New Hunter Orange Hunting Vest-Pack with CAP 24 HR minimum gear capability.

[LionHunter]

Hey Guys

I'm posting this thread because I was approached by a prospective customer who was interested in one of the latest versions of our Modular Hunting Vest for CAP use. (Hunter Orange Model)
He turned me on to this website so I thought I'd share it with you guys to get input and feedback.

The original (old style) vest was designed primarily for hunters but when it was first introduced we got many inquiries' from members of the CAP community of which resulted in a fair amount of sales.

Over that time I received great input and feedback which helped in the design of the newest version of the vest. There are many new and enhanced features. The main primary change was to make the back pack completely detachable so it could be worn in the cockpit with all your primary survival gear and it should be more than qualified to carry the CAP minimum 24 hour requirement of gear.

This new version is made in exclusive limited numbers in the USA by a well known OEM manufacturer. (Tactical Tailor)  The MSRP is $329.95.

The introductory price is $249.95 and it is currently only available by contacting me at this email address: tim@blade-tech.com

There is currently an offshore model in the works that will be imported and sold at a more affordable price point. The final price has not been determined as of yet but it will definitely be under the $150.00 mark. It will be available this summer through Blade-Tech Industries;
www.blade-tech.com.

On a special note:
I am also looking for a qualified CAP Instructor who would be willing to do an unbiased T&E review for this forum. The vest will be donated to the chosen person for his efforts.
Please contact me by email if you are interested.

Below are the specs and I tried to post pics with no success. I will post pics as soon as I get it figured out. Any help or suggestions on "how to" would be more than welcome.
In the meantime I will send pics to interested parties via emal. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Cheers!

Tim Wegner
Founder/Executive Director
Blade-Tech Industries
tim@blade-tech.com
www.blade-tech.com


Blade-Tech Modular Big Game Hunting Vest Pack Specifications:

Materials: Buck Suede Fabric and 1000 denier Cordura Nylon, single and double pull
                heavy duty zippers, water proof zippers on the vests front pockets.
                Breathable mesh inside.

Type: Fully Ambidextrous Modular Vest Back with Detachable Stand Alone Backpack.
          The combo easily and comfortably holds over 50 lbs loaded.

Color: Blaze Orange-400 sq inch or Ultra Stalk Camo

Vest Features: The vest is fully adjustable with a large roomy unrestrictive cut.
               Padded adjustable shoulder straps, one size fits all (or most). 
               2ea 1½" Nylon cinch straps on each side of the vest.
                 The vest can be cinched down tight to the body providing corset like support
                 and eliminating movement.
               3ea front adjustment straps with plenty of adjustment to allow for           
               heavy clothing etc...
               4ea front pockets, 2 inside pockets, 1 large back pocket
Pocket features:
              2ea medium breast pockets with blaze orange mesh divider & waterproof
              double pull zippers to allow for GPS or radio antennas
              to protrude for better reception.   

              2ea large cargo pockets w/ waterproof double pull zippers

              2ea ambidextrous inside zipper pockets for carrying a small handgun             
              or licenses & documents.

Includes: 1 Velcro holster wrap attachment that fits J-frame size revolvers and
                 Compact Glocks and most small handguns.

Ammo Management: Ambidextrous Velcro pads over both right &
                                 left breast that hold 4 rounds of rifle shell loops. 
                                 (2 sets of shell loops provided)

Velcro pads can be used to carry aftermarket auxillary pouches: (Eagle, Blackhawk etc...)
Hydration: Rear bladder pocket on the back of vest body which holds
                  100 oz bladder. Bite valve can be ported out   right or left side.

Hands free Rifle Carry Option: 2 ½ "Nylon & Velcro wrap straps.

Auxiliary Back Pack: Large detachable stand alone backpack has pull out pack straps complete with chest and waist straps. Main cargo area has bladder hanger and port.

1ea smaller outside single zipper outside pocket for quick access to snacks or other gear etc...

Note: The vest and pack both have Molle attachment points for lashing gear or for hands free rifle carry.

Approx 1800 cu inches of internal capacity.
(This does not count any gear lashed or tied to Molle attachment points)

[Eclipse]

PM sent!

[LTC Don]

Upload the pics to your web server then link to them.

