Freeman Outdoor Gear Fixed Blade 451

Knives – Something that shaped our ancestors to hunt & survive back in the day. Undoubtedly, while today focus is mainly on guns and the newest tactical clothing, knives from all types, shapes and purposes have been quite interesting to me. Back in the IDF a knife was an essential tool to get your job done. My common uses with a knife used to look like this :

• Gear Repairs \ modifications

• Cutting

• Picking and prying

• Splinters \ debris

• Digging

In this review I am going to tell you my experience with the FOG after almost a year of an extensive use. This knife has been with me out there and definitely made my life easier with different tasks. My use consisted of outdoor & shooting range like activities.

Blade.

The FOG 451 is a full-tang fixed blade which means that the blade and handle are constructed from one continuous piece of metal, which is better to my opinion, if you tend to abuse your knife in your daily activities. The blade itself looks amazing, but above all it feels quite awesome. In my case, the blade went through a lot of rain & dirt. In order to witness its durability and withstand, I refused to maintenance or sharp my FOG 451 kit. The blade today is in a top condition, sharp and solid.

Because of a full tang, the durability and strength of the FOG 451 is guaranteed. The full tang allows you to exert and create greater force on the material being cut through the handle of your knife. A full tang is stronger and without a question an advantage. It also makes the knife balanced, since the weight of the metal extends through the handle of the knife.

The FOG 451 blade was constructed out of a CPM-S35VN stainless steel with a drop point blade. The drop point is a common design for hunting knives and by far one of the most popular blade shapes in use today. When I first received the Fog 451, obviously the knife was insane sharp – but even today, after all that use, the knife is still sharp and ready to fight.

Finish & Design.

Speaking of the blade...its finish is quite amazing, a true eye candy. I´m not a knife expert, but I do know how to appreciate art and semantics and the little details. The Cerakote finish, unlike other knife manufactures, stands up to the toughest task. I used and abused this knife for so many stuff, from peaking dirt & dust out of small objects, my pistol to cutting rough objects. Despite the rough use and long exposure to nature elements the Cerakote finish is still in a great condition, compared to other knifes I used to own.

The design itself is just beautiful and most important – productive. When you look at the knife for the first time, it may give you the feeling that this knife is stuck in time, between future & past. The design, especially with the drop point, reminds me of the old style of hunter knifes (dating long before 19th century) and while quality is something that improves with the age of the product, the handle and other features in the FOG 451 gives the end use a modern, technologically advanced knife.

Speaking of design...It's all in how you arrange the thing, the careful balance of the design is the motion and so is with the overall design and texture of this knife. The FOG451 looks alive, dynamic and in motion. It has a perfect shape, on both grip & blade resemble, a sharp & though character, but also a gentle and sensitive gesture. The grip (which could be easily disassembled) resembles a perfect harmony with the body of the blade itself. They fit together, flawless, without any sticking edges or irregular points. It´s all together, in according to each other shape...pretty much like nature.

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The Grip.

The grip, from my point of view, splits into two, based on how I tend to use my knife. It is also important to remark that the grip is fixed onto the tang with 3 bolts.

• Grip\ palm – Very comfortable. At least for my hand and palm the grip feels perfect. Further more it´s a unique design, with those small ''channels'' (cross-hatched patterns) that gives the end user flexibility and insurance of save use, even when its rainy and your knife is wet.

• Jimmping – Nothing unique, but the FOG 415 Jimmping (machined cuts or cross-hatched patterns on the back of the spine of the knife ) are quite nice, and actually really comfortable for precision cut with the knife. Very comfortable...and a great design which you could easily work with, even with a glove.

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The overall shape and feeling of the grip is just awesome. Ergonomic, user friendly and durable, like it has to be.

Finger guard – Safety.

When I was in the military, I had a chance (like most of us 'wilderness guys') to run across some folks who get cut ridiculously from their own blade. Whether it was an environment circumstance or the person itself...its quite unpleasant. The FOG451 bottom part of the handle, just before the blade, contains a ''U''- like design, that acts as a finger stop. Personally I´m in favor of this little design as it allows me not only to work safely during dark night or wet conditions, but also to initiate even stronger pressure towards cutting objects.

