Knipex has a new X18 modular tool backpack which is loaded with features.
The tool bag has 37 tool pockets, some of them zippered, 21 tool retaining loops, D-rings, FidLock mounting points, and MOLLE webbing.
It has been tested to hold up to 15 kg (33lbs) of tools.
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It’s not perfectly clear to me what makes this modular. Perhaps it’s the removable half-height tool panel that can be brought to your work?
Or maybe it’s the FidLock connection points.
There are 4 rows of Molle straps on the outside panel, and 1 on the inside, for attaching tool clips, adapters, and accessories.
Additional features include an adjustable opening width, waterproof molded bottom, and a separate compartment that can hold laptops up to 15″.
Price: $332 (empty)
Model No. 00 21 50 LE
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Robert
Maybe I’m too far removed from the electricians’ world, but $332 seemly very high for even a specialized back pack. 33 lbs doesn’t seem outstanding payload, particularly if you have a laptop in it. What justifies that price?
Garrick Moe
It fits the brand though. You aren’t going to want to see their tool prices..
ball_bearing
Their tools are not expensive at all, (unless you get them through Snap-On, which charges almost 2.5 times the amount of money for them).
The backpack is expensive, but so are the Veto ones.
Franco
Anything you buy through Snap On is expensive; you are paying for the tool + service + warranty. Any typical tool store, Knipex are expensive.
Franco
Veto are expensive, but they are proven, premium quality.
ball_bearing
Just because something is made in China (or any other country not named USA) it doesn’t mean that it has to be cheap, or low quality.
mac
My Klein backpack was under 70 bucks with a coffee thermos included. I’ve easily put more than 35lbs in it numerous times
Wayne R.
Searched up Fidlocks – looks like something to understand better, but what I saw was just enough to get my curiosity going…
John
Yeah does anyone know more about this? Googling brought up a bicycle water bottle attachment system.
Tony
Fidlock has a channel on YouTube which shows how their magnetic buckles work. This is one of their marketing videos for the “SNAP push buckle” which appears to be mounted on the side of the Knipex bag: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6Z_O8wfa84
DanFromMass
$300+ for a tool bag is bonkers! 🤪
I’d be afraid to bring that bag onto a job site.
Is this backpack really 3x better than a $120 Klein backpack?
Yadda
It is interesting that the photo shows at least one of the pliers with handles stuck in two different pockets and multiple screwdrivers in pockets.
Jim Felt
Ad agency art directors and designers are noted for their limited knowledge of professionally used gear. Plus it’s hard to know from what country these images even were sourced.
Wayne R.
Yep, and there’s no reason the client, likely Knipex, could put a toolie into the shoot to make sure they don’t look stupid.
IronWood
$332?!?!?! At least they’ve made Veto Pro Pac look like an affordable option. But, I’ll stick with my leather Gucci technician’s clutch at that price.
TomD
https://saddlebackleather.com/tool-bag-doctors Is literally cheaper!
DanFrlmMass
Klein Tools 80028 Hand Tools Kit includes Pliers, Screwdrivers, Nut Drivers, Backpack, and More Jobsite Tools, 28-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WMTFWU
Hahaha, this Klein Backpack comes complete with tools and is still cheaper than that Knipex bag! 🤪
Robert
I see saddleback’s motto is “ THEY’LL FIGHT OVER IT WHEN YOU’RE DEAD.” LOL. That really motivate me to get one.
Mikek
That’s a nice bag there!
MM
As others have said, very expensive!! Reminds me of that Wiha rolling tool chest with the fold-out legs that costs a thousand bucks.
TomD
At least that comes with tools!
https://www.wihatools.com/products/93-pc-xxl3-pro-tool-set
Sure the box itself is $400 but that’s in the “twice packout” pricing, which may be high but perhaps not insane if it’s exactly what you need.
fred
I had an email this morning about this from Haus of Tools ($300.99 with free shipping)
https://hausoftools.com/products/knipex-00-21-50-le-modular-x18-tool-backpack
What I was more interested in was a new composite pipe cutter from Knipex:
https://hausoftools.com/products/knipex-90-25-25-composite-pipe-cutter-8-1-4
If i were actually shopping for either or both – I might comparison shop at Mister Worker (located in Italy) since they are running a 10% off sale with code SUMMER23. They charge shipping – but don’t collect sales tax.
fred
Forgot to mention that Haus of Tools will give you 5% off on Knipex – with code KNPX5OFF – bring the backpack down to $286.
