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Author Archive | Matt
S.O. Tech MACTAC Pack
The S.O. Tech MACTAC Pack is designed to convert from dual strap backpack carry to single strap backpack carry or briefcase carry. The straps can be be configured to support each of the three different carry methods by the user. The dual strap set up provides stability while the single strap and briefcase configurations allow you to pull the pack around in front of you for easy access to the contents.
The MACTAC Pack features a large 11” x 5.5” x 16” main compartment. There is a rear slash compartment with left and right side access that can be used for CCW. The front pocket is sized to fit a tablet computer. The front of the pack is covered with PALS webbing and there are carry handles on both sides and the top. The pockets are lined with loop Velcro for use with Velcro backed pouches.
S.O. Tech provides some background on the MACTAC Pack:
The Multiple Assault Counter-Terrorism Action Capability pack was designed with elements of LAPD and LASD actions in mind. Allowing carry of terrorism response gear in one kit. In response to the Mumbai Assault of 2008 where multiple civilian centers were targeted simultaneously, LAPD and LASD developed MACTAC to train and equip multiple teams around urban environments to engage attacking terrorists with rifles, plate carriers, and tactical systems deployed from the pack. This pack first carries assault gear, then converts to a satchel for easy draw of ammunition and grenades during the assault phase.
It looks like it could be a good EDC pack even if you aren’t part of a counter-terrorism unit. It is slated for release in June. Check out the MACTAC on SpecOpsTech.com.
ReVolt MKII from Hardened Power Systems
I started JTT in part to shine a light on small businesses that are making really, really cool stuff – stuff like the ReVolt. Hardened Power Systems makes ridiculously rugged, portable battery back up systems in various sizes for a variety of applications. They are all pretty slick but I find myself drawn to the ReVolt. It represents a good compromise between size/weight and capacity.
The ReVolt is a NiMH battery bank that is contained in a case made from 1/8″ thick extruded aluminum with 1/2″ thick high density polyethylene end caps. The internal components are potted in epoxy which turns the entire ReVolt into a single solid mass and makes it completely waterproof. If water enters any of the outlets in the ReVolt, it cannot progress into the internal components.
You can charge the ReVolt via a normal electrical outlet with the included AC adapter in less than 3 hours. It can also be charged via your car’s cigarette lighter with an optional adapter or via a solar panel with an optional, custom built solar controller. You can check the charge at any time with the integrated voltmeter.
The battery bank provides 5 amp-hours (at 12 volts) of power, 12 amp-hours at 5 volts (USB), and 15 amp-hours at 4 volts (typical cell phone). To put that in perspective, it means you can charge your smart phone anywhere from 10-25 times depending on the phone. People have jump started lawn tractors and even cars (though there are potential issues with this) with the ReVolt.
All that power is delivered via a cigarette outlet. The ReVolt also comes with an adapter that lets you recharge your electronics via USB. This is a very versatile configuration since most rechargeable smart devices can be recharged via USB and you can even find items like fans and battery chargers that can be powered from USB.
Each ReVolt comes with a MOLLE compatible pouch, an AC charger, and a USB adapter. Check out the ReVolt and other rugged battery backup devices on PortableUniversalPower.com.
More information on the ReVolt from its creator:
Obligatory run-it-over-with-a-truck video:
Paladin Patch Available at Ares Gear
The Paladin/Have Gun – Will Travel patch is available again! This is one of the first patches that I ever profiled on JTT. I originally purchased mine on the Lightfighter Forums but now they are available from Big Jake at Ares Gear.
Emdom-MM AK Immediate Access Pouch
I always look forward to seeing the next Emdom and Military Morons (MM) collaboration. One of their latest collaboration items is the AK Immediate Access Pouch. The M4 and .308 Immediate Access Pouches have been available for a while now but the AK version was just released last week.
The Immediate Access Pouches (IAP) have a unique design that I think is particularly well suited to AK magazines – especially 7.62×39 AK mags. The IAP has 5 rows of PALS webbing on the rear of the pouch to allow users to mount the IAP at varying heights. It can be mounted in a way that actually drops the bottom of the pouch down below the belt sort of like a dropped holster. That is extremely handy with AK magazines since the 30 round mags are long enough that they can get in the way of other gear that is worn above your belt like a chest rig or plate carrier. By dropping their mounting height, you clear out space around your mid section and make the mags easier to access.
If you are an AK shooter who uses a belt rig, you are going to want to take a long, hard look at the Emdom-MM AK Immediate Access Pouches.
