Unchained Preppers
General Category => Security & Survival => Topic started by: JohnyMac on February 25, 2019, 12:09:32 PM
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As we go through changes within our lives we learn to adapt. If we don't we don't grow and evolve. What worked 10 years ago may not be the best thing for you today. That is what this subject line is for.
I encourage everyone on this forum to write about the changes your Battle Rattle/kit-out has gone through and why. Your efforts putting together your changes along with your thought process, will help the others on this forum.
Please post pics and comments on this thread/subject line here.
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Excellent idea! Let me continue to gather my thoughts and I will have a post up in a few days.
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I am looking at a new chest rig. UW Gear (http://uwgearinc.com/swamp-fox-4.html), Mayflower (https://www.velsyst.com/store/chest-rigs.html) and Haley Strategic (https://www.haleystrategic.com/holster-wedge-d3cr-expansion) have caught my interest.
I would love to get the discussion started.
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I am looking at a new chest rig. UW Gear ([url]http://uwgearinc.com/swamp-fox-4.html[/url]), Mayflower ([url]https://www.velsyst.com/store/chest-rigs.html[/url]) and Haley Strategic ([url]https://www.haleystrategic.com/holster-wedge-d3cr-expansion[/url]) have caught my interest.
I would love to get the discussion started.
I can attest to the durability of UW Gear as that is the one I rocked this past weekend. In terms of Haley Strategic, I am looking into their Flatpack bag as part of my patrol gear.
I will have my thoughts together in a day or so.
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Johny Mac
I cant speak for the UW Gear, but I definitely believe in Mayflower products. Also the Haley rig is a very nice piece of kit.
Also take a look at First Spear and Tactical Tailor for good quality rigs. I just recently picked up a a lightweight chest rig from RDR that I have been using quite a bit. I have been happy with it so far.
Chris
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I am looking at a new chest rig. UW Gear ([url]http://uwgearinc.com/swamp-fox-4.html[/url]), Mayflower ([url]https://www.velsyst.com/store/chest-rigs.html[/url]) and Haley Strategic ([url]https://www.haleystrategic.com/holster-wedge-d3cr-expansion[/url]) have caught my interest.
I would love to get the discussion started.
If you like the Haley Strategic stuff, check out the Max Velocity store for the chest rig he designed and sells on there.
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@ Deathstyle - I did check out his line. It seemed to just be copies of others specifically UW. If anybody runs MVT chest rig give a review please.
@ CJS06 - Tactical Tailor is somehow connected with UW I think. I will check out First Spear also. Thx.
I was chatting with John, owner of UW via email Thursday. He has a new chest rig coming out called the Brushbeater. It is very similar to the current Swamp Fox 4 except it sports an 8-mag holder instead of 4. Still has the space for a GP or bleeder pouch on either side. With capability of 8-mags you could carry what you need for your Ops Order. If you went with just 4 or 6-mags, the empty mag holders could be used for other things. Comms, snacks, Skoal, some optic's, etc. Once he shares with me some pic's I will post here.
The GW Swamp Fox.Brushbeater chest rig has perked my interest. I spent a bunch of my time last weekend laying prone during the Recon & Surveillance class "observing". I noticed that most of my classmates who had standard chest rigs, ones that did not open in the front, fidgeting and readjusting their position constantly. With snaps up front you can unsnap, and fan out the two halves like wings. Now you will have a lower profile and be more comfortable too.
Great discussion!
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Ohhhh the brushbeater, eh? I wonder who that is named after :boltAction:
I might have to buy that because I would absolutely love those pouches to be double mags. I have two swamp foxes for myself and my girl, but the expanded capacity will definitely warrant another purchase.
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So, my initial setup was as follows:
Chest Rig - Swamp Fox 4 from UW Gear It had 4 mags, one radio pouch, and one admin/utility pouch.
My belt had my handgun (Springfield XD9), knife, multitool, first line kit, 2 pistol mags
My patrol pack had my IFAK, 1 Liter water, my 292 Jungle antenna, poncho, and a few other odds and ends stuff.