Or, upload them to a picture host like Google Picasa or Flickr, etc. and do the same, link to them.  I'm very interested in seeing what you have.

Or, you can email them to me and I'll take care of it.  PM me if interested.


Cheers,

[Eclipse]

I gotta say - this thing looks pretty sweet...








Unbiased review to follow!

[davidsinn]

I gotta say - this thing looks pretty sweet...

Unbiased review to follow!

You get one? You suck...Sir. 

[Spaceman3750]

Oh crap, I'm gonna be regretting buying that Responder 24...

[Eclipse]

Some more angles (shows camo version).


I was wondering what would go in those circular straps.




Backpack straps store for carrying w/ handle.

[LTC Don]

Looks very good.  The only thing that jumps out at me are the dangling excess strapping on the three front clips.  There needs to be some elastic or velcro bands so the strapping can be properly stowed.

What are the current payment options?

I'm not very familiar with all the varous MOLLE options.  The MOLLE loops on the back pack are vertical, are there MOLLE pouches that are oriented vertically or would any MOLLE pouches attached open horizontally?


Cheers,

[Eclipse]

Heh - for better or worse many of us would not have nearly as much of that strap left to hang...   

[LionHunter]

The strap issue has been addressed on the offshore models soon to come, I would have added the velcro keepers to the US model but the per vest cost estimates were going thru the roof. I had to stop somewhere, LOL

I have worn these vests extensively with about 60 miles logged on foot and a 100 on horseback without any real issue with the straps. That includes a week of wearing the vest with 40 lbs of gear in it while on horseback chasing stock killing putty tats in the high Arizona desert.

The vest was a lifesaver because early on in the week I had to bail off my horse to keep him from rolling over on me in steep terrain. In doing so I landed on a rock and seperated a few ribs on my right side. (gravity sucks!)
I was able to cinch the vest up like a girdle and it kept my ribs from jarring while in the saddle.

[RiverAux]

Its a nice looking vest, but I'm pretty sure your CAP market will be pretty limited at that price.  Probably at least half our 4000 or so ground team personnel are cadets and most are not going to be willing to spend anything like that for something like that.  Not many of the adults will either.

Obviously, you're not marketing primarily at CAP members, so that isn't going to be a big problem. 

[Walkman]

WANT. WANT. WANT.

[LionHunter]

I agree cost is steep, thats the price of limited run US production. The offshore version will be sub $150.00 MSRP. Hopefully about 119.95.

[Eclipse]

Here's a few more pics...

[Spaceman3750]

Sir, where did you find that view in northern IL? There's no corn in it, that can't be right!

[Jerry Jacobs]

The one comment I have about it is that there is no radio pouch.  Both vests that I currently use have a radio pouch, something to look into.

[Eclipse]

That was one of the first things I noticed - I was thinking that a radio holder might work in place of the rifle straps, or perhaps making
the shell / pen holder on the left a velcro patch with an optional radio holder for its place.

[Walkman]

Can the backpack be used with a water bladder?

[SaBeR33]

Can the backpack be used with a water bladder?

To answer your question, yes, it can.

Per the info provided by Tim: "Auxiliary Back Pack: Large detachable stand alone backpack has pull out pack straps complete with chest and waist straps. Main cargo area has bladder hanger and port."

[Eclipse]

Tim let me know it shipped over the weekend, shouldn't be long now!

[Eclipse]

Tim says I should have it tomorrow, here's a few pics of a CG PLB in a radio holster, which is comparable to an EFJ Handheld (i.e. the mortgage payment).  I'm not sure this is how I would set it up - I would probably put nametapes or a flightbadge on the right and a radio holder on the left Velcro, since I'm guessing everything will fit in the pouches.

The hip radio pouch might cause issues getting in and out of vehicles.

We'll see soon.

[Eclipse]

My nice UPS lady just dropped it off, sadly I have to run out the door and then get ready for a unit visit
tonight, so I can't play with it until at least tomorrow.

First impressions are that it is well made and thought out, though it may be a little small for someone as tall as I am (of course I tried it
on right out of the box!).  There should be no issue fitting the full 24+ into the pockets and pack.

I'll take it with me tonight and let the members at the meeting fondle it and get their comments to include in my review.

[Walkman]

...let the members at the meeting fondle it...

Boy, does sure represent us gear hounds vividly, doesn't it?   

