This year’s Shot Show didn’t yield a ton of new pack designs (unless you’re into conceal carrying a rifle) but one that did catch my eye was the 5.11 COVRT Boxpack.

5.11 COVRT Boxpack

The Boxpack is a roll-top design.  Instead of a zipper, you roll the top of the bag up and then clip to secure it.  It’s 5.11’s first roll-top bag and that’s cool but I think in this case they might have outsmarted themselves.  The primary benefit to having a roll-top bag is the ability to vary the bag’s capacity to adapt to different loads.  This is why some of the best roll-top bags come from companies that cater to cyclists – like Mission Workshop.  Bike messengers in particular sometimes haul very large loads but they don’t want to ride around wearing a huge floppy bag the rest of the time.  Most of Mission Workshop’s bags are designed to fold down into a smaller pack when the capacity isn’t needed.

In this case, due to how the 5.11 bag is structured, that really isn’t possible so you loose the primary benefit of the design.  They should have stuck with a zipper for the main compartment, which would have made the bag less unique but a little easier to access.

That’s not to say that the Boxpack doesn’t have some redeeming qualities.  I think it’s a nice looking pack that is also non-tactical in appearance (those two don’t always go together).  The front of the pack has what looks to be a well executed hook and loop CCW pocket and large zippered water bottle pockets on either side that also have elastic keepers sewn on the inside to hold extra magazines.  The bottom zippered pouch could also hold a firearm if you want to re-purpose the CCW pocket for admin use by adding a small hook and loop accessory panel.  Yes, there is no admin panel in this bag out-of-the-box.

The shoulder straps have laser cut molle to save on weight and an adjustable sternum strap.  There is also a nicely padded carry handle.

The exterior of the bag is made from 1680D ballistic polyester, which is typically used for luggage. Not my favorite material for packs, but it keeps the cost down.  The dimensions are 19.5”H x 13”L x 8”W with a capacity of 1872 cubic inches.  Size-wise, that’s puts the Boxpack between the COVRT 18 and the RUSH 24.

Right now, 5.11 Tactical is holding a 20% off sale on all packs, bags, and pouches until 3/2/2015.  As a result, the introductory price on the COVRT Boxpack is only $87.99, which is a great value if the Boxpack has the features you’re looking for in a mid-sized pack.

The post First Look: 5.11 COVRT Boxpack appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

OV Innovations (the company formerly known as Oneiros Valley) has released the THE-E Pocket Organizer.  We reviewed a prototype of the pouch last November when it went on pre-order.  OV sent us the production version this past week in the limited edition Multicam Black.  I have to say it looks great in that colorway.

THE-E Pocket Organizer in Multicam Black

As was the case with the prototype, the quality of the production model is excellent.  The exterior design of the pouch has not changed (see our original review for more detail).  Inside, the top half features same setup with elastic webbing that is perfect for storing multi-tools, knifes, lights, and extra magazines.

OV added one more vertical row of elastic webbing to the bottom panel.  It’s a more versatile setup if you have smaller items to secure inside the pouch.

The production THE-E Pocket Organizer on the left and prototype on the right.

As reported back in November, the zippers are now YKK versus the generic Chinese versions used for the prototype and they include longer 550 paracord pulls, making them more glove friendly.  The YKK zippers are noticeably smoother, but as with the pre-production model, I still experienced some snagging at the corners due to the amount of material used for the storm fly.  It didn’t hinder my use of the pouch, but it happened enough to be worth noting.  Your mileage may vary.

I’ve used the THE-E Pocket Organizer quite a bit as a drop-in organizer for my packs and cargo pants pocket and it excels in those roles.  It is made in the U.S.A. and retails for $45 in black and for $50 in Multicam and Multicam Black.  The limited edition Multicam Black version is only available for a limited time so get it while you can.  You can purchase all three versions here. 

The post THE-E Pocket Organizer Multicam Black Limited Edition appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Illinois was the last state to pass a concealed carry law and I was among the first to get a license last February.  I did quite a bit of research prior to that and after a full year of carrying concealed, I’ve learned that there is a lot of disinformation on the Internet (imagine that) about the lifestyle, gear, and other topics related to concealed carry.  If you’re a new license holder or thinking about getting a license, then hopefully I can dispel a few myths that will save you some time, dollars, and frustration.  Such as…

“Concealed Carry is meant to be comforting, not comfortable.”  Also, “You can carry any gun with the right belt and holster combination”.

These are my favorites and I can tell you now from experience that both statements are a load of crap.  Anyone who truly carries on a regular basis knows that lugging a full-sized handgun is a grind.  If someone on a gun forum tells you that they carry a full or even commander sized 1911 inside the waistband and they’re digging it then put them on ignore because they’re telling tales.  The truth is you should go with the smallest and lightest gun in the most effective caliber that you can shoot well and realistically carry on a daily basis.  For me, that was a M&P Shield in 9mm.  It’s just large enough for me to control with precision chambered in a caliber that I feel will be effective with enough rounds (7+1/8+1) to do the job.  When I carry the Shield, I notice the weight of it but it doesn’t cause me discomfort to the point that I want to leave it at home.

