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Review: CORE Panel from Austere Provisions Company

By Matt on September 2, 2013 in EDC, Preparedness, Reviews, Survival, Tactical Gear

The Austere Provisions Company CORE Panel is one of those pieces of gear that doesn’t really need a specific use because you can just look at it and imagine about a million ways to use it. It is a blank canvas that is just waiting to fill a void in your gear.

Overview

The CORE Panel is made by Blue Force Gear for Austere Provisions Company. It utilizes Blue Force Gear’s MOLLEminus technology to keep weight and complexity to an absolute minimum while also amping up the durability.

It features a 3 row x 6 column MOLLE compatible matrix of slots and voids on each side of the panel. The 3 row dimension was purposefully chosen so that it matched the dimension of most chest rigs which maximizes the number of pouches that will fit. The interior of the CORE Panel features a hook and loop closed pocket.

The CORE panel also features a loop at each corner that is useful for affixing buckles and straps (more on this later). It has two compact webbing handles that can easily be packed into the interior pocket if you don’t need them.

Observations from Use

The uses for this panel are limited only by your imagination. It is designed to serve as a multipurpose organizer. Basically, it is just a platform on which you mount pouches. You choose the pouches based on what you need the CORE Panel to do. If it will serve as an ammo organizer, mount magazine pouches. If it will serve as a medical insert, mount med pouches. If it will serve as an EDC organizer, mount utility and admin pouches. You get the idea.

Most people will probably use the panel as a drop in organizer for another pack or as a stand-alone grab-and-go type bag. It works very well in both roles. It will easily fit in most messenger bags, 3 day size packs, and even some of the larger assault packs. It is also really easy to just toss between your car seats or on the car seat next to you all by itself.

Once I had the CORE Panel in hand, I started to see all kinds of potential so I started experimenting with various buckles and strap. The loops on the side of the CORE Panel are sized to accept 1” repair buckles which makes it easy to turn the CORE Panel into a bandoleer with waist strap. You can just attach a few female repair buckles and then use straps from one of your chest rigs. Viola! You have an instant bandoleer that is capable of carrying extra ammo and first items.

I also experimented with docking the CORE Panel to the exterior of a pack and I was very, very pleased with the results. If you have the right buckles and something like a Velocity Systems Swiftclip set, you can turn the CORE Panel into a compression panel on a back pack or you can just use repair buckles to dock it like you would a Dock and Lock Pouch from Kifaru. The simplest method that I found was to just attach a couple Grimloc Carabiners to the loops. This allowed me to quickly dock the panel to another pack, even in places that might not have PALS webbing.

The CORE Panel is so versatile and works so well in the ways described above that I would like to see Austere Provision Company offer optional accessory kits that expand the capability of the panel. At the least, there is plenty of potential for a bandoleer kit that included a shoulder and waist strap. I am not a police officer but I spoke with one who liked that idea for use as an active shooter response setup.

As of right now, I have mine set up as a bandoleer of sorts. I have 2 spare rifle mags and a flashlight placed in a Blue Force Gear 10-Speed Pouch where I can access them immediately. On the opposite side, I have 2 utility pouches that can hold medical supplies, a cell phone, or whatever else I might need to respond to some sort of emergency around my home.

Wrap Up

It seems that often, when a piece of gear is designed to be versatile, it does several things acceptably well but isn’t truly great at anything. That is not the case with the CORE Panel. It is an exceptional bandoleer and an exceptional gear organizer. It docks onto a pack like it was made to do so and even works well as a stand-alone grab-and-go bag. If you can’t find a use for the CORE Panel, check your pulse. This is one of the most versatile pieces of gear that I have ever laid my hands on. 10 years from now, I will still be finding new ways to use it.

Check out the CORE Panel at Austere Provisions Company.

Review: OSOE Deployable TQ Pouch and TK-4 Self Deploy Pouch

By Matt on August 23, 2013 in Preparedness, Reviews, Survival, Tactical Gear

Original Special Operations Equipment (OSOE) has one of the most extensive lines of medic pouches on the market. In this review, I’ll be taking a look at 2 of their tourniquet (TQ) pouches – the Deployable TQ Pouch and the TK-4 Self Deploy Pouch.

Overview

Both pouches, like all OSOE gear, made from 1000D Cordura Nylon. They feature red webbing that visually indicates them as pouches that are carrying medical components and to visually indicate where to pull on the pouch to access the contents. Both pouches are designed to fully cover the TQ while also allowing it to be deployed quickly. These pouches are designed to mount via MALICE clips or similar.

The Deployable TQ Pouch is a vertical pouch that is suitable for carrying full size TQs like the CAT and SOF-T. It takes up only a single vertical column of PALS webbing and can be mounted on as few as 2 rows or as many as 3 rows of PALS webbing. It closed via hook and loop along its entire height and reinforced with a snap. You simply pull the webbing tab to deploy the TQ.

