After suffering for several months with awkward part number based names for their new line of military and discrete packs, Blue Force Gear has decided to run a contest on Soldier Systems Daily to help them name 4 different packs. The contest will run from now until the 10th of September. If your pack name is selected you will receive a free pack of that style! In the event multiple entries are received with the same suggested name, only the first submission received by Blue Force Gear will be awarded a free pack so get them in as quickly as possible! Send your ideas to namethatpack@blueforcegear.com.
Here’s what you’ve got to work with:
Medium Pack – Military (02)
The 02 Pack is a super light-weight three day style pack that is covered in MOLLE compatible webbing. It has a removable beavertail on the front for carrying quick access items like a helmet, jacket, or even one of our original Micro Packs. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 43oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
Medium Pack – Discrete (03)
The 03 Pack is built on the same production line as our military version, but with a more discrete, stylized appearance for everyday use. It has some of the same features like the removable beavertail on the front. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. There are also two accessory pouches on either side of the pack designed to fit a 1L Nalgene style bottom. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 49oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
Small Pack – Military (04)
The Small Military is based loosely off the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and on the military version the face of the pack is covered with MOLLE compatible webbing. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
Small Pack – Discrete (05)
The Small Discrete is very similar to the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and the face of the pack is stylized to appear more like a high end commercial pack. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!
All Blue Force gear products are proudly Made in the USA! so Berry compliance is never at question. Be sure to check out the product pages at www.BlueForceGear.com as they offer a wide variety of color schemes depending on teh product and its intended use.
Apparently, ’tis the season to upgrade websites. Fortunately, all of the ones we have seen are very well done and the new site from Excalibur Products is no exception. We have mentioned their packs in the past and they also offer a couple of sleep system options but according to the main graphic on the new site, they have quite a bit on their plate and we are looking forward to seeing some more of their products.
During SHOT Show we wrote about the new Outside The Wire Bag from Kifaru Tactical. It is an excellent flat bottomed design with ample room to see the contents when open. Additionally, the OTW Bag features PALS webbing on the exterior and loop as well as elastic on the inside to accommodate the user’s needs. You can see all of the bag’s salient characteristics in this graphic provided by Kifaru. Available now in Black, Coyote, Foliage, OD, MultiCam and UCP. Camo patterns are the same price as monotones until 10 November.
Have you seen this thing? If not, you need to stop by Paladin’s booth #31017E at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Summer market in Salt Lake City, Utah. Based on S.O. Tech designs, Paladin products are manufactured off-shore in order to mitigate costs for those who don’t require Berry compliance such as the recreational and LE markets. With the Panel Pack they have hit a home run. This pack is awesome. Designed as a modular hanging panel, it can be zipped closed and carried over-the-shoulder, pack-style. In the brochure Paladin gives a couple of ideas on how to configure the Panel Pack but those are just really the tip of the iceberg. In fact, it’s use is only limited by your imagination due to the interchangeable pockets.
Feature laden, the Panal Pack has a large external mesh pocket for items like jackets, helmets, fins, etc. as well as an external flat zippered pocket for booklets, medical records, or emergency documents. Additionally, it will accommodate a hydration bladder in the flex mesh external back pocket. There are also external loops for poles and tools as well as a clear vinyl “window pocket” for packing lists or ID.
Pro Med Kits developed this CSAR ruck specifically for the Air Force PJs. For those of you who don’t know, CSAR stands for Combat Search and Rescue and that what the PJ’s life is all about, rescuing isolated personnel from certain capture at the hands of our adversaries. Since their mission is so demanding, they use very specialized equipment. Based on the popular Medium ALICE pack, the CSAR ruck is intended for down the hoist operations. It accepts MOLLE pouches and can be fitted to an ALICE frame which, as you can see leaves ample room for Hurst tools or litters. Additionally, it comes with a removable jump harness.
Berry compliant, the CSAR Ruck is available in Coyote and MultiCam. To order, visit www.promedkits.com.
We constantly attract new readers at SSD so every once in awhile we go back into the archives and resurrect an old post. The Mystery Cinch is more poignant than ever and once you look at this video you will hit yourself in the forehead with your palm and say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” In fact, simplicity might be its elegance but it has garnered Mystery Ranch with a patent.