As a data point, the Shield 9mm weighs 24 ounces fully loaded.  In comparison, a Kimber Pro Carry II in .45ACP with a 4″ barrel and aluminum frame weighs around 35 ounces fully loaded.  A full-sized steel framed Mil Spec Springfield will clock in at around 46 ounces, which is basically like wearing a boat anchor.

The author’s carry gun, holster, and extra mag holder.

“External manual safeties are bad.”

The Glock crowd loves this one but I will tell you that the biggest psychological barrier for a new license holder (other than the possibility of taking a life) is feeling comfortable carrying a round in the chamber.  For me, having an external safety on my firearm helped me get past it and that’s huge because a gun with an empty chamber is pretty much a paper weight.  Most gun owners can’t draw and put two rounds center mass in the 1.5 seconds that it takes for an attacker to close a gap of 7 meters.  Now add in cycling a round?  Yeah, good luck with that.  Could I forget to actuate the safety under stress?  Yes, but that’s why I practice to develop the muscle memory to make it second nature.

“Clothing matters when it comes to printing.”

Yes and No.  If you follow my advice earlier in this article, chose a realistic carry weapon, and pair it with a good holster/gun belt combination then your rig won’t print to the point where you need to start buying a whole new wardrobe.  Also, I can tell you that in this age of distraction, your average citizen has piss poor situational awareness and is oblivious most of the time.  That’s assuming of course that you’re not fiddling with the position of your firearm every five minutes or wearing that cute midriff baring number that has now turned your concealed carry into open carry.

“(Fill in the Blank Method of Carry) is the best.”

Inside the waistband, Outside the waistband, Appendix carry, Ankle Holster, Thigh Holster, Shoulder holster, and Off-body Carry – all legitimate options. Every person’s body is different.  Carry needs vary.  What works for one may not work for another.  I prefer IWB at around 4:30 position because that’s the most comfortable for me.   

Inside the Waistband. 4:30 position.

Try different types of carry to see which method works for you.  You might end up with a drawer full of holsters in the process, but if you buy quality rigs (versus generic no-name gear) then you should be able to buy, sell, and/or trade until you find the method and kit that works for your situation.

The post What I’ve Learned After a Year of Concealed Carry appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I had a great conversation with Joel Zaruba from Zulu Nylon Gear last month.  We haven’t heard much from Zulu lately but Joel is making a renewed push to get the word out on his gear this year and I think that’s great because he sells some really awesome kit.  I still use his Mega Admin Pouch and Joel was kind enough to send over a couple of other very cool items for us to review.  Stay tuned!

The Zulu Nylon Gear Mega Admin Pouch

We also heard from a manufacturer that is making a push into the U.S. market.  Direct Action, LLC is Helikon-Tex’s independent gear brand.  From afar, the designs and raw materials being used in their packs coupled with reasonable pricing checks all the boxes and therefore I’m really looking forward to reviewing their gear.

Direct Action Dust Backpack

They might prove to be a viable option for those who are willing to consider products made outside the U.S. but looking for something different versus the usual stuff from 5.11, Hazard 4, Grey Ghost Gear, etc.

Look for reviews on Direct Action gear coming this Spring.

The post Gear Diary: Direct Action and Zulu Nylon Gear appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

These heavy-duty leather dog tags from Vvego International are pretty slick.  They’re 2 1/8″ Long x 1 3/16″ Wide and include a coated aircraft cable lanyard.  However, what really makes them truly unique is the ability to order with custom engraving on both sides – name and address on one…

…and a custom logo that the customer provides on the other.  

Custom leather usually costs big bucks.  Not in this case.  The Vvego Custom Leather Dog Tags sell for $24.99 and come with a “Take it to the Grave” warranty.

The post Vvego Custom Leather Dog Tags appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

One of the reasons I got into tactical gear is that manufacturers in the industry tend to come up with really inventive ways to organize kit so that it can be accessible on the fly.  I have entire bins of nylon holsters, pockets, pouches, and other bits designed to be attached to loop panels or molle webbing.  I really can’t get enough of it.  So I was really stoked when Joel from Zulu Nylon Gear sent over samples of his new Pen Stackerz accessory.

The Zulu Nylon Gear Pen Stackerz are milspec quality hook backed elastic tubes designed to hold pens, markers, penlights, chem lights and other gear of similar size and shape.  They come in two basic configurations – single and double.

Zulu Nylon Gear Pen Stackerz

So what can the Pen Stackerz be used for?  Zulu has a picture on their site of them attached to a loop field on the inside of a pack.  I immediately thought about how many times I find myself without a pen or a light and how useful it would be to attach either the single or double to the outside of a pack or even the arm patch of a tactical jacket.  Here’s the double on the Triple Aught Design Fastpack Litespeed V2 holding a County Comm Embassy Pen and a Streamlight Stylus penlight.

Zulu Nylon Gear Pen Stackerz on the TAD Gear Fastpack Litespeed

The middle loop field on the double still provides just enough area to attach a morale patch – in this case a GID Flag Patch.

The single and double can also be joined to form a triple.  Zulu Nylon Gear also makes variants that include a d-ring or snap hook.