The TK-4 Self Deploy Pouch also mounts vertically to a single column of PALS webbing. It needs only 2 rows of webbing to mount. It is closed via a hook and loop secured flap with a webbing tab. When the tab is pulled, it lifts the flap and raises the TK-4 tourniquet out of the pouch. It is a clever design.

Observations from Use

Both pouches performed well which is to say that they held their cargo without drama. You can’t ask much of a TQ pouch other than it holds the TQ securely and allows quick access which both pouches did.

I like the slim profile of the Deployable TQ Pouch. It is the kind of pouch that you can always find room for on your gear. I use it on my belt or mounted high on the front of a plate carrier. One the belt, it is slim enough to fit between other gear, out of the way but accessible. On the plate carrier, it is slim enough to ride next an admin pouch or unobtrusively up on the high, front of the plate where it can be reached easily with either hand.

The TK-4 Self Deploy Pouch is a versatile and compact pouch which is fitting because the TK-4 itself is very compact. The TK-4 is not as fool proof as a full size TQ, but I own a ton of them because they are effective with some training, very affordable, and extremely compact. This pouch is a great compliment to the TK-4.

The TK-4 Self Deploy Pouch’s compact footprint makes it right at home in the same places as the Deployable TQ Pouch but also offers some additional functionality like the ability to be strung onto a sling. I like to keep mine on the static portion of my Blue Force Gear VCAS sling so that I always have a TQ on my rifle. This is a very handy pouch.

Wrap Up

These OSOE TQ pouches secure and protect the tourniquet well and still allow fast, easy access. They are compact enough to be mounted in a number of different ways. Like all OSOE gear, they are overbuilt and should serve you well for a lifetime. Check out the OSOE line of medical pouches.

Review: MSM Adapt Pack

By Matt on August 14, 2013 in EDC, Reviews, Tactical Gear

The Tactical Tailor Removable Operator Pack (ROP) has been so successful that it has spawned a number of spin-offs. The most recent spin-off, the MSM Adapt Pack, uses the ROP as its base and then receives a heaping helping of Mil-Spec Monkey (MSM) innovation.

Overview

Like the ROP, the MSM Adapt Pack is a small to medium sized pack (1178 cubic inches) that is useful for a number of different roles. It is constructed from 500D nylon by Tactical Tailor. This pack is designed to serve as stand-alone assault pack that can also be docked to a larger pack or plate carrier.

It retains most features of the ROP including a dedicated exterior accessible hydration compartment, a large main compartment with internal water bottle pockets, a smaller front compartment, external shock-cord organizer and Velcro patch field on the front, padded shoulder straps that can be packed away inside the hydration compartment, an adjustable sternum strap, padded back panel, and PALS webbing field on the sides and front. It comes with all the hardware that is necessary to mount the pack to a host.

The MSM Adapt Pack differs from the ROP in some key ways. It has additional hardware that gives it the capability to function as a single strap pack (sling bag). The ROP can do this but the MSM Adapt Pack expands the capability (more on this later). The ROP also features ambidextrous access to the front pocket which is loop Velcro lined for adaptable organization. Additionally, the MSM Adapt Pack has left and right side hydration/comm wire/antenna ports.

Observations from Use

One of the best things about this pack is that it doesn’t deviate too far from the ROP. The ROP is a great pack because of its size and all the ways it can be carried. The size is large enough to serve as an EDC or day hike pack and small enough to serve as an assault pack. It can comfortably carried as a backpack, docked to another larger pack or plate carrier, briefcase style with the straps tucked away, and the MSM Adapt Pack adds sling bag style carry.

Much of the unique features that MSM designed into the pack, revolve around getting the most out of sling bag style carry. Sling carry allows the user to pull the bag from their back, around to the front to access contents without removing the bag. The front pocket has two zippered access points, one on each side, so that you can access it regardless of which shoulder you have the bag slung on. This isn’t necessarily just a left handed versus right handed feature. I am right handed but prefer to carry single strap bags on my right shoulder in order to ensure that there are no straps over my holster (which is located on my right hip).

The interior of the front pocket has a large loop Velcro field on the interior which is the perfect organization system to support the ambidextrous, almost chest rig like nature of this pack. It allows the user to mount something like magazine pouches in any orientation that they need in order to access the content when the bag is pulled around in front of them. I found that the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed Dappers work perfectly in this role because they grip the magazines tightly enough that there is no issue with them falling out when the pack is vertical. This internal loop field and good Velcro backed magazine pouch makes it possible to fight out of this bag much like you would a chest rig. It is very, very clever.

