I was surfing the Net when I came across this page for SOE’s Vehicle Visor Cover.  I don’t have hands-on experience with it, but it looks like a great piece of kit if you’re tired of having your EDC strewn around your vehicle.

What made me laugh was the copy:

Everyone here at SOE drives big trucks and thus have big visors. These fit an F250 super duty, GMC Yukon, and Ford Explorer’s to name a few. These might not fit little car visors. Several customers have said they just wrap the edges around the visor if they are too big and they work fine. So if they don’t fit your little car visors you might want to upgrade to a more appropriate S.O.E. approved vehicle. 

That’s freaking awesome.

The post SOE Vehicle Visor Cover appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I’m doing another subscriber contest and this will be a short one.  Up for grabs is a H4 Tactical Logo Ball Cap.     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).  Tell us “I’m in” and you will be.  

Also, the first person to guess the Make AND Model of all the identifiable gear shown in the pic of my new IKEA “Tactical Gear Stand“ (4 Bags/1 Jacket) will get an extra ten entries to the contest.  Know your gear and you’ll have a leg up on winning this one.

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, July 24th at Midnight CST.  Good Luck to everyone and thank you for your continued support!

The post Subscriber Give Away: H4 Tactical Logo Ball Cap appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I met Matthew Turner when I was still doing reviews over at EDC forums.  Matt spent 15 years in the manufacturing industry coming up with low-cost, high return solutions to jobs that had high injury rates.  A hiccup in his career during the downturn led him to bring that experience in ergonomic design to the shooting sports.  Matt had gotten frustrated while attempting to find a low profile AIWB rig for his Sig P229.  Most of the holsters he tried had large muzzle ends that caused pressure and pinch points against the thigh while seated or squatting.  So he purchased the necessary equipment in 2013 and made his own.  After perfecting some of his designs, Matt decided to bring them to market and Appalachian Concealment was born.

Matt sent over two M&P Shield holsters for us to review with two different configurations.  The black holster pictured below features a closed muzzle and trigger guard with a higher level of retention.  The gray holster has an open muzzle and the trigger guard is undercut closely to the firearm with slightly less retention for a quicker release.  Appalachian recommends the open muzzle for AIWB carry since there is less material there to cause issues with pinch points.

Appalachian Concealment M&P Holsters

All Appalachian holsters are molded, formed, cut, polished, and finished by hand.  All the edges were smooth with nothing that caused discomfort.  I found the materials on par with other high-end kydex brands.

One of the benefit of working with smaller companies is that you typically get a higher level of attention and service.  Matt didn’t disappoint in that area.  I found the retention to be a little tighter that I preferred once I tried the holsters with my Shield.  After a brief discussion, I sent them back to Matt and he tuned them to my specifications.

Appalachian’s holsters are minimalistic by design.  They can be used for either AIWB or IWB.  I prefer IWB and found them to work well in that role.  Concealment, even with a light cover garment wasn’t an issue.

Most of the holsters I’ve worn in the past have clips or two loops versus just the one.  I was apprehensive about that at first and I did find that the holster moved a bit laterally as I moved.  It also wanted to come out with the gun on the draw.  After some trial and error, I found that I had gotten sloppy about tightening my gun belt.  Some holsters let you get away with that.  These will not.  Once I tightened my belt a notch, both holsters ran like a champ.

On a side note:  Holsters of this type are about trade-offs.  You lose a lot of bulk but also a little stability in the process.  But, in my humble option, they are a much better option than trigger guard type holsters, pocket holsters, or (gasp) Mexican carry.  Your mileage may vary. 

Every Appalachian holster offers a full combat grip.  Getting a firm grip on the firearm was not an issue resulting in a nice smooth draw.

Summary

I like hand-made products from small U.S. based companies – especially when the owner is a good guy like Matt.  If you’re looking to keep things simple and low profile then definitely consider giving Appalachian Holsters a try.  The Appalachian M&P Series Holster is sold here and retails for $65.  Appalachian also makes holsters for Glocks and the Springfield XDs. 