The Zulu Nylon Gear Pen Stackerz are sold in a 2 Pack (1 single and 1 double with or without a d-ring or snap hook) or a 10 Pack (5 singles and 5 doubles).  All of the different versions are sold here with free domestic shipping. 

The post Zulu Nylon Gear Pen Stackerz Review appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

We received a box from Direct Action yesterday.  Anyone who often visits this site knows I abhor un-boxing posts and videos BUT I had to show the DA packaging….

That’s not a t-shirt on top.  Each bag they sent us came in its own black Direction Action tote bag.  I thought it was a nice touch that also protects the bags during shipping.

The manufacturer sent over two of the packs from their Legacy Line, which was introduced at the IWA trade fair in Nuremberg Germany in March 2014.

Direction Action Small Messenger Bag and Dragon Egg Backpack

The Small Messenger is compact at 13 X 9.5 X 5.5″ and I was pleasantly surprised about how light it was.  Direct Action went with 500D Cordura nylon and laser cut MOLLE.  As a result, the bag only weighs 1.6 pounds, which puts it in the featherweight class compared to other tactical messengers.  

The Dragon Egg is a mid-sized backpack also made from 500D Cordura brand nylon.  It measures 19 X 10.5 X 7″  with an overall capacity of 1526 cubic inches.  Just about the right size for an Everyday Carry pack.  I immediately noticed the Paracord carry handle and glove friendly zipper pulls which, in addition to being aesthetically cool, are also features that make the bag much more user-friendly.     

Overall impressions of both are very favorable out of the box.  Quality is very good.  I’m especially impressed with the Small Messenger.  The layout is simple and efficient.  I can tell the designers were thoughtful about how the bag might be used.  Organization is left up to the user by leveraging the MOLLE and loop lined internal compartments.  It’s early but I already know I’m going to enjoy carrying this bag.

Reviews on both the Direct Action Small Messenger and Dragon Egg Backpack will be coming later this Spring. Stay tuned!     

The post First Look: Direct Action Legacy Line Packs appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

There has been a shift in the tactical industry towards lighter weight materials to lessen the load for soldiers in the field.  Of course, this has been a focus of the civilian outdoor market for a while now as backpackers scrutinize every ounce of their load-out and manufacturers have responded by leveraging different lighter weight materials and innovative designs geared towards shaving weight in every way imaginable.

LIGHTER WEIGHT FABRICS

The first seismic shift was away from 1000D Cordura to 500D Cordura nylon.  Back in 2011, Tactical Tailor released their Fight Light line, which made use of 500D and reinforced stress points to cut weight by approximately 30% without sacrificing durability.

Tactical Tailor Fight Light Operator Pack

I’ve mentioned this in the past but I still read a lot of comments on forums from people who claim that gear made from 500D isn’t durable enough and they prefer gear made from 1000D.  My experience has been that most 500D gear is plenty durable.  In the majority of cases, the stitching and zippers on a pack will fail long before the fabric if a manufacturer uses quality nylon.  All things being equal, the weight savings with using 500D far outweighs any reduction in abrasion or tear resistance versus 1000D Cordura.

LASER CUT PALS/MOLLE   

Another recent innovation is the use of laser cut molle and lighter weight attachment systems.  The first I heard of laser cut PALS/MOLLE was when FirstSpear, LLC announced the release of their 6/12 ultra-lightweight system in 2012.  The 6/12 platform replaced the array of horizontal webbing sewn to a vest with a grid of laser cut slots through both the face fabric and the fuzzy Velcro laminated to its back face.

FirstSpear 6/12 Technology

First Spear claimed there were at least three benefits to this system:

• A weight reduction in the range of 20-40% over legacy LBE systems (depending on the application)
• Easier fabrication, which may ultimately contribute to a price reduction, or the adoption more features and higher quality in other parts of the system thanks to lower production costs
• The ability to run/hide comm wires for snag free movement

As you’ve seen in my recent post on new packs from 5.11 and Direct Action, the use of laser cut PALS/MOLLE has expanded now into bags.  In my opinion, the weight reduction benefit is clear.  I’ve observed how heavy packs can get when covered with traditional PALS webbing.  

The weight of the pouches add up also.  Newer pouches, like those available in Blue Force Gear’s Helium Whisper line, have done away with the webbing in favor of a laminate.  That coupled with the use of 500D Cordura, reduces weight up to 60% over traditional 1000D pouches.

Blue Force Gear Helium Whisper

I’ve handled some of the Helium Whisper stuff and the weight difference is noticeable.  They’ve since licensed the technology to other manufacturers.  

WRAP-UP

In closing, I want to encourage everyone who reads this to try some of this new gear.  Don’t let the traditionalists and the trolls dissuade you from embracing new tech.  The benefits are real and it’s going to become more commonplace as manufacturers incorporate it into their new designs.  

The post Benefits of 500D Cordura and Laser Cut Molle appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I get a ton of requests to make bag recommendations.  I also read posts on other sites from people asking others for advice on which bag would be right for them.  However, in most cases, the person making the request doesn’t offer enough information for an informed recommendation. As a result, a ton of suggestions are made that don’t come close to addressing the need which ends up wasting people’s time.  Worse yet, the requester might end up purchasing a bag that’s not right for them.  