MSM also added an additional removable female side release buckle to the sternum strap. It can be placed on either strap (completely ambidextrous) and serves to provide a docking point for the unused shoulder strap when the MSM Adapt Pack is in single strap mode. It basically creates a stabilizer strap much like you would find on a proper messenger bag. This locks the pack to the wearer’s back and completely mitigates the excess movement issues that are inherent to single strap packs.

The transition from traditional 2 strap pack to single strap, sling bag style carry is so simple, that it can be done while you are wearing the pack. You simply unbuckle the shoulder strap on the shoulder that will not be wearing the pack and reach over your shoulder to stow the top portion into the hydration compartment. Then you unbuckle the remaining strap and reattach it to the lower portion of the opposite strap. Finally, attach the remaining lower strap to the stabilizer buckle. It is easy and intuitive.

Once you have the removable stabilizer buckle in place, you can just leave it there permanently so it is always ready. If you need to pull the pack around in front to access its contents, you simply unbuckle the stabilizer strap and pull it around.

This single strap, sling bag style configuration is well suited to a number of different applications. As an armed citizen, it makes this bag suited to off-body concealed carry. Certainly, off-body carry is not ideal but at least with this pack, you can access your firearm without having to remove the pack and then root around in it. I can also imagine a number of other users who I am not qualified to speak for who might find a bag that can be fought out of like a chest rig useful. Basically, the MSM Adapt Pack gives you options that you wouldn’t have with a typical backpack.

Wrap Up

I didn’t spend a lot of time dwelling on the features that the MSM Adapt Pack has in common with the Removable Operator Pack (and similar packs like the Lightweight Assault Pack from Grey Ghost Gear) since these features are well known. The sling bag functionality is something that the ROP and all its derivatives are capable of but the MSM Adapt Pack turns them into useable, dedicated functionality rather than a hack. The moveable stabilizer buckle, ambidextrous design, and clever use of Velcro organization makes it all work. This is an awesome pack that you will be able to use a number of different ways.

Check out the MSM Adapt Pack.

Review: Pro-Tech Knives Doru

By Matt on August 12, 2013 in EDC, Knives, Reviews

Automatic knives can be quite useful in spite of their unfair, vilified reputation that is perpetuated by politicians, ignorant people, and ignorant people who happen to be politicians everywhere. An auto opening mechanism is simply just another way of opening a knife. It does not make the knife any more dangerous or deadly. It is just a way to open a knife easily, with one hand.

This is the part of the review where I climb down off of my soap box and tell you about the Pro-Tech Knives Doru.

Overview

The Doru was designed by knife making guru, Allen Elishewitz. I probably don’t even have to say that because the flowing handle shape, blade shape, and grinds are pretty much unmistakable.

It features a .125” thick, 3.5” 154-CM drop point blade. There is quite a bit of drop at the spine and the cutting edge has gentle slope to the tip. It features a half height flat grind (saber grind).

The anodized aluminum handle is 4.5” long and a slim .5” thick. All of that adds up to 8” long when the Doru is opened. The model that I have is one of the “tactical” models that features a black DLC coating and additional jimping on the handle.

The Duro is an out-the-side style automatic with a button release and button lock. The release button is recessed. It utilizes a coil spring to deploy the blade.

Like every other Pro-Tech folding knife, the Doru comes with a good quality belt pouch. It also features a sturdy belt clip that is set up for right side, tip up carry only (there are left hand models available).

Observations from Use

The fit and finish on this knife is very good and that is a hallmark of Pro-Tech Knives. They consistently produce knives of excellent quality. I can’t find anything to nitpick. The grinds are even and the edge is laser sharp. It is common for the last little bit of a production knife blade to be left unsharpened near the choil but that isn’t the case with this or any of my Pro-Techs. The cutting edge comes all the way to the back to the choil. The blade is perfectly centered and it locks up tight without play.

Pro-Tech Knives use excellent quality springs and they are known for firing hard when the blade is released. This Doru is no exception. You will want to hang on tight when you press the release because if you don’t, the knife might leap out of your hand. Pro-Tech also uses large stop pins to absorb all that force. I have never seen another production automatic knife maker with knives that fire consistently as hard as those from Pro-Tech.

The Doru’s blade shape looks a bit unorthodox with its protruding hump on the spine (many of Elishewitz’s designs have this) but it behaves like a pretty straight forward drop point and that’s a good thing. It is a very useful shape.

Pro-Tech and Elishewitz may have worked some kind of black magic when they designed the Doru. When you have the knife in hand, it almost seems as if the handle could never contain the blade. The blade just seems very long for the handle.

The fine bead blasting on the handle makes it very grippy and the addition of extra jimping on this tactical model really locks the Doru into the user’s hand. The jimping is some of the best that I have seen. The jimping has grooves that run in parallel to the spine of the knife in addition to the typical perpendicular cuts. This makes the gripping surface provided by the jimping work in all directions.

