Tactical Nylon According to Diz

[Diz]

I have been around the tactical market, as a designer, maker, and user of weapons and equipment for a few years and I'd like to give you guys my take on it. There is so much BS out there that frankly, I don't know how one person could swim through it all and form a good opinion on his own, unless he did a lot of research and testing. My goal is to perhaps save you a lot of time and expense by relating my experiences and seeing if you find anything useful.

I had the privelage to attend a private training class, which was by invitation only to a few private gear-makers. It was a combination of gear symposium with a practical applications phase at the range. Each guy brought his own designs of tac nylon, which were discussed among the group, and then used in live-fire training. It was a very enlightening experience. One of the range instructors was a recent graduate of the operators training course, for a special missions unit. His approach to the subject was so simple, yet effective, that to this day it remains the gold standard for everything I do in tac nylon, or training for that matter.

Very briefly, what they do is strip away all the crap, and start out with just the gear you need to train and fight with a handgun. It progresses from lecture, to dry-fire, to live-fire, from up close, to distance. Then they add the rifle and support gear. Again it is practiced in progression until they are very proficient. Next they practice transitions, from rifle to pistol, and back again. After that armor and other mission-essential kit is added.

If you approach the subject in this manner, you will very quickly sort out what really works for you, and what doesn't. Instead of imitating what you see on the internet or in magazines, you will quickly realize what kind of kit you need and how it needs to be properly integrated to fight with. For instance, do a transition drill and see where your rifle falls, and what gets in the way of a smooth pistol drawstroke. Then change a pistol mag. Now re-holster and get your rifle back up with a fresh mag. If your gear is fighting you while you try to do these things, figure out why and fix it.

This weekend of exposure to real-world TT&P's was a real eye-opener for me. I wanted to pass that along to you guys because I think it is easy to get caught up in whatever is new or exciting, or tacti-cool, rather than taking a cold, hard look at what you really need to fight with, in your particular situation.

[thereisnospoon]

I'd love to see you hang more meat on the bones you outlined above. It makes a lot of sense...

It's also easy to get caught up as a designer/maker as well.

When I first started sewing, it was with a vision to design and create gear aimed at the prepper movement (of which I are one;) and for odd ball weapons platforms like the Garand and older military style bolt guns.. Very quickly, I found myslef making the same old same old as everyone else as I was hit with requests and orders.

Currently, my website is dismantled and I am moving from one location to another, but once I get back up and running, I plan on returning to my initial ideals and products...

It is easy, so easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest regardless of how it effects your plans. Here's a really neat insight; I make gear and, other than a chest rig for certain circumstances, I have Alice gear setups as my primary and secondary setups. It's simple, it works and it's cheap, even with all it's drawbacks!

That's not to say that the advances of the tacnylon business are without merit. I have seen people come to our tactical rifle matches decked out from head to toe in the latest and greatest gear, some of whom can kick butt, some of whom can't get their wisbang sling to transition from right hand to left hand targets. The most effective people I see have very simple gear or use an individual mag carrier or two on a solid belt.

Spoon

[Rmplstlskn]

I confess, web gear is a frustration to me, more so than anything else. Without unlimited funds or hands on TRIALS (most lack both), it is tough to know what works BEST without buying it and trying it, then, as often happens, selling it on a forum to finance the next test run.

Then there are the COMPROMISES! What works fast and simple is often minimal, and minimal may not be what one needs for their potential "event" that would force one to don such gear. The web gear/armor one needs to run a quick SWAT operation, often over within the hour, is different than one who may need to BUG OUT to their retreat when the SHTF event goes down, which is different from the one who needs to patrol his property as they BUG IN during that same event. Then one needs to decide if stealth and covert is more important than function. Or is function more important, so looking like a mix-n-match military soldier, attracting attention to oneself, is no big deal... COMPROMISES!

Personally, I have tried to realistically and objectively evaluate my threats and my possible scenarios to build up the web gear that best serves these needs. And for me, it has fallen into THREE phases, using TWO different packages...

1. Primary (at home), Phase 1. Threat? Bump in the night or trespasser. Fast and simple. Clip on holster & double mag pouch. Similar to concealed carry, but faster to put on due to clips. I do not have to thread anything onto belt, or if no belt, the waistband. I do not carry 100%. I do not often carry at home. Situations may change that, but at this time, no carry at home. This gets me safely to gun safe for Phase 2...

