If you favor lanyards and lanyard beads with your knives, flashlights, and other EDC then knowing how to tie a lanyard knot is essential.

Lanyard Knots and Beads (image: SoloKnifeReviews)

However, initially learning how to tie one can be frustrating.  Randy over at SoloKnifeReviews has created the best video I’ve seen on how to tie a lanyard knot.  He covers everything from how to get un-gutted paracord through small beads to how to position the finished knot to make sure the lanyard is the correct length.  And of course, Randy provides instruction on how to tie the knot in a slow and methodical fashion so you don’t have to waste time stopping and starting the video over and over.

Here is the video.  Enjoy.

The post How to Tie a Lanyard Knot appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I’ve had a budding interest in the Boker Kwaiken.  I love the Japenese design aesthetic and the pocket friendly dimensions.  And yes, I realize that I’m very late to that party.  The knife in various iterations has been around since 2013.

With that said, I haven’t pulled the trigger on one because all the models released to-date have 3.5″ blades (which is a little long in my opinion for Everyday Carry) and all the G-10 scaled versions have AUS-8 steel.

Well, Boker announced earlier this year at the 2015 IWA Show in Germany that they will soon  be releasing the Boker Mini Kwaiken.

Boker Plus Kwaiken (top) and the new Mini Kwaiken (bottom). Image courtesy of Blade HQ.

As the name would imply, the Mini will have a shorter blade.  Exact specs have not been announced but judging from the picture above, blade length will be around three inches.  The steel has been confirmed as VG-10.  There will be two different versions (both flippers) with Titanium and Black G-10 scales.  Pricing has not been announced.

You can sign-up to be notified by Blade HQ when they are released here and here.

The post First Look: Boker Mini Kwaiken appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

The last time GoRuck had their Steals and Deals inventory clearing event, I picked up a GoRuck 10L Bullet.  It has been a great pack.  I’ve used it on trips, to the gym, and around town.  All of the complaints I had about the GR1 and its lack of features don’t apply to a grab-and-go like the Bullet.  Simplicity rules and the design of the Bullet is very user-friendly – exactly what I want in this type of bag.  I only wished it were a little bigger.  GoRuck makes a 15L version but it wasn’t available in the last Steals and Deals.  This time it is and that means my 10L is going on the block and its replacement will get here soon.

GoRuck Bullet 15L

Prices on lots of other GoRuck gear has been discounted this time around.  In addition to the Bullet 15L, they’re clearing out the GR0, 38L Gym Bag, Large and Medium Pistol Rugs, and loads of accessories including the TAC Hats.  The sale ends on Friday, 5/8/2015 (tomorrow) at Midnight so don’t procrastinate if you’ve waited to grab any of these items.  GoRuck doesn’t hold these sales very often.         

The post GoRuck’s Steals and Deals is Back appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

This is one that I know you guys will be excited about.  OV Innovations has generously donated one of THE-E Pocket Organizers in their new Kryptek Typhon pattern and we will be giving it away to one lucky subscriber. 

OV Innovations THE-E Pocket Organizer in Kryptek Typhon

To be eligible for the giveaway, you have to leave a comment to this post, subscribe to the blog (only subscribers with valid email addresses at the time of drawing are eligible), AND like OV Innovations Facebook page.  

For the comment, please provide OV some feedback on the color you’d most like them to release the pouch in next.  There are no new colors planned right now but they’d love to hear our suggestions.  They’re also offering a coupon code for all Loadedpocketz readers. Enter “loadedpocketz5″ at checkout for 5% off all new orders.  The code expires at the end of the contest period.  If you missed it, here is our review on the pouch.  They are also available in Black, Tan/Coyote, and Multicam and can be ordered here.    

Note: 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.  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 Monday, June 1st 2015 at Midnight CST.  Good Luck to everyone and thank you for your continued support!

The post Subscriber Giveaway: THE-E Pocket Organizer appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I just got the new Kifaru Antero in the mail yesterday.

The Kifaru Antero

The Antero is the second pack in Kifaru’s EDC line (the first was the Zippy).  It is 1,500 cubic inches in volume and I can tell you there are many things I like about it out of the box.

However, one thing I noticed that I didn’t like is the non-padded internal sleeve in the main compartment.  Kifaru said they designed the Antero “with the commuter/daypack user in mind”.  If so, most modern packs of that type include protection for a laptop/netbook and/or tablet.  Unfortunately, Kifaru did not pad the sleeve or include padding on the bottom of the pack.  And the sleeve sits almost flush with the bottom.