So, here are some suggested pieces of information that everyone should provide when asking for suggestions on bags (in no particular order):

• Your height and weight. Bags come in all shapes and sizes but in most cases one size definitely does not fit all.

• Your Philosophy of Use. In general, what is the bag going to be used for? Hiking, biking, work, bail out bag (BOB), grab and go, travel, etc. Try to be as specific and comprehensive as possible on all the ways you intend to use the bag. Most bags are NOT multi-purpose wonders. They all do some things better than others.

• Describe your load out. What do you intend to carry? Do you carry a lot of smaller items and therefore need good built-in organization for those? Do you carry a lot of bulky items (like extra layers) and therefore need a large main compartment to store them in? Do you lash things to the outside of your packs like skis, snowboards, snowshoes, helmets, rifles, etc? Overall, how much weight do you intend to haul? Some packs are not intended for heavy loads.

• Hydration Needs. This can fall into the load out category but it’s a huge design consideration. Do you intend to use a Reservoir, Nalgene(s), or smaller water bottle(s)? How much water do you intend to carry? For instance, some bags are not built to carry a 3L Camelbak.

• Laptop/Tablet Carry. I break this out also because it’s important to provide adequate protection to these devices if you intend to carry them in a bag. Also specify the size of the device you’re carrying since some packs are designed around devices of a certain size.

• Concealed Carry. This is also a huge design consideration. Some manufacturers will throw in a loop lined pocket and claim a bag supports CCW. Access is an important consideration and separates bags that are truly designed for CCW versus it being a throw-in feature.

• Appearance. Do you want a military or military inspired pack or one that is more civilian in appearance? This general comes down to external PALS/Molle webbing or the absence of it, but color is another important consideration. Some bags are intentionally designed to be more “gray man” in appearance.

• Preferred Method of Carry. What types of bags do you prefer? Backpacks, messengers, slings, carry-ons, duffles, etc. If you have a set in stone preference then be sure to state it up front.

• Preferred Brands. If you like certain brands then let everyone know that too. Don’t state you hate a certain brand unless you want the conversation to go down that path. That will almost certainly derail a bag recommendation thread as some will come to defend their favorite brands.  

• Budget. If you have a budget limitation then providing a range or not-to-exceed amount will help narrow the field. I tend to be more budget agnostic but some of the members in certain forums have very refined (read: expensive) tastes in gear. If you can’t afford a $400 bag then that’s good information to have.

There is more but that’s a good start. Some of these may seem like common sense but you’d be surprised how many emails I get or threads are started on forums like this: “I have $200 burning a hole in my pocket. I need a bag. Please tell me what I should buy.” In most cases, your fellow EDC enthusiasts (including yours truly) will bend over backwards to help. But, help yourself first by providing more information upfront so we can point you in the right direction.

The post Things to ask when asking for Bag Recommendations appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

If you commute into an urban area for work and have been looking for a stylish pack that can carry your mobile office gear and a change of clothes, then the Aer Fit Pack Kickstarter Campaign is worth checking out.  The Aer Fit Pack is a front loading backpack made from 900D Polyester that has a separate compartment designed to hold shoes or dirty clothes, padded/raised laptop pocket that can fit up to a 15″ Macbook Pro, tablet pocket, quick access top pocket, and other interior pockets meant to hold smaller items.

Aer Fit Pack

It’s an aesthetically simple, clean design that would be perfect for an office environment.  At 18 X 12 X 7″ and a capacity of 1,160 cubic inches, the Aer fit Pack is the right size for an Everyday Carry bag.  I guess my only concern with the layout is whether carrying large shoes, like my size 12 EE sneakers, would steal enough capacity from the main compartment to compromise its use.  Aer claims that wouldn’t be the case, but considering the bag’s volume, I’m not sure I’m buying it.  They do have a larger 24L 1680D ballistic version called the Duffle Pack that also has a ventilated shoe pocket.

Aer Duffle Pack

I think that size is more realistic – especially if (like me) your clothes and shoes are on the larger end of the scale.

Here’s a video for the Aer Fit Pack…

The Aer Fit Pack Kickstarter campaign can be found here and it has already reach it’s funding goal.  The Duffle Pack can be pre-ordered on Aer’s website.  Both bags are reasonably priced at $99 and $149 respectively.    

The post Aer Fit Pack Kickstarter Campaign appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I’ve never done a bag review on Kifaru and I’m not even sure why.  Considering I look through everything with an Everyday Carry lens, I suppose it’s because I was procrastinating until Kifaru launched their long-awaited and highly anticipated urban friendly EDC pack.  Well, my friends… that wait is almost over.

