The Invaluable Dump Pouch

If there is one piece of equipment that is overlooked, it is the dump pouch. This simple, yet potentially vital piece of gear adds a storage compartment to your person when cargo pockets just won't cut it.What is it good for you might ask? It is good for any number of applications whether it be on the range or in the field. It's not flashy, it's not sexy, but it is very effective for its purpose and it can make your life a whole lot easier when you least expect it. Here's how...

Let's say you are in the field. You have your hooch set up, you are feeling comfortable, then all of a sudden hell breaks loose and you have to evacuate your site fast! You don't have time to pack your ruck up, but fortunately for you, there's a dump pouch resting on your belt. You open it up and throw an MRE in there, along with extra mags and some 550 cord. With these items, you are prepared to survive a little while longer until help arrives. Without the dump pouch, you would be forced to carry any extra items in you hands. Not very effective for a hasty retreat. Of course, where you will probably find yourself using a dump pouch most is at the range. These little guys are handy for holding all your extra magazines so you don't have them clunking around in your cargo pockets.

All a dump pouch consists of is a pouch that can be rolled up and buckled so that fit on your belt without taking up much space. A lot of manufacturers make versions of this, but the most popular is Maxpedition's dump pouch. It's small when rolled up, so it won't get in the way of your movement, or get caught on branches if you have to negotiate brush. Should you need it, simply undo the velcro and the pouch will unroll. When the items are in the dump pouch you can secure it with the elastic strap at the top to keep the contents in. When you want to store it for later use, just roll it back up and redo the velcro tab.

You can find many more uses for a dump pouch when you start finding how annoying those extra odds and ends feel clunking around in your cargo pockets. Like I said before, they are not sexy, so don't expect to see these being worn in the next great action flick. For the real operator, however, you will find these to be an invaluable piece to your gear set up. If for nothing else than to have just in case you need to move locations quickly and don't have time to gather up all your gear. Stay safe out there!