The good news is I might have a solution.  Watch this video…

As you can see, the Tom Bihn Cache with Rails mates very well with the Antero.  It clips right into the nylon webbing of the included Chamber Pocket. 

The rails allow the cache to rotate over and completely away from the pack while still staying anchored to it.   The cache provides excellent protection and comes in various sizes for different devices.    

Of course, the downside is the pack already costs $300.  Add a Tom Bihn Cache with Rails and you’ve tacked on an extra $35.  But, if you love the pack and need a solution, you can do a lot worse than this setup and it’s cheaper than having to repair a cracked case or broken screen on your electronic device. 

The post Kifaru Antero Laptop Sleeve Solution appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

My favorite feature on packs like the Triple Aught Design Litespeed and Camelbak Urban Assault is the Transporter Tail.  It’s a great quick stash storage area for jackets, hats, gloves, scarfs/shemaghs, wet clothes, etc.  However, not all packs have one.  In those cases, the Tribe One OP Series MiniNet might be a decent alternative.

OP Series MiniNet

The MiniNet is the smaller version of Tribe One’s LP Series PackNet.  It’s made from high strength, UV resistant shock cord and is designed for securing gear to the outside of any pack.  The MiniNet adds up to 18 Liters/1098 cubic inches of capacity and can installed on any bag using a unique four point attachment system.

The MiniNet comes with four aluminum carabiners and four of Tribe One’s PackTachs.  The PackTach is an accessory that allows the user to create a draw point on any fabric without causing damage.  The following video shows how they work.

The OP Series MiniNet comes in black, olive drab, and desert tan.  It retails for $24.95 and is available from Tribe One Outdoor’s website and other online retailers.

The post First Look: Tribe One OP Series MiniNet appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I’m not going to make it a habit of reviewing tech related items on this site, BUT it’s an undeniable truth that smartphones have become an indispensable part of our Everyday Carry.  In addition to being a communication device, modern smartphones can reduce the need to carry a camera, watch, writing instrument, wallet, flashlight, compass, and more.  Most of us still carry some of those items because we don’t trust the battery life or a phone’s dependency on a cell tower to rely on them 100%, but the functionality is still there if we need it.  

I recently got the iPhone 6 and like other Apple products, its notoriously fragile.  Like all my other mobile devices, the minute it came out of the box, my iPhone went into the Catalyst Waterproof Case.

Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone 6

I picked the Catalyst because it is IP-68 rated.  What does that mean?  The IP or “Ingress Protection” code comes from IEC standard 60529, which is an approved American National Standard (ANSI) rating for “Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures”.  

The first number represents how well the material resists solid objects getting into the housing. That number runs from 0, indicating no protection, to 6, which keeps out even dust and fine particulates. Six is highest level, which means no dust can get inside the enclosure. It’s essentially dust proof.

The second number designates how well a device keeps water away from the vulnerable electronic components inside, running from 0 for no protection to 8, which means that the device can remain underwater at a depth of more than 1m for a period of time.  Both the depth and duration must be specified, which in the case of the Catalyst, is 5m (16.4′) for 1 Hour.  

Here is a chart with more detail on the various Ingress Ratings, courtesy of GCN.com, an excellent public sector IT site (if you like to geek out on technology).  

So, does the IP-68 rating mean that I would snorkel with my iPhone in the Catalyst?  There are videos out there of people doing that…

But, the reality is movement creates dynamic pressures that have a tendency to cause seals to fail at depth and with so many ports on a phone, one unseated gasket could doom the device. So, while I appreciate the Catalyst’s ability to ward off rain or even possibly an accidental drop into a shallow body of water (like a swimming pool), I’m not going to test fate by submerging it on purpose.  Your mileage may vary.

The Catalyst also meets the U.S. Military Standard (MIL-STD) 810 for shock and impact protection.  It can withstand a drop onto a hard surface from a height not to exceed 2m (6.6′). 

Installation with multi-piece cases can be a real pain but getting the Catalyst onto the iPhone was easy. It came in two pieces.

I used some compressed air to make sure the case was clean out of the box.  Then I just laid the phone face down into the front piece ensuring that the ports we’re lined up.  The back piece then just snaps in.  It’s literally that easy. 

