MOLLE Gear: TAD Gear BC4 Pouch

Make: TAD Gear
Model: BC4 Nylon Storage Pouch
Color Pictured: "Coyote Khaki"

Attachment System: Integrated hook and loop straps
MOLLE Footprint: 2 loops across x 1 loop high

Intended Purpose: Holds one BATUCA battery case
"Everyday MOLLE": Holds a set of keys or handful of quarters

Impressions
This is one of the pouches I bought when I visited TAD Gear's brick and mortar shop here in San Francisco for the very first time.  Honestly, I think I bought it simply because it's one of the smallest MOLLE pouches I've ever seen.  It's one of those pouches you buy first and figure out a use for later.

It's perfect for keeping one key item readily accessible, and with such a small MOLLE footprint, you can really put it almost anywhere.

The only thing I'm not crazy about is TAD Gear's hook and loop attachment system.  In this small pouch, the hook and loop runs the full length of the strap (that's not the case in TAD's larger pouches) so you have to maneuver the loop part underneath your MOLLE and then get the hook section fully underneath that.  Given the strap is so short, it's not that it's hard to do - it just feels harder than it needs to be.  And like many people, I always have the nagging feeling that the hook and loop is wearing out every time I open and close it.

But it's a convenient little pouch with a dozen possible uses (as long as you think small).
 

Never been a fan of the hook and loop attachment system, but in a pouch this small, it does the job adequately.

Good for a set of keys.

Shown with a Swiss Army Classic and a Fenix E01 for scale.

The pouch has such a small MOLLE footprint that it can be attached where few other pouches can.  This is a perfect utility pouch to mount on that single strap of MOLLE that runs down the strap of your pack (in this shot, a Gerber Evader).

Shown with a Grimloc for scale.

MOLLE Gear: Pouch Round-Up

If you're in the market for a simple MOLLE magazine pouch, it's hard to go wrong with any of the major US brands. At that point, you'll probably choose the pouch based on price or your preferred MOLLE attachment system.

But there are plenty of variations on that basic theme, whether it be pouches with extra retention capabilities, shorty or staggered stack versions, pouches that combine rifle and pistol pouches into one, etc. I'd wanted to do some side-by-side comparisons of these kinds of pouches, and as I wrote up a table of which company offered which pouch, I realized that maybe the table itself would be a valuable post.


Basic M4/M16/AR-15 rifle pouches
* Standard Pocket: This refers to the most basic type of pouch that is essentially open on one end, closed on the other, and has some kind of bungee restraint to hold the mag in place.  In pocket pouches, one end of the mag will always be exposed.

* Flap: This is essentially a pocket pouch but with the addition of a flap that folds over the top of the mag and typically secures by either hook and loop or Fastex buckle.

Other/Specialty rifle pouches

* Retention: This refers to pouches that use some type of system to exert extra force on the magazine to hold it in place.

* Combo = Pistol/Rifle Combined: This refers to pouches that integrate a rifle and pistol mag pouch into the same unit.

* Shorty = Short Pocket: This is a pocket pouch made deliberately shorter than normal so that more of the magazine body is exposed at the top.

M4/M16/AR-15 MOLLE Mag Pouch
	Standard Pocket	Flap Pocket	Other/Specialty
Tactical Tailor	Yes	Yes	No
Eagle Industries	No	Yes	Retention
Paraclete	No	Yes	Combo
Spectre Gear	Yes	Yes	No
HSGI	Yes	Yes	No
S.O.Tech	Yes	Yes	No
TAG	Yes	Yes	Combo
Blackwawk*	Yes	Yes	No
Maxpedition*	Yes	Yes	Shorty

* Manufactured offshore


9mm Pistol pouches
* Standard Flap: This refers to the standard type of pouch that has a fold-over flap, usually secured by hook and loop, which holds the magazine in place.  Note that these pouches will also hold flashlights, multi-tools and folding knives, and are sometimes even sold under the "sheath" or "knife" category.

* Added retention: This refers to pouches that use some type of system to exert extra force on the magazine to hold it in place.

Pistol MOLLE Mag Pouch
	Standard Flap	Added Retention
Tactical Tailor	Yes	Yes (Magna)
Eagle Industries	Yes	Yes (FB)
Paraclete	Yes	No
Spectre Gear	No	No
HSGI	Yes	No
S.O.Tech	Yes	No
TAG	No	Yes
Blackwawk*	Yes	Yes (Talonflex)
Maxpedition*	No**	No

* Manufactured offshore
** While Maxpedition does make a standard pistol/knife flap pouch, it is not designed to be MOLLE compatible.


Made Where?
It may be worth noting that both Blackhawk and Maxpedition use offshore facilities to produce some of their gear, though I include them here simply for the sake of comparison.  All the other companies listed handle both design and production in the US.