[Legion023]

That is a great vest. Now lets see how well it works for SAR use.

[tdepp]

Let's recap:
IDWG finds missing person, uniform, uniform, uniform, uniform, uniform, uniform, uniform, uniform, uniform, backpack, backpack, uniform, uniform, uniform.

Just a reminder.  How about the IDWG finding that person?!  You know, doing what CAP does well?  And saving a life? Well done!

But we'd rather complain about uniforms and hats and colors.  Wearing orange in the woods seems like a good idea to me if you want to be spotted.  So wear a freaking orange vest and talk your squadron CC into allowing orange caps.   

Judas H. Priest people, I can't believe the desire for form over function at times on CT. 

[IceNine]

You are way in the wrong thread

Search this one and find the word Idaho, I'll send you a quarter for each one (excluding your misplaced rant of course)

I'd probably extend that same offer for the word uniform, but we'll see.

How did the fondling go Eclipse?  I can't wait for the big reveal.

[Walkman]

Point taken about the uniform threads, but this is different.

This is gear with a capital G. Gear is fun. Everyone loves getting new toys at Christmas! It's a good thing I have a family with a budget, 'cause if I were single, I'd spend every extra cent I have on cool new GEAR. Have you seen the shot of Stonewall's garage?

All joking aside, though, these gear discussions are truly useful to the mission. Whether we're helping a newer cadet get their first 24 hour pack (for the umteenth time), or helping some learn about a more efficient way to work, it helps the mission. Being uncomfortable on hour 2 of a 4-hour GT sortie is a bad thing. That person will not execute the mission as well as if their gear is tight and comfy. I've saved money and been much more comfortable in the field by learning from others on this forum.

And getting new gear is fun.

[Legion023]

Point taken about the uniform threads, but this is different.

This is gear with a capital G. Gear is fun. Everyone loves getting new toys at Christmas! It's a good thing I have a family with a budget, 'cause if I were single, I'd spend every extra cent I have on cool new GEAR. Have you seen the shot of Stonewall's garage?

All joking aside, though, these gear discussions are truly useful to the mission. Whether we're helping a newer cadet get their first 24 hour pack (for the umteenth time), or helping some learn about a more efficient way to work, it helps the mission. Being uncomfortable on hour 2 of a 4-hour GT sortie is a bad thing. That person will not execute the mission as well as if their gear is tight and comfy. I've saved money and been much more comfortable in the field by learning from others on this forum.

And getting new gear is fun.

Affirmative and Amen!   

[tdepp]

Point taken about the uniform threads, but this is different.

This is gear with a capital G. Gear is fun. Everyone loves getting new toys at Christmas! It's a good thing I have a family with a budget, 'cause if I were single, I'd spend every extra cent I have on cool new GEAR. Have you seen the shot of Stonewall's garage?

All joking aside, though, these gear discussions are truly useful to the mission. Whether we're helping a newer cadet get their first 24 hour pack (for the umteenth time), or helping some learn about a more efficient way to work, it helps the mission. Being uncomfortable on hour 2 of a 4-hour GT sortie is a bad thing. That person will not execute the mission as well as if their gear is tight and comfy. I've saved money and been much more comfortable in the field by learning from others on this forum.

And getting new gear is fun.

Hey, no one likes gear more than me.  Love the army/navy surplus store and all the online places to drool over new ground team and aircrew items.

But I've never heard so much discussion about "what to wear" outside of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Project Runway.  I think I'll see if I can get a license from NHQ and Conde Nast and start "Vogue: CAP" and feature the latest in "what's in/what's out" (or "auch ya/nicht-nicht") for Civil Air Patrol fashions.  My first issue? "Orange: Trendy Woodsy Life Saver or Fashion Faux Pas?"

Maybe Bruno Gehard is looking for an executive editor position where he can apply his skills.  He did go to boot camp for a bit. 

[Walkman]

In the instance of this particular thread on this particular forum, "what to wear" could make a big difference and is well within the definition of a good thread. I agree that the uniform threads get kinda crazy here, but not all discussions about "things to wear are unproductive".