2.Phase 2 (at home): Simple chest rig with 3 loaded 30-rd mags for AR-15, pouches for leatherman, light, BOK, and more pistol mags. AR-15 then becomes primary. Phase 2 option is 12g combat shotgun with loaded bandoleer that throws over shoulder instead of AR rig.

3. SECONDARY SETUP (bug out, serious SHTF). Fully-loaded chest rig with combat belt, combat helmet, water bladder, full BOK and FAK, survival gear, etc... AKA, battle-rattle. Very bulky, not very good for fast combat ops. Designed for slow and stealth over long time periods without resupply or support. Takes time to properly put on. Requires proper clothing, boots, etc... before hand. Heavy.

Most of the SECONDARY gear I now have is Tactical Tailor. I like their upgrade shoulder harness and chest rig. I got their early water bladder pouch and I don't like it. I cannot attach stuff to it to keep some items on my back rather than in front or around my waist, which restricts PRONE functionality. But as with all things, $$$ limits my buy, sell and swap... Much of this gear is VERY expensive...

This all is still a work in progress. It is not ideal, nor is it finished. But it works (sorta) and is better than nothing... So far I have never had to use either in a real life event.

And opinions are like pie holes... Every tac teacher out there has their theory, and often they differ from another, like the single-point -v- two-point sling battle, with two people I respect greatly on opposite sides. Both are warriors who have been there, done it, and survived. So as a Chairborne Ranger, who to follow? At classes I have seen people all geared up for "contractor ops" in Fallujah, but they being just a citizen who is a father and local businessman in real life, to, on the other hand, a smooth and fast, real life contractors who just have a good combat belt with pistol, pistol mags, and two carbine mags, and that's it... So what and who is right, and for what scenario?

Like I said, this area is my most frustrating...

Rmpl

[thereisnospoon]

One of the things this discussions points to is a real honest to goodness needs evaluation of your gear. I recently was discussing this with my SO, of all people, as I discussed our armory and her need to refamilarize herself with a new weapon (AR15 carbine in 10mm for HD). She asked why we had so many weapons and I honestly had to say that some of them were only there because they are cool and fun to play with around the guys.

I always love the posts in the gear threadsd/forums of all that pretty nylon without a speck of dirt on it. Protus is always very good at pointing this out as well...if it ain't dirty and duct taped and zip tied in spots, it ain't been tried.

Spoon

[protus]

dang to think i just bought everything to make me look like the guy off the cover of call of duty MW2 case and figured it would work ;p

good post diz.
I think to many go for whats "cool" per say than what will function. Like anything esle and as your post shows practical use will show you the failures of a set up and or design.
again good post!

[Diz]

I feel your pain. This has been a constant source of frustration for me for years. I have been seeking an all-singing, all-dancing combat load-out that will work in practically any situation, and have found that, (sigh), there isn't really one. My journey began with Vitenam era "deuce" gear, which was essentially gussied-up kit from WW I and II. Soon switched to ALICE gear. Then the Brits with their belt kits and chest rigs. Next we got LBV's and more nylon gear. After that the hybrids from Israel, and South Africa. Then we got MOLLE, PALS, and all sorts of modular goodness. Custom nylon became the rule of the day. Currently we have all sorts of hybrids, combining chest rigs, LBV's, and belt kits, with and without armor.

Where does this all leave us? With a lot of confusion to be sure. I think the best thing you can do is define exactly what you plan to do with it in the first place, then begin to assemble it. I have found that by laying out exactly what I intend to carry (I mean literally, on a ponhco) , THEN figuring out how to carry it, is a much better starting point, than starting out with a belt, pouches, chest rig, etc. and then figuring out what to carry in it. I know, sounds simple, but you'd be surprised.

I too find it is better to narrow your focus down to one mission requirement at a time. For instance, real-time, daily carry. Kinda like a default, minimum setting. Then you have additional weapons and equipment in your vehicle. Perhaps your rifle, support gear, and assault pack, or even your GOOD ruck. All depending on how far or how long it might take to get back home in case of emergency. This is perhaps the first layer of gear, tailored to us as armed civilians.