The post M&P Shield Holster Series: Appalachian Concealment appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I’m gearing up for a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands and I came across United’s Baggage Policy while checking in for my flight online.

17″ X 10″ X 9″?  They’re really cramping my style.  Bastards.   Of course, the gate agent isn’t going to bring out a tape measure.  So a larger bag that’s not fully loaded can still meet the requirement as long as it’s not too structured and can fit in the kiosk sizer that they use at check-in to police the policy. Still, just another reason why I hate to fly now.

The post Gear Diary: United’s Baggage Policy appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I recently had an itch to add a hard use tactical folder to my collection and I went to Kershaw to scratch it.  I did a review on the CQC-7K earlier this year and found it to have a few flaws (see below).  The Blur is an older design that Kershaw has kept relevant by releasing special editions.  One that caught my eye was the Tanto BDZ-1, which features a plain edged modified tanto blade forged from Carpenter BDZ-1 Steel.  Both the Kershaw Blur Tanto BDZ-1 and the Kershaw Emerson CQC-7K are new models for 2014.

Left to Right: Kerskaw Blur Tanto BDZ-1 and Kershaw Emerson CQC-7K

I almost gave up on the CQC-7K.  Out of the box, it was nearly impossible to open one-handed due to an overly aggressive detent.  However, I liked the knife enough to keep tinkering with it – adjusting and lubricating the pivot in small increments until I got it to run.  I can now open the knife one handed and it also waves out of the pocket easier.  The trade-off was a small amount of side-to-side blade play that I guess I can live with.  As I said… I like the knife, but Kershaw sure didn’t make it easy.

In stark contrast, the Blur certainly lives up to it’s name.  Nudge the prominent, heavily knurled thumb studs and the 3.4 inch stone washed blade fires out with authority.  I’ve experienced Kershaw’s SpeedSafe technology before in a couple of ZT’s I’ve owned.  Those large heavy blades didn’t come out with quite the same “pop” as the blade on the Blur.  If getting a knife into a fight quickly is your priority then you’ve come to the right place.

The Blur’s blade steel is also superior.  The CQC-7K’s 8Cr13MoV is decent but BDZ-1 takes a fine edge and holds it longer (Carpenter steel is commonly used in high end razor blades).  In fairness, the Blur BDZ-1 is also a more expensive knife and, more often than not, you get what you pay for.  

Blade shape wise, I prefer the Emerson’s more aggressive grind and stronger tip.  But, if you like to use your tactical knives for food prep and other precision cutting tasks, then the Blur would be better suited in that kind of dual EDC role.  Both were razor sharp from the factory.

The Blur’s aluminum scales eliminate weight and they are very grippy with the Trac-Tec inserts but anyone who’s seen a well used Blur can attest that aesthetically they don’t wear well. The aluminum gets dinged up relatively easily.  If you like your knife to stay pretty then the CQC-7K’s G-10 scales would be the preferred option.  

Both clips are tight and between the two, the Emerson carries a bit deeper in the pocket.  But, neither is going to win an award in the covert carry category.

The Emerson has a thicker lock bar, but as discussed in our first review, it locks up later than you’d expect or want.  The Blur’s frame lock doesn’t look as stout but it locks up early with absolutely no blade play in any direction (with no adjustments needed out of the box).

The Blur has open pillar construction.  The CQC-7K has a G-10 back spacer.  The Blur weighs in 4.2 ounces and the CQC-7K is nearly an ounce heavier at 5.1 ounces.  I was surprised there wasn’t more of a difference because the Emerson knife feels very substantial (given its size) and the Blur feels like it weighs next to nothing.  You hardly notice it in your pocket.

WRAP-UP

Now that I’ve adjusted the CQC-7K, its back into my rotation.   But, I’ll probably end up carrying the Blur more.  I’ll have to sharpen it less often, its lighter, opens quicker, and has a more versatile blade shape.  When will I substitute the Emerson?  Well, that will happen this week when my family and I travel to St. Croix.  Local knife laws prohibit “gravity knives” and by their definition, would include the Blur.  So the CQC-7K is making the trip.  If it gets stolen from my luggage or confiscated for some reason, then no big deal.  It’s a user and that’s the beauty of it.  