I like that, despite the protection it offers, the Catalyst Waterproof Case doesn’t add a lot of bulk to the iPhone 6’s slim profile.  Here is the case in Black and Space Gray.  

The touchscreen, touch (finger print) ID, and camera all work perfectly.  

The buttons work fine and all the ports are accessible.  You have to move a rubber piece out of the way, but the charger cable will plug into the phone with the case installed.  The headphone port was more problematic depending on the headset.  The included Apple ear buds plugged in fine but my Skull Candy headset wouldn’t fit without the purchase of an adapter from Catalyst.

If you have an active/outdoor lifestyle, then the Catalyst Waterproof Case should definitely be on your short list since it offers a great balance between aesthetics, functional ease of use, and protection.  It retails for $69.99 and can be purchased direct from Catalyst for various models of the iPhone and the iPhone Plus.   

The post Catalyst Waterproof Case for iPhone Review appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I came across an excellent video from GoPronaut’s YouTube Channel while researching mounts for an upcoming rafting trip.  It walks through a step-by-step on how to create a GoPro Stainless Steel Safety Tether.

The cool thing is he uses vinyl coated wire and shrink-wrap tubing to protect whatever the tether is hooked to.  All of the materials can be found from a well stocked home improvement store or off Amazon. This falls into the category of “wish I’d thought of that sooner” because these tethers could be used for many things (not just GoPro mounts).

Here’s the video.  Enjoy!

The post DIY: GoPro Stainless Steel Safety Tether appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Since our First Look in March, I’ve carried the Direct Action Dragon Egg as one of my primary Everyday Carry packs.

Direct Action Dragon Egg Backpack

For those new to the brand, Direct Action (DA) is a spin-off of Helikon-Tex, a tactical gear company based out of Poland.  With the introduction of their 2015 pack line, DA is making an aggressive push into the U.S. market.  Summer is upon us here in the Midwest and some warm weather allowed me to do some writing on the back patio and reflect upon my experience with the new bag.

The Dragon Egg is made from 500D Cordura brand nylon.  It measures 19 X 10.5 X 7″  with an overall capacity of 1526 cubic inches.  Right within the range that most people feel is ideal for EDC.

First impressions are usually lasting impressions when I unbox a pack and it’s often the little things that make the difference.  The designer(s) at Direct Action responsible for the Dragon Egg undoubtably understand this because this bag checks all the boxes on features that make carrying a pack a pleasure and not a grind.  For instance, I loved that DA included a paracord carry handle.  In addition to being aesthetically cool, the handle is easy to grab and can be unwrapped in a pinch to re-purpose the paracord.  They didn’t use 550 paracord for the zipper pulls but I’ll give them a pass since they included glove-friendly heat shrink tubing on every pull.  I’ve done that as a mod to my other packs for a while now.  It’s nice that I could skip that step on the Dragon Egg since it’s already there – out of the box.  There are some other “creature comforts” but I’ll point those out later in the review.

The Dragon Egg has an admin area in the zippered compartment behind the front panel.

To be honest, it wasn’t the best.  There were three pen slots, a small zippered mesh pocket that can hold a wallet or (in my case) a few snacks.  There is a keeper that can tether a train pass or keys.  There was room to stick a pair of gloves or a small notebook in the sleeve behind the panel that can be closed with Velcro.  And, in the small pockets, I stored my lock pick set and my iPhone 6 in a Catalyst Waterproof case.  The phone was held in place by the bungee strap, which gave me some extra piece of mind that it wasn’t being tossed around.

The downside is there were no larger slots for knives, flashlights, multi tools, etc. which is definitely a miss for a pack being marketed to EDC enthusiasts.  Fortunately, I went out looking for a solution and stumbled upon the MSM Tac Organizer Pouch by Milspec Monkey.  We’ve reviewed pouches made by the Monkey before and it’s a brand  I trust with my own packs.  This particular pouch is very space efficient.  It lined up perfectly on the Dragon Egg’s five columns of laser cut MOLLE and the Marine Coyote was an exact color match.  More importantly, it added the tool storage that the Dragon Egg lacked.