Sheath

The Sheath I got with my Fog 451

I used to carry this knife on my plate carrier, belt, battle belt, backpack, you name it. The knife was friendly and comfortable. Currentyl, Freeman offers two types of Sheath upon your purchase – Kydex & SpecOps...I have the Kydex, which is excellent.

What I find quite awesome in the FOG 451 sheath is its flexibility with different carrying platforms. Thanks to its unique structure the Kydex Sheath is ready with attachment points for horizontal, vertical, PALS and Para cord lashing/mounting, but that’s not all. On its back of the FOG is placed a pretty awesome feature for quick release or attachment, in case you want to secure your knife to a belt, Molle and basically anything in any way. It´s that little design that simplify life. Personally I found it a great plus for removing quickly the sheath when not in need. Another advantage is how easy it is, to attach the sheath to any Molle based surface.

The durability of the Sheath is not to question. It´s not only looking, it really is solid strong and rugged, with a fine design, which won´t get in your way or would damage the knife. In the bottom of the Kydex is a small drain hole, which guarantees an empty Kydex, in case you should find yourself in a storm.

Summary.

The Freeman Outdoor Gear Fixed Blade 451 is a rugged, tough and a heavy duty knife. This knife won´t break or worn off so easily and will definitely act as the leader of your EDC 'gang'. With its Kydex Sheath the FOG451 is almost the best you can have. Comfortable, robust and above all – flexible & dynamic upon user needs. Jeff's decisions on design and his pick of material results in an outstanding knife.

Should you want to get this knife, visit G-Gear in Germany. They are an official distributor of Freeman Outdoor Gear in Europe, with high selection of knives and a quick shipment. Get it here :  www.g-gear.com

Thank you for reading,

Eli.

UF PRO's SmallPac Monsoon rain suit - Part 1

UF PRO's SmallPac Monsoon rain suit - Part 1

Rain gear – The tactical value.

Writing a review about existing functions within a product is relative 'easy'. But applying a product in a mission...is something else. In this review I want to understand if this rain gear product is truly up to date technologically, and if it is really effective.

-Prologue-

It´s winter 2010 - my team and three others conducted a SR training in the valley of Ella (Israel). The training focus was on infiltration and the usage of advance camouflage 'solutions' which are OPSEC. Mission requirement was, to approach during the night up to 100 -150 meters from our objective and to deploy our 'things'. The 'thing' was a concealment method which allowed a specific team to be present in hostile area without thermal \ visual detection.

My role was what we call in the IDF 'a builder' . Without writing too much, i´ll make it simple: We were specialized in fooling enemy counter surveillance capabilities ( active & passive). By doing so, we could ensure our team the ability to remain present in an AO, concealed and undetected up to 14 Days. With that being said, often some of our way to 'collect data' was to remain static most of the day in close distance within our objective for a long period of time. That reality has 3 layers of exposure factors : your gear, the environment (weather, animals, etc) and the team level of discipline & professionalism.

Back to the story. – The entire infiltration, long range movement and approach to our OP, took us around 3-4 hours. 1 Hour after infiltration, Murphy laws 'served' us with a lot of rain, bitchy winds & muddy ground. All of a sudden we faced a different reality (which taught us a strong long lasting lesson on weather assessment & considerations as a part of our mission plan). So since we still did some kind of a hasty weather assessment, we had our rain gear with us.

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One of my team mates  during EOD course. Note the rain gear.

Typical IDF Rain gear, very lose and weak.

So my team leader gave the sign and 10 minutes later we were all dressed up in our shining rain gear.

The area was full of 'enemy' (OPFOR) patrols and it was quite difficult to maneuver in our rain gear without making that 'plastic' rubbing noise. The rain actually provided us sort of a nice natural screen from visual, smell or sound. But it had it´s own obvious disadvantages as well.