The new Kifaru Antero EDC Pack

Kifaru has been slowly sharing details on their forum for months and it sounds like they are tooling up now to manufacture the pack.  Here are the specs:

• 19″ tall x 6″ deep x 10″ wide
• Overall is 1500 Cubic inches
• 1000 D Cordura lined with 400 D Pack cloth
• Internal removable HDPE frame sheet
• Omni Belt compatible with storage behind the back panel
• Dual hydration ports under the side flaps
• Inner mesh pocket
• Chamber compatible
• Laptop compatible (up to 15″)
• 6 channels x 4 strips of standard Pals webbing on front
• Water bottle pockets are 4.25 in diameter and 8 inches deep (Nalgene Friendly)
• Top pocket will hold ballistic / sun glasses and most cellphones
• Loop on inside of top pocket for keys
• Side compression with SR buckles for easily attaching tripods, walking sticks, etc
• Grab handle bottom center
• Full panel access with 4 way zipper (matched pair up top, one on both bottom corners)

It all sounds great and I’m looking forward at getting a closer look at the Antero.  As you can see below, it has a much cleaner design and leaner profile than the Urban Zippy.

Kifaru Antero EDC Pack and Kifaru Urban Zippy (Front View)

Kifaru Antero EDC Pack and Kifaru Urban Zippy (Side View)

No release date or pricing has been announced.  For more info including additional pics, you can visit the ever-growing thread on Kifaru forums here.

The post First Look: Kifaru Antero EDC Pack appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

As you’ve probably heard by now, Glock has announced the availability of its long-awaited single stack 9mm pistol – the Glock 43.

The new Glock 43

According to Glock VP Josh Dorsey, “The G43 is the most exciting product release to date because it addresses a variety of issues that many shooters face with pistols in the concealed carry category. It will be the pistol of choice for law enforcement and civilians. The G43 sets a new standard for concealed carry pistols.”

Well, I hate to disagree with Mr. Dorsey, but the Glock 43 sets a new standard for Glock, but not necessarily for the concealed carry pistol category as a whole.  My current CCW is the M&P Shield.

The author’s M&P Shield 9mm

I’ve found it to be reliable, accurate, and very carry friendly.  Given that, should I replace my Shield with the new kid on the block?  Many Shield owners will be facing the same decision.

Here are the stats for the new pistol.

G43 Technical Specs

SIZE

Out of the box, the 43 will be smaller than the Shield. Triangle Tactical did an approximate size comparison between the 43 and other popular pistols including the Shield.  In the grid below, the Glock 43 is the red pistol.

The Shield isn’t the smallest single-stick 9mm you can find, but here’s the thing.  The Shield holds 7+1 rounds (8+1 with the extended base plate) versus the Glock’s 6+1.  Glock fans are already making excuses for the loss of rounds by saying that Glock will ultimately release extended magazines for the 43.  Well, guess what?  Effectively lengthen the grip of the 43 by adding an extended magazine and the gun gets closer to the Shield in size.  The frame width of the Glock 43 is slightly narrower than the Shield by a scant 2 mm.  The Shield’s barrel is 7 mm shorter and the gun is shorter in overall length by 4 mm.  Overall, I don’t expect the 43 to print much different from the Shield.  Especially if you run it with an extended magazine.  Sorry, not exactly breaking new ground there.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The Glock 43 weighs 3 ounces lighter empty.  That’s significant enough to notice.  However, I hardly notice when I’m wearing the Shield now.  It’s pretty light even when fully loaded.

I expect the 43 trigger to be very Glock-like, which is a compliment.  Many criticize the Shield’s trigger as being “gritty” and too heavy.  Mine has smoothed out over time and I believe it breaks around 7 lbs, which is heavier than the 5.5 lbs Glock trigger but not unreasonable for a carry gun.  In fact, I favored the Shield over alternatives like the Kahr PM9 and the Beretta Nano because of the trigger.  I’m more than fine with it.

Glocks are ultra-reliable but so is the Shield.  I’ve run every type of ammo imaginable through my gun without issue.

Accessories should be widely available for the Glock.  The same can be said for the popular Shield.  A draw in my opinion.  The guns will be a different story.  I suspect limited availability for the 43 in-year.  The new pistol will MSRP at $589 and prices won’t drop much until supply catches up with demand.  The Shield’s street pricing hovers around $350-400 so there will be a pretty significant price gap between the two in the near term.

CONCLUSION

I think the Glock 43 will be wildly popular with law enforcement (as an approved back-up and off-duty weapon) and civilians who like Glock and think this is a significant improvement over what they carry now.  Personally, I can’t justify moving away from a pistol that has worked well for me to shave 3 ounces and 1.5 lbs in trigger pull while losing 2 rounds of capacity and paying at least $140 more for the privilege.  Tempting but I’ll pass.

The post Why I won’t give up my Shield for the Glock 43 appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

We always want to be balanced in our views here so after my Glock 43 versus Shield article, I wanted to share with you a great video that the guys over at the Iraqverteran8888 Youtube channel did on the Glock 43.  

They were fortunate enough to acquire an early sample and shot nearly every type of popular hollow point carry round through the gun.  They didn’t do a bunch of rounds of each, but everything they shot cycled and shot flawlessly through the Glock 43.  Well, except for a slide stop issue at the 14:37 mark.

This is going to be a controversial topic but the guys did have a problem with the gun feeding hollow point ammunition riding the slide stop to chamber the first round.  Now, the only time I’d use the slide stop to chamber a round is in a situation where my off-hand was inoperable.  Otherwise, I’m manually racking the slide and not relying on finding and actuating a stiff little slide stop button under stress to get the gun back into the fight.  I think many firearm instructors would agree.

