I haven’t written anything about Maxpedition in a while.  Mostly because over time I’ve developed a preference for more “grey man” looking packs.  That’s not to say that I don’t have packs with external PALS webbing or other tactical features for Everyday Carry.  For instance, I have a classic TAD Litespeed that I love and refuse to get rid of.  But, for the most part, the packs I carry most of the time are not designed for tactical use (like the Boundary Supply Prima System) or they have hidden tactical features (like the Vertx Gamut).  That is why Maxpedition’s new Entity series peaked my interest.

Maxpedition Entity 27

The Entity Series will feature backpacks in three different sizes – 27, 23, and 21 liters.  There will also be a 16L sling.  All of the bags are made from 500D Kodra nylon with a Polyurethane coating.  Each features a good amount of organization for EDC and provides the ability for off-body concealed weapon carry.  Here’s a video that demonstrates many of the features.

I’m not a huge fan of non-removable sternum straps on packs of this size.  I wonder if the side organization pouch would steal space making it difficult to carry a 32-ounce Nalgene in the water bottle pocket.  And I wish they would have went with a yoke harness vs. directly attaching the straps to the pack. 

Other than that, the Entity Series looks pretty good on paper.  The design reminds me of the Vertx Gamut but with added depth to carry bulkier items.  It certainly offers another option if you’re looking for a CCW capable urban friendly pack that doesn’t scream tactical.   Prices range from $159.99 to 219.99 and they should be available for sale in March 2018 via Maxpedition’s website.    

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Kifaru makes extremely well made packs that are mostly geared towards outdoor pursuits – hunting, hiking, tactical, and bushcraft.  Over the years, they have made packs like the Antero (reviewed here) and the Urban Zippy that were advertised as EDC bags.  However, they lacked the small item and modular organization that other manufacturers offered in their products.  And, if you wanted to stick with Kifaru, they didn’t offer many EDC oriented accessories to kit out their bags; their 1000D and 500D organizer pockets being a notable exception.  That is why I was pleasantly surprised to see them offer a new product called the Kifaru Chamber Slider.

Kifaru Chamber Slider Organizer

The Chamber Slider, made from 1/16” HDPE and 500d Cordura, is available in two versions.  The Organizer panel featured in the picture above has a padded main compartment that will fit up to a 15-inch MacBook with a HDPE sheet sewn in that prevents the computer from hitting the floor when set down.  It also has an admin panel and a stretch zippered pocket for chargers or loose items.

The Chamber Slider’s Admin Panel

The admin panel looks good.  I would have preferred them to split one of the larger stretch pockets on the admin panel into two to allow for easier storage of more than one item of the “EDC Trinity” (knife, multitool, and flashlight) but that’s just my personal preference based on what I often carry. For some this setup will work well.  

Kifaru Chamber Slider PALS

The Chamber Slider PALS features 8 rows of Molle with 6 columns of standard 1.5” PALS webbing.  There are also two stay guides on the back that house two aluminum stays that can be bent and shaped.  The stays add rigidity so you can attach something heavy like a concealed carry pistol or a larger knife.

Both versions of the Kifaru Chamber Slider will fit anywhere you can hang one of Kifaru’s chamber pockets.  Other pack makers (Dunamis, Triple Aught Design, etc.) use similar attachment points so it would be interesting to see if the Chamber Sliders could be used with their bags.  The PALS slider could also be used to add structure to packs that lack frame sheets.  Both measure 17.5in / 44cm x 10.5in / 26cm.

The Kifaru Chamber Slider PALS and Organizer panel are $35 and $50 respectively.  They are both available from Kifaru’s website.    

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One piece of gear that I’ve coveted for a long time but have never pulled the trigger on is the Hill People Gear Windcheater Jacket.

Hill People Gear Windcheater Jacket

This season, I finally got my hands on one in ranger green and I’ve worn it most of the winter.  The Windcheater is made from a nylon Cordura variant called Ambush. Unlike standard Cordura, Ambush is a brushed material, which gives it breathability along with a soft feel.  It also has a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish.  It will shed a light rain or snow, but will wet through if it gets too soaked.

In terms of features, the Windcheater has two zippered chest pockets with zipper garages…

Long pit zips for ample ventilation…

Generously sized cuffs that are glove friendly and can be adjusted to fit..

And a oversized hood that can be adjusted in the front…

And in the back.

Despite it being oversized, I can easily adjust the hood to fit properly over a ball cap or a wool beanie.

The HPG Windcheater is a modified version of the FirstSpear jacket of the same name (its manufactured by FirstSpear with mods for Hill People Gear).  HPG lists all the differences between the two versions on their website so I won’t repeat the full list here.  For me, the biggest selling point of the HPG jacket was the ability to attach a coyote ruff.  The optional ruff adds warmth to the back of the neck when the hood is down.

In white-out conditions, it shields the face from blowing snow and creates a micro climate that warms the air that you breathe in when the temperatures drop below freezing; which under heavy exertion can damage your lungs.

The Windcheater’s fur ruff was great on a hike when the temperature dropped quickly to sub-zero.

If you hike in the winter, the ruff is an absolute must and HPG routinely sells out of it when it’s stocked.