Our movement was relative slow the closer we got. Once we finally arrived at our 'Jumping point' (last point before the main position), most of us were wet, some looked like they just took a swim and some looked like they just peed the ocean in their pants. The most fucked up part was, that it felt like we are being cooked alive – I will get back to this later.

AO Valley of Ellah before & after 'awesome' weather -

I conducted a POS assessment or in other words – reality check, whether the main POS in reality (not based on imagery \ maps) actually fits in our mission requirements. Long story short, after something like what, 1 hour and 15 minutes (or so, I am not sure) the POS was ready and it was our new home for the next 48 hours.

Its safe to say that from the moment the rain started, things got edgy in a way which risked the entire team, and the somewhat the mission itself – a classic mistake every team goes through during its development.

Without expanding to much over this matter, most of our rain gear was just inefficient for movement, and was durable as a paper ship. We made ton of noise with each movement, all of us were sweating like pigs and in the same time felt like we are getting cooked in our suits. Some of us ripped \ damaged the rain suits only in the process of actually getting to the AO (most damaged areas were around the crotch, knee areas and shoulders).

So based on that situation and other problems in the past with different rain gear, I got the following important questions to my SmallPac monsoon -

• Will I sweat \ swelter inside?

• Will it keep me completely dry, or partially dry?

• Will it limit my mobility?

• Can it handle hard use?

• Will it expose me?

• Will it be heavy and too big for storage?

• Can I still efficiently access my 1st & 2nd lines?

The SmallPac Monsoon Jacket - More than just protection?

The SmallPac Monsoon Jacket seems to be 'just another' jacket at first glance – but quickly has proven me wrong. The jacket combines reality and up to date features, which are based on the typical high end user UF PRO normally sells to. For an instance, the shoulders do have arm compartments, something that I personally never had in my typical military rain suits, or that awesome Hood/Harness configuration included. But ok, the question remains: Does it really make sense to blend into your rain suit some of those motives you would see within...lets say BDU jackets? Well fuck yeah.

Shoulder compartments.

Normally I tend to store more essential stuff on my 1st line (uniform) than on my 2nd line (vest \ PC). I do that due to the fact I don’t want to be entirely depended on my plate carrier \ rig in case something happens. In most rain suits you can forget about it, as automatically the suit acts as a barrier between your vest and the uniform below. With those 2 arms compartments, I have the ability to access some of the stuff I still want to have available under intense rain shower. Might sound a bit ridiculous...but that´s something you don’t see so often in rain gear.

Hood – A Gimmick or an actual advantage?

Designing such a suit is a challenge by itself. The question is - does it really works?

Two answers: Yes, & surprisingly even more than yes.The thing is, the hoods I used before in the military had a very traditional hood design (folding). Since the hoods have been just hoods, without nothing inside to control its shape or texture, often in different angles of movement \ shooting the hood kind of collapsed into my face. Sometimes I felt I looked like Kenny from South park and sometimes, especially in prone position – I simply didn’t take the shot once on target as I had a very narrow field of view.

Common problem in most Hood designs.

Prone behind cover or shooting from an uncomfortable position –that is what normally happens in reality of engagement & combat. Those are also the moments of truth, and its for those moments when you really know if the gear you wear is giving you an advantage or disadvantage. The rain suits I used during my service in the IDF proved me to the limit quite often, in many ridiculous ways. -

• Wind \ running – Often the hood just slipped back from strong wind or when we took a run. Result was a wast on time on readjusting and by doing so losing awareness of the environment.

• Visual – As mentioned before, very limited due to the hood ability to easily collapse.

• Flexibility – The 'cave' effect – since there is no actual contact between your head and the hood, the hood would not change its shape in according to the heads movement which adds a great visual cost, and less comfort.

The Monsoon hood design - The perfect answer?

So after going through some of the problems I mentioned above, lets check out the hood of the UF Pro design.

The shape and its solution for any problems in the hood.

The ability of the hood to maintain a great 'light bulb' kind of shape (at least to me it looks like a bulb) gives the end user more flexibility and helps to overcome some of the problems mentioned above. There are two specific functions, which allow the end user to accomplish this little victory – and I will list it by priority.