Next comes home defense. This can be essentially the same gear, but maybe another set that always stays at home, so you observe the 50-50 rule at all times (half your kit with you, in case you can't get home, half at home in case you lose everything getting there).

Next comes short-term dissaster preparedness, followed by long-term prepping. This entails sustainability in the form of spares, tools, supplies, ammo, etc. to keep things up and running.

SO let's start with daily carry. In my case I am lucky enough to be able to carry pretty much from the time I get up, to when I hit the rack. So I run a load out very much similar to a cop's duty belt, only smaller, more concealable. I carry a G-19 with 2 spare mags, Spyderco Delica, SF E2D, cell phone, along with wallet and keys. I know that's a lot of junk but just about the bare minimum, IMHO. To carry it I use a Wilderness Instructor's belt (1 1/2"), Comp-Tac IWB holster and mag poches, clip-on phone pouch, and everything else in pockets. I think this will get me through most anything that I can reasonably expect to come my way, until I can fight my way back to the truck!

[Longhunter]

Awesome post Diz!
It seems like some people take great pride and put some effort into setting up their kit, while others just throw on some pouches and hope it works. The biggest thing I see in the army is people putting too much "stuff" on their kit, every little gee wiz gadget and the lastest thing out of the Brigade Quartermaster catalog. That and for some reason some units in the army like to have everyone's body armor set up the exact same:confused: I guess because it looks pretty. But they must not realize that what works for me might not work for you.

Along the lines of too much stuff:
How many magazines are you carrying, and are they secured?
I've seen some soldiers try to carry as many as 14 M4 magazines on their body armor. Good luck moving. As far as being secured, I have what I call my "happy mag", it is my go to quick reload mag. It sits in a magazine pouch unsecured to be grabbed quickly. Every other mag I carry is secured. I watched someone without any of his magazines secured run thru an urban movement lane where you climb walls, etc; he lost 4 out of 6 magazines on his kit.

P.S I have never had that happy mag fall out, but worst case I only lose the one.;)

Diz said

If you approach the subject in this manner, you will very quickly sort out what really works for you, and what doesn't. Instead of imitating what you see on the internet or in magazines, you will quickly realize what kind of kit you need and how it needs to be properly integrated to fight with. For instance, do a transition drill and see where your rifle falls, and what gets in the way of a smooth pistol drawstroke. Then change a pistol mag. Now re-holster and get your rifle back up with a fresh mag. If your gear is fighting you while you try to do these things, figure out why and fix it.

Soo important! Along those lines, what type of sling are you using on your rifle? I once tried the single point slings. Great, until I had to practice moving with my pistol in my hands and my rifle started swinging wildly, hitting me in the knees and other "sensitive" areas. Then I tried a 3 point sling, lots of people I know use them, but I personally didn't like it because it covered the bolt release on my rifle. I've settled on a two point sling made by VTAC. It works for me, but to each his own.

Again great post Diz and the responses have all been great too.

[Rmplstlskn]

Below is the BEGINNING remake of my PHASE 2 rig (long-term bugout) as this one is the most frustrating to me.

It consists of a Tactical Tailor MAV with X-Harness. I really like the way it fits me and the X-Harness is really comfortable with wide support yet does not ride the edge of my neck like many others I have had do. On the MAV I have centered one 5.56mm Triple Mag Panel with three single mag pouches attached to the front of the three-mag panel, giving me 6 30-rd magazines (180 rds.).

On the back of the X-Harness is a basic 3 liter Hydration Pouch. I got the pouch cheap on sale, but I hate it. As you can see, it is smooth with no Molle webbing, so I cannot put anything back there, freeing up my front and belt line of BULK. So the rig is very front heavy now. It also doesn't allow my BOB backpack or a hiking backpack to be easily placed back there. Since this is for the hopefully never to come BUGOUT scenario, it needs to allow defensive fighting yet also carry equipment for a long-term trek from my PRIMARY plan, which is BUG IN. So I think the ability to thrown on my BOB or hiking backpack will be important. Otherwise, the rig is only good for gun fighting, not bugging out. It is from here where I have changed, changed and changed some more...

I do have a larger, rip-off FAK, but it is bulky and so far I have not found the place for it. I know it is needed, but I don't know where it will go yet. I think first-aid will be my most often used pouch in a SHTF event that forces me to bug out. From blisters, to cuts and scrapes, etc..., I think a good, well-stocked FAK is a priority to keep me and my family up and running (or walking, most likely... lol!). I then a have pouch for the Leatherman and a pouch for small survival stuff and important papers/usb drives.