Case in point: My first GT 24 hour pack was the day pack from a USAF CFP-90 system that I bought here. I found that with the pack's shape that the straps were a bit uncomfortable after a while, which effects how well I'm paying attention on a GT sortie. I also didn't like having to take my pack off and dig through it to get to anything. If the vest/pack in this thread shows to be more comfortable by virtue of it's shape, positioning and adjustments, and allows me to have some of the more important items more accessible, then my mission effectiveness can improve.

If I'm dinking with my pack because it's been digging into my shoulder for an hour and happen to miss the kid's inhaler on the ground...

[SarDragon]

And for the REAL Geardos:

[stillamarine]

If this is the same Blade Tech that maks holsters than I'm sure it will be pretty high quality.  I know a bunch of LEOs with my dept that have duty holsters by them and I've dreamed of one for a long time lol.

[Eclipse]

How did the fondling go Eclipse?  I can't wait for the big reveal.

Very well, in fact better than I expected, and the nice thing was that the perps were active GT's and outside ES people.

I have a couple questions for Tim, and am hoping to get the out-of-box review done today.

And yes, this is the same Bladetech - the vest came wit a catalog of all sorts of things I have no use for but now must have!

[Eclipse]

One more day, promise.

I am putting together a full review including repacking everything, etc., so its somewhat of an undertaking, but
it'll be comprehensive, I promise.

Will have plenty of pics.

[Eclipse]

OK - this was a lot of fun and the more I played with this vest, the better it got.  I kept finding
neat little features that show the thought and care that was put into the design.

First, here it what it would be replacing from my go-box:

For most UDF work, air shows, and poking around base staff, these SARMeds work pretty well.  They are comfortable, fairly inexpensive, and good for for in/out of vehicles.   I know several people who have the full 24-hour kit packed in there, but how they can sit in a vehicle is beyond me, and these vests have nothing built into them to accommodate a hydro-bladder, etc., so its usually a canteen belt or water bottles in the BDU pockets.

I don't generally count the way I wear this as "full-24".

For more rugged situations and full bivouacs, I have a Blackhawk tactical vest:

The combination of the large pockets and added butt-pack leave plenty of room for everything,
and all the Molle loops allow for more stuff to be added.  It's functional, but not coherent, and the black color with the reflective striping is obviously a compromise (out of the box, of course, it is all black). To meet the regs I still have to wear a vest underneath.

Its a taller vest, which on the surface might seem nice, but makes in/out of a vehicle a pain - the pockets stick out so much that driving can be difficult, and of course the butt pack has to come off, which is a hassle because it uses ALICE clips.

It has a bladder pocket, and the belt is nice to hang my leg bag off of, but also causes issues when sitting in a vehicle, especially with the leg back attached.

There's also the issue of its military / swat style, which for some might be a plus, but is really out of place in SAR, especially the kind
of ops CAP is involved in.  When I first started I want full battle-rattle like everyone else, but as I've learned and actually done
things with my gear, I see that there is a reason most SAR guys have what they have, and it generally doesn't include a plate carrier.

Looking more "rescue-y" and less "swat-y" is a plus in my book, especially if you're doing house-to-house door knocking in a DA and
some people might be doing "things" they have no interest in showing Hondo Harrelson.

Now we come to the good parts...

This is what the vest looks like worn empty without the pack.

Note I have removed the velcro shell holders in favor of some nametapes I already had and (later) an ID holder from my Icon motorcycle vest - just one suggestion of many things that could go there.  A filghtbadge, cell phone holder, or any number of other things could fit well there, too.  The shell / pen holder will definitely be reused on the vest somewhere.

The exterior is call "Buck-Suede" and is layered over a tactical-grade woven nylon.  The orange parts are all soft to the touch, but fell substantial.  I have some concern about water repellency of the suede - the gear is protected by the woven nylon, but the suede itself will probably be less repellent - Tim suggests something called "Nik-Wax" waterproofing spray for fleece.

There are available Molle-like loops on the hydro-pouch that could be used for any number of things, and the empty hydro-pouch itself is a good-sized pack on its own.

All the clips, slides, and straps are well-made and feature doubled-over-sewn pull tabs which is a nice feature.  I personally like a snug fit on a tac vest, so I usually pull things tight once its on. I found the larger tabs much easier to find and pull, and you'll also notice on the sides that are retention loops to keep things from flopping around, another nice "extra".  These large pull tabs are featured throughout the vest and pack.

