RE Factor Tactical’s Blasting Cap is now available in Black and Ranger Green. I have a Ranger Green Blasting Cap already and like it more than my tan one due to the way it fits. I am not sure if they changed the cut slightly or if there is just some variance in the hat but the new caps fit my big noggin noticeably better.
Check out the Blasting Cap at RE Factor Tactical.
I have spent the last several months getting to know the new, MKIII version of the SwampFox Chest Rig from UW Gear. When they first announced the MKIII version, UW Gear told me that this chest rig is more durable, lighter weight, more comfortable, and easier to produce than the MKII version. Those types of claims require some investigation, especially when they are messing with my favorite chest rig!
The Swamp Fox MKIII is a chest rig that is available in specific versions for AR-15s, AK-74s, and AK-47s. The majority of the rig is constructed from 1000D Cordura nylon and is available in a wide array of colors and camo patterns.
It still retains much of what made the Minuteman MKII great:
Some of the differences are noted about but other notables include:
MKII on left, MKIII on right
MKII on left, MKIII on right
As I said above, I was told this new rig would be more durable, lighter weight, more comfortable, and easier to produce than the MKII version. I’ll try to address each one of these claims from my perspective based on my use of the new MKIII version.
It is a little hard to quantify this based on my use. I still haven’t even come remotely close to wearing out my Swamp Fox MKII. On paper, I believe it because of the addition of the webbing reinforcement inside the magazine pouch flaps and the bound edges. Both of these items add reinforcement at common failure points.
The rig still shows UW Gear’s typical overbuild quality. All webbing is box stitched where it joins the body of the rig. The PALS webbing is attached with large bar tacks. Just about every component of these rigs is made with multiple layers of something be it Cordura nylon, webbing, or binding tape.
MKII on left, MKIII on right
The scale doesn’t lie! The MKIII weighs about 16.45 ounces, which is 2.1 ounces less than the MKII version. Much of weight was saved in the new construction method for the pouches and the harness and basically comes from replacing extraneous fabric with strategically located webbing.
This is probably the claim that I was most curious about. The biggest reason that I like the MKII style chest rigs from UW Gear was because of the way they constructed the harness. They used multiple layers of Cordura and webbing to create a harness that was somewhat rigid but better able to flex and twist without the bunching and gaps you see in a padding harness. It was thin and supported weight very well.
The new harness is a bit less rigid. It is still thin. In fact, it is thinner. It still bears weight well, moves well with the wearer, and the bound edges are actually a bit more comfortable against your skin.
UW Gear also adds some detail here in how they shape the harness. The shoulder straps are set at an angle greater than 90 degrees to the horizontal strap that holds the H harness together. This allows it to sit more comfortably across your back and shoulders. This detail is still present in the MKIII version.
I guess I have to admit that it is more comfortable though I do miss a bit of the rigidity of the original harness.
MKIII on left, MKII on right
MKIII on left, MKII on right
This one is easy to prove. UW Gear is a small shop with a unique, well-made product. They operate with a permanent backlog but thanks to the streamlined production of the MKIII, they have reduced their lead times.
You can still expect to wait 3-5 months but that is an overall reduction from where they were and that lead-time is shrinking continually.
H-harness detail
The Swamp Fox MKIII is an improved version of an already great chest rig. If nothing else, it is a huge win for the user that UW Gear was able to increase durability and reduce weight. The streamlined construction will also allow them to keep costs in check.
This is a worthy successor.
Check out all of the new MKIII versions of your favorite gear at UW Gear.
Disclosure: This product was provided to me by UW Gear, free of charge, for review.
The Nautilus Sling Bag from Sneaky Bags is now available. This is one of Sneaky Bags’ most discreet bags yet. It is designed to be used as an off body concealed carry bag but can also be used to transport smaller shoulder fired firearms.
The interior features a large loop covered PALS webbing field to offer the user an array of organization options without taking up the internal volume. It also has a zippered front slip pocket for smaller items. The rear of the bag has a concealed carry compartment that is accessible from either side and the shoulder strap can be configured for either right and left handed users.
Check out the Nautilus Sling Bag at Sneaky Bags.
Don’t be confused by the name. The new Adjustable Tactical Dog Leash isn’t just for tactical dogs. It’s chocked full of handy features that are just as useful for the regular guy as the go fast types.
There you have it. You don’t have to have a tactical dog to have an Adjustable Tactical Dog Leash. Check it out at RE Factor Tactical.
You may remember the exciting new MOLLE straps from Whiskey Two-Four that I mentioned recently. I have good news. They are now available. I have better news. They are extremely affordable!
These have the potential to be great due to their Hypalon construction. They are likely the thinnest and lightest MOLLE attachment strap on the market and they should be basically bomb-proof. On top of that, they are likely the most affordable option too! This is better living through material science.
Check out the Whiskey Two-Four WTFix Attachment System Straps.