The post Kersaw Blur Tanto BDZ-1 vs. Emerson CQC-7K appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

EDC enthusiasts who pick up the hobby in the winter or fall soon realize they have to adapt their carry system for warm weather. I’m sitting here typing this wearing a t-shirt and board shorts. I don’t have a lot of pockets to store stuff, which causes me to take a very minimalistic approach to my everyday carry. What does that mean? Well, in my case, I start paring down to the essentials:

Watch – usually something durable and waterproof.  In my opinion, the best hard use watch on the planet is a G-Shock.  I wear the GD-100.  It’s been with me on hikes, runs, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and to the range.  After several years, it still looks brand new.

G-Shocks are shock proof, water proof, and they don’t eat batteries. They also come packed with features and keep good time.  It you don’t mind non-steel time pieces and value durability over style, then give these watches a try.  Casio produces so many variations that its almost mind numbing.  Some are harder to find than others and prices range from less than $50 to $400+ for the advanced and/or limited edition models.

Knife – I go light and smaller since the pockets of my shorts won’t always support or conceal a big heavy blade.  The two I carry most often are both from Spyderco.  The Spyderco Techno features titanium scales.  It has a 2.55″ blade and weighs only 3.6 ounces.  Its a great EDC knife.

The Ladybug3 SALT weighs even less at .6 ounces and has a 100% rust free blade forged from H-1 Steel.  If I’m doing water sports then the Ladybug3 SALT is usually with me (as a primary or a back-up).

Multi-tool – My regular multi-tool is a Leatherman Skeletool.  Its a nice, medium duty option that includes a pocket clip.  If I really pare things down then I go to my trusty Leatherman Squirt PS4.  Its light duty, but better than nothing and will fit in even the smallest pockets.

Flashlight – The Foursevens Quark Mini produces a maximum of 252 lumens from a CREE XM-L2 emitter and is only 2.3 inches in length – not much longer than the CR123A battery that powers it.  It has four special modes – SOS, strobe, low beacon, and high beacon and regular low/medium/high output (1.4/54/252 lumens).  Despite its diminutive size, its surprisingly easy to hold and water resistant.  I ran mine through a full wash cycle and it still functioned afterward.

Other Items – I usually carry a credit card wallet or another smaller nylon wallet that can be placed in a front pocket if needed.  I also carry a Smartphone.  If you carry an iPhone 5/5s, the Felix HoldTight iPhone case has silicone bands that can be setup in various ways to hold ids, credit cards, cash, ear buds, and other small items.  It could potentially eliminate the need for a separate wallet.

Hopefully I’ve given you some ideas for your warm weather Everyday Carry.  Certainly there are plenty of products out there to try that aren’t mentioned here and I do mix and match other items I own depending on my mood and carry requirements.  That’s part of the fun.

The post How To: Warm Weather EDC appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

The winner of the H4 Tactical Ball Cap is:

Eric (emcdannell@gmail.com)

Congrats Eric!  Again, to all of our subscribers — thank you!  Every one of you is important to the success of this site and that’s why we do these contests.  Look for more later in the year… including one targeted to the most active and longest tenured contributors.  Tenure and participation does matter folks!

The post H4 Tactical Ball Cap Giveaway Winner appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

While in St. Croix this past week, my family and I decided to take the full day sail to Buck Island with Big Beard Adventure Tours.  We went out on the 42′ Catamaran RENEGADE, which proved to be a great setup for snorkeling the reef there, which is one of only two underwater National Monuments in the United States.

The RENEGADE

The GoRuck Bullet 10L was my day pack for the week and it came onboard with me.  It held my camera, sunscreen, water, sunglasses, knife, flashlight, a dry shirt, small FAK, and some other personal items.  It was the perfect size for a day out on the water.

The GoRuck Bullet 10L

At 18″ H x 8.75″ W x 4.5″ D, the pack fit my long torso fine while still sliding under a 737 airline seat or taking up minimal space in the wing compartment of an inter-island Cape Air Cessna 402C on the way down.