1. Visor \ Frame.

Just like in most Ghillie suits – the head piece is sewed together with a bonnie or a cap, so the head piece will get a user friendly shape. In our monsoon case you will find a visor instead. The visor has of course several adjustment possibilities (as seen below). Remarks : simply attach to the ports INSIDE the hood, for better adjustment & size.

2.Flexible.

The guys at UF PRO sew a thin metal-like wire, which goes across the 'rainbow' of the hood (pic below). This little function allows the end user to not only achieve more out of his suit – but to literally use and shape somewhat its capabilities to his own surrounding.

This little function can be most useful for concealment, being static or struggling to look through a sniper scope during a fucked up weather without the hood falling \ getting in your way.

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The UF PRO Design

The cuts make a lot of sense, and you can see, someone made it while looking through the mirror of wildness. It´s modern, little bit out of the common box and delivers a strong sense of power and durability.For an instance, the design of the chest zipper is simply simple and yet outstanding. In most combat shirts, jackets or in our case – a rain suit – many gear designers just stick a zipper and that´s where it ends. If you like UF PRO, you´d notice that for them, that is where it all starts. They don´t compromise over comfort & efficiency. The zipper design is quite awesome and deserves a closer look.

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Note the zipper and its wide expanding opening angles.

It seems as UF PRO simply built the zipper as some kind of an 'extra' layer above an existing layer, which acts as a normal part of the shirt. Thanks to this design, the jacket will still be able to prevent water from coming in. This is awesome and most useful for people like me, who tend to heat up quick when moving around with heavy equipment, and tend to get crazy from tighten clothes. Further more, this design gives the user the ability to once again shape the suit for his needs without compromising its sole purpose – staying dry.

Speaking of staying dry ...

 

Will I sweat \ swelter inside?

Well, depends.

See, you will still sweat inside, at least that´s how it was for me during 2 hours CQB. While, from my point of view, there was a significant difference in its performance between the jacket & the pants – the Shirt caused me to sweat more, but compared to other Goretex suits, much less. Thing is, you can not expect a suit to be 100% breathable while you want it to sustain both rain & wind.

My tip is like this. – Think smart before you dress up. Every soldier with field experience knows how much the right configuration of clothing can help us to sustain. – Ensure you wear breathable clothes, which could circulate somewhat the heat and help you to decrease the heat level.

Mobility.

Mobility is essential in any kind of human activity. Mobility can set a clear difference between a successful and a complete disaster. While moving in a green side environment (outdoor) it requires a more general type of mobility. – I tried the Monsoon jacket in a CQB environment, which is more specific regarding movement and more hot than outside. Add the plate carrier, which is already becoming less comfortable under layers of clothing – and you´d get an interesting test.

''The full potential of labor can be utilized only if there is mobility in labor.,,

Paul Hoffman

Wrist 

The wrist piece of each sleeve has an elastic finish, which ensures that, despite the rain or constant use, the sleeve would remain and offer a circle like structure, which perfectly isolates the end of the sleeve from any leak. There are also extra buttons, made to ensure comfort.

I find it most important since obviously in reality we tend to climb,crawl and move in different manner. The wrist and its adjustment allows us to ensure comfort but above all the ability to isolate & prevent any possible leak of water.

Arms

Comfortable. In fact I´m not sure, but it felt like the sleeves were little bit longer than a normal jacket on purpose. The material was most friendly, and not so tight. I could easily stretch, flex or band my arms in most directions, without having that annoying tight \ rubber feeling.

Shoulders \ Chest

Of course that during a 3 Hours repeating movement and stress, those areas tend to get ridiculously warm, and they did! But compared to those cheap jackets \ IDF standard issue – the Monsoon jacket appears to be less warm, and most comfortable. Thanks to a particularly long zipper, you could open and ventilate your suit (somewhat) despite the use of a plate carrier.

Lower back

This is extremely important and was actually one of the first things I looked into. My suit in the IDF (on its various issued versions) had one problem – the lower piece \ lower back had normally no shock cord, or a way to close basically the layer from its bottom. By its ability to be isolated from the outside – every time we went prone or just crouch, the lower back piece would sort of 'climb up' and expose your back, unless you take on purpose a jacket, which is twice your size (and then you got thousand more problems).