The clips for the pack and the hydro-pouch cover are made of a very thick plastic and feel very substantial.  Its takes some finger strength to open them, and they are much heftier than what you would normally find on a backpack or similar vest.

The inside is padded and lined with a breathable mesh, which also looks and feels to be very high quality materials.

All zippers are smooth, large-toothed, and hefty, and feature corded pulls for easy use with gloves.  The front vest pockets, and main pack flap, have double zippers to allow opening up or down, which is a welcome, secure, change from most vests which use velcro.  All zippers were smooth and quiet, which is owed, I'm sure, to this vest's hunting origins.

Now the detachable pack:

As I was showing it to another member this afternoon, we noticed that the pack had the same padded and breathable material as the vest's interior, and low and behold if we didn't find a pair of high-quality shoulder straps hidden down the corners of the pack - so the pack can be used as a very nice backpack in and of itself - a really nice value-add feature.
Note to Bladetech, while this is a nice-to-have, this might be one of the places to save some money as you look to bring the cost down.  While the detachable compartment is a key feature of this vest, I don't personally foresee where I would use the pack alone as just a backpack.  Removing the extra straps, as well as the padding and breathable material would also shed a small amount of bulk in that area.


So what's gotta go in here?

I dumped both vests, which had a lot of duplicate toys and came up with this as my full 24-hour(+):

So, we start from the inside and work out:

The inside pockets make a great place for the GT manual, map holder, and other important documents.  The pockets themselves feature velcro strips across the whole inside area, and a removable loop can be fastened in place and sized to fit various handguns - another nice feature shown in Tim's photos above - since we don't normally carry concealed weapons, I just removed the loop, but was thinking the shell holders could be velcro'd into one side to hold pens, etc.

The pack and the pockets just ate up my gear and kept asking for more!  With the full 24 I am not even close to filling this thing up!  The pack features an outside pocket with a separate front zipper.  I put stuff in there that I didn't need at finger's reach, but that might be needed more often than meals and shelter (wipes, kleenex, glo-gloves, poncho, etc.).   The vertical zipper makes putting in even larger items easy without feeling like you're forcing the opening.

Once the front part was full, I moved to the main pack compartment for my shelter and meal stuff, which I don't use all that often.  I really like how the pack will open full-length when laid flat - anyone who has every had to dump a whole butt-pack to get to something at the bottom will appreciate this.

Here's the pack fully-loaded and ready to go - not even close to full - I could cram a lot more "stuff" in here before it started to strain things.  In a pinch you could fit a netbook or even a D-Series notebook in there without too much concern for its safety.

Full and closed.  Kudos to whomever suggest using the rifle loops for an L-Per - fits nice and snug.  Note the handle on the top
to carry the pack or the combo (when attached).

The top two front pockets have interior mesh separators to keep a few things straight - I have a compass on one side, signal mirror on the other for now.  I tried to keep the top left pocket fairly clear for a cell phone.

The vest pockets eat gear like no tomorrow as well!  The double zippers insure nothing can fall out (unlike the velcro over-flaps), and as mentioned have the cord-pulls for use with gloves.  Having a "back" to the pocket means you can push little things like whistles deep into the pocket so they won't get snagged on other items, with no fear of losing them.  I have always been wary about some key piece of kit falling out the sides of either of my vests.

This is the rig fully-loaded with CAP 24-hour gear:

As you can see, its not really working too hard to hold everything - lots of room left for snacks, or extra toys.

I don't have a bladder in it, which would obviously add some bulk to the back, but not anything
significant.

The L-Per is very secure in the side loops, and everything was sitting nice and comfortable - like any rig with this
much "stuff" in a back-pack, its a little back-heavy, but adjustments of the various straps and pulling it forward
and down helps that.

Four quick "clicks" and the pack detaches to allow easy access into a vehicle.  As I mentioned earlier, I originally
thought that the vest was a little short, especially for someone tall like me, but I see now that this makes for much
more comfortable vehicle access, and the pouches do not stick out or distract the driver as many full-on military-style
tac vests do.  Without the pack on a normal seating posture in my truck was very comfortable, and I had no
issues getting in or out.

