I was surprised that no one asked yesterday about the pouch mounted to the lower left of the upcoming ESD Kestrel Chest Rig.
The guys at Edgar Sherman Design were recently working with some representatives from our newest NATO partner Sweden when they noticed a button closure on some of their gear. Unfortunately, this closure is quite dated and no longer in production but it does a great job of keeping flaps closed. Additionally, it’s not affected by snow and ice and can be manipulated while wearing handwear.
Consequently, ESD went to work creating their take on the button, naming it the “Swedish Nipple.” It is made from polymer and is slightly texturized for a positive grip, even when wet. You’ll soon find it on pouches where you want positive retention, like this pistol mag pouch.
During last week’s USASOC Sniper Competition vendor day I caught up with Edgar Sherman Design and checked out several upcoming products.
The first one I’ll introduce you to is the Kestrel Chest Rig. It integrates several cool features.
One innovation is their new laser cut PALS slots which eliminate straight dark lines to help reduce signature.
The ammunition pockets have adjustable floors which allow customization of magazine height. These pockets will also accept other items such as radios.
To the front you can see that there is a Fidlok buckle to affix the harness to he chest panel. This aids with rapid donning and doffing.
Reliance on End User Devices has become ubiquitous and ESD has taken a hard look at how they are used and how they should be integrated into load carriage.
Since so many are using external batteries for their EUD, ESD’s answer is a bib which incorporates a battery slot at the rear.
Here you can get a look at the harness.
Edgar tells me the Kestrel is about three months out.
The TL-FICCS (NSN: 8145-01-562-9283 & OSHKOSH PN: 4069288) from Pikes Peak Cargo Secure is designed to work seamlessly with Oshkosh Defense’s JLTV.
This System is designed to carry up to 1,800 lbs. of cargo over any terrain and is rated at 4,000 lbs. floor storage. Each Kit contains four pallets, two collapsible sleeves, and eight HUM VATTS Ratchet Straps (NSN 8145-01-522-8341).
Kit includes Tactical Lightweight – Flexible Integrated Collapsible Container System (TL-FICCS) 48x40x30 inches. The usable area within the container is 21 inches in height or 37 cubic feet. The kit contains 2 containers. The kit collapses to 48x40x12 inches. It is ideal for the Military, DHS, or FEMA for short or long term storage and outside storage under adverse conditions. This Kit is a Lightweight, Deployable, and Reusable Collapsible System. It is weather-resistant 100% plastic. Each container with straps weighs 57.5 lbs. The kit has a total weight of 115 lbs. It was designed for use with the Patented VATTS® Straps and is stackable inside a standard-sized MILVAN (15 Kits of 30 containers) filling a MILVAN with no blocking or bracing required. This container can be placed in most of the “Intermodal” Containers. This Kit can be Sling Loaded with the proper VATTS Straps applied.
The Vertx S.O.C.P. Tactical Fanny Pack offers a combination of style, functionality, and preparedness in a way that’s hard to find in other tactical fanny packs. More than a fashion statement, tactical belt bags are designed for individuals who prioritize readiness and efficiency. But why should a tactical waist bag be a staple in your gear?
Here are a couple of reasons:
Concealed Carry Excellence: Concealing a firearm can be tricky and uncomfortable, but the Vertx S.O.C.P. Fanny Pack simplifies the process with discreet compartments and lockable zippers. This pack offers a subtle solution to keep your firearm secure, concealed, and easily accessible whenever you need it.
Everyday Utility: Apart from firearm storage, a tactical waist bag is incredibly versatile for everyday use. It’s ideal for carrying essentials like your phone, wallet, keys, and other small items such as a flashlight, pepper spray, med kit, or radio. With multiple compartments and loops for organization, this pack ensures everything has its place, reducing clutter and enhancing accessibility.
The Vertx S.O.C.P. Tactical Fanny Pack stands out with other features like a secured hidden pocket for tools, concealable armor pocket for added protection, laser-cut attachment points, external cell phone pocket with touchscreen window, ambidextrous access with lockable zipper pulls, holster/magazine retention strap, and extended storage pockets in each wing.
Part 1 Recap: Exploring the Graverobber™ Assault Insert:
In Part 1, we took a closer look at the Graverobber™ Assault Insert, a critical component of the GRAM kit. This innovative panel insert seamlessly converts into a skeleton med panel, offering unparalleled versatility with its thin padded shoulder straps. Whether clipped or slung, this insert ensures medics can adapt to any mission requirement with ease.