Regarding the new MOLLE…  this was my first experience with it and I came away really impressed.  First off, I had no problem threading malice clips through it.  As you may recall, earlier this year, I talked about the benefits of 500D Cordura and Laser Cut MOLLE.  At 3 pounds 8 ounces, the Dragon Egg isn’t the lightest EDC bag out there, but it could have been prohibitive heavy if DA had used 1000D and traditional MOLLE webbing.  The only downside is I really don’t know how you’d clean out dirt and debris if it got caked behind the face fabric.  If you tend to drag your packs through the muck then its something to consider.  For urban use, that would rarely be an issue. 

At the top of the front panel, above where I mounted the MSM Tac Organizer, is a decently sized sunglasses pocket.

The main compartment features a large 3/4 mesh pocket and a hydration sleeve.  There’s also room for an extra layer like this Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody.

The hydration sleeve isn’t padded but it also doesn’t sit flush with the bottom of the pack so using it to carry my iPad Air in a ZAGG keyboard case was not an issue.

Behind that (against the back panel) is a very nice fully padded compartment that also has a hanger for a second reservoir if needed.  It’s large enough to fit up to a 15″ laptop.

The foam used in the Dragon Egg’s back panel is firmer than most and features multiple contoured air channels.  I haven’t carried the pack yet in warm weather but I’m convinced ventilation would not be an issue. 

This “Combat Vent System” along with the beefy shoulder straps effectively negated the pack’s 3+ pounds empty carry weight and handled heavy load-outs with ease.

A friend of mine, who swears by the Camelbak Urban Assault XL, asked to try the Dragon Egg with my full work load-out and came away thoroughly impressed saying it compared very favorably to his pack.  That’s high praise considering he went with the CUA based on my recommendation and has carried it every day for work since the beginning of the year.

A removable sternum strap and waist belt is included.  Notice the elastic keepers for strap management.  Further evidence of DA’s attention to detail.

One of the most useful features of the Dragon Egg are its collapsible side pockets.  Fully zipped, they can carry small and/or flat items.  Even long items, like a tri-pod, can be secured using the pocket and the pack’s upper and lower compression straps.

Before you ask how secure it is, here’s a picture of my youngest son holding and shaking the pack upside down.  As you can see, the tri-pod stayed put. 

The side pockets can also be unzipped and expanded to hold larger items like a 32 ounce Nalgene bottle. It will also take taller bottles like a 32 or 40 ounce Hydro Flask. 

The base of the pack has more retention straps with quick release buckles and a grommet for drainage.

As you probably noticed in the pictures, there were some loose threads here and there.  I’d say the quality level fell somewhere in the middle.  Not in the realm of premium pack makers like Mystery Ranch, Triple Aught Design, or Tom Bihn, but a step up from Maxpedition or 5.11 Tactical, and the street pricing is in line with that.  

CONCLUSION

The Dragon Egg isn’t perfect but overall it’s a pretty compelling option in the EDC category if you’re looking for a feature-rich pack on a budget.  And based on this initial effort, Direct Action as a gear maker is definitely one to watch.  

The Dragon Egg is available from Direct Action’s web store and retails between $139 to $159 depending on the color.  And It’s available in almost every color imaginable including Black, Coyote Brown, Olive Drab, Ranger Green, Shadow Grey, Woodland and a variety of Pencott and Kryptek camo patterns.   

The post Direct Action Dragon Egg Review appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

When it comes to water bottles, I’ve always been a Nalgene guy because… well… I hadn’t tried anything else.  Nalgenes are leak-proof, Hydro Flask True Pint Glass, BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and… well… did I mention they are durable?  Unfortunately,  Nalgenes don’t insulate well and if you load them up with a chilled liquid, they sweat like Fat Albert in a Sauna.  I hadn’t jumped on the steel bottle bandwagon because I thought they were heavy and not very durable.  That was until a friend on Facebook turned me onto Hydroflask.

Hydro Flask bottles are made from 18/8 Stainless Steel and come in classic stainless or in a number of colors with a powder coat finish.  They come in a number of size options – 12 and 21 ounce in a standard mouth, 18 and 24 ounce in a narrow mouth, and 18, 32, 40, and a 64 ounce growler in a wide mouth.  I invested in a 32 ounce wide mouth bottle. 

Hydro Flask 32 Ounce in Copper Brown

I’d heard that Hydro Flasks are very popular with the craft beer and coffee crowd and now I know why.  The company claims their flasks will keep liquids hot up to six hours and cold up to 24 hours.  I haven’t kept hot liquids in mine but the cold time was understated.  Ice melts in 24 hours but I’ve had drinks stay cold for longer than a day.  The double wall vaccum insulation also keeps the outside from sweating or getting uncomfortably cold, which is a plus.  The screw cap isn’t as easy to screw on as a Nalgene (it can cross thread if you’re not careful) but it doesn’t leak if seated properly.  Hydro Flask also sells straw and flip top lids as accessories.     