Tactical Tailor: Washington State
Eagle Industries: Missouri
Paraclete: North Carolina
Spectre Gear: California
HSGI: North Carolina
S.O.Tech: California
Tactical Assault Gear (TAG): California

Knife Gear Comparison: Kershaw Black Shallot vs Benchmade Griptilian

Make: Benchmade
Model: Griptilian 551

Make: Kershaw
Model: Black Shallot 1840CKT


I will not even attempt to sell you on which of these knives is better overall; that's truly a personal choice.  I once read that the right knife for you is the one that just "feels" right in your hand (same as a pistol, I suppose).  Both of these blades are quality pieces of hardware, made in the US by highly reputable manufacturers.  I'll simply try to compare and contrast them as Every Day Carry knives.

Opening Mechanism

The Griptilian uses Benchmade's AXIS mechanism and it amounts to having three ways to open the knife.  You can use the traditional thumb stud and simply push the blade out until it locks.  You can pull backward on the AXIS thumb stud which essentially lets the blade drop free and either gravity or a flick of the wrist will get it the rest of the way.  And finally, on most Griptilians I've seen, a more energetic flick will snap the blade open (though this can take some practice).

The Shallot uses Kershaw's SpeedSafe assisted opening, which only requires you to get the blade moving a small distance before the mechanism takes over and snaps the blade quickly and solidly into place.  Note that unlike other SpeedSafe models (like the Leek or Chive), the Shallot has neither a thumb stud on the blade or a safety lock.















Getting a Grip
The Griptilian is almost an ounce lighter, but the handle is considerably thicker.  That means it feels big in the pocket, but also gives you plenty of material to wrap your fist around.  The handles have good checkering and also have a slight bulge to them which again makes for a secure, comfortable grip.

The Shallot is thinner, heavier, and while the handles are flat, smooth stainless steel, they also have a more dynamic contour to them.  This, combined with a deep forefinger groove means that if the overall shape fits your hand, chances are you'll find the grip to be equally secure and comfortable.

Left or Right, Up or Down?
The Benchmade can only be carried tip-up, though the clip can be put on either side of the knife.  The AXIS lock has studs on both sides which means that it's easy for both lefties and righties to close the knife. 

The Kershaw, on the other hand, can be carried either tip-up or tip-down, but the clip cannot be put on the other side of the handle.  It's also worth noting that the Kershaw is a liner lock and therefore rather awkward to close for lefties.

Emergency Gear: EDC pack

EDC (Every Day Carry) Emergency Pack
I try to bring this pack absolutely everywhere I go without exception (it sort of defeats the purpose of an EDC pack if you don't).  Note that while it has some traditional emergency items like bandages, a whistle, and 550 paracord, it also carries items for the somewhat more common "urban" emergency.  So there are quarters for parking meters, dollar bills for bus fare, a 2GB Titanium USB drive just because you never know when you'll suddenly need to grab someone's music files... 

Contents:

• Fenix PD30 R4 flashlight (2 x CR123A batteries) (posting)
• Leatherman Skeletool
• Gerber Shortcut
• Boker Trance folding knife
• Swiss Army Classic
• Petzl e+LITE headlamp (2 x CR2032 batteries) (posting)
• Cruzer Titanium USB drive
• Witz waterproof case
• Kerlix bandage
• small mirror
• band-aids and sterile wipes
• set of spare car and home keys
• handkerchief
• 10' length of 550 paracord
• Mini Sharpie
• Moleskine 2.5"x4" notebook
• foam ear plugs
• whistle
• clear plastic lighter
• cash in small bills
• credit card
• electrical tape
• spare contacts and eyedrops
• backup cellphone (LG Flare)
• tube of ibuprofen

And all this fits into... the North Face Granule lumbar pack

I find this North Face pack to be ideal for EDC as it tucks nicely into bigger packs (which is typically how I carry it), but in the event you need to drop everything but the essentials, you can wear it like a normal lumbar pack or even throw it over a shoulder, messenger bag-style.

Gun Gear: Magpul B.A.D Lever

Make: Magpul
Model: B.A.D Lever (Battery Assist Device)

I had been eager to try Magpul's BAD Lever as it provides for ambidextrous release of the bolt catch and the ability to use two hands is always better than just one (which reminds me, I really need to install an ambi safety.)

Installation takes less than five minutes.  There's the lever itself along with a back piece that fits around the ping-pong paddle of the stock bolt catch.  You screw them in place (the screw comes with Loctite already on the threads) and you're done.

Mechanically speaking, it works perfectly, and you'd expect nothing less from Magpul.  It's a simple finger press downward and to the left to release the bolt, or you can manipulate it upward and to the right to lock the bolt in place.

Theory vs practice
So in theory it absolutely works as advertised.  In practice, however, you could classify working this small lever with one finger as a very fine motor skill.  It's simple and effective, but it's still a single finger pushing a small lever.  Compare this to slapping the ping-pong paddle with your left palm, which is a rather gross motor skill and almost hard to get wrong.

I compare it to manipulating the slide release on a pistol versus racking the entire slide with your weak hand.  If you were taught to rack the slide with your weak hand so that you're not relying on finding and manipulating a small lever in a high stress moment, then you may also be the kind of person who would not want to rely on the BAD Lever under fire.

