Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Load Carrying’ Category

High Speed Gear and Phokus Research Group to Showcase Collaborative Medical Solutions for Warfighters at SHOT Show 2026

Friday, January 16th, 2026

Visit Booth #72739 to See Modular, Combat-Proven Medical Systems Built for Operational Readiness

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 16, 2026High Speed Gear (HSG), a leading U.S. manufacturer of tactical nylon and load-bearing equipment, and Phokus Research Group, a recognized innovator in operational medicine and medical systems integration, announced a collaborative effort focused on delivering mission-ready medical carriage and treatment solutions for today’s warfighters. The jointly developed medical product solutions will be on display at SHOT Show 2026 in the High Speed Gear booth, #72739.

Built on shared priorities of durability, rapid access, and real-world usability, the partnership combines High Speed Gear’s battle-proven platforms with Phokus’ medical configuration expertise, providing purpose-driven solutions spanning Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) through Medic and Role 1 level systems designed for serious environments.

“Warfighters deserve medical solutions that are built for the reality of their missions, fast, intuitive, rugged, and reliable under stress,” said Allison Mitchum, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for High Speed Gear Products Group. “Working alongside Phokus allows us to take proven platforms and elevate them into complete, operationally relevant systems that help keep people alive when seconds matter. We’re proud to highlight these solutions at SHOT Show 2026 in our booth, #72739.”

Rob Hanna, CEO of Phokus Research Group, added: “This collaboration is about increasing medical readiness through intelligent design and consistent access to lifesaving tools. High Speed Gear brings decades of manufacturing excellence and field-proven durability, and together we’re delivering systems configured to support Tactical Combat Casualty Care and advanced care delivery in the most demanding environments. We’re excited to showcase what’s possible when two mission-focused organizations build together.”

Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs) – Modular & Combat-Proven

ORK IFAK (Operator Response Kit)

The ORK IFAK (Operator Response Kit) is a Phokus-configured individual first aid kit built around the High Speed Gear Med Pak pouch, an established, battle-proven platform recognized for durability, modularity, and rapid access. By leveraging the Med Pak’s proven design, the ORK provides a flexible foundation for organized medical carriage across a wide range of operational roles.

Phokus configures the ORK in accordance with Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines to support mission-driven medical readiness, emphasizing consistent access under stress and customizable internal organization. Features include:

• Quick-access pull tab for rapid deployment

• MOLLE compatibility for flexible placement on kit

• Rigid internal organizer panel configurable with shock cord and elastic retention

• Built for speed and reliability during self-aid or buddy-aid

Manufactured by High Speed Gear in the United States and Berry-compliant, the ORK IFAK pairs a trusted pouch platform with Phokus’ configuration expertise to deliver a dependable, operationally relevant medical solution.

Medic & Role 1 Level Systems

Phokus Surgical Ruck (Patent Pending)

The Multi-Mission Medical-Surgical Ruck (M3R-SURG) is a collaboration between Phokus and High Speed Gear, engineered for damage control resuscitation (DCR) and damage control surgery (DCS). Developed to address the demands of advanced care for teams operating in austere, mobile, or forward environments, the system features an external aluminum frame to enhance load carriage. Unlike other solutions on the market, the Surgical Ruck was also designed to store personal sustainment gear (food, water, warming layers), critical for extended operations.

The Surgical Ruck is scalable, agile, and rapidly deployable. It features modular, clear pouches mounted on rigid back panels, enabling teams to configure layouts according to mission requirements. Intended for austere surgical sites, the Surgical Ruck enables the rapid setup of a DCR/DCS capability through internal hanging bags and instrument panels—supporting an efficient transition from movement to advanced care delivery.

See It at SHOT Show 2026 Booth #72739

Attendees are invited to visit High Speed Gear booth #72739 at SHOT Show 2026 to view these collaborative medical systems in person and learn more about how High Speed Gear and Phokus Research Group are working together to support warfighter readiness across mission sets.