See, in longer static positions (especially as a sniper \ spotter) this proved to be a significant problem as at some point, after a 5 hours observation, the water made its way down to my ass – and that sucks, really.

Summary

The jacket is simple to use, and durable. I'm pretty sure that this product life span is longer than a typical low \ mid budget solutions. Its weight and recent new camo application (Pencott, GreenZone) makes this rain suit more relevant than ever for any person who spend a significant time in the wilderness. While we will keep the packing \ storage to the next article – It is still important for me to remark that it is extremely easy & simple to store the suit back in its designated pouches.

Further more it is important to remind you that while this review was particularly aimed towards rainy weather - This suit suitable for wind.

Next part – We will talk over the pants, packing solutions weight mobility and few other cool functions.

Thank you for reading,

Eli

Tasmanian Tiger Mission bag - Part 2

Welcome to our 2nd part in the on going review series of the Tasmanian Tiger Mission bag in Pencott camo application. This review is brought to you by Project Gecko in full cooperation with TacticalTrim & Tasmanian Tiger. The review will focus mostly on the carrying capability & internal design of the TT mission bag.

Enjoy reading !

Compartments & partitions

Internal

Let´s continue where we stopped, the internal compartments.

The internal compartments are nothing less than outstanding. Great craftsmanship and sewing work. TT also did a great job by utilizing empty space into an efficient space. Let's check it out.

The main compartment

Measures : external - 55 x 30 x 15 inch.

“Well played Tasmanian tiger.” That was the first sentence after I inspected both main and Secondary compartments

Well the main compartment is pretty much the core and center of the backpack. While designated for the heavy stuff, this compartment contains 2 partitions. Both offer a wide storage capability and most simple access. At the top of the compartment there’s a vertical Velcro loop which allows the user to secure specific items (antennas, tubes, wires, etc).

Packing a backpack requires experience and practice, seriously. Without getting too much into the idea of how to pack up and divide the weight in the right way so you could avoid pain and sustain longer the weight, it is highly important to concentrate all of the heavy weight items at the center of the backpack, close as possible to the back system.

Since most heavy objects are also big (PRC's, optic devices, ammo packs, etc) it would make more sense to design the main compartment big and “free” as possible.

Main partition

A simple partition with an elastic band on the top. Ideal for maps, documents, notebooks and other thin materials. Thanks to the elastic band on the top – it is easier than ever to prevent your items from mixing up with other pieces of equipment.

Secondary partition

Traditional compartment which is closed by a zipper. This compartment has no specific designation, but I would recommend to use it as a storage for MRE's \ Food packs or secondary hydration bag. On the other hand I would really recommend to pack it up with Medium - heavy weight items rather than the lightest.

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Second compartment

Measures: external 55 x 30 x 15 cm

As mentioned above, the heavy – the bigger. So after we stored all of the heavy stuff in the center aka the main compartment of the backpack – what's up with the secondary? Do not underestimate the word secondary. While the secondary compartment might sound less important, it´s holding a great storage capability and most import – efficiency.

The secondary compartment contains 3 open partitions. While only one of those has an elastic band closing the partition, those partitions deliver a great efficiency towards an organized storage and most medium sized equipment (even bigger).

The secondary compartment contains 4 (!) access ports. Those ports have an elliptical shape and allow the passage of antennas, hydration tubes, CO2 tubes or any other power cables for optic devices. While the 2 ports on the top are nothing rare in today packs, the lower ones are, at least in my eyes.

And I love it. It gives the end user a more flexible decision towards “designing” his storage, and how he wants to utilize it. Those ports are also great for CO2 tubes or extended battery cables which are often used for advance optic equipment. With that being said, it is great to see such a level of detail.

On the top of the secondary compartment there is a horizontal Velcro loop, which could be a great assistance towards securing \ organizing antennas and tubers.

