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Archive for the ‘Load Carrying’ Category

Ares Armor Now Offering High-End Packs and Kit in A-TACS

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Ares Armor is well known to SSD readers for their functionality, versatility and quality of their gear designed based on direct experience operating in the field. Now, it’s all available in A-TACS.

Ares Armor was founded by seven Marines, all with infantry combat experience with service both Iraq and Afghanistan. Combined, Ares ownership has more than 50 years of actual combat experience. Five of the seven Ares co-owners are currently still on active duty with the Marine Corps and have held billets as Snipers, Recon, Infantry Platoon Sergeants, Infantry Squad Leaders, Infantry Team Leaders, Urban Shooting Skills Instructors, Military Operations in Urban Terrain Instructors, Infantry Combat Instructors, and Rifle Marksmanship Instructors. They convey this combat focused experience into every design they create.

Featured in the line is the Ares Armor Atlas Ruck in A-TACS, designed for long range patrols and extended field operations. The pack is only slightly larger than the standard large military mountain rucks with many innovative features including, seven external GP Pouches, a removable top flap Admin Pouch / Organizer with hidden straps that allow it to convert into a simple Short Range Pack, an Internal Radio Pouch as well as two Extra Long Pouches designed for use as Hydration Carriers or, 119 Foxtrot-sized Radio Carriers. Other features include, extra padding positioned along the mid-back crossbar as well as an enhanced Kidney Pad with additional webbing and storage. All of these features allow the operator to keep his mind on the mission and not on his gear.

Additionally, they are offering the Ares Combat XII Pack designed for short duration operations which was recently featured here on SSD. This unique and easily adaptable low-profile pack is designed to either clip directly into the MOLLE system of most Plate Carrier or Armor Systems without the use of shoulder straps allowing for a full range of motion or, the included straps can be easily attached for use as a backpack. Other features include two removable pop-up pouches, room for six 5.56 Mags or three 7.62 Mags, Space for up to two hydration bladders or PRC-117Fs as well as two access ports and dual side access pockets.

Other great offerings from Ares include, the Arturo Three-Day Pack, The Multi-Purpose Tactical Duffel, Tactical G Bags and a wide range of pouches, bags and Chest Rigs. For more information on new Ares Armor available now in A-TACS, visit them online at www.aresarmor.com.

Mayflower Unveils First Photo of Assaulter Panel

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

You’ve heard rumors of it and now here it is. This is the first photo of Mayflower Research and Consulting LLC’s Assaulter Panel. Designed around a 50 oz water bladder, it is designed to carry necessary short duration mission essential items; NODs, medical kit, and water. Look for it in two to three months.

www.mayflower-rc.org

Not Your Typical Kit Bag

Monday, April 4th, 2011

The new Kit Bag from Hill People Gear is something a little different that what you might expect. Rather than a big, lumbering holdall, it is a compact Admin-style pouch that fits right up front where you can access it. Designed primarily for civilian applications, it interfaces well with a pack and surprise!, includes a pistol pouch. The 7.5” x 2” x 11” sized pouch is designed to carry a pistol with a weapon light mounted and a few other essentials without interfering with a hip belt. It can be worn attached to a pack’s shoulders traps or with its included H harness making it very stable, even when running. This can be a great piece of kit for someone who doesn’t want to carry in a holster or fanny pack and can also use the convenience of a fold open admin pouch to access items such as maps as well as other gear.

You will notice that they are partial to Kifaru (as are we). In fact, you may also notice some similarities with the Koala and that is because it was initially designed by the folks at Hill People Gear.

The Kit Bag is manufactured for Hill People Gear by First Spear meaning it is made from mil-spec materials and is Berry compliant. Available in Ranger Green, Foliage, and Coyote, to order yours, visit www.hillpeoplegear.com.

2011 Crye Precision Catalog

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

For those of you that missed it, this is a digital copy of the catalog handed out at SHOT Show. They ran out of them on the first day! Items are beginning to trickle out to dealers like the Gun Clip.

Crye Precision – 2011 Catalog

www.cryeprecision.com

Volk Tactical Adds A-TACS

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

About a year ago we introduced you to niche Japanese brand Volk Tactical. Recently, they contacted us with news that they had begun to produce products in the A-TACS pattern.

While Volk Tactical has been primarily serving the enthusiast market, you can see that their kit looks pretty good in A-TACS and helps give an idea of the realm of the possible.

Once again, we would like to let our Japanese readers know that our thoughts are with them in this difficult time and we wish them health, safety and a swift recovery.

www.combat-vtg.com

Special Forces Plate Carrier Back Panel from ATS Tactical

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

ATS Tactical doesn’t build a lot of gear but rather concentrates on special products not widely available. Recently, they have been offering a very specialized piece of kit developed for a small group of assaulters and breachers. Called the Special Forces Plate Carrier Back Panel, it integrates several features into one design that attaches directly to the back of an armor vest. The long pocket down the right side is for carrying charges, and has an elastic tensioning strap. You will notice a D ring which can be used to secure items like gloves. Next to the charge pocket is a small 3 channel by 3 channel PALS webbing field to add pouches for functional equipment. Below this is a carrier for the ATS Small Medical Pouch built right into the panel. Along the left edge are loops to secure entry tools. Finally, the panel features a pocket for a hydration reservoir.

It is manufactured from 500D Cordura in order to help save weight and available in Coyote Brown, Ranger Green and MultiCam. ATS Tactical products are Berry compliant and come with a lifetime guarantee. It is not listed for sale on their site. You will need to contact them to order. www.atstacticalgear.com

LBT’s Deployment Bags ADS

Friday, March 4th, 2011

In addition to their entire line of tactical nylon products, London Bridge Trading Company offers a variety of deployment bags and associated carry options. Berry compliant and available in several color schemes, LBT products are well made and in my experience reliable. For example, the Large Wheeled Padded Loadout Bag in the video below is like the Mack truck of baggage. Sure, it’s a stout bag even when empty, but this thing is the modern equivalent of a steamer trunk, with one big difference; its own wheels. When you are hauling around a fully loaded bag you want to be able to move it yourself. Also, if you transporting this much stuff chances are good that some of it is going to be fragile Between padding and a reinforced kydex back the LBT-2467A is designed to handle that. Additionally, this thing is covered with pockets to compartmentalize your gear.

While I don’t own one I checked it our at SHOT show and am impressed. It isn’t for the casual user, but rather well suited for the guy who deploys with a substantial amount of kit. Don’t worry, if you travel with less, LBT has other options as well. Check out this mini catalog for details on their entire run of baggage options.

LBT Deployment Bag Mini Catalog 2011

These deployment bags as well as all LBT products are available for agency purchase through ADS Inc.

www.adsinc.com/london-bridge-trading

S.O.Tech’s BLOCS Explained

Saturday, February 19th, 2011

Almost every time we talk about S.O.Tech, we mention BLOCS (Battle Load Carriage System) which is now on its third generation. This video by S.O.Tech owner Jim Cragg, explains the system in detail.

Look for more educational videos from S.O.Tech as well as a redesigned website, soon.

www.sotechtactical.com