After the class was over and in a long email exchange with NC Scout, here is the modified set-up I am going to try for the April class. I originally had thought about doing a battle belt/chest rig combo, but NCS advised me that it may get interesting when doing any sort of crawling. Thus, I am not going to over re-invent the wheel so to speak, and just make incremental changes. He highly advised me to have the IFAK on my belt so that if I had to ditch everything else I still had that. What I keep having to remind myself of is the purpose of this kit set-up - to move silently, slowly, and collect intelligence.
Belt would be:
Pistol
Double pistol mag pouch
IFAK
Flashlight w/ red light capability
Multitool
Knife
First Line Kit
Identification Piece (i.e. VS-17)
b) Chest Rig:
Radio pouch
4 single mag pouches
Admin/Optics i.e. binos (any suggestions on binos?)
c) Patrol pack would have everything else:
Blanket
Poncho
550 cord
Water
Extra mags
Mission specific stuff (i.e. equipment for Jungle 292, toughbook, hidesite camo netting, Yagi antenna)
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Great write up Patriotman :cheers:
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I will be testing this out at Johnny's place initially next weekend and then, after some tweaks, get a field test in the April Class. I will post a review after both. Also, I will take a bunch of photographs (I had disassembled everything by the time I thought to take pictures last time).
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As far as mag pouches, I have one of these. It works well. It will easily hold 2 30s per pouch and can be set up to hold 3. That at least 6 and possibly 9 mags on there. That 270 round on body wiht another 30 in your rifle. 300 rounds better than 210. More ammo is always better, IMHO.
Nemo
https://www.amazon.com/CONDOR-Condor-Triple-Mag-Pouch/dp/B00AELZ5NM/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=Condor+Triple+Mag+Pouch&qid=1551978925&s=gateway&sr=8-8 (https://www.amazon.com/CONDOR-Condor-Triple-Mag-Pouch/dp/B00AELZ5NM/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=Condor+Triple+Mag+Pouch&qid=1551978925&s=gateway&sr=8-8)
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Sounds good Nemo. Just remember there is a Scouting, Recon, and Surveillance load vs. a combat load. A combat load would be more like 7-9, 30-round mags while doing Scouting, Recon, and Surveillance you want to travel light. 4-5, 30-round mags. If you end up using more than 1-mag, your mission is compromised and it is time to skedaddle.
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As far as mag pouches, I have one of these. It works well. It will easily hold 2 30s per pouch and can be set up to hold 3. That at least 6 and possibly 9 mags on there. That 270 round on body wiht another 30 in your rifle. 300 rounds better than 210. More ammo is always better, IMHO.
Nemo
https://www.amazon.com/CONDOR-Condor-Triple-Mag-Pouch/dp/B00AELZ5NM/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=Condor+Triple+Mag+Pouch&qid=1551978925&s=gateway&sr=8-8 (https://www.amazon.com/CONDOR-Condor-Triple-Mag-Pouch/dp/B00AELZ5NM/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=Condor+Triple+Mag+Pouch&qid=1551978925&s=gateway&sr=8-8)
I have a few of these, and I agree they work well. For all of the gref that Condor gets sometimes, I think it will survive 99% of what we may face and the price point is hard to beat.
Sounds good Nemo. Just remember there is a Scouting, Recon, and Surveillance load vs. a combat load. A combat load would be more like 7-9, 30-round mags while doing Scouting, Recon, and Surveillance you want to travel light. 4-5, 30-round mags. If you end up using more than 1-mag, your mission is compromised and it is time to skedaddle.
The most I personally plan to carry on a recon jaunt is 7 (6 + 1 in gun) but it will most likely be 4 +1. I want a 3 mag bandoleer in the patrol pack regardless so that if we break contact I might take half a second to get more mags, or if I leave the pack at the rally point I can fall back and use it as a resupply point.
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An interesting source for mag carrier pouches and other cool stuff I received an email from this morning.