Designed to work with any pack, the Mystery Cinch routes the straps close to the center of of the chest and prevents the straps from creeping up under the arm. Additionally, pack straps don’t adjust tight like they would during normal wear so when released from the Mystery Cinch they fall right off the arm. Its single motion, quick-release design sheds the pack smoothly. Because the Mystery Cinch uses the armor’s PALS grid it offers the flexibility to accommodate a variety of armor vests, pouch configurations, and pack straps.
Down East has opened their web store and offer not only two variants of the popular 1606 MOLLE frame but also complete pack systems as well as suspension components in Coyote, Black, and MultiCam. Down East recently released a new variant of the 1606 frame that is compatible with the ALICE pack which has really increased its versatility. Unfortunately, the store does not yet have the 1609 Open Perimeter frame which is used in the new Army Medium Rucksack but we hope they will offer it soon.
Cool temps are just around the corner and it is time to start planning for Fall. Kifaru has had a handwarmer pouch on the hunting side for 12 years and has now released a tactical version. Although designed to pair with the Koala, it will also attach to anything with a PALS grid such as a plate or armor carrier via Kifaru’s Lock ‘n Load mounts. Built with a pack cloth shell, Rhinoskin lining and 6 oz. Combat Climashield insulation it will keep your digits warm to conduct intricate tasks. Whether you purchase one in Coyote, OD, Black, Foliage, UCP, or Multicam, the price is a steal.
Here’s a little eye candy for you. The Utility Bag from Kill Spencer combines military styling with some of the finest materials available such as Cobra buckles, leather accents, and FR canvas. Several other material options are available including vintage fabrics. Another cool feature is the retractable wall mount system and hub.
Our friends over at Military.com’s Kit Up! have followed up on their story about the Army’s medium rucksack program which resembles an over sized MOLLE assault pack. The Army produced three competing designs that differed in the frame style and the “external” frame won. Here, unveiled for the first time is this revolutionary new frame designed by Down East.
The first thing that should strike you is that the frame is open at the top. The sewn portions of the pack are designed to provide stability between the tops of the frame arms, while allowing the frame to form around body armor, water reservoirs, etc. This approach allows plenty of ventilation while efficiently transferring load to the hips. The frame system retains the trampoline style belt foundation of the larger MOLLE system while providing adjustment options in both the shoulder pads and belt. The frame weights less than a pound and is made of ITW’s high performance, frag-resistant polymer; the same used in the current MOLLE2 Large system.
As you can see the new frame is in TAN499 to match MultiCam. The new medium rucksack will be manufactured by BAE and possibly Eagle under the MOLLE program. The ruck is currently only slated for issue to Afghanistan bound troops who should begin to receive them this summer.
Imagine a NICE frame and an ILBE had a baby. Well they did and it is called the Working External Load Bearing Equipment or WELBE. Unveiled last week at Marine South, the WELBE is the brain child of Mystery ranch founder Dana Gleason. It takes advantage of the NICE frame’s external design and Bolstered Ventilation System (BVS) technology to keep the load stable even wearing armor with a rear plate.
Game changing? Quite possibly. The Marine Corps continues to browse for a new pack and the industry is abuzz with speculation over what direction they will go. While the Marines like the ILBE, it was designed before armor with an integrated rear plate was standard issue. The interface between armor and pack bag needs some improvement and the WELBE may be just the solution. Not only would it allow the modification of the thousands and thousands of packs already in service, specialized pack bags could be also fitted to the WELBE. Additionally, odd shaped loads can be carried when the WELBE is used as a stand alone mode in a manner like the NICE frame. The ILBE pack is an Arc’teryx design manufactured by Propper. A move to modify in service packs would be good for both companies as the ILBE would remain in service longer and the Marines would be more likely to purchase more of the packs in the future.
An added bonus for the market is that the WELBE is also compatible with the Canadian issue pack which suffers from the same issue as the USMC’s ILBE.
Natick has awarded BAE a contract for a unspecified number of Large Airborne MOLLE rucks. The packs which will be delivered in Coyote, will undergo testing by the US Marine Corps. The airborne pack is a modified version of the Large MOLLE intended for use by parachutists While no quantity of packs was specified in the award the number will be low as they are being used for testing and not fielding.
Tactical Tailor introduces their new Elite Operator Series packs. These four new packs have been designed from the ground up combining new materials and features to give the user unsurpassed comfort and function. Best of all, these new packs come with a price tag that won’t break the bank, costing as little as half the price of similar packs.
Extended Range Operator
The Extended Range Operator pack’s large size and extensive list of features make it ideal for long missions or extended stays outdoors.
