropriate zipper kit, and it meets the UCAS standard. If your carrier does not fall into these categories, the supplied information does not confirm compatibility, so verify with the carrier manufacturer before purchasing.
What the supplied information does not cover
The provided product details do not include specific instructions for cleaning the bladder, routing the hose, or maintaining the panel. For care and use of the Ferro x Hydrapak 1.8L Reservoir, refer to the reservoir's own documentation. Also note that the thermoplastic color may vary from images as the product is being updated; the design remains the same.