The Doru features a contrasting pivot and button release. The handle is anodized black but the button release and pivot is satin finished. The pivot also features decorative machining that is really attractive.

I rarely see this mentioned, but Pro-Tech makes the best pocket clips that I have used. They are very, very stout but still easy to slip onto your pocket. I have never had one of their clips loose tension. I do wish that this clip was mounted just a bit higher on the knife to allow for deeper carry.

I am still getting used to the handle one the Doru. It isn’t uncomfortable – it is actually very comfortable to use. It is just a bit different in that it is fairly wide where the handle meets the blade and I am not sure if this area is supposed to be a guard or what. If you grip behind this area, you can still get your entire hand on the handle but you feel like you are miles from the blade. I suppose this could be a good thing for applications where reach is a must. Thankfully, I can grip over this area without any drama and the knife is quite comfortable this way. I suspect that this is a purposeful design that allows you to choke up for some cuts or back down the handle to extend your reach. It works, but it wasn’t necessarily intuitive to me at first.

The DLC coating holds up very, very well. It is fairly thin and doesn’t seem to cause too much drag when cutting. I have yet to wear all the way through it anywhere on the blade but it starting to look a bit scuffed in places.

Finally, I should mention that the Doru does not have a safety. You will rarely see a safety on a Pro-Tech automatic. I have never had an issue with one of their knives deploying accidentally because they take great care in the design of their release buttons. They are typically nested so that an intentional press is required and you must push the button slightly past the flush surface of the handle to release the blade. I think safeties on autos defeats the purpose of carrying an auto. I would much rather have a well designed release that protects against accidental deployment by virtue of its design than a safety.

Wrap Up

I always recommend Pro-Tech Knives when people ask which automatic to buy and the Doru is a good example of why. It is one of the most affordable autos on the market of this size and quality. Pro-Tech also does a great job of backing their customers which cannot be said of most automatic knife manufacturers.

Check out ProTechKnives.com and purchase your own Doru at BladeHQ.

Review: Snake Eater Tactical Cobra Rigger Belt (Diamondback)

By Matt on August 6, 2013 in EDC, Reviews, Tactical Gear

I have been wearing a new belt for the last 3 months. The Cobra Rigger Belt (Diamondback) from Snake Eater Tactical is one of the many Cobra belts available on the market. There is certainly no shortage of choices but this one has a combination of features that I like quite a bit.

Overview

All of Snake Eater Tactical’s Cobra Rigger Belts are made from two layers of resin treated 1 3/4″ Type 13 webbing. They add 5 rows of stitching that run the length of the belt to stiffen it. Then, depending on the pattern that you choose, they add some additional stitching that is both decorative and serves to further stiffen the belt. The result is a belt that is more than rigid enough to carry a full size handgun comfortably all day but more flexible than a belt with a stiffening insert.

The subject of this review features their Diamondback stitch pattern. It consists of 2 interlocking zig-zag stiches that form a diamond pattern, not unlike a tooling pattern that you might see on a leather belt. I think it looks great.

The belt features an AustriAlpin Cobra Buckle that is very, very durable and makes it extremely easy to don and doff. If you are a go fast type who might actually need a rigger’s belt for more than just holding up pants, the Cobra Buckle is suitable for extremely heavy loads and there is a 2” open slot in the belt next to the Cobra Buckle where you can add the carabiner of your choice.

Observations from Use

This belt is extremely comfortable. 5 stitch pattern belts like this aren’t new. Wilderness Tactical has been using this method to stiffen their excellent riggers belts for use and it may have been used before them. This type of stiffening system works. It provides an acceptable level of rigidity while remaining more flexible than belts with plastic stiffening insert. This belt is more than rigid enough to keep a G19 or G17 comfortable when carried inside the waist band all day – even when I am on my feet and moving for most of the time.

The decorative Diamondback stitching looks great. I can’t test how much additional rigidity it adds but it really doesn’t matter since the 5 rows of stitching are more than sufficient. The Diamondback pattern’s job is to look good and it does that well. It also does a good job of reinforcing the Velcro panels which can tear off with time and use if they are only stitched around the edges.

This belt is very well made. The stitching is even and straight which is great because it is very noticeable when it isn’t straight on these long, full length stiffening stitches. There is reinforcement where there should be reinforcement and the sizing is true to measurement.

Snake Eater Tactical was easy to work with. If your belt doesn’t fit right, they will return or exchange it. I didn’t need to do that because the fit was perfect. They offer several different stitching/webbing color combinations and several different buckle colors. They also offer a version of this belt without the costly Cobra Buckle.

Wrap Up

There are other belts on the market with Cobra Buckles but I like the combination of quality components, stitch stiffening, and good looks that this Snake Eater Tactical Cobra Rigger Belt offers.

Check out the Snake Eater Tactical Cobra Rigger Belt.

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