Modular Operator
The Modular Operator pack is comparable in size to a standard three day assault pack but with additional features that put it in a class of its own.
Urban Operator
The Urban Operator pack is the Tactical Tailor version of a standard day pack, but it is anything but standard. Built for comfort and durability, the pack will carry all your daily essentials.
Removable Operator
Designed as a ‘quick attach assault pack’, the Removable Operator pack is designed to attach to modular vests or larger packs, but also features hidden straps so it can be used on its own.
Tactical Tailor has been dropping not-so-subtle hints about their new Elite Operator series packs and they are finally here in their new catalog issued today. Also be sure to take a look at the Law Enforcement line which joins their full line of tactical products including armor systems. It’s a great catalog that becomes more of a resource than an ad. Not only does it feature a full NSN list of their products cross referenced to catalog page but TT has also included a guide for use of their patented MALICE Clip.
Last year we introduced readers to WL Gore’s proprietary camouflage pattern OPTIFADE Open Country pattern. This year they have introduced a new pattern; Forest which is specifically designed for tree stand hunting in wooded environments. Like the Big Game/Open Country pattern, the new Big Game/Forest pattern is based on how deer see, both spatially and colorimetrically. Incorporating both micro and macro patterns, the unique micro-pattern considers the way a deer or other ungulate perceives color, the ratio of positive to negative space and other visual elements to create an effect that allows the hunter to blend with the animal’s perception of the environment. Whereas, the macro-pattern breaks up the symmetry of the human body so that if a hunter is detected, the animal will not be able to identify the hunter as a predator.
As a bit of a side note, while WL Gore has shown the patterns at military trade shows to gauge interest they have been quite adamant that they are not for use by military forces and furthermore that they are not at work developing a military pattern. Interestingly, their partners in development of both of these patterns have been Guy Cramer and Lt Col Tim O’Neil both well known for the introduction of numerous military patterns into the market. Regardless, the science behind OPTIFADE is solid and now there are two options available for outdoorsmen depending on environment.
OPTIFADE clothing in both patterns is available from Sitka which was recently purchased by WL Gore. Packs in OPTIFADE can also be purchased from Mystery Ranch.
Go anywhere in the developing world and you are going to run across the RPG-7 or one of its clones. Up until now, if you needed to schlep its rockets around you were stuck with a rather spartan and often poorly made backpack. Notice I said, “Up until now” because Blackheart International has just released three new backpacks designed specifically for RPG ammo. These days, when I think about Soviet bloc weapons I think about Blackheart. They have really gone all out to develop effective training materials as well as identify accessories for small arms. Now that they have turned their attention to the RPG-7 you can carry it with ease. The packs all take their basic design from the issue items but let’s face it. The launchers themselves aren’t the paragon of manufacturing excellence and the backpacks were almost an afterthought. On the other hand, the new BHI packs will stay secured and not soak up water like a sponge as the older “issue” packs are known to do. You can see the three models in the photo below.
RPG Rocket Quiver This pack will hold two fully assembled rockets complete with attached boosters and the flap secured!
RPG Gunner Backpack This pack has four compartments that will hold two rocket main bodies and two separate boosters.
RPG Assistant Gunner Backpack This version holds three rocket main bodies and three boosters.
Internal configurations vary but regardless of pack model rockets and boosters are secure via a tri-fold flap system and the outer closure relies on the dependable, yet simple staple fastener closure used by the Spanish Army for for over twenty years. A modernized version of the non-mechanical closure used on the US M1956 ammo pouch, you simply pull the tab and it comes open. Additionally, an oil bottle/spare parts pouch is found inside the top flap. In addition to padded shoulder straps the packs all feature sternum and waist belts to help stabilize the load while moving rapidly under fire. They are available in Black, OD Green, Coyote and UCP.
It was great to see Kifaru Tactical exhibiting at SHOT Show. In addition to their currently offered products, Kifaru was quite bold about showing off their prototype Outside The Wire bag. Mel had told me about the concept over the phone a few months ago and I immediately thought of an old school doctor’s bag. Sure enough, when I saw it in person visions of Doc Adams from TV’s “Gunsmoke” immediately came to mind.
The advantages are obvious. It’s dimensions are perfect and a lot of work went into getting them right. It will also stand on its own without fall over whether empty or full. Additionally, the stiffened flaps open and close with ease and features dual, stowable handles. Finally, it is large enough so that you can see into it to find what you are looking for.