Options, options, options
But it's important to point out that installing the BAD Lever does not inhibit the functionality of the ping-pong paddle in any way.  You can still continue to use your left hand to manipulate the bolt catch if you so desire, and that to me is what makes the BAD Lever a good addition to the rifle: it simply gives you more options.  If you're in a situation where it's better to use your right finger to work the BAD, it's there.  If you're in a situation where you need to slap the ping-pong paddle instead, that option is still there, too.

Practice makes perfect
While operating the BAD Lever is push-button easy, it almost goes without saying that you should still take time to train with it and not confuse ease-of-use with efficiency-of-use.  For example, on one of my first range trips with the BAD Lever installed, I discovered that I had a tendency to rest my finger too close the lever whenever I'd take it off the trigger to reload.  During one mag change, I accidentally put too much pressure on the lever, and dropped the bolt closed before I'd put in my fresh mag. 

But since then I've spent considerable range time with it, and it's graduated from being simply a nifty add-on feature to becoming a truly integral part of the rifle.

MOLLE Gear: Tactical Tailor MAV Vest and Bib

Make: Tactical Tailor

Models:

MAV Vest (tan)
MAV Bib (tan)
5.56 Single Mag pouch (coyote)
Knife/mag pouch (tan)
90 degree panel (coyote)

Make: ITW Military Products
Model: FASTmag 5.56 Single Mag Carrier, Gen 3


I'm fortunate enough to shoot at a range that lets me draw from the holster, wear a vest, shoot rapid fire rifle, and generally do odd training exercises that may otherwise be frowned upon.

I set up this vest to be simple and straightforward, and it lets me practice reloading drills when shooting the AR-15.  Note that this is the MAV Vest and Bib together (they are sold separately).  As you can see, I keep four 5.56 mags front and center, and there are two 9mm SIG pistol mags on the left.  These are mounted on the MAV Vest.  Additionally, there is a 90 degree panel mounted on the Bib, though I'm not currently using it for anything.

I'm fond of Tactical Tailor products and quality is typically good.  I really have no complaints about the MAV Vest and Bib, though I admit they don't see very hard use.

 

Standard pouch vs FASTmag

I actually steered away from the FASTmag carriers at first.  I'm a bit of a traditionalist as well as a strong believer in the KISS principle, so a simple MOLLE pouch with a bungee retaining strap seemed like the right way to go.  AR-15 mags sit fairly deep in these pouches.  I find that the fastest method to get them out is to pull off the strap and then actually yank the mag out of the pouch with my thumb and forefinger just far enough to switch to a full "coke can" grip on the main body.  From there I pull it free entirely and proceed with my reload.  It sounds like an annoying extra step, but with practice it becomes a quick, single motion.  Do note that some manufacturers sell "short" versions of this type of pouch that leaves a much larger portion of the magazine exposed which would make this extra yank unnecessary.

But the FASTmag carrier makes this entirely moot.  I'm definitely a convert.  While technically speaking, you need to "twist" the mag a bit to free it from the carrier, after you do it a dozen times you really just end up feeling like you're pulling the mag free without any additional wasted motion or effort.  And rest assured, the mag locks in place pretty securely.  I think you'd have to be dragged on a horse before you'd need to worry about mags popping free.

Built-in storage
Both the Bib and the main Vest have a small utility pouch built-in, which is quite handy for storing smaller items.

Secondary ammo

The standard pistol mag pouches are of typical design and can also hold lights, multi-tools, or folding knives. 

 

90 degree panel

This panel will turn a pouch 90 degrees from how it would otherwise be mounted.  I could think of a lot of pouches that could potentially go there, but there was nothing else I really needed on this vest so I just left it open for now.

 

A nice touch

For whatever reason, the MOLLE loops on the outermost edge of the MAV bib are a little bigger than the rest.  Just big enough to hold a Leatherman Skeletool in place.

Bullet Button tool

For you Californians, this is how I work my Bullet Button.  I whittled down a wooden chopstick to the right length and slightly rounded off the ends.  I attached it to the end of a Key-Bak key keeper which mounts nicely to the vest.  I use a Grimloc just to help ensure the chopstick returns to the same position each time.

To reload, I just use the chopstick to activate the Bullet Button.  As soon as I let it go, the Key-Bak yanks it bank into place with no fuss.

It works well, and reloads are pretty quick and effective.  I'm sold on using the Key-Bak though I think I could eventually come up with something better than the chopstick.


 

Light Gear: Petzl e+LITE

Make: Petzl
Model: e+LITE

You can't ask for more than gear that is both thoroughly effective and highly compact.  This is the headlamp I carry in my EDC pack, and it's come in handy on numerous occasions.  Let's face it, emergency gear is no good unless you have it with you during the emergency.  The e+LITE is so small that there's really no excuse not to have one near you at all times.

So it has compact covered.  But on top of that it's simply well-designed.  The light rotates on a small ball joint that lets you aim the beam at the precise angle you want it, the switch operates with no fumbling, and it throws more than enough light for such a tiny lamp.

And it even packs down easily into its red protective case.  There's nothing worse than struggling to cram gear into a "compact" case that feels like it was intentionally made just a little bit too small.

My only advice for prospective buyers of the e+LITE is that perhaps you should consider getting two.