As you see I did not try to do anything with my EJF HT - Tim's ideas are certainly viable, and I need to spend some time noodling -
I think a back rig of some kind is preferable, but might cause issues with in/out of vehicles.  Mine may well wind up where his was
on the left shoulder, just a little lower, and move the ID pouch to one of the pockets.  Velcro on the top two pockets, or a
generously-sized ID holder on one of them, would be a nice upgrade.

Below are some hands-on comments or questions made by other members who have had the opportunity to fondle it:

"I would use this."

"I really like this."

"Negates the need for a separate visibility vest.

"Perfect, fits everything we need."

"I really like this, but would like it in "ANSI Green".  Can he do that?"

"Pricing under $150 would get my attention."

"Could retro-reflective panels or striping be added?"

Conclusion:
A fine piece of work and design, with much attention to detail and quality.  Considering it was not purpose-built for SAR work, it sure
seems like it was - a CAP member designing a vest-rig would be hard-pressed to add many features it doesn't already have.
You will not be disappointed by the quality or functionality if you choose to add this to your kit.

Pros:
Plenty of room.
Detachable pack makes for easy in/out of vehicle, and allows use of vest for multi-roles without repacking.
High-vis orange color fills CAP requirement for vest without additional layers.
Large double-sized tabs, and cord-pulls on zippers allow for easy adjustments and access, even with gloves.
Zippered compartments hold everything securely.

Cons:
Buck-suede may need treatment for use in wet conditions.
Lack of retro-reflective panels or stripes.
Price may be out of reach for cadets and less-active members.

For those looking for a 1-shot solution for most CAP ground ops (as well as other outdoor activities), this vest is a winner.
I will be recommending it to those I work with, and continue to show it around for further comments and suggestions over
the coming months. 

I'm dying to get outside now and actually try this thing in the field!

[LTC Don]

I really like this part:

"Negates the need for a separate visibility vest."


I have some orange gear now, from gear911 specialties, but it doesn't extend around to the front so technically I still need a vest to meet requirements.

And, I continue to find it beyond stupid that we require orange vests, only to have folks put on their high-speed camo gear and cover up the vest. 

This set of gear meets and exceeds all requirements which is fantastic.

Definitely on the 'want to have' list.

I like the idea of doing away with the backpack straps as it will most likely always be with the vest and not worn as a separate piece of equipment.

Well done and excellent review.

BTW, where did you get your orange nametapes done?  They go well with the gear.

PS: One note about the rifle strapping being used for the L-Per.  It looks like it was tailor made for carrying the old-style L-Per which is quite cool, but what about the new digital L-Per, are the straps too far apart to adequately hold it or would a middle or third strap be needed or the two original straps be moved closer together?


Cheers,

[Bobble]

Eclipse -

Thanks for the write-up, I would definitely be interested in acquiring this item when available.  I just have a few questions:

1)  Even though the inside of the vest is covered with a "breathable mesh", it still seems like it would be quite warm in hot/humid weather conditions.  I do like that the vest portion that rides over the shoulders seems relatively narrow in comparison to some of the other vests out there.  Perhaps Mr. Wegner might consider making the base vest out of a purely mesh material, with just some padding in the shoulder area, also for those of us living in sometimes hot/humid Atlantic Seaboard states?  Don't know if that's possible.

2)  Some packs/bags (I have one) have the inside material made of a light color.  Even though it can show dirt, it can make things a lot easier to find and pull out in low-light conditions.  Since the pictures you attached show the packs outside as safety orange and the inside as OD green, I am thinking it could be done for this also.  If yellow or orange is too bright, maybe foliage green or light gray?

3)  I'm guessing that "ANSI green" referes to the ANSI-approved lime green used in high-visibility apparel, is that correct?

4)  Sorry, I may have missed it, but can the pack be detached from the vest by the wearer while being worn?  Or does the Fastex buckle placement make that not possible?

5)  Water-repellency is big issue for me.  To spend the bucks on this item and then have to buy and spray on a water-repellent coating?  There's got to be a better way (or material).  Also, a built-in raincover (in safety orange, of course) for the pack that can be pulled out as needed would be a nice feature. 

6)  Re the Blackhawk! vest -

To meet the regs I still have to wear a vest underneath.

Best.

[Eclipse]

I'll leave questions that move more into redesign for Tim...

Yes - the ANSI green I mention is the Lime-green now worn by the DOT in many states, and required in many if working on a federally-funded roadway.  Tim has asked me for a spec, but volume would be an issue as those wanting the green would be a smaller subset again of the potential customers.