Patrick Smith, owner of Kifaru was kind enough to give us a quick, impromptu demonstration of the new Koala. It is extremely versatile, allowing the wearer to rapidly access a handgun yet retain the outward appearance of just another hiker or man on the street.
On Friday, 8 January, 2010 Natick awarded BAE Systems a Firm fixed Price Purchase Order for 344 Medium Rucksacks. The Medium Rucksacks will be tested in February and march at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to determine if the design is sound and which of three prototype frames will be fielded along with the new bags. About 100 of each design are intended for testing.
The Enhanced Modular Integrated Loadcarrying Equipment (EMILE) pack from Excalibur Products Group is an internal frame military pack which relies on dual aluminum internal stays and features thermomoulded lumbar pad, back pad, waist belt and shoulder straps.
EMILE features a top mounted, removable assault pack and two removable sustainment pouches. One of these converts to a waist pack and the assault pack contours to the shape of the body when worn alone. The main bag is divided and features a separate sleep system compartment which can be zipped open to make one large bag. The ruck also features a removable rain cover with center zipper to ease access.
In total EMILE accommodates 8032 cubic inches broken down as follows: The main bag is 4032 cubic inches with an extra 1200 cubic inches in the sleeping bag compartment. The assault pack is 1800 cubic inches and each of the sustainment pouches are 500 cubic inches each. It is available in MultiCam, UCP, Coyote Brown, AF Digital Tigerstripe, Digital Woodland, Digital Desert, Foliage Green, and Black.
Somehow this baby slipped below our RADAR but it is definitely worth taking a look at if you are fortunate enough to be issued the Harris AN/PRC-117G but are saddled with the issue bag. It is designed to be worn with the removable shoulder straps or attached directly to the back of armor or load bearing vest with the integrated PALS compatible attachment system. Additionally, the body features PALS webbing so that radio accessories can be attached to the bag.
The PRC-117G Assault Bag is available in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, UCP, and MultiCam from Mayflower.
Developed based on a Kifaru message board poster who “envisioned a pouch carried on the chest that you could easily and quickly access a handgun from” the Koala was born.
The design is very versatile. Here is a list of the carry options: -Chest carry with an X-Harness and belly strap.
-Shoulder carry with a shoulder sling or contoured shoulder strap.
-Backpack with shoulder straps and waist strap with a dual adjust buckle.
-Lumbar pack with new Omni/Lumbar waistbelt
-Chest carry with a backpack using the new Lift-Kit
-Malice clipped onto a pack
-Malice clipped onto armor or a plate carrier
This article is really just an introduction. For a full synopsis make sure to visit Kifaru’s forum. The Koala will be available soon from Kifaru Tactical.
It seems as though members of Congress have taken to talking to any old yahoo they can round up when they are on “fact finding” trips to exotic locales. It doesn’t seem to matter if any of what said yahoo complains about makes any sense.
Nothing like talking to GIs who have no idea what they are talking about. Of course the Soldiers were referring to the MOLLE rucksack. Somehow, the “plastic” frame is now an entire rucksack with matching plastic straps. Newsflash, I had the same problems with my arms and hands falling asleep back in the bad old days before we had high tech “plastic” rucksacks. The ALICE pack, affectionately known as the “big green tick” would put your arms to sleep just the same. This has much more to do with the load and a lot less to do with the pack.
Camo issues? Hello! The Army is knee deep in it. How about you give them a chance to at least bust their own time line before calling them out?
I am still scratching my head over the comments about needing a larger clothing allowance. I was under the impression that the Army is issuing FR ACUs to deployed troops for free. I guess the Overseas COLA isn’t enough to cover beer these days in Vincenza.
Interestingly, the letter wants to know what the Army is doing to “procure a superior replacement rifle, such as those used by our Special Operations forces (sic).” Do they mean like the SCAR? Excuse me while I guffaw. What wonder weapon are they talking about exactly?
Ok, so what do we have here? GIs want MultiCam. GIs hate their “plastic” rucksacks. GIs hate the M4 and want SOF weapons. GIs want even more of a clothing allowance (aka beer money). Hell, they could have found all of that out by spending five minutes on an internet message board.
Leadership and training are going to fix some of these issues long before the material developer can intercede. Until that happen clean your weapons and employ them properly, take a serious look at your load and accept some risk to lighten it, and use basic soldier skills to camouflage yourself and your equipment.