But what if your off-arm/hand is injured or two weak and one-handed operation is needed?  Or what if you’ve trained using the slide stop?  Well, with high-profile sights or leveraging the ejection port, you can rack the slide using your belt/holster or the side of your shoe…

Otherwise, if what they found is truly a flaw with the production gun, there are going to be shooters who will find issue with that aspect of the Glock 43’s reliability.  In my opinion, I don’t think it’s a huge deal because it isn’t manual of arms.  It’s called a slide stop… not a slide release… for a reason.  Your mileage may vary.  I do think it was great to see the Glock 43 cycle all those hollow point rounds – especially the Federal HST 9mm, which is a proven commodity with police departments across the country and my personal carry round that I run through my Shield.

The post Glock 43 Reliability appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

It’s been a while since we’ve included a knife in the GAW.  For this one, I’ve selected the Wenger Blackout Evogrip 10 – a cool version of the Swiss Army knife with blacked out PVC coated tools.

Features include:

• Black PVC coated implements that don’t catch the light (you read that right)
• Ergonomic handles embedded with non-slip rubber
• 2.5″ blade
• Patented locking flat screwdriver
• Cap lifter
• Wire stripper
• Can opener
• Nail file
• Nail cleaner
• Philips Screwdriver
• Reamer
• Awl
• Tweezers
• Toothpick
• Key ring

To be eligible for the giveaway, you have to leave a comment to this post AND subscribe to the blog (only subscribers with valid email addresses at the time of drawing are eligible). Subscriptions to Loadedpocketz are free!  There’s no catch.  Your information is not shared.  All you will get in your email is articles on gear, how-to’s, discussion topics, and other EDC related content.    

For the comment, I’d like everyone to name their favorite EDC pack, knife, multitool, and flashlight.  There is no wrong answer.  Everyone has different tastes and budgets.  Example:

Favorite EDC Pack:  Camelbak Ubran Assault
Favorite EDC Knife:  Zero Tolerance 0350
Favorite Multiool:  Leatherman Skeletool
Favorite Flashlight:  Sunwayman M10R

A random number generator will be used to pick the winner.  The winner will then be contacted to arrange for delivery.  The contest ends on Thursday, April 17th 2015 at Midnight CST.  Good Luck to everyone and thank you for your continued support!

The post Subscriber Giveaway: Wenger Blackout Evogrip 10 appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

5.11 Tactical held their own version of the Tactical Home Shopping Network…

Here’s the video that 5.11 posted to their YouTube Channel highlighting one of their “innovative limited edition tactical products”.

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Beyond has released a Limited Edition Stitched Cap in Grey.

I’m a sucker for baseball caps and I despise those Flex Fit monstrosities that squeeze your dome if your hat size is on the larger end of scale.  This special edition cap is made from 100% cotton with an adjustable slip lock buckle made from heavy-duty webbing.

It has no button on top, which makes it Ear Pro friendly.

I ordered this hat and was going to wait until I received it to write this.  However, Beyond is only doing a limited run of 90 units, so we were afraid they would run out of inventory before we got the chance to share this with you.

The Beyond Special Edition Stitched Cap retails for $22 and can be purchased here while they last.

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Triple Aught Design released a re-engineered version of their popular Fast Pack Litespeed this past October.

The new Triple Aught Design Fast Pack Litespeed

Since then, it’s been restocked and sold out several times.  How does the new version measure up?  TAD was kind enough to send the new pack our way to evaluate and I’ve spent a good chunk of the winter carrying it and making notes trying to answer that very question.

The Triple Aught Design Fast Pack Litespeed is a designed as a 24-hour pack that can be tailored to meet different carry needs.  I’ve used it in both wilderness and urban environments and it adapts well to both with certain limitations (more on that later).

This time of year, hiking is a bit of a grind here in the Midwest.  The weather can change rapidly, the ground is usually wet and muddy, and the cool wind can cut right through you.  Even when I’m going it alone, I do sometimes share the trail with others who tend to notice the gear I carry and ask about it.  Especially when I carry something new.

Dude, is that the new Triple Aught Design Litespeed?

The Litespeed measures 10.00″ W x 20.00″ H x 6.75″ D with a volume of 1,350 cubic inches.  In response to feedback that the previous gen pack was too long, TAD shorted the Litespeed by 2.0 inches and increased its depth by 1.75″.  The reshaped pack is a little chunkier when packed to near capacity…

But it’s still long enough for my 6’4″ frame.

Overall, I believe the change will prove to be a positive one since folks who are more “vertically challenged” will be able to achieve a better fit with this pack.

Another significant upgrade was the attention paid to the back panel and straps.  A non-removable HDPE sheet was sewn in to improve frame rigidity.  New thicker foam and moisture wicking mesh was added and the straps were redesigned to fall straight and not curve inward, making them more comfortable for broader shoulders.

Despite it’s size, the Litespeed isn’t a light pack at 3.8 lbs.  In comparison, the Camelbak Mil Tac HAWG has 50 cubic inches more capacity and weighs a pound less.  The weight of all that 500D/1000D Cordura nylon, MOLLE webbing, milspec straps, and other hardware adds up fast. However, the extra back panel padding, frame sheet, and beefier straps keep that from becoming an issue and overall I’ve found the Litespeed to be comfortable (even when loaded up with gear).