WTF’s Back Panel 41 Mates Qore Performance ICEPLATE to PALS Platform

Friday, January 9th, 2026

WTF’s Back Panel 41 mates a Qore Performance ICEPLATE® (Gen 2) securely to your PALS/MOLLE platform.  A low profile, contoured design protects your ICEPLATE® (Gen 2) from abrasion and UV.  Optional shock cord routes through laser cut holes to offer quick, low profile load lashing for lightweight items like a windbreaker.  A 2′ x 5″ loop panel offers ample real estate for names tags, IFF, morale patches, and similar.

Back Panel 41 is made in the USA with Berry & NIR compliant MIL-DTL-32439 500D nylon, Brookwood® Squadron-B52® laminate, VELCRO® A-A-55126 nylon hook & loop, VELCRO® ONE-WRAP®, A-A-59826 bonded nylon thread, and well compensated, skilled labor to produce a durable, cost effective part.

Please see product pics for PALS footprint.  4.2oz / 116g.

wtfidea.com

L4 Performance – LAVS

Friday, January 9th, 2026

Weighing in at 380g (size Large) LAWS was designed as a lightweight yet rigid harness for the Crye Precision AVS and their own Maritime L4PC.

It’s offered in a variety of colors and patterns including Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, MultiCam, MC Black, MC Tropic, Woodland and M05 in sizes Small, Medium, and Large.

Available now at www.l4performance.com/product-page/lavs.

Sneak Peek – Hill People Gear Traveler

Monday, January 5th, 2026

The upcoming Traveler from Hill People Gear was developed to solve the relatively common problem of how to carry one bag into a hotel room that contains your clothing and a compact weapon in its own compartment.

Orion Defence – M85A3 HG Pouch

Friday, January 2nd, 2026

Photos of this have been floating around for quite awhile but I just saw them. This is a prototype pouch from Orion Defence for the new Danish handgrenade M85A3. I always appreciate the staple fasteners.

Manufactured by Rheinmetall the grenade is available in both offensive and defensive versions. Phots from Danish Defence Material and Procurement Agency.

DBC – Variable Carry Platform

Tuesday, December 30th, 2025

Constructed with Curv and shock cord, the Variable Carry Platform flexes and expands to securely fit everything from slim handhelds to larger radios.

The rear panel features thick foam padding to eliminate pressure points during extended wear. A separate, reversible hook-and-loop mounting panel allows the VCP to be installed on either the left or right side.

dirtybastardscollective.com/variable-carry-platform

Station 150 by LOFT

Tuesday, December 30th, 2025

We initially mentioned LOFT’s new Station 150 Multi-Mode Rolling Duffel during their Kickstarter campaign. Following a successful launch they have transitioned sales to their website where the Station 150 is now available for order in case you missed out on the crowdfunding effort.

Designed by Caleb Crye, the Station 150 is a mobile work station offering a stable platform for a variety of applications including field desk, maintenance, and meals.

Packaged as a 150L rolling duffel with all terrain wheels it can easily be stored and transported and configured for use in seconds.

Station 150 Dimensions:

Overall: 36” x 18” x 14”

Worksurface height: 34”

Interior of rigid backshell: 35” x 17.75”

Volume:  approximately 149 Liters

Weight: 16.5 lb (only 1 lb more than market-leading traditional rolling duffle)

Wheels: 5” diameter, 2” wide with smooth gliding air-less tires

Max supportable weight in table mode: 50lbs

Offered in Dark Olive, Fire Red, and Jet Black, deliveries will begin in late January.

Get yours at loftgear.com.

O/LINK Modular Trauma Panel (MTP)

Monday, December 29th, 2025

This is a pretty cool concept from IG-based maker @justohl who designs from a cyberpunk perspective. I initially started following him for his Cyberdeck builds but took on a real appreciation for his ability to repurpose items into smart garments.

Often criticized for his destruction of perfectly good Pelican cases, he has developed a Modular Trauma Panel.

Evan Ohl has this to say regarding the design, “I designed the MTP to attach directly to MOLLE webbing without the use of any hardware, keeping it extremely low profile and flexible for a wide range of applications. It can be attached to chest rigs, plate carriers, harnesses, drop leg rigs, and anything else with 4 columns of webbing.”

Made from Tegris it’s rigid yet lightweight. The MTP comes equipped with a hank of 1/8” shock cord and a single cord lock.

www.evanohl.com/store/p/olink-panel-02r1