Nate Murr, inventor of the Gripstop, has launched his own company – True North Concepts LLC. The Gripstop has been licensed to various companies over the years but now the new company will serve as home for Murr’s products designs.
True North Concepts can also help make your product a reality. They will offer other services including consulting, product and CAD design, and supply chain management.
I have really come to like my Hill People Gear Tarahumara. It is an excellent small pack for summer hikes, quick trips into the woods, and more. However, sometimes I wish it had a bit more capacity. It has an excellent harness system that can support far more weight than you could ever stuff into it. In an effort to extend the Tara’s usefulness and capacity, I purchased a Modified 10×12 Center-Zip Pouch from Tuff Possum Gear.
The Modified 10×12 Center-Zip Pouch is aptly named. This pouch is 10×12″ in dimension and has a single central zip that gives accessing to a single pocket (much like the Tarahumara itself). It has two 1″ webbing anchor points on the top corners that allow it to be docked on the Tarahumara with the included ITW GrimLocs and is constructed from 500D Cordura Nylon.
I don’t have exact volume figures but given the dimensions, I would say that it adds around 200-250 cubic inches of capacity to the Tara (maybe more if you really stuff it). Those numbers are based on my measurements of the exterior dimensions when the pouch is packed normally.
As straight-forward as this pouch seems, there is real thoughtfulness in the design. For instance, the dimensions are such that it perfectly matches the width of host Tarahumara and the length allows it to be compressed with both of the Tarahumara’s compression straps. Additionally, the Tarahumara has a wedge shape that is thicker at the bottom. The Modified Center-Zip sits near the thinner top portion of the Tarahumara so it does not stick out that far from the wearer’s back. The whole package remains relatively sleek.
The included GrimLocs do a fine job of connecting the Modified Center-Zip to the Tarahumara. They are durable, secure, and very easy to operate even with gloves. However, I have also found that you can use Slik-Clips as a lighter weight, more compact attachment solution. They are harder to connect and disconnect but you likely won’t be taking the Modified Center-Zip on and off very often.
The Modified Center-Zip works a bit like a compression panel in that you can secure items behind it. Beware that the items that you are carrying will not fall out from the bottom. I especially like to carry an axe compressed in this manner when I am working on winter trail maintenance. You can also secure soft gear like a rain shell behind the pouch as long as you apply enough tension on the compression straps.
Obviously, the main use for this pouch is to extend the capacity of the Tarahumara but I have found a few other benefits. The Tarahumara lacks much in the way of organization but the Modified Center-Zip gives me a way to keep gear separated. For instance, I can keep my pitch covered folding saw in it instead of letting it wallow around in the main compartment where it can transfer sticky pitch to my other gear.
If you have been looking for a way to extend the capacity of your Hill People Gear Tarahumara, I can highly recommend the Tuff Possum Gear Modified 10×12 Center-Zip Pouch. It is well made, easy to use, and works well with the pack’s existing shape and compression features.
Visit Tuff Possum Gear on Etsy
NOTE: Tuff Possum Gear is a small business that makes these pouches in batches. They are usually available in a variety of colors but there are brief times when they may not be in stock. They also offer a number of pouches that are similar in appearance but that are not designed to dock on the Tarahumara so double check your order.
According to Stickthison, the green ones taste the best and the orange ones hurt the most. I don’t know about that but I do know a great patch when I see one.
Feast your eyes on this…
Multicam Quilts is now offering their quilts in M81 Woodland. These quilts have the same heirloom quality and materials that we have mentioned in previous posts about the quilts (click here to read previous posts) but they sport black edge binding and OD green fleece backing in addition to the obvious M81 Woodland material. Pre-orders are open now.
Order yours direct: Multicam Quilts
Griffin Armament has launched their own line of threaded Glock barrels. The ATM (or Advanced Threaded Match) line of barrels comes with a compact carry comp, barely larger than a thread protector, for a limited time.
From Griffin Armament:
Griffin ATM (Advanced Threaded Match) Barrels are billet machined from 416R chromium stainless steel to exacting tolerances for the ultimate in drop in match performance. 5 axis machining done in a single work holding positions all critical dimensions on the breech ensuring theoretically perfect geometrical relationship of barrel, slide and locking lug. Chambers are honed and polished to ensure an extremely smooth surface finish and optimal reliability with a wide range of ammunition from training to duty ammo. Two years of research and testing provided the appropriate knowledge to machine the barrel dimensions for a perfect fitment; providing the best possible accuracy without sacrificing factory reliability. Designed with concealed carry users in mind, this barrel gives you the utility of accessory and suppressor support while providing uncompromising reliability. Don’t lose confidence in your carry handgun by using sub par components.
For a limited time this barrel comes with our patent pending Micro Carry Comp, a $64.95 value and an impressive performance add on for your favorite carry piece. The Micro Carry Comp ( MC²) provides a low signature (resists printing while carrying concealed), fits a wide range of holsters without modification, and provides noticeable recoil reduction for faster more accurate follow up shots with enhanced overall control of the firearm. The Micro Carry Comp’s miniature and lightweight package has near zero perceived effect on the handling and storage of the firearm.
* 416R Pre- hardened chromium stainless steel for peak accuracy potential through service life
* 9mm SAAMI-spec chamber
* Black Nitride finish resists surface wear & corrosion while providing increased surface hardness
* ½”-28 threaded muzzle for suppressor or accessory support
* Target crowned muzzle
* Honed and polished chambers to ensure reliable function across a broad range of ammo
* Broach cut rifling for reduced stress and uniformity of the bore
* All critical machining done in single work holding for exacting tolerances and manufacturing consistency from batch to batch.
* 1:10 twist rate
Check out GriffinArmament.com
