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!

US Standard Issue

Perhaps one of the greatest hook ups you have if you are active military or employed by a federal officer is your access to US Standard Issue. I have bought many products off of this company, and I have always been happy with my purchase.

For those of you who have not experienced the joy of belonging to US Standard Issue, you are missing out! What they do is offer Oakley products such as sunglasses and boots for a huge discount, most of the items on the website are as much as 50% off. It is a great place to go if you are looking for quality products but don't want to pay the retail price. I have bought a couple pairs of sunglasses from them and they have lasted me 3 years of hard use. If you scratch up your lenses, you can buy a new set to plug into your existing frames. They also offer the Oakley hard knuckle gloves in black and tan. I used these gloves all up until I got a pair of Wiley-X, and I'm thinking now about going back to the Oakley's because the quality is obviously better.

In order to sign up for their program, you have to submit a photo of your military ID or credentials along with a quick application. They will review your submission and if you qualify (anyone with these forms of ID will,) you will be granted access to their site. Until you are approved, you can view their inventory, but not the price of the items. Other rules apply with membership to the program such as not making a purchase to give as a gift.

I give Oakley my respect for giving men and women, who put their lives on the line for this country, a program that offers them quality for such a large discount. This is a great program if your department is not provided with the quality equipment you want or need. If you meet the qualifications for this program, I highly encourage you to check them out and do yourself a major favor by not paying out the rear for equipment you need.

Survival Bracelets: What to Look For

A new trend in gear is the 550 cord survival bracelets. These are nifty little gadgets that can supply you with varying amounts of 550 cord if need any, and you never know when that might be. Before you go buying the coolest looking one though, take a moment to make sure you are getting the best quality for your buck.

First, take a look at how many different colors of cord is in the bracelet. If there multiple colors, it means that the cords are fused at some point and the integrity of the 550lbs test has been compromised. Instead, look for bracelets that are one color and made from one strand of 550 cord.

Don't pay extra for the buckle! Some companies make bracelets using stainless steel latches. While these are very secure, you could save yourself the money by purchasing one with a plastic buckle instead. Just make sure that the buckle is strong enough that you can't just pull it apart.

Make sure it the cord is made in the USA! Other countries like China make knock off versions of 550 cord, but American made paracord still requires it to withstand a 550lbs test. If it doesn't have this stamp of approval, don't waste your time or money.

Paracord bracelets are a very simple piece of gear that is always handy to have on hand. With a little practice, you can make your own. There are plenty of YouTube videos out there that tell you how, but if you are going to purchase one, follow these simple notes to ensure that you are getting a quality product.