I normally don't post web gear pics as the other forums do not really understand the survival and preparedness concept enough to offer any advice or suggestions. Many just want to be Chairborne Operators fighting bad guys room to room... Long term survival gets a "Ugghhh, huh?" reply. I will try to get a contents pic up soon... Any constructive criticisms?

Rmpl

[Hawkeye]

The TT Mav rig is my #1 favorite production rig, and has been for some years now. I prefer the 2 piece MAV with an X-Harness though.

RE - the hydration carrier... You said you dont like it not having MOLLE webbing on the back. Just curious, what would you like to attach back there if it had it?

Have you considered running only 3-4 mags up front, and spares in your pack/ruck? With 3-4 mags on the rig, and one in the gun, one should be able to find cover before running out of ammo once the shooting starts. You would then replenish with the mags in your ruck. 6 is definitely a bit of loaded weight in one spot.

Personally, I have a rig that is specifically for use with my long range ruck that is low bulk/low profile, and a seperate dedicated fighting rig.

Here's what I am running right now as my primary fighting rig, minus the hyrdation carrier.



Here is my old MAV rig from some years ago.

[Diz]

OK, going one step further, here's what's in my truck gear. I carry 2 additional re-loads for the G-19 (this time G-17 mags). This will "plus-up" my handgun if required. Then it's on to rifle gear. I have a "M-4" carbine (which I'll cover over in weapons if anyone is interested), which is a fairly simple set up but gives me everything I need to fight with. I run a sling which is based on the MagPul Dynamics design, which you can rig as either a single-point or 2-point sling. This gives me the freedom of movement for fighting, but also the security for carry when required. It is rigged over my "strong-side" shoulder so it will fall towards my "off-side" when released, for a smooth pistol drawstroke.

The next piece of kit is important because it must not interfere with your pistol gear (if you carry daily). I run a "grab n go" style chest rig for this purpose. It is rigged up high enough that it won't interfere with your drawstroke. Not as comfortable as a lower carry for all-day wear, but in this case you are reacting to an emergency situation where you need to "up-gun" to rifle gear, so function trumps comfort. I run a simple 4-mag chest rig, open-top, bungee-retention, with a hybrid H-harness style shoulder straps. It is cut for P-mags, which means it's slightly bigger than what I normally make for metal mags. I run it slick, without any other pouches. The reason being, I don't want another layer of kit interfering with my ability to get at my pistol or spare mags. This is a judgement call. In order to carry more stuff, I would need to go to a drop-leg pistol rig and mag pouches. But since I'm carrying IWB concealed, I have to comprimise. World's not perfect.

Now a word about possible scenarios. Some folks scoff at the idea of an armed civilian ever needing a rifle in a gunfight. They see this as so Walter Middy that they almost remind me of the liberals who think you don't need a pistol either. This is up to you. If you can imagine a time and place where you might possibly need a rifle, then I think it's prudent to carry one. 'Nuff said.

[Hawkeye]

OK, going one step further, here's what's in my truck gear. I carry 2 additional re-loads for the G-19 (this time G-17 mags). This will "plus-up" my handgun if required. Then it's on to rifle gear. I have a "M-4" carbine (which I'll cover over in weapons if anyone is interested), which is a fairly simple set up but gives me everything I need to fight with. I run a sling which is based on the MagPul Dynamics design, which you can rig as either a single-point or 2-point sling. This gives me the freedom of movement for fighting, but also the security for carry when required. It is rigged over my "strong-side" shoulder so it will fall towards my "off-side" when released, for a smooth pistol drawstroke.

The next piece of kit is important because it must not interfere with your pistol gear (if you carry daily). I run a "grab n go" style chest rig for this purpose. It is rigged up high enough that it won't interfere with your drawstroke. Not as comfortable as a lower carry for all-day wear, but in this case you are reacting to an emergency situation where you need to "up-gun" to rifle gear, so function trumps comfort. I run a simple 4-mag chest rig, open-top, bungee-retention, with a hybrid H-harness style shoulder straps. It is cut for P-mags, which means it's slightly bigger than what I normally make for metal mags. I run it slick, without any other pouches. The reason being, I don't want another layer of kit interfering with my ability to get at my pistol or spare mags. This is a judgement call. In order to carry more stuff, I would need to go to a drop-leg pistol rig and mag pouches. But since I'm carrying IWB concealed, I have to comprimise. World's not perfect.