Overall, the fit of the jacket is a little different from anything I’ve owned to date.   I didn’t want a baggy fit so I went with the XL.  It was the right choice as overall the jacket fits perfect with room underneath to layer but one issue I ran into was how short it’s cut in front.  I often paired the Windcheater with an insulting mid-layer.  Early in the season, the Triple Aught Design Javelin Insulator.  Later I replaced the Javelin with an Arc’teryx Naga Full Zip Hoody.

The Hill People Gear Windcheater and Arc’teryx Full Zip Naga Hoody. A great combo for cold weather hikes.

The Naga is great as it provides just enough warm.  It even adds insulation to the Windcheater’s hood.  The only problem is the Naga is longer than the front of the Windcheater.

So was the Javelin and just about every other mid layer I tried.  The shorter cut is great if you spend a lot of time in a vehicle as it doesn’t bunch up.  But I really wish it was an inch or two longer.  And the v-cut is just a little odd.  But maybe that’s just me.  I should also note that I’m 6’4 with a long torso so shorter humans may not have an issue with the jacket length.  Your mileage may definitely vary.

Length is not an issue in back as the jacket has a long drop tail providing ample coverage.

There’s no stretch in the Ambush material but the sizing is generous enough that it doesn’t restrict movement; even when wearing a layer underneath.

The other distinguishing feature compared to the FS version are the Napolean pockets, which are situated in such a way that they will not interfere with a load bearing waist belt or pack harness.  Here I’m wearing my HPG Connor and as you can see, I still have full access to all the Windcheater’s pockets.  Just another reason to opt for the HPG version of the jacket if you’re considering it for trail use.

The Ranger Green is a great color.  My Connor is Manatee, which I feel still has a greenish tint, but is more grey in appearance when next to the Ranger Windcheater. 

The durability of the Windcheater has been very good.  It’s seen many hours of trail use and the only wear I can find is some fuzzing under the arms caused by the friction from my pack straps.  Long term it bears watching, but now it’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t impact the performance of the jacket in any way.

Overall, I’ve been very pleased with the Hill People Gear Windcheater.  It’s not perfect, but I’ve found it to be a very versatile outer layer that can be worn in a range of conditions.  Possible alternatives to the Windcheater would include light wind shell jackets like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody and the Arc’teryx Incendo Hoody.  But neither have a helmet friendly adjustable hood or the option to add a coyote ruff for cold weather hikes. 

The Hill People Gear Windcheater retails for $215 and is available in manatee, ranger, and two- tone ranger/manatee.  The optional coyote ruff retails for $68.  Both are sold exclusively on Hill People Gear’s website.   

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The Monkey reached out and gave me a heads up on his new pack called the Milspec Monkey CYOA Loop Pack.  Another collaboration with Tactical Tailor.   

MSM CYOA Loop Pack

The size of the pack will be around 19″ H x 13″ W x 10″ D.  You’ll notice the pack in the picture above doesn’t look 10″ deep.  The CYOA, which is short for “Choose Your Own Adventure”, comes with G-Hook straps and slik clips that can compress the pack down to a much more streamlined package.

Fully expanded, it looks like this..

The CYOA Loop Pack fully expanded

As the name would indicate, the exterior and interior of the pack has LOTS of loop material.  The front panel is fully lined front and back…  

Same with the main compartment…

The loop lined compartments along with the exterior PALS webbing and expandability makes the CYOA Loop Pack insanely versatile.  Set it up how want and go.  I think it would make a really great range pack or for EDC when you might carry more stuff home than when you left. 

Release date is #Soon.  Colors will include black, marine coyote, ranger green, and multicam.  Price should come in around $155.  The Monkey is sending over a black model for us to take a closer look. Stay tuned for a full review. 

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I got in an Aston House BC (Backcountry) in Coyote and thought I’d do a quick side-by-side comparison for those who may be looking at both packs or for Connor owners considering an upgrade.

Hill People Gear Aston House BC

The Aston House BC, which measures 21″ H x 11″ W x 8″ D, is a larger pack than the Connor.  Spec-wise, HPG says they are the same height and width.  They may be but the Aston House seemed a bit taller to me.  They do appear to be the same width.

Hill People gear Connor (left) and Aston House BC (right)

The Aston House BC does have a larger harness and a dual stay frame sheet compared to the single stay in the Connor.  The Aston House also has a padded back panel for added comfort.

The biggest difference is the depth. The Aston House BC is twice as deep as the Connor; 8″ versus 4″, which equates to an extra 23 Liters in volume.

Both packs are compressed , but you can clearly see the difference in depth when they are laid side-by-side.

Hopefully that will give you an idea on the size difference.  I haven’t decided whether to replace the Connor with this new pack.  But I’m leaning that way.  I like the ability to add external pouches on the BC’s hypalon Aston Panel.  I dug out the Zulu Nylon Gear Mega Admin Pouch, which is a past favorite, and mounted it.  It’s a perfect complement to the Backcountry if you like external admin pouches.  The Mega Admin Pouch is particularly cool because it has its own paracord suspension system.

I also like having extra capacity in the main compartment while keeping the option of compressing things down when I don’t need it.  The Connor is a low profile pack, which makes it a bit limited because of its shallow depth.   

The Aston House BC has a large main compartment for extended day hikes or overnights.