I don't have a cheese-block L-PER, but if someone can send me the dimensions I can mock-up a piece of wood or something and see how it fits - I'm thinking in that case that perhaps a tube-case of some kind might do the trick.

I would not want to try and detach the pack without taking off the vest first, or having a buddy unhook it.

I had the nametapes done at at 1800nametapes.com under the color / law enforcement area, they now offer the option of velcro on most tapes.

[Eclipse]

In regards to the new "cheese-block" LL-16 L-Per,


L-Tronics says it's 13.4" L x by 3.34"H x 3.1"D.  The side straps are about 11" apart, so it would seem to be a very good fit - I'm hoping to be able to test one soon.



I picked up a nice hydro-bladder from Tactical Tailor (along with some morale goodies and a new instructor hat for my bike teaching) for ~ $12.

[IceNine]

I'll see if I can borrow a cheese-block and bring it up in a couple weeks.

[Eclipse]

I was just going to ask that...

[Polecat]

Wow. I would definitely be interested in the under $150 model. I am not a fan of the "buck suede" material though, all 1000d cordura would be nice. Just my opinion though.

[Eclipse]

No cheese block to test, yet, but Tim told me the other day that he will sell the current model for $235 shipped.

Contact him at the emails in the first post.

BTW - every time I wear, show off, or fon...er...adjust this vest I am more impressed with the attention to detail and he craftsmanship.

[SaBeR33]

Wow. I would definitely be interested in the under $150 model. I am not a fan of the "buck suede" material though, all 1000d cordura would be nice. Just my opinion though.

If you keep in mind the hunting origins of this vest the "buck suede" used makes a great deal of sense as it is MUCH less likely to make noise like Cordura would. Making noise while stalking one's game is a good way to go home empty-handed. The current material may cause water to bead-up, but using a good water repellent on it would ensure the material doesn't become soaked.

[Bobble]

Some variations on the theme, FYE/FYI -

http://www.marom-dolphin.com/tactical_vests.html#0

http://frontrangeanglers.com/catalog/william-joseph-feather-light-series-exodus-backpackvest

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/patagonia-pack-vest?p=81896-0-386&src=pfmxdf&netid=2&mr:referralID=af120d21-52dd-11df-a218-0026b9571fcb

But so far I still find Mr. Wegner's effort in Hunter Orange the best of the bunch.

[CAP Marine]

Bump...

Eclipse- anything further to report following actual use in the field?

[cpyahoo]

Man... this is a GREAT find!   :clap:  I've e-mailed Blade-Tech and am ordering one to field test. 

Anyone know whatever happened to the website CAPGear.com?  Seemed like some good info on some up-and-coming gear.  I submitted a piece on the Arktis Ground Team Vest made by Arktis North America.  I've out fitted my whole team with them.  They have stupid-crazy room for everything and them some on the list for 24 hour gear.  You can get them on Ebay, just do a search for "Civil Air Patrol".

[Eclipse]

The mods (including me) were distracted by something shiny and never picked it back up..

[Spaceman3750]

Eclipse, did you ever get to test that with a cheese block? If not, I will be bringing one up with me next Saturday so grab me and we can test it out.

[Eclipse]

Never got a chance, so that would be great.

I need to circle around with the vendor and see if the less expensive version is out of the gate, yet.

[Walkman]

I need to circle around with the vendor and see if the less expensive version is out of the gate, yet.

I tried looking around on their website and couldn't find any info or listing for it.

[ProdigalJim]

I need to circle around with the vendor and see if the less expensive version is out of the gate, yet.

I tried looking around on their website and couldn't find any info or listing for it.

Me neither. I really want one and I fear my opportunity is lost. 

[Eclipse]

The vest I reviewed was part of an initial run - past prototype, but not intended for general production (as far as I understand).
He was working on sourcing a similar version for what he'd hoped would be about 3/4 the retail of the one I reviewed.

My last contact was in July when he was on his way to China to discuss production.  I'll let everyone know when I hear from him.

[GroundHawg]

All I see is red x's is it me or the site? Farther down I see a couple of pics, are they too old now?

[cpyahoo]

A prototype???

Man... I hope we didn't miss a shot at some good gear!