Nett partition

The advantage – visibility

Thanks for the mesh fabric where the end user can see into this compartment. With this being said, it offers a great advantage towards stressful situations, where you need to find something fast. This partition is closed by a horizontal zipper.

I would recommend to store anything that has to do with the word medical. From secondary Tqs to trauma kits or IV's. Why? Because under low-light or stressful conditions it would be :

• 1. Easier to recognize the pocket by touch (mesh material)

• 2.Visibility (Mesh fabric)

• 3.Easy to access (even with gloves)

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External compartment

Design.

In terms of design the external compartment is quite different from the common “tactical” backpacks you would see on the market. The external compartment also offers a strategically placed for MOLLE pouches.

Compartments \ Loading capability

The External compartment is actually divided into two sub compartments. While the only thing that separates between those pouches is an mesh fabric, those pouches offer an efficient access and easy locating under stress or darkness.

The external compartments are originally designed for hydration bags and other stuff which should be in immediate reach. I personally find it really comfortable for storing small items such as thermal shirts, maps, food or IFAKs (assuming its ain´t on you)

Adjustment

One of the interesting aspects in backpacks that most people, including soldiers, tend to forget is, how many things change in your backpack integrity once you speed up. The design ability, to actually give you the chance to properly adjust and set limits to your backpack fabric, is important.

The external part resembles a flap which deploys 4 straps on each side for a maximum adjustment. Ideal when you want to prevent that “wobbling” feeling when running with a heavy payload, and some heavy MOLLE pouches in addition to that weight. It felt pretty much like an advantage soon as I filled up the backpack. Stuff was secured and tight – no bouncing, no noise, all tight and in its place.

Access

While this might be already obvious in the pictures – a wide, comfortable access is something valuable. Especially during the winter when we use gloves. The access in the sub compartment goes both ways and is sealed with zippers. Simple, easy...and effective

Rain cover \ Bottom compartment.

Ok, this is where I was really thrilled. The mission bag does contain a rain cover which is secured with clips. While a rain cover is nothing special, and its existence with backpacks was here before men stepped on the moon – the excitement came from one reason – detail.

The quality is high, comfortable and also very solid....but most important – light. What really got me was, that instead of adding the rain cover, like most backpacks, inside the backpack , TT found a way to locate that rain cover WITHOUT compromising over storage space or access. The location is basically outside of the backpack and on its bottom. While this advantage is clear, it does not stop here. The train of advantages continues to the next point – using the rain cover.

While your first reaction to this would be like “I knew that already!” most people simply don´t know how to use their rain cover properly, in fact I see that all the time. Once the rain starts, people take out their rain covers and are trying to pack the backpack from above – which results in that funny cover slipping away. Add military utilities such as antennas, tripods etc – and its a pain in the ass. This relocation of the pouch in the bottom basically forces in some kind of a way the user to strap his cover on his mission bag from below to the top (like it has to be). In my opinion this is just comfortable location, period.The size of the rain cover is also decent. Pretty big, and able to deal with external MOLLE pouches, tripods and antennas.

Next part of this review will focus on the Back system of the mission bag.

Eliran Feildboy

CEO & FOUNDER PROJECT GECKO

WWW.PROJECTGECKO.INFO

WWW.GECKOSUPERIOR.COM

Tasmanian Tiger mission bag - Part 1

Prologue

If there is one type of equipment I consider "challenging" enough to review – it is a backpack.

Choosing a backpack is like choosing a boot or a running shoe. It MUST be comfortable and breath taking from the very first moment you use it. I am a big fan of backpacks...in all shapes and capacities.In this review I am going to do an evaluation of the Tasmanian Tiger mission bag, a 37 cubic inch backpack. It is also important to remark that Tasmanian tiger expected to release up to 15 products with Pencott camo application.

Choosing the right backpack for your mission or activity depends initially on the type of activity or perhaps a mission. With most backpacks having a capacity range of 25-L to 100-L, it is important to understand what you need from the backpack, and how it should fit into your activity. Or let's rather say, how should my backpack increase my efficiency and effectiveness in the field?