Obviously, what I’m showing here isn’t my full kit.  I need to load up the Aston House BC up to see how it handles the weight.  But, if it performs like it’s smaller sibling, then I might just have found a new trail pack. 

The Aston House BC retails for $280 and is available here.  Stay tuned for a full review!

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In my opinion, Outdoor Research is a vastly underrated company.  Over time, I’ve found myself purchasing more and more of their gear.  I own one of their Balaclavas and I ordered a Ferrosi Hooded Jacket last week.  One of my biggest frustrations however has been finding a pair of everyday winter gloves.  I’ve worn Arc’teryx Delta midweight fleece gloves the past couple of seasons, but I wasn’t completely happy with them.  Especially after they changed the cuff design.  For super cold temperatures, my Outdoor Research Revolutions are the warmest gloves I’ve ever owned.  Given my experience with them, I decided to try the Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves.       

Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves

The Flurry Sensor Gloves feature OR’s Alpin-Wool™ Plus fabric, which is a combination of wool and nylon.  The palm and fingers of the gloves feature strategically placed silicon pads to improve grip.  

The gloves are also touch screen capable for smartphone use.

However, what really sets the Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves apart is they feature a fleece interior lining.  The combination of the wool and fleece make these gloves warmer than most gloves in this class.

I usually avoid sensor gloves because they aren’t much warmer than most liner gloves that isn’t the case with these.  They’re probably not the best sensor glove due to their thickness, but I’ve used the touch feature during my commute and it’s worked fine.  That said, if that’s your priority over warmth then I’d look elsewhere. 

And yes, they aren’t water-resistant, but I’ve used them in snow and they have to get pretty saturated before I feel any hint of moisture due to the dual layer construction.

The Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves retail for $40 but you can usually catch them on sale for less.  They are available from a number of popular online outdoor retailers. 

exterior sheds snowflakes, while the soft fleece interior provides the ultimate in cozy, warm comfort. Palm construction, a snug, stretchy fit silicone prints on fingers and touch-screen capability combine for excellent dexterity and grip.aa

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For Everyday Carry, sometimes a simple rugged day pack is the best option.  When I just want to throw a few things in a pack and go, I don’t want to fuss with lots of organization or features that add complexity and unnecessary weight.  The Recycled Firefighter Battalion 12 Hour Backpack is the type of pack I reach for on those days.  Made from 1000D Cordura, the Battalion 12 Hour is 17″ H x 9″ W x 4.5″ D with a capacity of 12 Liters and an empty weight of 1 lb, 4 oz.  Recycled Firefighter also offers the Battalion in a 24 Hour/22 Liter version.  Here are the two side by side.

Recycled Firefighter Battalion 12 Hour (left) and Battalion 24 Hour (right)

Both feature a cushioned Cordura back panel and wide shoulder straps with firm 1/2″ padding, 1″ webbing, and d-rings. 

The 24-Hour Battalion is 2″ Taller, 2.5″ wider, and 1.5″ deeper than the 12-Hour.

The Battalion 12 Hour has one long zippered pocket on the front panel, which is a great place to store hats and gloves in the winter or anything that you want to get to quickly.

Due to the vertical orientation, the pocket can be easily reached by just slipping the pack off one shoulder and rotating it to the front of the body.

The main compartment opens flat with two more zippered mesh pouches inside. The 400D Blaze Orange Pack Cloth interior makes it easy to spot the contents in either pouch.

One pocket is large enough is store a small admin pouch like this OV Innovations E Pocket Organizer.  The other smaller pocket is for smaller items like this Peak Design Camera Strap.

The main compartment is large enough to store an extra layer – even a fairly bulky one like this Arc’teryx LEAF Naga Hoody.

With room to spare to take a full-sized 3L Reservoir.

The organization of the Battalion 24 Hour pack is identical except every pocket is bigger.  The one exception is the padded, slightly raised laptop compartment.

Fit-wise, the 12-Hour is a little small on my 6’4 255 lbs frame.

Recycled Firefighter 12 Hour Battalion Backpack

Battalion 12 Hour – Profile View

I find myself carrying the larger 22 Liter more.  I don’t always need the extra capacity but the larger pack just fits me better because its two inches longer. 

Recycled Firefighter Battalion 24 Hour Backpack

Battalion 24 Hour – Profile View

Both packs carry weight better than they should considering they lack a frame sheet.  Recycled Firefighter does sell a custom-made Rigid Molle Insert for both and I’d recommend the investment to add a bit of structure if you plan to carry heavy load outs.  They also add organization if you want to attach Molle compatible pouches.  Adding loop material to the main compartment would add to the cost but also provide a lot of versatility to the setup.  A key keeper in the vertical pocket would also be a welcome addition.  But overall, I wouldn’t change much with these packs.  They work as-is. 

At the time of this writing, the Recycled Firefighter Battalion 12-Hour and 24-Hour Backpacks retail for $129 and $159 respectively and can be purchased direct here.       

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The Monkey sent me a production sample of the CYOA Loop Pack in black.  With so many manufacturers no longer producing traditional MOLLE gear in 500D or 1000D Cordura in favor of more low pro designs featuring lightweight materials and alternative attachment systems, the CYOA Loop Pack is a throw back.  