I wasn’t as impressed with the lack of hydration tube routing options on the new straps, but TAD includes quite a few ITW Web Dominators with the pack and I used a couple of them to keep the tube in place in lieu of a built-in option.

There was much fanfare over the inclusion of the Web Dominators and elastic bands (like shown above on the sternum strap) that help keep the excess webbing under control on the Litespeed.  I get it and the new model is MUCH cleaner than the untamed strap orgy that was the earlier version.  However, I consider strap management to be table stakes for packs in this price range.  I’m glad TAD listened to their customers by improving that aspect of the Litespeed and that deserves praise, but let’s not sugarcoat it.  It isn’t exactly an innovation.

Speaking of listening to customers, the load lifter buckles are gone in this version.  The straps are attached directly to the pack.  No more annoying buckles to un-clip to get into the main compartment.  It’s a better design and alone may be worth an upgrade for those who already have a previous gen model.

The carry handle and hydration port are reinforced with Hypalon, which is a synthetic rubber.  Zippers, as one would expect, are YKK with genuine 550 paracord pulls.

Also new is a lightweight attachment system along the handle that uses 96 inches of paracord and is supposed to provide “an easy way to attach bulky items such as a rope or jacket to the top of your pack for easy access”.

Well, I can report that I haven’t used it once and I’m not sure why you’d want to lash something bulky like a jacket to the top like that.  Having an extra 96 inches of removable paracord for emergency use not taking up space on the inside of the pack is a good thing, but I’m not sold on it as a way to lash stuff to the outside of the pack.  Especially on one as small as the Litespeed.  Your mileage may vary.

Both sides of the bag are covered in MOLLE webbing.  TAD sells a variety of MOLLE compatible pouches that can be attached there to keep things within reach and to save internal space for more gear.  As with the packs, availability of the pouches can be an issue.  That said, the S1 and S2 sheaths are very popular Litespeed accessories and most Litespeed owners try to stock up when they do drop.

Note (in the picture above) the two buckles that can be used to attach the included MOLLE Transporter Tail to the outside of the pack.  I’ve yet to use it like that because I moved the Transporter Tail to the main compartment.

Why?  Because TAD removed the internal sleeve from the Litespeed to make room for anchor points that can be used to attach accessories like the Transporter Tail to the inside of the pack.  Carryology, in their first look preview, provided a sneak peek at some other add-ons that TAD plans to offer like a second sterile transporter tail and a MOLLE panel.  The problem is, at the time of this writing and five months after launch, they haven’t made them available.

So, if you want to secure something like a hydration bladder, laptop, or tablet inside the main compartment, the only option is the included MOLLE transporter tail.  I’d characterize that as a step backward compared to the previous model until the new accessories are available and even then I could make a strong argument that the second sterile tail should have been included with purchase.  Especially given TAD’s stocking issues.  Some Litespeed owners may not be able to get their hands on one for quite some time.

I wish they would have followed the K.I.S.S. principle by scraping the whole thing by keeping the external tail and just going with a built-in padded sleeve which would have been more laptop and tablet friendly for urban use.  But maybe that’s just me.

The webbing on the top buckle replaces the clip on the earlier model.  It can be used to suspend both Source and Camelbak branded hydration systems.  Here I’m using the Camelbak Milspec Antidote.

The main compartment on the Litespeed is spacious with the added depth.  On this day, I carried my Arc’teryx Atom LT as an insulating mid-layer for the Stealth LT, a TAD Shemagh, Slick Mini II Tripod, and a Lowepro Camera Case with room to spare.

I didn’t snap a picture of them but the location of the two mesh zippered pockets on the inside of the main compartment front flap hasn’t changed.  I used the bottom one to store my FAK and the top for food.

Which brings me to the zippered admin pocket on the outside of the flap.  It seems a little easier to get into and reportedly TAD made the pen loops bigger to accommodate tactical size pens.

Despite the changes, for me, the design of the Litespeed’s admin pocket has always left something to be desired and they didn’t improve it enough in this version to change my mind.  If you believe in conspiracy theories, you’d say it’s tailor-made to sell more OP-1 admin pouches.  Well, it’s certainly easier to get to your stuff when it laid open like this compared to the picture above.

Below the admin pocket is a generous loop field that can be used to attach name tapes and morale patches like this nice one from TADJunkies.

The bottom of the Litespeed has more MOLLE and adjustable straps with web dominators to lash a sleeping mat or other gear.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the new Litespeed is enough of an improvement for TAD enthusiasts to justify an upgrade over the previous model.  TAD is making the decision more difficult for some by not including the second Transporter Tail with the pack and (at the time of this writing) not making it available for sale as an accessory, but the elimination of the load lifter buckles, improved strap management, and other added features make this version much more user-friendly.

For others who are considering a Triple Aught Design backpack for the first time, the Litespeed offers a lot of versatility in a rugged package that’s tailor-made for minimalist carry.  As was the case with the larger Fast Pack EDC that we reviewed back in 2013,  the build quality with the Litespeed is what you’d expect from a premium manufacturer and it should weather just about any abuse you throw at it.