But hold on a second -  What makes a backpack a good backpack?

THE KEY FEATURES

1.Durability

First and most important – durability. Having already a ripped shoulder strap or a broken zipper after a 72 Hours SR sucks. Not only that it sucks, it harbors a dangerous option of losing equipment, and leaving traces in the field - something a professional can not allow to happen, especially not during a SR. Rather than the operational aspects, it simply renders the component "out of use".

2.Comfort & back system

This part is as crucial as wearing the right boots size. Choosing a backpack without a good back support or air ventilation is a sin. (Ventilation is less crucial to those who wear Armor \ Plates etc) A proper back system will not only give you a comfortable feeling while carrying heavy payloads, but it will also ensure a healthy, long lasting back. Yep, simple as that. If you go out into a mission, with a backpack that is not supportive enough for your back, you will gain pains in areas such as the neck, shoulders & lower back pretty quickly...that pain during a mission will reduce your effectiveness and concentration.

2.Capacity VS efficiency

It takes two hands to make a backpack. It takes two hands, experience, mindset and wisdom to create an efficient backpack. With that being said it is important to check if your backpack in fact is efficient. Ask yourself a simple question: "Does the compartment layout makes sense ?" or "How can I use it efficiently instead of just throwing stuff inside?" And so on.

Now that we understand these important three most important features, or lets call them "key" features, we can dive into the Tasmanian Tiger mission bag, and figure out how that bag has an advantage over other products.

Quality, Craftsmanship & Thought

A lot of thought and experience was embedded into this product. I currently have the 8th Generation of the Mission bag. Which means much was improved and changed over time. The craftsmanship of this product is beyond top notch, it is bordering art. After 10 minutes of looking through the features, putting stuff in & out the bag – I can testify and ensure you that someone put a lot of research and exemplary work into this bag.

Handles.

One of the nice features which I personally really missed in my own military service are those handles. The mission bag includes 4 handles. The main handle on the top, which is covered by a soft,PVC- like material, is one of those casual handles you´d come across in any modern design. Two others are something less common and located on the left & right bottom of the bag (just behind the waist straps).

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Main carrying handle

Center- Lower part of the backpack

Side handle. Located on the lower side of the backpack on both sides.

The 4th handle is located inside the lower compartment, which is exactly in the center of the bag basis.(This compartment is also used as a storage point for the rain cover).

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The use of the main handle on the top of the bag is pretty clear – so let's focus on the three others.

Those handles allow a comfortable handling of the backpack .The lower handles, located on the lower sides of the bag, allow the individual an easy access in cramped environments where every centimeter counts. I´m referring of course to vehicles, helicopters and APCs. Instead of pulling some “unidentified” part of your backpack – you got something to hold on to.

A combination of the handles on the top and bottom can also become very efficient if you need help from a friend to carry the backpack between vehicles, or short distances.

“‘’When you hiking over 80km to your target,carry a total of over 50% body weight because all of the utility you need -There most be some level of trust in the equipment you use. In the field, the backpack is your kitchen,logistic warehouse and the only property you could proudly call ‘home’.’’ - Eli.”

Access.

The TT mission bag has a pretty awesome design which results in a very simple yet incredible access to its compartments.

While in most traditional tactical backpacks (I´m referring to 25 – 45 cubic inch , commonly known as 3-day packs or assault pack) the external access is pretty much the same, the internal part is actually where the true creativity and perfection lays. Unlike other backpacks, it looks like TT really spent time and thinking, on how to utilize to the maximum of the space in this mission bag, and how to divide it in a way which will guarantee a “freedom of access” and less limitations, which connects with the next point.

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Upcoming Tasmanian tiger products in Pencott GreenZone & Badlands:

Interested in a detailed evaluation \ review of your product ? contact us via : contact.project.gecko@gmail.com

Next part of the review will focus more into the carrying capability & internal design of the TT mission bag.

Thank you for reading guys,don't forget to share...see in part 2 !

Eliran Feildboy

CEO & FOUNDER PROJECT GECKO

WWW.PROJECTGECKO.INFO