Albert
Looks like it weights approx 6.5 pounds empty, which is comparable to the much cheaper Husky 16 inch backpack. With such a high price, I was hoping they could do better.
Ct451
You send the van first with cables, boxes and ladders and then ride there on your bike. You know you’re overpaying your utility company if they show up with one of these.
Daniel L
Hmm.
I love my knipex tools, but I’m skeptical here.
For a long time now it seems like there’s been two tiers in professional tool bags. We’ve got Klein/Cresent/milwaukee and similar occupying one end…serviceable, relatively rugged, cheaper. Then there’s veto: great pocket layouts, tank-like, and spendy spendy.
Honestly, this one looks more like the former than the latter from first glance with everything except the price.
Mr. C
$322 for a backpack that can hold so little.
Not. sold. at. all.
Franco
Two things to consider…
First, Veto Pro Pac Backpack
https://www.jensentools.com/category/Cases-And-Tool-Organizers/Backpacks?sort=5&brandIds=45818c61-b08e-4093-8f4c-ab8e0177f980
https://www.techtoolsupply.com/Bags-Belts-and-Cases-Veto-Pro-Pac-Bags-s/43.htm#/filter:categories:Backpack$2520Cases/sort:ss_price:desc
Veto has been making these for years. They are tough as nails. The zippers are super strong, pockets are stitched with ballistic nylon and will never rip off. Bottom is hard rubber and waterproof. Yes, expensive, but a lot of quality for the money. I see many tech’s that swear by them.
Veto exists and made their name and reputation on these tool bags.
Second, Knipex makes great pliers, and similar type hand tools. Many have them and just about everyone that has one, loves them.
Knipex has a long established name and reputation for their pliers, cutters, various cobra and alligator wrenches.
This, at least from what I know, is their first foray into making premium tool bags. They could be awesome. But, not just tools, but nearly every industry where a long standing reputable company makes something outside of their main bread & butter line…sometimes succeed, but often fail miserably.
If you want to spend big money on a bag that will last over 10 years as a daily user in the trades, I would trust Veto.
If Veto all of a sudden made something a kin to a Cobra or Pliers Wrench, and was charging you Knipex pricing, would you buy it? If Stabila (levels) all of a sudden made combo wrenches and charged Wright or Proto prices, would you buy it anymore than Wright making premium high priced levels?
Same deal, at least for now, if I were to spend big bucks on a bag, I would get a Veto, and fill it with Knipex pliers (among others). Let others be the early adopters and see how well they do.
ball_bearing
The Vetos are made in China and Myanmar, maybe by the same factory making the Knipex bag.
Franco
Made in China = cheap [absolute], is a non sequitur…
ball_bearing
Nah, I was trying to reply to Kyle, but somehow replied to you. I just can’t tolerate the hate on foreign made tools and products, especially when we depend so much on overseas sources for a lot of the stuff we use. The Us vs Them mentality isn’t a good thing.
Addicted2Red
$332
Hahahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahahaha
Raycr
Better be made with ballistic kevlar like my small duffel bag was. It lasted 30 years of handling by the airlines.
The Kevlar did not wear out but the polyurethane type interior waterproofing crumbled off and got onto everything.
Charles
I am a knipex fan but am utterly underwhelmed. This doesn’t even look close to as useful as my Milwaukee backpacks, which I paid something like $75 for
The Milwaukee backpacks are outstanding. I carry something like 75 pounds in them without issue, they are comfortable, and you can set them in a puddle.
The one big issue is if the get turned upside down in the truck the tools have a tendency to fally out of their pockets, which is annoying. I need to figure out a way to stop that.
TomD
I shove rags into the bag until it’s almost bursting at the seams, that usually keeps things moderately in place for things like carry-ons.
Otherwise upgrade to the packout one and latch it to something packout big, or hang it somewhere in the truck.