During the trip out to Buck Island, the GoRuck Bullet’s 1000D Cordura construction kept everything dry while onboard although I decided not to push my luck by fully submerging the pack when we were wading on and off the boat.

The GoRuck Bullet has a pretty simple layout.  The exterior has one zippered slash pocket which is roughly 7.5″ deep and external PALS webbing to mount a pouch, carabiner, etc.  In my case, I attached a Triple Aught Design OP1 Admin Pouch, which contributed some much-needed small item organization while adding very little bulk to the whole package.

In the main compartment, there is a shallow zippered  top pocket and a long mesh zippered pocket below that which runs down to the bottom of the pack.  I found that the mesh pocket fit my full-sized iPad in a Zagg keyboard case almost perfectly; it’s a little snug but not prohibitively so.  Note: I would not store an unprotected iPad in there since there is no padding on the bottom of the Bullet to prevent the device from being damaged if it were dropped on a hard surface.

For the event minded, the Bullet 10L’s main compartment will fit a 30lb filler bag or four wrapped bricks.  It’s a recommended option for OCR and Goruck Light.

GoRuck Bullet 10L Main Compartment

There is also a dedicated pocket that will fit a 3L Hydration Bladder.  On this outing, I used it to store my wet clothes separate from my other gear.  Both compartments have a grommet on the bottom to allow drainage.  All zippers are YKK with glove friendly heat shrink wrapped 550 paracord pulls.  I’ve always liked Goruck’s attention to detail with their zippers.  On the Bullet, they also included a simple carry handle, which I used quite often on the trip to pick the pack up off the floor.

The Bullet has excellent padding in the shoulder straps and back panel for a pack its size.  Both straps include routing for a hydration hose.  GoRuck continues to charge an extra $11 for a sternum strap on all their packs.  I added my own and I used it a quarter of the time while we were on the trip; mostly on long walking excursions.

I also spent a fair amount of time carrying the Bullet over one shoulder.  Larger packs don’t carry well over a single shoulder but that wasn’t the case here.

Steve and the rest of the crew did a great job sailing the boat and keeping the passengers happy with a grilled lunch on the beach and the adults well lubricated with a coolers full of water and rum punch.

They even put me to work hoisting the mainsail.  Good livin indeed.

The GoRuck Bullet 10L retails for $155 but I bought mine during their recent clearance sale for less than $100.  I like it a bit better at the lower price, but it’s still worth the investment if you have an active lifestyle and need a rugged hydration/day pack that will hold up to some abuse.  The Bullet definitely fits that requirement and then some.

The post GoRuck Bullet 10L Review appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

5.11 has added a new Storm Grey colorway to their lineup.  The collection includes many of 5.11′s most popular products including their Taclite Pro and Stryke Pants, Pursuit Polo, RUSH MOAB 6, RUSH MOAB 10, and RUSH 72.

5.11 RUSH 72 in Storm Grey

Sadly, my two favorite 5.11 bags – the RUSH 12 and RUSH 24, are not included in the collection.  Hopefully its only a matter of time before they are available in this more urban friendly color.

The post First Look: 5.11 Storm Grey Collection appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Here’s a quick heads-up on a product that could be a great addition to anyone’s bag who likes to EDC a camera. The Peak Design Camera Clip System allows the user to attach a camera to any bag, strap, or belt and then quick release it on the fly when needed.

Peak Design Camera Clip System

Here’s a video on the product…

The Peak Design Camera Clip System retails for $59.95 and is available here.  They also make a rugged Pro version for $20 more.  

The post First Look: Peak Design Camera Clip System appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

I’m a big hat guy.  I wear a hat nearly every waking moment when I’m not at work.  That includes range time – which I try to log every week.  Shooting accurately is difficult enough without having to deal with equipment issues and I’ve noticed during long range sessions that my hearing protection presses against the top of my dome inflicting a shooting pain if I’m hearing a baseball hat with a button on top.  Most tac (tactical) hats do away with the button for that reason, but I don’t always wear my Tac hats when I’m out and decide to stop by my LGS to send some downrange.