The Triple Aught Design Fast Pack Litespeed retails for $245 and is available for sale from Triple Aught Design’s website, retail store locations, and select dealers.  It’s only available in black and is currently out of stock, but TAD does replenish their supply often and more colors like Coyote Khaki and Foliage Green should be added in the future.  Sign up for TAD’s Newsletter and/or check their Facebook page for updates on availability.

The post Triple Aught Design Fast Pack Litespeed Review appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

In case you haven’t noticed, CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool Inc.) has put out some pretty interesting products lately.

The Squid Black Stonewash is an everyday carry folding knife from designer Lucas Burnley of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

CRKT Squid

Inspired by the concept of a compact pistol, the Squid features a 2.25″ drop point hollow ground blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel.  It reminds me of a poor man’s Spyderco Techno, which is my carry knife in Chicago because they enforce a 2. 5″ blade length limit and I wanted something heavy-duty.  But unlike the Techno, at $29.99 retail, the CRKT Squid is one you could beat up and not feel bad about it.

The Shizuka noh Ken is another tactical folder in CRKT’s James Williams line.

Shizuka noh Ken

It’s designed to be a compact version of the Otanashi noh Ken and features the manual LAWKS® safety, which is supposed to offer fixed blade-like lock up for hard use situations.  The Shizuka noh Ken features a 3.525″ AUS8A flat ground modified tanto blade, G10 scales, and a deep carry clip.  It bridges the gap between the popular assisted opening Heiho and Hissatsu folders and the very intimidating 4.52″ Otanashi noh Ken (which Williams calls a “Threat Extinguisher”).

Another defensive blade is the BT-70 by legendary tactical blade designer Bob Terzuola.

BT-70

It has a stout .15″ thick stonewashed 4.03″ AUS8 dual ground modified tanto blade with a G10 handle featuring Terzuola’s dragon logo.  It retails for $150.

The Squid and Shizuka noh Ken are available now.  The BT-70 will be released later this year.

The post First Look: New 2015 Knives from CRKT appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Spring is here and every year at this time I look for opportunities to upgrade my layering system.  As many of you know, I’m a huge Triple Aught Design fan and the Stealth LT continues to be my go to Softshell outer layer.  Especially in wet weather.  However, Paul Scheffler and the folks over at the Deadbird Society, have educated me on the virtues of Arc’teryx and I’m a little pissed that I haven’t given any of their stuff a run before now.  In short order, I’ve invested in an Atom LT Hoody in Carbon Copy…

And a Squamish Hoody in Thalo Blue.

The Atom LT has instantly become one of the most versatile jackets I own.  It can be worn under the Stealth as a three season mid-layer or as a standalone outer layer.  It’s feather light and compresses down to nothing, which is great since it doesn’t add any weight or take up a lot of space in my pack when I’m not wearing it. 

The Squamish is a summer weight wind shell.  It’s DWR will also shed light rain for a time before wetting out.  I will be wearing both jackets extensively through the end of the year and sharing more thoughts on them along the way.

For you photography enthusiasts, check out gear from Tenba.  I’ll be doing a review on their BYOB 7 Camera Insert, which is one of the most versatile bag inserts I’ve tried to-date.  They also make packs and I plan to reach out to them to see if they are interested in a review.

In addition to the Tenba insert, look for reviews on the Direction Action Small Messenger Bag and Dragon Egg Backpack.  I’ve enjoyed both and they’re affordable for EDC’ers on a budget, which is always a plus.

Stay tuned. 

The post Gear Diary: Arc’teryx, Tenba, and Upcoming Reviews appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I love when I find accessories that make the bags I own even better.  Such is the case with the Tenba BYOB 7 Camera Insert.

Tenba BYOB 7 Camera Insert

The BYOB 7 fits a compact mirrorless camera with 2-3 lenses and accessories.  The exterior is made from water-repellant ripstop nylon and the zipper is YKK.  The interior is lined with equipment-friendly brushed tricot and the padded divider is adjustable to fit multiple configurations.

Plenty of good camera inserts have those features.  What makes the Tenba somewhat unique is its ability to store other kit and its compact dimensions.  The front of the insert has pockets and a d-ring to store a notebook, pen, sync cable, keys, and other small EDC items like my Vance Carno keychain tool.

Stretchy mesh side pockets can secure a mobile phone, wallet, extra batteries, and other accessories.

The inside lid has a water-resistant pocket that can keep memory cards and thumb drives safe from the elements.  The lid can be folded back into a ripstop sleeve on the backside of the insert to allow for quick access to the Camera and lenses.

The BYOB 7 is very space efficient at 7.5W X 5.5H X 3.5D inches.  It will convert even a small shoulder pack like this Maxpedition Jumbo into a camera bag.

It will also fit in a relatively narrow backpack like this GoRuck Bullet 10L.

If you’re into photography and don’t want to carry a dedicated camera bag then Tenba’s BYOB line of inserts are a great option.  The BYOB 7 is the smallest model, but they also offer the 9, 10, and 13 that can store larger cameras like a DSLR and more accessories if needed.

The BYOB 7 Camera Insert retails for $29.95 and can be purchased here.

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