Off Duty, Technology - Army Times

Only the organized survive

Unless you’re a seasoned special operator, you’re probably stuck hauling your standard-issue gear to war in the one-size-fits-all MOLLE pack. But, if you’re looking for some smaller containers to keep MOLLE’s innards organized, a hydration system to handle a thirsty squad or a ruck to haul the rest of your stuff on your next deployment, there’s something for you in this year’s batch of new packs and pouches.

• BlackHawk. Pick a size, any size. BlackHawk expands its line of packs in 2007 with a few impressive new entries.

The biggest of the bunch is the Titan, a 2,500-cubic-inch ruck that comes with two removable pouches — the Upright GP Pouch and the Nalgene Bottle Pouch. Retail price is $229.

Next up is the Barrage, a 2,000-cubic-inch ruck that BlackHawk calls “a three-day pack on steroids.” It retails for $179.

Both are made from 1,000-denier Cordura nylon. They include an integrated hydration bladder system and external webbing to attach other gear. Available colors include black, olive drab, coyote tan and the new Army Combat Uniform pattern.

If you’re looking for a larger transport option, consider the Medium Alert Bag. This tactical load-out bag, made from 1,000-denier nylon, unzips and folds flat for easy loading. Multiple internal compartments keep your gear organized. A telescoping handle and skate wheels make transport easy. This 4,600-cubic-inch monster is available in black only and retails for $229.

If you’re a member of the briefcase brigade, you can finally dump that helmet bag you scammed off your pilot buddy and get organized without losing your tactical look. The Advanced Tactical Briefcase is built to take a beating, with 1,000-denier nylon and a waterproof lining. It features a padded laptop pouch, external pouches, clear map pouch on the flap, removable ID window and a rear slot that lets you slide the case over the pull handle of a rolling suitcase. This 610-cubic-inch bag comes in black, coyote tan or foliage green and retails for $129.

Finally, the Side Hydration Pouch fits the bill for situations where you don’t need 100 ounces or more of water in a hydration bladder on your back. This 40-ounce model can be mounted on MOLLE webbing and is available in black, coyote tan or ACU. It retails for $42.99.

Check them out at http://www.blackhawk.com.

• CamelBak. Whether you’re looking for a hydration system-equipped pack or just a big ol’ ruck to haul your gear, CamelBak has you covered.

The most intriguing new arrival is the Mystery Ranch-designed Crewcab, which mounts on the Nice frame. This ruck consists of the side and front pouches of a normal ruck, with the center container eliminated. What you can carry in that space is limited only by your imagination — a 5-gallon water can, mortar rounds, a wounded buddy (really — CamelBak says it’s been done). The pouches hold up to 1,900 cubic inches, with up to 4,000 cubic inches more in the center space.

If you’re looking for something a little more conventional, consider the Urban Rover, a 2,238 cubic-inch pack designed to hold either a 0.75- or 1-liter CamelBak Bottle in a side pouch. A well-organized interior with a padded laptop sleeve affords quick access to odds and ends, and a deep exterior side pocket opposite the bottle pouch is ideal for a long flashlight or computer cables.

Two new larger hydration systems — the 25-liter SquadBak and the 6-liter SixBak — could mean the end of hauling around those unwieldy 5-gallon plastic jugs. The SquadBak can backfill up to three regular CamelBak bladders at a time, and its half-inch diameter fill hose lets you top off the SquadBak from a larger water container in the field. SixBak is a great size for a two-person team or as a one-person system for longer missions.

Pricing and availability weren’t available by press time, but you can keep your eye out for all the gear at http://www.camelbak.com.

• Spec.-Ops Brand. The company that has made a name for itself with its simple and reliable gear isn’t bringing any new packs to the table in ’07, but there’s a new small pouch in the lineup that we love. The name says it all — General Purpose Pouch. Measuring 5 inches tall, 4 inches wide and 2 inches deep, it’s just the right size for an iPod and a set of headphones — it’d be just about perfect with a couple of pieces of foam to add a little extra padding. It’s made from 1,000-denier nylon and features MOLLE weave front and back; the front weave can accommodate Velcro patches — nice touch there. Available in black, coyote brown and Army pixel-pattern camouflage, it retails for $29.95.

Learn more at http://www.specopsbrand.com/. h