Part 2: Integrating the Graverobber™ Assault Insert into the GRAM Kit:
Now, let’s shift our focus to how this insert seamlessly integrates back into the Graverobber™ Assault Medic Kit, ensuring swift and efficient deployment in critical situations. Additionally, we’ll explore the latest updates unveiled at Shot Show 2024, elevating the functionality of the GRAM kit to new heights.
The MATBOCK® Ethos:
At the core of the GRAM kit lies the ethos of “Lighter Faster Warriors,” embodied by its manufacturer, MATBOCK®. Utilizing MATBOCK Ghost® material with Tegris reinforcements, this kit ensures lightweight performance without compromising on durability. The inclusion of a soft case further enhances its versatility, enabling secure storage of critical medical supplies, including narcotics.
Versatility in Action:
One of the most impressive aspects of the Graverobber™ Assault Medic bag is its unparalleled adaptability. Whether mounted to an ALICE-compatible frame, worn using integrated straps, or zipped onto a carrier’s back panel, this bag offers unmatched versatility in medical load carriage. Its jumpable, water-resistant design bridges the gap between assault bags and en-route care, facilitating seamless transitions between different operational scenarios.
Tailored for the Mission:
The expandable design of the GRAM kit empowers medics to tailor their loadout to specific mission requirements, ensuring optimal efficiency and readiness at all times. Every aspect of this meticulously designed med bag has been crafted with the everyday challenges faced by medics in mind, making it an indispensable companion on the battlefield.
Conclusion:
As we strive to redefine the standards of military gear, the Graverobber™ Assault Medic Kit stands as a beacon of excellence, empowering medics to fulfill their crucial role with confidence and precision. Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation in military gear. If you’re interested in this or other MATBOCK products, check out www.matbock.com.
I met a great crew of young men from Poland who are building some awesome gear. They’ve got a whole line of cool stuff but I wanted to show you their new TOTEM pouches.
Offered in 5.56, 7.62, and 9mm versions, they feature injection molded inserts.
Fixed PALS webbing has been replaced with a stiff mounting surface which together with dedicated mounting straps ensures stable mounting. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
The integrated PALS slots not only give the TOTEM pouches their name, but also enable stacking of pouches. Additionally, the bottom of the pouch is partially open, preventing moisture from collecting inside.
The Tegris mounting plates are ambidextrous and the rifle TOTEM pouches can be mounted vertically or horizontally, while the pistol pouches can be mounted vertically or at 45 degrees.
Available in 7 colors and made in Poland from American materials.
We are going to start with the Graverobber™ Assault Insert, which is where the shoulder straps are attached to. This panel insert converts to a skeleton med panel, which can be clipped or slung using the thin padded shoulder straps.
Remove to design a custom panel that is interchangeable for different packing requirements or easily change bags with the versatility of a panel insert. Without any medical gear, this weighs 10oz (283 grams)
Over the next few weeks, we will show how you can integrate this insert into the GRAM and then into the sustainment. Please reach out to sales@matbock.com or check www.matbock.com if you have any more questions.
Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on MATBOCK Monday: Part 1 of 3 – Breaking down the Graverobber Assault Medic (GRAM) Kit
An IFAK Pouch that Masquerades as a Rifle Mag, Grenade, and Radio Pouch
In 2023 we perfected our Delta Omega pouch which has been described as an all-encompassing pouch, but it started as a medical pouch combined with a rifle magazine pouch. We were expanding our MARCH medic belt set and found that some of our Special Forces Medics were dropping pre-packed med modules into rifle magazine slots and pouches. So, we expanded our Delta Omega pouch to accept our compression IFAK sleeve insert which is an advancement over our V.I.P.E.R IFAK insert.
We also have medical tool elastic loop trays called OrgBoards that drop into the pouches making this a highly versatile pouch system. As a dedicated IFAK we prefer our new Compressed VIPER Flat IFAK which can be closed and worn as a vertical draw or open as a horizontal sleeve on your lower back.
The option to switch between the full flap and the elastic speed draw cord arrangement gives the medic the option to personalize the draw. As a set of pouches, the Delta Omega and compression insert, or Org Board trays give an incredible array of carriage options. For those interested in an IFAK that can be worn vertically with mag pouches or horizontally on a belt, check out the S.O.Tech Compressed IFAK.