Nemo
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/military-surplus/all-military-surplus/mag-pouches?d=122&c=199&s=208&trackid=catspiffMilitaryShooting3 (https://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/military-surplus/all-military-surplus/mag-pouches?d=122&c=199&s=208&trackid=catspiffMilitaryShooting3)
AND SPECIFICALLY
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-6-magazine-army-digital-bandolier-new?a=1168850 (https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-6-magazine-army-digital-bandolier-new?a=1168850)
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Nice find! I have bought pouches from SG before and they have all been good to go.
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I know my philosophy on gear has changed since I first started. I originally was trying to use TACO’s because of the versatility instead of just picking one platform. I also was trying to make my kit mimic that of direct action commandos instead of realizing that it would be pressed into use as a militiamen situation and I should set it up that way. You know, set up your gear for your mission. I was too busy trying to buy kit I thought looked cool instead of focusing on how it would be used. Also I’m ashamed to say my kit didn’t have any medical equipment on it. It was mostly just stuff I wore to go shooting. Not stuff I expected myself to actually use. My main goal now is getting everything situated with some way to carry hydration. Canteen pouches are amazing for the cost. Plus they fit a 1L Nalgene bottle perfectly. My problem is that I refuse to purchase anything in the ACU patern. I might buckle and purchase some for loaner equipment that I would hand to neighbors and anyone that happened to be staying with me if something happened. But it’s going to get dyed before it gets used.
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An interesting source for mag carrier pouches and other cool stuff I received an email from this morning.
Nemo
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/military-surplus/all-military-surplus/mag-pouches?d=122&c=199&s=208&trackid=catspiffMilitaryShooting3 (https://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/military-surplus/all-military-surplus/mag-pouches?d=122&c=199&s=208&trackid=catspiffMilitaryShooting3)
AND SPECIFICALLY
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-6-magazine-army-digital-bandolier-new?a=1168850 (https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-6-magazine-army-digital-bandolier-new?a=1168850)
Fair warning, it’s a pain in the ass to get PMAG’s to fit in those three mag shingles. I’m probably going to modify mine to use bungy retention instead of those stupid snap flaps.
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And I just bought 4 more canteen pouches. My wallet hates how much more serious I’m taking this stuff.
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LOL mechMedic! Yeah, the wallet takes a beating especially if you don't have some friends that can help with your selection (s). My holster drawer is FULL! Can you say $$$$$$$$$$$. :hiding:
All good stuff brother!
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An interesting source for mag carrier pouches and other cool stuff I received an email from this morning.
Nemo
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/military-surplus/all-military-surplus/mag-pouches?d=122&c=199&s=208&trackid=catspiffMilitaryShooting3 (https://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/military-surplus/all-military-surplus/mag-pouches?d=122&c=199&s=208&trackid=catspiffMilitaryShooting3)
AND SPECIFICALLY
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-6-magazine-army-digital-bandolier-new?a=1168850 (https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-6-magazine-army-digital-bandolier-new?a=1168850)
Fair warning, it’s a pain in the ass to get PMAG’s to fit in those three mag shingles. I’m probably going to modify mine to use bungy retention instead of those stupid snap flaps.
Yeah Hexmags have the same issue. It is annoying...
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US Grunt Gear makes a nylon version of the old cotton sling bandolier
https://store.usgruntgear.com/arsixmabasl.html
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Material looks good, pricing looks much better than most others. To my pocket anyway. I have the rifle mag pouch noted below as well as the other 2 items and they surely seem to be high quality. I am pleased.
Everything I have purchased from Condor so far has been high quality (my standards) well made and I am pleased with them.
Nemo
All from Amazon.
Condor Triple Mag Pouch $19.94
https://smile.amazon.com/CONDOR-Condor-Triple-Mag-Pouch/dp/B00AELZ5NM/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=Condor+Triple+Mag+Pouch&qid=1553003816&s=gateway&sr=8-8
Condor Tactical Double Pistol Mag Pouch $10.00
https://smile.amazon.com/CONDOR-Double-Pistol-Pouch-Black/dp/B004BHYTNC/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_2/144-5843116-7129367?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004BHYTNC&pd_rd_r=e0d0b711-4a4e-11e9-86b3-c3787b91dd29&pd_rd_w=lABTK&pd_rd_wg=hYfwx&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=Z2K7ASV5BZSYVSGBEAYG&psc=1&refRID=Z2K7ASV5BZSYVSGBEAYG
CONDOR Tactical Belt $14.95 IIRC This belt comes with the 2 horizontal mag pouches and 4 belt keeper snap straps.