Milspec Monkey CYOA Loop Pack

I mean that in a good way.  I sometimes miss the packs I used to carry like the 5.11 RUSH 24 or the Triple Aught Design Fastpack EDC.  This pack is very much like those.  Substantial.  Bombproof.  With lots of ways to attach pouches and other gear.  That’s probably an understatement.  Milspec Monkey designed this pack to be an EDC enthusiasts science experiment.  It comes with a crap ton of ITW and Duraflex hardware including slik clips, SRB’s, ladderlocks, and g-hooks along with six webbing straps.  

Like I showed in my First Look article, the hardware can be used in different ways to compress or expand the pack.  But you can also get creative.  For instance, I’m going to create a “frankenpack”  by using the hardware to attach a spare TAD Transporter Tail that I have to the CYOA.  There are so many possibilities with this gear. 

The fun doesn’t end there.  Both internal compartments are fully lined with loop material.  I have a bunch of hook and loop accessories like this LBX Tactical Admin Panel so I can drop them in to set up the pack for whatever I plan to carry that day. 

The Milspec Monkey CYOA Loop Pack would also be a practical CCW or range bag option.

I haven’t had much opportunity to carry the CYOA but I could tell right away that a frame sheet in the hydration slot pocket would be a very good addition to the setup.  It would add structure to the pack and help with heavier loads, which given its uncompressed depth, is definitely something this pack could be used for.  Milspec Monkey took the feedback and is already having discussions with Tactical Tailor about an insert.   

Here’s an excellent video that walks through all the features.

The Milspec Monkey CYOA Loop pack was released this week.  It retails for $155 and is available here.                    

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Campsaver has put the Mystery Ranch Front in Black on sale for $130.

Mystery Ranch Front Pack

As you may recall, I did a quick review on it last year.  I pulled the trigger on this sale since I hadn’t purchased one for myself yet.  There are only 8 left in stock so don’t wait.  $130 is a great price for the Front, which would make a good EDC or day hiking pack if you like the setup. 

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TAD released a new version of the mid-sized urban pack in their Constellation Series yesterday.  The casual observer could write off the Triple Aught Design Axiom 24 as just a larger version of the popular Axiom 18.  But, unlike some companies that continue to iterate on the same tired design – yes, Mystery Ranch, I’m talking to you – TAD has actually built some pretty significant upgrades into the Axiom 24.  And by doing so, they might have just created the ultimate Everyday Carry bag.

Triple Aught Design Axiom 24

Yes, I know that’s a bold claim.  All of us who consider ourselves to be EDC enthusiasts spend many hours and hundreds or even thousands of dollars trying to find the so-called “Perfect Pack”.  What would meet the criteria of a perfect carry bag?  Well, it’s true that everyone’s definition varies slightly.  But, in my countless hours of discussions with fellow enthusiasts, patterns do emerge.

First and foremost, it has to be comfortable to carry.  The suspension system must be solid enough to not buckle under a reasonable amount of weight.  It has to have enough volume for what a commuter or traveler would typically carry but not so large that it can’t fit on a lap or under a typical airline seat.  There has to be just enough organization to allow for easy retrieval of small items but not over engineered to the point that the wearer can’t remember where everything is kept.  Virtually everyone carries a laptop or tablet these days so device protection is must.  A pack must be weather resistant enough to keep dirt and moisture at bay.  Hardware and materials must hold up under daily use and (at times) outright abuse.  Aesthetics do matter; beauty is in the eye of the beholder but a pack that is downright “fugly” won’t sell and nobody will want to carry it.  Almost everyone likes well designed water bottle pockets on a commuter pack.  And most EDC enthusiasts appreciate the ability to add accessories to customize the internal and/or external organization of a pack based on their carry needs.

I’ve used TAD’s Axiom 18 since it’s introduction.  It has been one of the best EDC packs I’ve ever carried.  Comfortable.  Expandable. Durable.  Just the right amount of organization.  Device friendly.  All are attributes that accurately describe the Axiom 18.  But, for me, it wasn’t the “perfect pack”.  First, it doesn’t have water bottle pockets.  I like to stay hydrated and I don’t want to have to open the main compartment of my pack every time to do that.  Second, 1,100 cubic inches of volume just isn’t enough capacity.  The main compartment filled up quickly.  I always needed a bit more on trips.  Finally, my 14″ laptop was a really tight squeeze.  Getting it in and out was a major exercise in patience.  Otherwise, the Axiom 18 checked all the boxes. 

The Author wearing the Axiom 18.

The Triple Aught Design Axiom 24 has the same footprint as the 18 except it adds 1.75″ of depth to increase the overall capacity to 1,465 cubic inches.  It still has a frame sheet but they beefed up the harness for heavier loads.  The fully padded laptop compartment now will take a 15″ laptop.  TAD added a long zippered compartment on each side that fit a 32-oz Nalgene bottle.  They even expanded the size of the top sunglasses/accessory pocket and reinforced it with Hypalon. The odd expansion feature and profile from the X25 is history. 

Bottom line – I think this pack will be a home run for TAD.  They kept all the good things about the Axiom series and acted on user feedback to eliminate its flaws.  Yesterday I couldn’t hit the “Buy Now” button fast enough. 