I also picked up their True Pint insulated beer glass.  It keeps a pint frosty for as long as it takes to consume one (which admittedly for me isn’t long) and it also doesn’t sweat – so no coasters required.  

The Hydro Flask True Pint Glass also works for margaritas.

One downside I’ve found is these bottles aren’t as comestically durable as Nalgenes.  They have a lifetime warranty, but with hard use they will get dents, dings, and scratches.  The powder coating on the colored bottles helps.  Mine has some light scratches but nothing significant even after getting thrown around in my vehicle.  But, if you like your stuff to stay pretty, be aware that Nalgenes are still the more durable option.

There is also the issue of weight.  The 32 ounce Hydro Flask weighs significantly more than a similarly sized Nalgene (10.4 versus 3.8 ounces).  I believe the added capability is worth the added weight but if you count ounces then your mileage may vary.    

Hydroflasks products are available from a number of merchants or from the companies web store.  They aren’t cheap but for me they were well worth what I paid. 

Edited with BlogPad Pro

The post Hydro Flask Review appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Ruger is known for delivering reliable, high-value firearms.  They are not necessarily known for innovation but that may change with the release of the new Ruger SR-556 Takedown.

The Ruger SR-556 Takedown

Like the popular Ruger 10/22 Takedown, the SR-556 Takedown is designed to be broken down into smaller components without the use of any tools. The barrel is removed from the upper receiver by moving the slider bar towards the breech, rotating the barrel and pulling it free. To reassemble – just slide the barrel into the upper and twist until it locks.

Here’s a video that runs through all the features of the firearm..

Of course, my eye was drawn to the bag.

But, if you don’t like the bag that comes with the rifle, something like this new Grey Ghost Gear Apparition Rifle Bag would work since the disassembled rifle doesn’t need much space.

Grey Ghost Apparition Bag

Is a rifle like this a gimmick and why do you need it?   Chris Baker from Lucky Gunner, in his article entitled “Why You Need a Takedown Rifle“, hit the nail on the head.  Discrete transportation, air travel, home storage, vehicle storage, and bug-out friendly portability are all good reasons to have a gun like this.  Here in the state of Illinois, limits on barrel length make all that exceedingly problematic.  That wouldn’t be the case with the SR-556 Takedown.  

The SR-556 retails for $2049 but the street price will likely be lower.  And it’s available now.  

The post First Look: The Ruger SR-556 Takedown appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Last August I reviewed the GoRuck Bullet 10L and gave it favorable marks.  I’ve since upgraded to the GoRuck Bullet 15L after the last GoRuck inventory sale and I’m liking it even more.  

The GoRuck Bullet 15L

Why?  At 9.5″W x 18″H x 5.75″D, the 15 Liter version adds extra width and depth, making it a more practical option for everyday carry.  The setup is the same as the 10L pack.   The exterior has one zippered slash pocket which is roughly 7.5″ deep and external PALS webbing.  I find the pocket useful to dump my phone, keys, and anything else I need quick access to.

In the main compartment, there is a shallow zippered top pocket and a long mesh zippered pocket below that runs down to the bottom of the pack.  With the added width, the mesh pocket of the 15L fits an iPad easier although GoRuck still hasn’t added padding to the bottom of this pack so I wouldn’t go without a case unless you’ve invested in Apple Care.

Another option would be to use the separate hydration pocket and use a soft case for added protection.  On a recent trip, I dropped a Tom Bihn Cache in there and used it to carry my iPad.  It would also fit a small Netbook or Laptop.  The combo makes the Bullet 15L a nice compact travel bag that is airline friendly because it will fit under the seat on most planes.   

I found myself using the main compartment more on the 15L to store things other than just a hoodie or jacket.  For instance, I’ve used the pack to carry my GoPro gear in the Lowepro Dashpoint AVC 2.  The lay flat design makes getting larger items in and out a breeze. 

The back panel isn’t thickly padded but the straps are the widest I’ve seen on a pack this size – outside of something with a Mystery Ranch label on it.  GoRuck doesn’t include a sternum strap with the Bullet but I added one.  Actually, I think its the waist belt off my Vertx Gamut, but it works great in that role.    

