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X-Concealment Kydex Gear

By on July 13, 2011 in EDC, Tactical Gear

I recently came across X-Concealment’s “C” Series Compact OWB holster and was immediately struck with its interesting features. It can be hard to differentiate yourself in today’s Kydex market but X-Concealment seems to have the features to stand out.

Their “C” Series holster adapts a classic leather pancake design with some improvements that the Kydex construction allows. The holster is more trim and lighter than a typical pancake design. The belt loops have been relieved to allow them to flex. X-Concealment uses thinner Kydex for the backing of the holster than the front in order to allow the holster to ride ever so slightly closer to the body. The holster features screw adjustable tension and comes with a properly sized hex wrench. X-Concealment tops it all off with a really cool stitch pattern that is engraved into the surface of the holster.

I am very impressed with their new website. The “C” Series holster isn’t their only product. They have a full line of holsters and accessories. They also have a guaranteed 3 business day turn around time. You read that right – guaranteed 3 business day turn around time. If that isn’t enough to get you to check them out, they are running a 25% off special now when you use the coupon code “SUMMER25” at checkout.

I have one of the “C” Series holsters inbound for review. While you are waiting for the review, check out the X-Concealment website.

S.O. Tech Mission Go Bag Flap

By on July 7, 2011 in EDC, Survival, Tactical Gear

The S.O. Tech Mission Go Bag (MGB) is a well known bag that has proven itself to be capable of carrying everything from office essentials to vital fight sustaining gear. The owner of the MGB has a myriad of accessories available to them that can really enhance the function of the bag. One of the newest such accessories is the Mission Go Bag Flap (MGBF).

The MGBF is a flap that gives the MGB a more low profile look by covering the PALS webbing on the front of the bag. It acts as a flap much like any other messenger bag or briefcase might have. In addition to helping the bag blend in, it also adds a good sized vinyl map window and pen loop.

Image is property of S.O. Tech.

This is a really clever solution that lets the user and mission determine how to configure the bag. I would love to see more manufacturers offer flaps like this for their bags.

Check out the MGBF on S.O. Tech’s website.

SAR Global Tool E&E Knife Prototypes

By on July 6, 2011 in EDC, Knives, Survival

SAR Global Tool is always creating some innovative piece of gear that could save your tail in a bad situation. The latest design is a very small, compact, and simple knife that is designed to take up as little space as possible in your survival kit, BOB, or E&E kit.

These E&E kit prototypes are ground from .090″ thick CPM 154 steel, so they should hold an edge well and resist rust as they sit packed away in a kit. They have a 1.5″ cutting edge and are only 3″ in overall length. The blade has a sort of angular sheeps foot shape that should offer plenty of cutting power in a small package. The tip looks to be very fine which is a plus on a small knife that will likely be used for many detailed tasks.

The coolest thing about these little knives is the sheath. It lays very flat so that it fits anywhere and it features 3 grommets so you can carry it many different ways. What really sets the sheath apart is the orange kydex panel. This panel can be used as a close range signal panel or marker. I have found that having something that is highly visible like this can be a land nav aid in dense under brush. When the undergrowth is too thick to take an azimuth to a landmark farther than a few feet in front of you, it can be helpful to send someone ahead with something visible so that they can become your land mark. You direct them verbally or visually to your azimuth and then walk to them.

This knife is small and simple but it comes with the kind of innovations that you would expect from a rescue professional like Spencer at SAR Global Tool. You can purchase your own on the SAR Global Tool blog. While you are there, check out the incredibly slick, patent pending Eclipse Signal System.

Mystery Ranch Streetfighter

By on July 5, 2011 in EDC, Tactical Gear

The new Streetfighter from Mystery Ranch is one of the smallest packs in their line. It is designed to excel as a jack-of-all-trades, general purpose pack. It would be at home on the hiking trail or a cross country flight.

Even though this pack is small, Mystery Ranch didn’t skimp on the suspension. The Streetfighter features their excellent Futura Yoke which mean you can pack the Streetfighter until the seams are bursting without fear of overloading it.

It features 2 exterior water bottle sleeves which I really like because it frees up the interior for cargo and protects the contents from spills. If you prefer to use a hydration bladder, there is an interior sleeve that will accommodate one. There is also an interior accessory pocket and external panel pocket with internal organizer that will help keep you keep your small items squared away.

The Streetfighter boasts 1150 CU-IN of capacity. That sounds small but that is kind of the point. I should also note that, in my experience, Mystery Ranch tends to underestimate their pack’s capacities.

Navy blue and yellow are the only colors available now but there will likely be some more subdued colors in the future. Black and OD green have been mentioned. Hopefully coyote brown and/or Multicam will make the cut as well.

You can check out the new Streetfighter on Mystery Ranch’s website.

New from Revision: The Alphawing

By on July 1, 2011 in EDC

The new Alphawing sunglasses from Revision represent a little bit of a departure from their typical products in that they are not really designed for ballistic protection. However, they are still packed with the style and innovation that you have come to expect from Revision.

I am not really into fashion but I do know a classic style when I see one. Aviator style glasses like the Alphawing are certainly classic. They have always been stylish and they always will be. Thankfully, Revision made the choice to do away with the gaudy gold color of many aviator frames in favor of an understated stainless steel color.

I mentioned “innovation” in the first paragraph and you may have thought, “What in the world could be innovative about aviator sunglasses?” The Alphawing is not your typical set of aviator sunglasses. Most aviator frames are made from thin metal that is brazed together. Those brazed joints add weight and weak spots to the frame. The Alphawings are actually acid etched from a single sheet of stainless steel. That makes them stronger and lighter.

Revision has also changed the way the lens are held in the frames. Most sunglasses place the lenses into a channel in the frame. Revision uses a thin frame that rides in a channel that is cut into the lenses. This makes for a lower profile design.

The Alphawing also features adjustable nose pads which is a feature that I have really come to appreciate about my Revision Hellflys. The arms are overmolded with grippy rubber to prevent the Alphawings from sliding around on your head. unlike most aviator frames that have harder rubber covers that get slick with sweat.

Check out the Alphawing on the Revision website.

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