Now a word about possible scenarios. Some folks scoff at the idea of an armed civilian ever needing a rifle in a gunfight. They see this as so Walter Middy that they almost remind me of the liberals who think you don't need a pistol either. This is up to you. If you can imagine a time and place where you might possibly need a rifle, then I think it's prudent to carry one. 'Nuff said.

Ditto to all the above. I run a pretty much identical setup to Diz, for the same reasons. My grab-n-go rig, is also what I use when I'm using my long range ruck.

[Rmplstlskn]

The TT Mav rig is my #1 favorite production rig, and has been for some years now. I prefer the 2 piece MAV with an X-Harness though.

RE - the hydration carrier... You said you dont like it not having MOLLE webbing on the back. Just curious, what would you like to attach back there if it had it?

Have you considered running only 3-4 mags up front, and spares in your pack/ruck? With 3-4 mags on the rig, and one in the gun, one should be able to find cover before running out of ammo once the shooting starts. You would then replenish with the mags in your ruck. 6 is definitely a bit of loaded weight in one spot.

Thanks Hawkeye for the suggestions. In hindsight I would get the 2-piece to better support a low prone, and I may be doing that soon. I got the one piece to provide a bit of poor man's armor, as having six full mags and multiple layers of nylon in front of my chest to take a bullet sounds a lot better than just a shirt... lol! Never tried it, but brass, epoxy and nylon sounds like it may stop a 9mm...

The following priceless pic comes to mind...



The molles on the back would allow me to put "make camp / take a break" stuff and my larger FAK out of my way, but if it was back there, forget adding on a BOB or hiking pack back there. Even with the bladder pouch it makes putting a pack on harder and feels odd pivoting on a full bladder. I thought about removing everything in back to allow easy pack addition, but I drink a lot of fluids, especially when hot or working hard, and the thought that I may have to stash my pack to recon or deal with uninvited visitors and leave water behind does not sound good for ME, with my water intake. So I'm still stuck on the back side...

I agree with your reasoning on the three loaded mags. That is how it is now, I just don't use the front three pouches, but since it is lightweight empty, I just left them there for "just in case" as I figure things out. MOLLE is a beeeaaacchhh to thread in and out over and over... so I just left them.

Your second pic is not showing up...

Rmpl

[Rmplstlskn]

I run a simple 4-mag chest rig, open-top, bungee-retention, with a hybrid H-harness style shoulder straps.

Yep, that is similar to my grab-n-go kit too... But I added a BOK, leatherman and light. If I have this kit on, then I may be in an event that may not go the way I planned, so the BOK is there. I'd hate to die because I couldn't stop an unlucky shot bleeding me out... as the odds of anyone else around me, fleeing, panicked sheeple, knowing how to care for me is nill...

Rmpl

[Hawkeye]

Couple of benefits of the 2 piece rig....they are easier to put on and take off, and also give you a little cooling channel up your centerline in front.

As for the back, if you want a little capacity, look at using something like an Eagle Yote pack, or TT's Removeable Operator pack. They both hold a hydration bladder, and give you a little hauling capacity as well. I especially like the TT Removeable Op. pack, as it is easy to attach to your main pack, and then remove and attach to your chest rig if you drop your main pack.

Here is some info about the Removeable Op pack..... https://www.survivalandpreparednessf...-Operator-pack.

[protus]

like the harness on that 2 piece. hawk. can a hydro be atatched to it?

older pic.some stuff has moved some hasnt. hsgi older warlord with hsgi hydro. yeah im cheap, so it is mixed match camo, but i aint a gear queen that feels it all has to mactch( as long as it is earth tones)

i run an osoe cobra belt with dbl mag pouch, and eagle drop leg for my g17. Im thinking of going smaller on the rig, putting the 17 right on the belt and getting rid of the drop leg, need to add a dump pouch to the cobra as well in teh furture for mag retention.
Im not 100% in love with the hsgi kit yet...i still feel "heavy" for what i plan on having to deal with shtf.