For me, the biggest benefit I realized by upsizing to the GoRuck 15L was a slightly better fit.  I’m a big guy and the larger pack carries better on my 6’4″, 250lb frame. 

The shoulder straps tend to not rub against my neck when I’ve moving with the pack on.

So, is the GoRuck Bullet 15L worth the price?  I think GoRuck’s products tend to get painted by detractors with a very broad brush.  I read  someone on the Perfect Pack Facebook Group derisively refer to GoRucks as “armored Jansports”.  I guess in a way they are but is that necessarily a bad thing?  It might be if you’re paying over $300 for one, but the cost/value ratios get better on GoRuck’s smaller packs and that’s where I tend to gravitate when it comes to this brand.  The GoRuck Bullet 15L retails for $120 and is available from GoRuck’s website.  

The post GoRuck Bullet 15L Review appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I recently acquired a Maratac AAA Copper Flashlight via Massdrop.  It’s a great light now that County Comm has gone with three modes in the Rev 3. However, if you like attaching lanyards to your lights, one thing they don’t include with the AAA Copper is a split ring.  And it can be frustrating attaching paracord to the light without one.

I decided to attach my own.  Here are the materials I assembled after some research:

550 Paracord
6mm Black Nickel Split Rings (available here from Hobby Lobby)
Split Ring Pliers (available here from Hobby Lobby)
Lighter
Lanyard Bead – like this awesome copper Iron Man Bead from Sosa Beadworx 

The Split Ring Pliers are needed to open the split ring so it can be slipped onto the eye loop on the flight.  If you’ve never used these type of pliers, there is a decent tutorial here.  Even with the pliers, it took some trial and error and a lot of patience to get the small split ring onto the light because of the thickness of the eye loop.  When you’re done, it should look like this.

From there, thread the paracord through the bead.  I melted the ends to a point to help thread them.  Since I’m knot challenged, I chose a simple Matthew Walker stop knot to secure the bead on the paracord.

Even for a beginner, the Matthew Walker is pretty straight forward.  To finish the ends, I usually pull the inner strands out, cut them, pull the outer cord back into place, and then melt the ends for a cleaner look.  Here is finished product.

Tony Stark would be proud.

The post How To: Attach a Lanyard to the Maratac AAA Flashlight appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Every now and then I get sent something different than anything I’ve reviewed before.  It doesn’t happen very often but such is the case with the Aer Duffle Pack.

If a gym duffle bag and a daypack had an unholy union and gave birth to a love child, the result would be the Aer Duffle.  It’s a 24L backpack made from 1680D ballistic nylon that measures 21.5″ H x 12″ W x 7″ D.

What really makes it unique is the amount of organization that Aer incorporated into the design.  Not only does it have a dedicated shoe pocket, but it also has two quick access side pockets, two water bottle pockets that will each fit a 32 oz. Nalgene, and a main compartment with a water resistant zipper.  On top of that, Aer included a padded compartment with laptop, tablet, and document pockets. 

Now, Aer hasn’t altered the law of physics. The downside is all of those pockets do steal space from other areas of the bag when packed full.  Especially the shoe pocket, which steals cargo space from the main compartment.  But, even with my size-12 gun boats in tow, there was still room enough to carry a pair of shorts, t-shirt, and a light wind breaker.  And despite the trade-offs involved, I think it’s still great to have different options on where to store stuff.  You can get pretty creative with this setup. 

One final note.  I wish Aer would have went with 1050D Ballistic versus the less durable 1680D.  1680D will “fuzz out” faster with regular use quicker than 1050D.  Not a huge show stopper, but something we’ll keep an eye on as we run the Duffle Pack through its paces.  There was no loose stitching or other quality issues upon first inspection.

A full review is coming soon.  The Aer Duffle Pack retails for $149 and is sold here. 

The post First Look: Aer Duffle Pack appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Came across this courtesy of Nathan Ryan from the Perfect Pack Facebook Group…

Too funny.  Clearly, Mystery Ranch fans are getting impatient with the U.S. release date for the Street Fighter in Black.  It’s already available overseas and the original projected date was June and now it’s slipped to August.  Hopefully it won’t be much longer.  The natives are getting restless (and creative with their angst). 

