I haven’t talked much yet about gear, so thought I would take a quick moment to do so. When the call went out for assistance to PMI and myself for this, I noted that all my gear was aimed at other climates and extremes. Not only did you all pitch in with financial support, I got a lot of very good advice on gear.
In discussing choices with various people, the subject of why go for the best often came up. There are two parts to the answer, but both are fairly simple. When you buy, why not spend just a little more and get the best you can at the time. If it truly is the best, it will last a long time (as evidenced by my boots). The second part is that, yes, some of what I was after (and still lust after) may be overkill for this initial, all-too-short embed. Who says this will be the only embed? Depending on the response, other trips may come up.
For my main pack, I went with the Camelbak BFM upon getting several very good recommendations for it. I ended up having to get a new carrier for my laptop, since the new MacBook Pro is an inch or two too long for my current carrier. That was a shame as said carrier had served me well and clipped nicely onto the back of the BFM. So, I am trying out a Blackhawk carrier/tactical briefcase instead. Doesn’t clip as well (D-rings on the bottom of the bag somewhere would be a nice addition), but has a well padded and waterproof/dustproof compartment for the laptop and I can get the camera, two lenses, cords, power supplies, and more in the bag itself. As a carry on, I’m using my gym bag as it can be clipped to the bottom of the BFM, and the entire assembly stands up on its own in that configuration. Given that armor doesn’t fit well anywhere, I am using a roll-up duffel for the vest and helmet. I may not be able to get this down to essentially one pack as I could the original set-up, but not bad.
As for where, allow me to highly recommend Extreme Outfitters and Tactical Tailor to you. Extreme Outfitters gave me excellent customer service, and some good products. I purchased the new tactical briefcase through them as well as some minor gear/supplies. I purchased Nomex, pouches, LBV, and a variety of small items through Tactical Tailor based off what I had read of them at Maj. Z’s. They were patient, helpful, and more with me, and put up very well with my sniffing after gear that they couldn’t sell me (Oakley). In both cases, orders were processed quickly and efficiently, problems or backorders noted, and great customer service provided.
I actually got some of the major gear at TAD Gear, which has a good catalog, good prices, and came with a strong recommendation. That said, I had customer service problems with two of the three orders I placed with them, and the other one was something I would best describe as acceptable. If you have lots of time, give them a try. Also, a note for the record, if you are more than a week late shipping an order because you screwed up, don’t sit there and mumble about using this as a means to do better next time, tell me what you are going to do to fix THIS time.
In the acceptable category goes BulletProofMe. I purchased my Paulson goggles and a set of Wiley CQC goggles with prescription insert through them. I have to rate the service as average, and hope I don’t have to write a whole lot about how well the actual products work.
More on body armor later, can’t find the bookmarks. Let me just say thank you to all involved, and I again hope it is one product I really don’t have to write a whole lot about how well it works.
While various check lists recommended a Nomex flight suit, I also was told strongly that such was no longer really needed. Instead, several people recommended the flame-resistant clothing at 5.11 Tactical. That is what I went with, and the clothing is quite comfortable. May it never be needed for more.
Two other shout-outs are needed to say thanks and point out something great. The first goes to Lens Crafters in the Tippecanoe Mall, and the associated independent doctors of optometry there. Both groups were extremely helpful, and Lens Crafters bent over backwards to get my prescription insert done right and fast. The second goes to my friend Val at Babalu Blog. When I asked him if he still had any of his wonderful all cotton t-shirts left (had heard he was running low), he not only said yes, he sent me three of them. Thank you very much my friend.
Finally, a quick note. Yes, I am packing in too much. I was pulling a Pouretena (sp) long before it was called that, even though I don’t carry a big pocking wrench. Back in the Boy Scouts I used to carry a huge amount (and weight) of gear, as I was always the one who had the stuff that mattered when it was needed, and I kept the tradition going for years after. The amazing thing to me is that I have kept the weight down as low as it is, it’s the volume that is the problem. A lot of stuff will be used up or given away, as I am carrying in coins and pins for Soldier’s Angels, pogie bait to share, and some other goodwill items.
If time permits, and if there is interest, I will detail some of the other gear and talk about why’s and such. Yes, I do have a first aid kit, and a few other things too.
More soon.
LW