After a little research, I stumbled upon HP2 Hearing Protection Covers by OC Tactical.

They are made from durable 1000D Cordura with foam backed Dri-Lex for improved airflow.  It should provide the extra comfort I need to wear whatever hat I want.  I ordered the ATACS camo model for my Howard Leight Impact Sport muffs.  Stay tuned for a full review.

The post Gear Diary: Wearing hats with Hearing Protection can be a Pain appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Jacob O’Neal, a graphic designer by trade, has created some amazing animated graphics including a series on the inner working of the 1911.  Even if you don’t own a 1911, O’Neal’s “animagraffs” will help educate you on how certain parts in a handgun work in harmony to perform key functions.

You can view them here.

The post How To: Knowing the Inner Workings of your Handgun appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Even for me, sometimes a daypack is overkill.  Yes, I know several of you are gasping in shock and dismay right now.  Let me explain.  

If the weather is perfect, or at least predictable, then carrying extra layer(s) in a bag isn’t always necessary.  There are also days I leave my Nalgene or hydration bladder at home.  What if you just need to carry some basic everyday items and wearing cargo pants/shorts with lots of pockets aren’t an option?  Well, that’s where a small shoulder pack, like the one featured in the Bolstr Kickstarter Project, comes into play.

The Bolstr EDC Bag

It’s all personal preference, but when I go small, I usually opt for shoulder packs over waist packs.  I used a large Ultimate Direction waist pack for short hikes in the Arizona Sonoran Desert back in the day.   But, in hindsight, it probably made me look like a huge dork.  Nowadays, I almost always stick to GoRuck’s Rule #1 (Always look cool) and Rule #3 (If you get lost, look cool). There’s a fine line between a shoulder bag like the Bolstr and a “murse”, but I feel like I don’t have to automatically give up my man card when wearing one.  With fanny packs… yeah, not so much. 

The Bolstr has great promise because of its size.   Smaller than a messenger but more compact and lower profile than most other EDC friendly Shoulder packs — such as the Hazard 4 Kato or Maxpedition Jumbo EDC.  I also like the (made in the USA) 1050D Ballistic Nylon construction and water resistant zippers.

Right now, the Bolstr is being offered in six different color combinations.  The project is already fully funded with 18 days remaining.  Its definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for an option to simplify your carry.        

The post First Look: Bolstr Kickstarter Project appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Here are a couple of clips to illustrate the correct way to shoot, move, and communicate as a team – under fire.  

First up is an excellent episode of Media Lab where they dissect one of my favorite sequences; the bank robbery shoot-out from the Movie “Heat”.

Next is a short clip from the Cinemax series “Strike Back”; also a great show.  

Hopefully you’ll never find yourself in a dire situation where you need these skills, but it’s good to know them if that time comes.  And as Dom mentioned, when possible, train like you fight.     

The post How To: Shoot Move and Communicate appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Mission Workshop is a bag and apparel company based in San Francisco, CA.  They’ve been on my radar for while now.  Their design shop uses a lot of interesting materials to make bags with a clean aesthetic and features that appeal to people who enjoy an active lifestyle.  They have a strong following among cycling enthusiasts but they don’t just make messenger bags.

For example, their Limited Edition Rambler Cargo Pack is made from Multicam Black 330D Cordura with a AustriAlpin Cobra Buckle enclosure and carbon fiber reinforced internal frame system.  It features multiple water-resistant compartments with urethane coated zippers.  The shoulder straps include Mission Workshop’s Arkiv rail system, which can be used to attach their cell/utility pocket and other accessories.  The pack can expand from 1,350 cubic inches to 2,700 cubic inches when needed for extra cargo capacity.

Review Coming Soon. Stay tuned!   

The post Mission Workshop Reviews: Coming Soon appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Yesterday I found a nice pair of New Balance Trail Runners on deep discount at a local retailer.  The shoes were nice but they had red laces, which I really didn’t care for.  I bought them anyway; knowing I had some black paracord at the house that I could use to replace the laces.  Never done it before?  If you read my do it yourself article on how to make GoRuck style paracord zipper pulls, then you’ll have everything you need to do paracord shoelaces.