https://smile.amazon.com/CONDOR-Tactical-Black-44-Inch-Waist/dp/B003MYJTYO/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_3/144-5843116-7129367?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003MYJTYO&pd_rd_r=e0d0b711-4a4e-11e9-86b3-c3787b91dd29&pd_rd_w=lABTK&pd_rd_wg=hYfwx&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=Z2K7ASV5BZSYVSGBEAYG&psc=1&refRID=Z2K7ASV5BZSYVSGBEAYG
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US Grunt Gear makes a nylon version of the old cotton sling bandolier
https://store.usgruntgear.com/arsixmabasl.html
Melikes!
Nemo
https://store.usgruntgear.com/progrcopabes.html
This is cool and I think I need to get one. Just because I like the looks of it.
https://store.usgruntgear.com/usnipvcmopa.html
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So I was given a fix for the three mag pouch issue. It was given to me by Wynnp4 so give him full credit. Get a bungee kit from HSGI and weave that through the molle. Boom. Works perfect. Once I find my pistol mag pouches my place carrier will be set up completely and I'll post pictures.
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An interesting source for mag carrier pouches and other cool stuff I received an email from this morning.
Nemo
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/military-surplus/all-military-surplus/mag-pouches?d=122&c=199&s=208&trackid=catspiffMilitaryShooting3 (https://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist/military-surplus/all-military-surplus/mag-pouches?d=122&c=199&s=208&trackid=catspiffMilitaryShooting3)
AND SPECIFICALLY
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-6-magazine-army-digital-bandolier-new?a=1168850 (https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-6-magazine-army-digital-bandolier-new?a=1168850)
Fair warning, it’s a pain in the ass to get PMAG’s to fit in those three mag shingles. I’m probably going to modify mine to use bungy retention instead of those stupid snap flaps.
These are affordable alternatives
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/939488989/midwayusa-8-magazine-pouch-ar-15-and-ak-47-rifle (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/939488989/midwayusa-8-magazine-pouch-ar-15-and-ak-47-rifle)
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/939189814/midwayusa-4-magazine-pouch-ar-15-and-ak-47-rifle (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/939189814/midwayusa-4-magazine-pouch-ar-15-and-ak-47-rifle)
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And I just bought 4 more canteen pouches. My wallet hates how much more serious I’m taking this stuff.
I've added a 2 quart canteen to my kit that I use as my electrolyte carrier. I use the tan canteens from DESERT STORM since it is easier to see if I've properly cleaned out any Kool Aid or Gatorade residue. I carry it in an OD shoulder carrier that I have slinged to the side and squeeze as I drink to reduce sloshing, similar to a camelbak.
https://5col.com/search?q=Canteen
Also Source hydration makes a Rider and Razor model bladder/pouch combo that can be attached to the back of a plate carrier. It is flat and designed so the wearer can wear a pack or sit in a vehicle w it. I have the rider model which can quick detach and be worn solo in case I gotta E&E and dump weight but want my hydration bladder for the journey.
I got a Multicam model for $60 from LAPolicegear.
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I've been going lighter.
Now all I carry is 4 mags (plus one in the pipe) FirstAidkit, Water, Map/compass, 1 protein bar for daytime patrol in the hills.
No ballistic helmet , no armor, no binos, no spare BCGs, no spare food, no secondary etc
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I have lightweight options. This is just more of a minuteman, community defense set up. If I think I’m going to need plates, then I’m probably going to need Ammo. And lots of it.
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There is an old story about soldiers going on a long trip. There was one soldier who had the heaviest load because he had to carry the food. By the time they got were they were going, he had the lightest load. I based my strategy on that story. I plan to leave carrying as much stuff as my body will allow. Then I'll stash bits and pieces along the way so I can retrieve them later. By the time I get were I'm going, I'll have a light load of just the most needed items.