The Triple Aught Design Axiom 24 retails for $325 and at the time of this writing is still in stock here.  Get yours while they still have inventory.  TAD replenishes inventory more often these days but more launches of new products are coming and you can’t always count on restocks after a launch when that’s the case.    

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Topo Designs is clearing a couple of limited edition bags made from Xpac Sailcloth and 1050 Ballistic nylon. 

I’m not a fan of loud “look at me” color combinations, but these are very stealth. The Klettersack is a classic top loader design which originated in the climbing community. This is a great take on that bag with modern, highly durable and lightweight materials.  And at just under $100, it’s a steal.  You’re welcome.

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Dropping this here if you haven’t heard it already.  Left that knife, flashlight or your favorite pen in your “other bag”?  Forgot to take your iFak on the one day you truly needed it?  We’ve all been there and Adam Sandler feels your pain brothers and sisters.  Our anthem for 2018!

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Check out this video from Engearment previewing two new packs – the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 and 2DAP (2 Day Assault Pack). 

The changes to the Urban Assault 24 over the smaller UA are notable.  They’ve carried over the stretch water bottle pockets from the Front and added a separate laptop compartment as well as a mini admin area.  Sadly, it doesn’t look like the Urban Assault 24 will feature the Futura or Futura Lite harness.  And the bottom is slick without the attachment points needed to mount the popular Stick-It accessory.  Despite those nitpicks, the changes are definitely a step in the right direction and makes this version of the Urban Assault a more appealing option for Everyday Carry.

Also shown is the new 2 Day Assault Pack. It’s more or less a 27 liter “civilian” version of the 3 Day Assault with a laptop compartment.  Both of these new packs will be available from Mystery Ranch in July 2019.

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There are a ton of (cheap) generic nylon options if you need to securely mount a holster to MOLLE on a vest or inside a pack.  However, I’ve always preferred injection/thermo molded polymer or kydex for its customized fit, retention and ease of re-holstering.  I needed a new MOLLE-compatible holster for my Triple Aught Design Control Panel 1. I found the Craft Polymer Molle Holster after doing some research online and asked the company to send over a sample that would fit my carry gun – the Walther PPQ M2.  It arrived a few weeks later. 

Craft Thermo Molded Polymer Molle Holster

Out of the box, I was immediately impressed with the fit and finish.  The backing is made from a padded mesh and Cordura nylon with plenty of rivets to secure the thermo molded shell.  Two very stout straps attach the holster to MOLLE or a 2-inch belt for Outside the Waistband carry. 

The snaps say “Vega Holsters”, which is the overseas Italian company that manufacturers this holster for Craft.  So far, the snaps have proven to be very solid.  The back of the straps also have hook material that will further lock in the holster if the panel or belt has loop facing material. 

The fit with my Walther PPQ was good.  The barrel and trigger are both fully protected and there’s a sight channel.  The firearm clicked into place and stayed there once I tightened the retention screw with the included Allen Wrench. 

Retention I’d say was adequate to the task.  Not the worst I’ve seen in a made-to-order holster and not the best.  I did notice there was a tiny bit of up and down play and an impromptu stress test, consisting of a couple of hard inverted shakes, did manage to dislodge the firearm.  But, for typical bag carry, it’s good enough and certainly a big improvement over any generic nylon holster.  Craft also includes a bungee strap for added security if needed.

The Craft Polymer Molle Holster is covered under a 2-year warranty and retails for $47.95.  It can be purchased here from Craft’s website for a large number of firearm makes and models and is available in three colors – black, coyote and olive.             

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The Arc’teryx Courier 15 was unveiled at Shot Show earlier this year and it’s been one of the most hyped messenger bags in recent memory.  Carryology called it a “beautiful execution of clean form following function and minimalism”.  Pack Config labeled it a “clear winner”.  I took advantage of a Black Friday sale and acquired my own Courier 15 for just over $200.  At that price, I couldn’t resist grabbing one so I can form my own opinion.  Once in the stable, one of the first things I did was replace the utilitarian ITW flap buckles with magnetic Fidlock buckles.  Fidlocks are showing up on higher-end bags with increasing frequency because they are easy to use, relatively lightweight, cool as hell and very secure.  Why Arc’teryx didn’t use them on a bag that retails for $279 is a mystery.  But most people I know who buy this bag do the “Courier Fidlock Upgrade” out of the box. If you’re considering it or want to do a similar mod to another bag, then here’s the steps I followed.  Note: We are not responsible for bag damage or personal injury caused by following the procedure outlined in this article.  Proceed at your risk!

I started out with some 25mm Fidlock Sliders, a small screwdriver and a pair of wire cutters.

I purchased my Fidlocks from Sabukan.  Fidlocks are hard to find unless you order in bulk. I’ve done two orders through them without any issues. Highly recommended seller.

The 25mm version of the buckles come apart and install without any sewing but it can be tricky if you haven’t done it.  There are two tiny tabs you have to disengage to pull them apart.  The first tab is located under a panel along the side of the buckle.  I’m using the smallest screwdriver I could find.  One I’d normally use to tighten the screws on a pair of eye glasses.

The key is to pry up and push forward at the same time; taking care not to exert so much force that it breaks the tab.  You can’t be too gentle so I’ll say ordering an extra buckle or two until you get a feel for it is not a bad idea.

Once you’re able to get the blade of the screw driver under the panel, it just pops up.