My New Balance Trail Runners – with and without the new Paracord Shoelaces

Here are a few tips:

1) Unless you want to change the length, use the old laces to measure off the paracord before you cut it.

2) If the eyelets are small, use a small punch to push through the cord.  On these, I had to gut the paracord to thread it.

3) If you want to create your own “flugelbinders”, then melt each end of the cord with a lighter and then cut a short length of heat shrink tubing for each tip.  Heating the tip of the tubing first will keep it on the cord, which will allow you to rotate the lace to apply heat evenly to the remaining portion.   

Note: Put the laces on the shoes before you heat the tubing on the cord.  You will not be able to pull the laces from the shoes without cutting off the tubing once you heat it!

There are lots of benefits.  First, you can cut them to whatever length suits you.  Paracord comes in lots of colors.  If you have young children, you can have some fun together by creating colorful laces for their shoes.  The laces are non-slip and if you can manage to use non-gutted cord, then you’ll have some short lengths of very strong cord with you at all times in the event of an emergency. 

The post Do It Yourself: Paracord Shoelaces appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Our Camelbak Urban Assault review was one of the first we did here on Loadedpocketz and it remains a favorite.  After reviewing the Urban Assault, I heard Camelbak had a concealed carry version of the same pack called the Urban Assault Concealment or “UAC”.  Since then they have renamed it and It is now the Camelbak Dispatch.

The UAC earned a bad rap when it was released because Camelbak decided to only make it available to certain Government Agencies, Law Enforcement, and Military Units.  That understandably angered many responsibly armed civilians who had heard about its availability.  According to Camelbak, they had originally designed the pack for the USSS (United States Secret Service) and promised them at the time that it would not be sold to the general public.  Even to this day, the company still restricts sales of the Dispatch.  However, we had no problem sourcing one for this review.  If a civilian wants one and is willing to expend a little effort, he or she can get one.  Just don’t expect a discount.

The Camelbak Dispatch is essentially the Urban Assault with some slight but very important changes.  We’ll cover the mods here.  For the rest, refer back to the original review.

The Dispatch comes in a few different color combinations, which alone distinguishes it from the base model.  In the black-on-black colorway, you’d have a hard time distinguishing it from the original pack; which is exactly why I chose it.

The Camelbak Dispatch Concealment Pack

The main compartment of the Camelbak Dispatch has a strap system that can take pretty much any type of holster that is designed to go on a belt. Pictured below is my Sig Sauer 1911 Ultra in an Old Faithful hybrid rig.

Camelbak Dispatch and Sig Sauer 1911 Ultra

A holster that takes up less real estate would also allow room for a mag carrier.   The system really secures everything well, but putting the firearm in that location is a tricky proposition if accessing the main compartment is a priority.

Fortunately, there is another option with this pack.  The back panel of the Dispatch looks pretty much identical to the Urban Assault.

The only tip-off are the zipper pulls, which reveal a hidden lumbar pocket.  The pocket easily takes the Ultra, which only has a 3.3 inch barrel.

It can also fit my Springfield XD45 Compact with room to spare.  A full size service pistol should not be an issue either.

I’ve taken the Camelbak Dispatch to multiple venues where the bag was searched.  I wasn’t carrying in those situations, but not once did security personnel check that pocket or even know that it was there.  It is a very effective deep concealment setup.  The downside is you can definitely feel the bulge of the firearm when the Dispatch is on your back.  There’s no discomfort due to the padding but you know it’s there.

Camelbak also loop lined the pocket behind the transporter tail.  They claim you can place a back-up weapon there but the pocket isn’t reinforced.  I found it useful to store back-up magazines using a hook and loop magazine carrier but anything heavier than that just flops around in the pocket.

That’s pretty much it.  Is the pack worth it’s $189 retail price tag?  I think it is.  The additional features made a very good pack even better.  

The lumbar pocket is a stroke of genius.  Even if you don’t use it for concealed carry, it makes for a very secure place to store sensitive documents and other items away from prying eyes and fingers.  The strap system can secure pouches or any other item that would normally clip to a belt (like a knife or multi-tool).