The post Mystery Ranch Street Fighter in Black appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I needed a sleeping pad for car camping and backpacking so I’ve been researching them extensively.  It’s been well documented that I’m not a small human so I wanted something wider and longer without a total disregard for cost and packability.  I narrowed my choices down to the Thermarest NeoAir Camper and the Klymit Static V Luxe.  Based on my research, here are the pros and cons of each:

NeoAir Camper:

Thermarest NeoAir Camper

Pros
Comfort
Size (77″ L x 30″ W x 3″ D)
Weight (850 g)
Warmth (R-Value of 2.2)

Cons
Less Packable (4″ x 17.5″)
Cost ($122 USD on Amazon)
Durability??

Static V Luxe:

Klymit Static V Luxe

Pros
Size (76″ L x 30″ W x 3″ D)
More Packable (4.5″ x 8″)
Cost ($78 on Amazon)
Durability

Cons
Warmth (R-Value of 1.3)
Comfort???

I’ve read many comments about the comfort of the NeoAir Camper.  More people liked the horizontal ribs versus the v-design of the Klymit (especially back sleepers).  The NeoAir is also warmer for three season use and that makes sense because it does have a higher R-Value.  However, its expensive compared to the Klymit and larger when packed.  I also read some comments about NeoAir pads puncturing although both pads are made from the same beefy material (75D polyester) and not many people lay their pads directly on the ground these days.

In the end, I went with the Klymit because for me it represented the best combination of size, weight, durability, and cost.  My 6’4″ 250 lb frame requires a larger pad and I think this will serve me well.  I’ll trial it during a camping trip next month and I’ll report back whether the comfort is truly an issue. Stay tuned!     

The post Klymit Static V Luxe and Thermarest NeoAir Camper Comparison appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

A couple of good guys making what looks like a promising product with an unfortunate name.  That was my first impression when Matt and I started exchanging emails about their upcoming bag line.  The Nutsac Kickstarter Campaign features four bags all made from Martexin Waxed Canvas and American top grain leather.

The new Nutsac Bag Line-up

Founded in 2009 by a couple of nuts from Corvallis, Oregon, NutSac got its start designing and manufacturing bags for disc golf. It quickly gained a reputation for producing high quality, American made bags and providing excellent customer support.  Check out the reviews on their disc golf products on Amazon and you’ll get a feel for what this company is all about.

My personal favorite among the four is the Satchel with the magnetic closure.

Nutsac Satchel

It’s a very clean design that’s constructed with #10 Cotton Duck Canvas with Martexin Original Wax finish and 5.5oz leather (on the bottom). It has a large external zipper pocket, a large internal zipper pocket, and two open interior organizer pockets.  

Nutsac Satchel Interior

The strap is nice and wide at 1.5 inches.  The Satchel doesn’t include the leather shoulder pad (it is included with the Roll-Top Messenger), but I suggested to the guys that it should be offered as an accessory.  We’ll see if they follow through on that.

At the time of this writing, the Nutsac Kickstarter Campaign has 24 days left and they are nearly halfway to their goal.  I highly recommend you check it out – particularly if you like classic American-made designs. 

The post Nutsac Kickstarter Campaign appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I’ve loved the outdoors but like a casual lover, my devotion hasn’t been absolute.  We’ve always treated each other well when we’re together but for very short spurts.  Usually no more than a day at a time.  I need to commit and I’m really not sure what I’ve waited for.  

Maybe it’s because I’m a Gen X’er and I worry about “becoming a backpacking curmudgeon”.  It’s a good theory but I actually think it’s because I’m the world’s greatest procrastinator and I do nothing better than anyone.  Anyway, better late than never.  I’ve set out to rail against the “Done in a Day” trend.

Since I am a Backpacking “late bloomer”, I’ve discovered there is an enormous learning curve.  One I’ve set out to overcome with gusto.  Fortunately, in the Digital Age, there are plenty of resources online .  For instance, I came across this article by Wes Siler with some very sound advice for first timers.  It and others have helped me knowledge up and gear up while not going crazy on stuff I don’t need.

As I venture out, I will be sure to share my experiences.  You’ll see an influx of Backpacking oriented gear reviews on the site.  But, never fear gentle readers… there will still be plenty of Everyday Carry content also.  