Here’s a side view of the panel so you can see the tab.

The second tab is on the slider.

This one requires you to push the tab forward while bracing it on a hard surface.

With some force, the slider will push through and the buckle will come apart for installation.

Notice the scratch mark on the slider where the screw driver slipped.  Easy to do, but it doesn’t matter because that part of the buckle will not show when you install it. 

You then need to remove the ITW buckles.  That wasn’t easy either on the Courier 15 because the nylon loop was very tight around the buckle and ITW hardware is notoriously stout.  Being very careful not to puncture or otherwise damage the material, I snipped the buckle at its weakest point in two places.

That leaves part of the buckle in the loop.

Carefully grab one side of the buckle without snagging the loop and twist back and forth until that side breaks.  The rest then will slide through the loop.

The female part of the Fidlock buckle will slide in where the ITW buckle is no longer.  Snap it together, install the male end on the bottom nylon strap, and you’re done!  

Hope this helps those of you who are considering this mod.  It’s a bit scary at first but becomes second nature with practice.  

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I’ll admit that I was late to the party on the Heroclip.  I’ve been burned by crowd sourcing campaigns before and so I waited until I’d heard enough feedback before trying one.  The Heroclip is a gadget that features a carabiner-style clip on one end and a hook with a rubber tip on the other.

The Heroclip – size Medium.

It’s fairly compact, even in the medium size, and it attaches to a bag like any other carabiner when not in use.

The rotating swivel is what makes the Heroclip unique; converting it into a hanger with a clip that can hold between 40 to 60 lbs depending on the size of clip.

You’ll see the Heroclip most used in bathroom stalls where you absolutely don’t want to set anything down on the floor if you can avoid it.  As a train commuter, I’ll admit that was the use case I had in mind when I purchased it.  But, I’ve actually found it to be more versatile than that.

For instance, it can hang off the hydraulic hinge of any automatic door closer ( I realize now I should have hung it off the bottom arm and not the top).

I’ve used to stage my pack at the beginning of a hike by suspending it from my vehicle’s roof rack.

And I no longer have to waste time finding a short branch in the woods to hang my pack from.

I’m still finding creative ways to use this device and as you can imagine, given the weight limit, it can hold more than just a pack.  One thing is for sure.  It’s quickly become a mainstay in my everyday carry.

The Heroclip comes in three sizes with the following specs:

Medium – 2 oz, 3.75″ x 3″, 60 lbs Capacity
Small – 1.1 oz, 3″ x 2.4″, 50 lbs Capacity
Mini – 0.7 oz, 2.3″ x 1.9″, 40 lbs Capacity

They retail between $19.95 and $14.95 and are available in a variety of colors directly from Heroclip on their website and a variety of other online retailers. 

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I have a hard time finding winter hats.  It doesn’t help that I live in Northern Illinois – northwest of Chicago and just south of the Wisconsin border.  It gets cold here between January and April.  Really cold.  So in the dead of winter, acrylic and acrylic blends won’t cut it when the wind is howling and temperatures drop into the single digits (or worse). Wool is the best and only option.  The other problem is my hat size is 7 3/4 and so coverage is an issue.  Most hats just aren’t large enough to fit me properly.  Over the years, I’ve tried many. Notably the Triple Aught Design Warden Watch Cap that I reviewed here.   And the Prometheus Design Werx A.G. Watch Cap reviewed here.   The later was my favorite for the past couple of seasons.  This winter, I decided to try something different.  I had heard good things about the Filson Watch Cap Beanie and so on a whim I decided to give one a try.

Filson Watch Cap Beanie

Filson is an iconic outdoor brand so you expect a certain level of quality from them and this product didn’t disappoint.  The Watch Cap Beanie is made from 100% Virgin Wool sourced domestically and sewn here in the USA.  High quality virgin wool is taken from a lamb’s first shearing. Fiber/yarn from yearlings will be finer and softer than anything from an adult animal because all mammal’s hair coarsens as they age.  Smoother fibers tend to itch less.  The exception is if you have a lanolin allergy which I don’t (some sheep’s wool naturally has lanolin oil in it).  Because of the quality of the wool, the Filson beanie doesn’t cause my head to itch.  I’ve worn it 4-5 hours at a time without issue.

It’s one size fits all, but coverage-wise it’s just about perfect.  I’m able to pull it down over my ears and still have plenty of cuff to work with.

Out of the box, it was a little tighter than the PDW A.G. Watch Cap but it has stretched slightly with wear and now fits great.  The Filson’s weave is a little looser.  I’ve not had any snags so far but it bears watching because I do venture off-trail from time to time and therefore durability is important.   

The biggest difference between the two is that the Filson version is thicker and warmer.  When temperatures with the wind chill really drop here (say below -10°C), there have been times when my head got cold wearing the PDW cap.  Especially if I was static. That hasn’t been the case with the Filson.  In fact, I’ve been downright toasty.  That tells me this hat will keep me warm when most sane people would be indoors. An old buddy of mine, who is an Alaskan guide, likes to say – “there’s no bad weather, only bad gear.”   I’ve definitely found that to be true.  The Filson Watch Cap Beanie is not cheap.  It retails for $45.  But I always stress quality over quantity and I’d rather have one great hat than a box or drawer full of mediocrity. 