I wish Camelbak would reconsider its policy and make this bag available to a wider audience.  It’s a great EDC option and without a doubt one of the best concealed carry bags on the market today.  

The post Camelbak Dispatch Review appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

Cdh-Tac, a custom mil spec gear maker out of Finland, and Oneiros Valley has teamed up to bring THE-E Pocket Organizer to market.

THE-E Pocket Organizer

This 5 X 7″ pouch is packed with features.  There are two zippered pockets on the outside along with two pen/knife slots. The inside has tons of 1″ elastic webbing on both sides of the clam shell design.  There’s even 1″ elastic webbing on the spine; no space is wasted.

THE-E Pocket Organizer isn’t available for sale yet.  According to Oneiros Valley’s website, they are targeting a late 2014 release.  Sign up here to get notified when it becomes available.

The post First Look: THE-E Pocket Organizer appeared first on Loaded Pocketz.

We’ve reviewed a number of bags designed for concealed carry.  Almost all of them rely on hook and loop to attach a holster.  Most hook backed holsters are nylon and/or elastic.  Some are decent but many that I’ve tried tend to snag parts of the firearm on the draw and re-holstering can be a challenge.  The Orange Diamond Concealment Bag Holster is different.  Like many of today’s IWB/OWB holsters, it’s made from kydex and custom fitted to each gun.

Orange Diamond Concealment Bag Holster

I had ODC make one for the M&P Shield, which is my primary carry gun.  The holster is friction fit to the weapon and the retention was perfect.  It allows for a smooth draw but still holds the Shield securely; even when turned upside down.

The back of the holster is lined with hook material.  It provides adequate surface area; I didn’t have any issues with the holster coming loose in the bags I tested it in.

The Orange Diamond Concealment Bag Holster, when paired with a bag like the Maxpedition Jumbo EDC, becomes a very effective alternative to on-body carry.

ODC Bag Holster and Maxpedition Jumbo EDC

I reviewed the Jumbo a few years ago on a popular Everyday Carry forum.  I’ll post an update soon, but the fact that I still have it my collection should tell you something about my opinion of it.  The concealment pocket is easy to reach and the ODC holster allows the wearer to draw the firearm quickly, which are two things I want when I bag carry.

The Orange Diamond Concealment Bag Holster can be purchased here for the 1911 and most of the popular firearm models from Beretta, Glock, Kahr, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, and Springfield.  You’ll spend around the same amount as you would for a quality belt holster, but if you bag carry on a regular basis, it’s definitely worth the investment. 

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You can load up on all the gear you want, but if you’re out of shape, are you going to get the most out of it?  For you Preppers out there – is your body going to hold up in a true SHTF scenario?  I’ll be honest; I’m not where I want to be.  Judging from some of the pics posted to popular EDC discussion boards; some of you aren’t either.

What am I doing about it?  Well, what I’m not doing is hitting the weight pile every other day.  I did that for years and now it bores me to tears.  Now I vary my workouts.  I’ve added biking and kayaking to the mix.  Kayaking is a great upper body workout.  I still enjoying hiking and even trail running if my knees are feeling good.  But, what’s really kicked my ass lately is my wife’s Body Pump class.

Say what?  Don’t judge.  She had me attend on a bit of a dare and I wasn’t the only guy in there.  One told me he uses the class to help him prepare for Tough Mudder and other events.  I was less skeptical after our talk.  Truth is I’m not enthralled with the music or the overall vibe but you’ll get as much out of the workout as you’re willing to put into it because you can vary the weight being used.  It’s all low weight, high reps to exhaustion kind of stuff.  And when I say high reps… I’m not exaggerating.  There’s been several times when I went into a series of sets all macho with more weight and had to down shift because I ran out of steam.  After the first class, I could barely move the first day.  It was a good hurt.

Here’s a video that echos what I’m saying.

Anyway, I look forward to the class now.  And because it doesn’t involve a lot of gear, I can replicate it at home if I miss days.  If your gym has the class, I highly recommend you put your ego aside and give it a try.

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