The post Gear Diary: Backpacking Late Bloomer appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

In my decade long full-fledged attempt to feed my bag addiction, I’ve never tried anything from Mystery Ranch.  Many regard the Montana-based equipment company, born out of the imagination of the renowned designer Dana Gleason, to be the pinnacle of production bag making here in the United States.  Kifaru and some others might disagree, but there’s no question that Mystery Ranch is well-regarded.

I’ve always wanted their Three Day Assault Pack, but I resisted due to cost.  The 3DAP is a 2000 cubic inch (33 Liter) tactical assault pack that leverages a 3-zip design for easy access and Mystery Ranch’s patented Futura Frame for a custom-like fit.

I finally pulled the trigger this past month and purchased the pack in Black.  

Mystery Ranch 3DAP Pack

STICK IT POCKET

Mystery Ranch fans will recognize that I’ve added a small removable “Stick It” pocket to my new pack.  

3DAP with Removable Stick It Pocket

Don’t get excited – I didn’t order it from Mystery Ranch.  The Stick It is still discontinued and extremely hard to find.  A special thanks to Eric Blackstone for sacrificing for the cause by giving up the Stick It off his personal pack.  Eric was fairly compensated (and further down the path towards his next grail), but I was still very appreciative that he was willing to let it go.  Before that, I had contacted vendors in five countries in an attempt to source one.  

Why all the fuss?  I’ve used transporter tails on packs like the Triple Aught Design Litespeed, Camelbak Urban Assault, and Vertx Gamut enough to know they are extremely useful for stowing hats, gloves, and other gear for easy access outside the pack.  I wouldn’t want a 3DAP without one.  I hope Mystery Ranch reconsiders and starts making them again.  The Stick It can even be used with other MOLLE compatible packs.  It’s an awesome piece of kit.   

Mystery Ranch Stick It Pocket

I also added a Sling Pocket to carry my phone or Sunglasses (pictured below on the right shoulder strap).

FITTING PROCESS

Based on Mystery Ranch’s suggestion, I ordered an XL and I’m glad I did.  It took me an hour of messing the frame, waist belt, shoulder straps, and load lifter straps to dial it in completely, but once I had the yoke and straps adjusted to my liking, the fit was very custom pack-like.  

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Having just received the 3DAP, I don’t have a fully formed opinion on it yet.  At 18″x11.5″x8.5″, I was concerned that the pack would be a little short for my height and I wouldn’t be able to properly use the load bearing waist belt (in the above pictures, it’s stowed and tucked out of sight).  The Futura Frame adjustments along with the load lifters took care of that.  I was able to extend the frame enough to get everything in the correct position.

Every aspect of the 3DAP is overbuilt with the intent of handling a heavy load out.  I’ve heard others describe the yoke as “overkill” with lighter loads.  I haven’t experienced that yet but I need to carry it more.

The Tri Zip opening is awesome.  You can flay the pack fully open or run it as a top loader.  It will be hard to go back to my other conventional packs after this.         

The Mystery Ranch Three Day Assault fills a gap in my bag collection as a weekend hiking pack, bail out bag, and large EDC for days when I need more capacity.  A full review is coming soon.  Stay tuned.      

The post First Look: Mystery Ranch Three Day Assault Pack appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Bag Ass Work Bags got started supplying gear bags to tough motherf’ers working offshore drilling platforms.  Their Oilfield Offshore Bag comes in three sizes and various colors with a standard zipper or flip top.

Bad Ass Work Bags Offshore Oilfield Flip Top Bag

It’s made from 18 ounce laminated vinyl and features non-corrosive zippers, triple reinforced stitching at the straps and zipper, and double sewn seams.  It’s water resistant, fire retardant, and mildew resistant.  On either version, a hurricane flap protects the contents inside from getting wet.  In other words, the company lives up to its name.  Their bags are bad ass.

Over time, Bad Ass Work Bags has added other products.  They have Camo Hunting Bags…

And Shaving Kits and Boot Bags.

Bad Ass Work Bags Shaving Kit

We’ve been sent the Camo Hunting Bag to review.  I can tell you after handling it that the bag is VERY well made.  Everything was to spec.  I also like to support U.S. manufacturing and so I was happy to learn that all Bad Ass Work Bag products are made in America by “beautiful scantily clad woman deep in the swamps of South Louisiana”.  Note to self: schedule a factory visit.

Bad Ass Work Bags are sold direct from their website.  A review on the Camo Hunting Bag is coming soon. Stay Tuned!

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