The Watch Cap Beanie comes in a number of colors and can be ordered directly from Filson from their website or other online retailers.    

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I love winter hiking.  Crowds thin out even in popular spots.  I don’t have to dodge as many trail runners and mountain bikers.  And trails that I hike often during the summer look completely different this time of year.  If you live in a snow state and you’re an avid hiker, there’s no reason to stay inside and hibernate during the winter.  A few essential items will allow for a safe and enjoyable experience in the outdoors even when trails are covered in snow and ice.  One essential piece of equipment that I recommend, even for hikers in relatively flat areas, is a good pair of crampons.  And for the recreational hiker or backpacker, the Hillsound Trail Crampon are a great investment.

Hillsound Trail Crampon

For those not in the know, Crampons are traction devices that you attach to the bottom of your boots to improve mobility in snowy or icy conditions.  They’re usually made of a steel alloy, aluminum or a combination of the two. Bindings vary depending on whether the crampons are intended for mountaineering or trail use.  The Hillsounds have a simple strap system made from a thick Elastomer that stretches to fit various boot sizes but doesn’t crack, break or ice up in freezing conditions.  Eleven carbon steel 1.5 cm spikes provide grip in hard packed snow or ice.  I’ve rarely lost footing wearing them; as long as I use the proper technique. 

So why should you spend $65 on a pair of crampons when you can buy a pair of Yaktrax Pros for nearly a third of the price?  Well, I’ve winter hiked in groups and have seen many Yaktrax fail over the years.  They’re just not made for hard use.  I’ve owned my Hillsounds since 2015 and have probably put a couple of hundred miles on them.  And aside a bit of rust on the spikes, they look brand new.  Buy once, cry once.  When you buy gear, you generally get what you pay for.  Always buy the best you can afford.     

Hillsound Trail Crampons can be purchased here in sizes XS through XL.  

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Well, Evan Hill just posted this to his Instagram so I guess it’s fair game now.  Hill People Gear is testing out a new Tarahumara Sling Strap. 

Hill People Gear Prototype Tarahumara Sling Strap

Hill People Gear is always innovating and I think this is a great product that will give Tara owners another carry option.  The Tara would be on the larger side for a sling (1000 cubic inches), but like the yoke harness that comes with the pack, it looks like this strap would distribute the weight well (for single should carry).  The one in the picture is a prototype.  Production date and pricing TBD.  According to HPG, it will be released in all their standard colors. 

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I had heard the hype on the Arc’teryx LEAF Courier Bag 15 long before I picked one up during a Black Friday sale last year.  People, whose opinion I trusted and who didn’t normally rave about messengers, we’re heaping accolades galore on this bag.  I’m not a messenger guy either, but given their input, I decided to give it a try. 

The Arc’teryx LEAF Courier 15 Bag

The Arc’teryx LEAF Courier 15, as the name suggests, is 15 Liters in volume.  For shoulder carry, I consider this close to an ideal size and so do a lot of other people (for instance – fans of Triple Aught Design have been after them for over a year to deliver on a 15L version of the Parallax Messenger).  It’s large enough to carry a decent amount of gear without tempting the user to load up too much weight.  My unofficial measurements has the Courier 15 coming in at 18″ L x 12″ H x 6″ D.  It carries smaller than the specs would indicate.  But more on that later.

EXTERIOR

The outer shell of this bag is made from Arc’teryx’s DongJin 630d HT Plain Weave Nylon with a DWR treatment.  I liked the 500D Cordura nylon balanced weave with silicon material that Arc’teryx used in their Khard assault pack, but this is much smoother and has a natural sheen to it.  No pictures I’ve seen do it justice.  I also like the understated, blacked out “Deadbird” logo.  Other manufacturers should take notice.  Heralding your brand all over a bag that’s designed around covert gun carry kind of defeats the purpose.  

As some of you can tell from the picture above, I did replace the utilitarian ITW flap buckles with magnetic Fidlock buckles.  Fidlocks are showing up on higher-end bags with increasing frequency because they are easy to use, relatively lightweight, cool as hell, and very secure.  Why Arc’teryx didn’t use them on a bag that retails for $279 is a mystery.  But I performed the upgrade the day I received the bag.  If you want to know how, I provided a step-by-step here.

Disengaging the Fidlocks and lifting the flap reveals a 6.5″ deep front pocket protected by a water-resistant zipper and another shielded zipper that protects the main compartment. 

I usually replace the zipper pulls on any bag I buy with paracord, but the corded pulls Arc’teryx uses on the Courier 15 are very well done.  Some have tabs and some have heat shrink tubing.  All of them are glove friendly. 

One thing I do hate is their use of white seam tape on the interior.  I think someone was being cute, but it just gives the inside of the bag a prototype look that is in stark contrast with the rest of the finished package.  It’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the function of the bag.  But it’s awful.  The upside is they did tape all the seams and so the bag is effectively waterproof.  I’ve carried it in downpours and snow and all the contents stayed bone dry.  Another review site even threw it in a river and the entire bag floated.  Pretty impressive.  

The shoulder strap is removable and can be adjusted to carry low or high.  The matte black buckle is metal, which was a nice touch.  So far the finish has held up great.

