This Tuesday through Thursday, SOTech will display its latest medical designs at the Special Operations Medical Association’s SOMSA conference. Spotlighted will be a tactical medical belt system designed for SOF medics.
It is based off SOTech’s next gen version of their contoured padded pistol belt. Included is a lower back comfort/support pad. It combines with a series of pouches including SOTech’s flat small of the back medical pouch designs, derivative of SOTech’s innovation the Viper Flat IFAK. It also includes combination magazine /medical pouches derivative of SOTech’s early Hellcat Chest Rig concepts. SOMSA will be held at the Charlotte (NC) Conference Center.
Tags: S.O.Tech
Looks promising, eager to see more pics.
One question, why add a bulky lower back pad when the belt is already going to have a rear pouch? Seems like bulky overkill
Pad is removable / optional. You’ll have to try one at a show if you can. It’s a noticeable difference. – but may not be for everyone. Thanks for the feedback! We are always looking for thoughts from end users.
Perhaps an image of just the system without pouches and pad is in order.
As a harness load carriage user for 15 plus years, you need to have a pad like that to fill the gap that get created in the lower back area.
Not necessarily, not if the belt has a curve to it. A lot of these belt pad companies don’t put a slight curve to the belts making it bulge out. Only a few have taken this into account. I can’t tell on the so tech one however.
We did in fact include a cur be to account for the lower back bowing. You guys are spot on with your belt knowledge.
Should say curve. Will get more pictures out after SOMA. Also looking for suggestions for improvements too! Thanks!
I have enjoyed watching the evolution from Y harness to H harness to MOLLE vests to battle belts and plate carriers, and a trend now back to H harnesses.
I hope LTC Baldwin does an individual load carrying equipment history article soon.
I think it boils down to how reactive the military is. There should be a balance between comfort and protection. It would really cut down on a lot of VA bills.
Invictus,
I’ve thought about doing something on the subject. But even though my personal hoard of tactical stuff is extensive there are significant gaps when it comes to load bearing gear. I no longer have an M1956 H-harness or ALICE Y-harness for example. I’ll give it a go one of these days anyway.
Jim C.
I’m a big fan of SOTECH gear and especially the Viper IFAK. You guys do great work. Still, I’m not fond of thick padded belts. Or over padded shoulder straps for that matter. They tend to hold in heat / promote sweat and are especially problematic in jungle or artic environments.
Thick and wide belts on the harness / vest also don’t tend to integrate well with hip belts on rucksacks. Conversely, the shoulder harness you are displaying here seems too slim to me to spread the load comfortably. I suppose this is intended to go over slick armor or plate carrier?
TLB
Thanks Terry, it’s been awhile! Yes this shoulder strap system is intended to go over or under A plate carrier or armor carrier. We also have a third piece we will debut soon that integrates with both systems….
What’s old is new again.
Ironically – we pulled down our SOTECH h harnesses & belts from the 90s as well as GI y and h gear including US, Canadian and UK when we had our design huddles. Good to review history’s lessons as we look towards the future.
It does remind me of the old British DPM kit.
The Canadian system was ok but H was way over padded. Could see that even before we used it. The belt/pouch attachment system was a good idea but eyelets would pop on the belt all the time. The buckle was junk.
I’ve been looking for a belt order, this looks interesting, but I would prefer the H to be wider.
Nothing better than belt kit. 5 Minimi pouches on an extra width hippo pad and a low profile H-harness so a plate carrier can be worn over if so desired. One 2 quart canteen and a dump pouch and you’re GTG
That’s how I had my old LBE set up: x2 SAW pouches up front, x2 canteen pouches and a USGI Butt pack with my trusty M-5 on my back. Used SOTech’s six point harness to carry the load. Best harness I ever used. Shouldn’t have gotten rid of it years ago when I switched to chest rigs . . .
Looks pretty sweet Jim, keep up the good work!
Is that an SO Tech suspender as well or from another company?