The shoulder pad is designed to slide along the strap so you can place it where you want it.

The  contoured padding underneath does a good job of holding the pad in place.  The end of the pad has folded over on me from time to time when I put the bag on my shoulder, which is a little annoying.  But re-positioning the pad quickly fixes the issue. 

Arc’teryx includes a grab handle that has reinforced stitching and what looks like heat shrink tubing on the outside.  I would have preferred more padding, but it does the job and so far shows no signs of failure under load.  

INTERIOR

Moving inside, I keep a Anker charger and some miscellaneous first aid items in a medium PocketUp SeeAll Pocket in the front zippered pocket of the Courier. 

Mel Terkla (formerly of Kifaru Intl) and his wife Rena founded PocketUp.  The great thing about the SeeAll is it lays flat in the pocket…

…but then stands on its own for easy access when you take it out.  Even when partially full.  It’s a totally killer design and it minimizes bulk.

I also went with low profile options for the main compartment.  I store cables and other tech bits in a small Magpul DAKA pouch. 

The rest of my EDC goes in a Triple Aught Design OP1 Pouch, which is a long time favorite that I reviewed here.

The rear laptop compartment is well padded.  I conducted an unintentional drop test of about three feet onto a hard surface with the Courier 15. I was stupid and tried to prop the bag up on a small ledge rather than using the Heroclip I had on me. Bag slammed HARD onto the floor with aloud “thwack”. Thought for sure my HP laptop’s screen would be shattered or some other part of the device would be damaged.  Nada. Nothing. Bag took it like a champ.

A small ballistic panel like the Angel Armor Ally One can slip behind the laptop compartment, providing a little extra protection in SHTF situations. 

One truly unique thing about the Arc’teryx LEAF Courier is you can completely remove the main compartment dividers.  They velcro and snap in place.   

The front of the laptop compartment is lined with loop material, which allows the user to add the organization they need and not having it dictated to them.  In my case, I also carry my Walther PPQ Navy and a 15-round magazine horizontally when I bag carry my CCW.  Arc’teryx includes low profile side zippers on either end of the bag so you can reach the interior without having to lift the flap and go in from the top. 

I’ve messed around with other setups.  I’ve slimmed down my EDC and substituted the OP1 Pouch for TAD’s Control Tab 1, which sheds weight. 

Setting it up horizontally allows me to access my EDC via the zipper on the other side.

The side zippers also allow you to get access to the laptop compartment.  The opening isn’t large enough to pull the laptop through but a tablet computer or journal can be pulled through the side panel. 

The point being, you can set up the bag any way you want – space permitting.  You can even leave the dividers completely out to max out the capacity of the main compartment and use the Courier 15 as a small duffel or gym bag.  The shell can also be rolled up or laid flat with the dividers and placed in a travel carry-on for use as a city bag when you reach your destination.

FIT AND CARRY    

I’ve enjoyed carrying the Arc’teryx LEAF Courier 15 more than any other messenger I’ve owned.  It’s lightweight at just over two pounds, and because the bag is tapered from top to bottom, it carries smaller than it is.  It stays tight to the body even when fully loaded.  The shoulder pad keeps things comfortable as long as you keep your carry weight reasonable.    

Even at 6’4, the strap is long enough for me to carry it slightly lower so I can swing the Courier 15 easily to the front of my body like a sling bag.

That provides quicker access to the interior through the flap or side zippers, which is probably the biggest advantage of carrying a messenger over a backpack.

Even though the Courier 15 was designed by Arc’teryx’s LEAF division, which stands for “Law Enforcement and Armed Forces”, it doesn’t look tactical.  It doesn’t stand out in an office or a cafe and so I find myself using it more than something I’d just carry on the weekend.  As a result, it’s fully entered my commuting rotation along with the backpacks I own and I’ve enjoyed having it on days when I know trains and buses will be crowded and I don’t want to carry as much gear.

WRAP UP

Pros:

• Sleek bordering on elegant design that is suitable for all environments
• Highly water-resistant with YKK shielded zippers and taped seams
• Perfect size for everyday carry
• Interior organization can be completely customized
• CCW Capable (handgun up to a subgun in size)
• Main compartment can be accessed without lifting the flap
• Impressive build quality with reinforced stitching in all the high stress areas
• Lightweight and comfortable to carry (even for the vertically endowed)

Cons:

• Cost
• Adding organization requires additional investment
• Interior has an unfinished look due to the hideous non-color matched taping
• Buckles need to be upgraded on a bag in this price range
• It’s a messenger bag (if it we’re a backpack, I’d marry it)

The Arc’teryx LEAF Courier 15 is a tremendous product that will appeal to a range of bag enthusiasts.  The biggest compliment I can give it is this.  It has opened my eyes to the possibility that I should consider a single strap pack as a viable option for my EDC.  Those who know my philosophies on carry realize how big of a departure that is.  Some who try this bag won’t get it.  They’ll look at the price tag, scoff at the lack of organization, not give it a chance, and move on.  But others will see the engineering and thought that Arc’teryx put into the design and get it.  And that’s OK. 

The Arc’teryx LEAF Courier Bag 15 retails for $279.  I purchased it at around $200 on sale.  I’m not sure I’d be happy paying full price, but if you can manage to get a deal, I highly recommend you give it a try.     

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