Post by snare on Dec 2, 2011 10:23:34 GMT -5
Not sure where to put the generic (not specific to AK or AR or other combat rifle or Handgun) gun gear threads like this one.
I wanted to generate some discussion on the role, type and gear choice for the battle belt as used by the AC.
A couple reasons I consider a battle belt valuable are:
-although I value the ability to simply continue wearing my CCW gear in it's normal place and throw a chest rig/assault pack on, personally I carry my CCW AIWB, so I will by necessity have to move my CCW anyway. A battle belt would seem useful for this.
-I could just move my AIWB holster to 3 o'clock IWB (although I do not find a handgun comfortable carried IWB at that position at all honestly). But I think of the other things I would generally need for rifle support gear. Where would I put my BOK, my belt mounted spare rifle mag, my dump pouch, my E&E/Survival kit, etc?
So, this leads me to the battle belt. Another advantage of the battle belt is it can easily be worn over the lower portion of the cammie blouse.
Alright so what to put on it vs. on the chest rig vs. in the a-pack/ruck.
I will mention that I do value the tier level method of gear configuration, but also tend to think of a battle belt, chest rig and a-pack as one unit. I feel it is likely that when patrolling or on another mission I will not drop/cache the a-pack, nor the chest rig. A large ruck, yes, maybe, but prolly not the much smaller a-pack (that will also contain a hydration bladder).
So, what to put where. Again this is just throwing out some thoughts, interested to hear what others think....all for the context of the AC.
On the belt:
-Handgun.
In flapped holster, that is slightly droppable/offsettable (to clear armor or chest rig), can accommodate a weapon mounted light, has a trigger guard (and can be worn on a trouser belt or molle battle belt). And this holster must not ride up much if at all when the firearm is drawn.
I feel a flapped holster would be preferred for an AC who expects to be low crawling in the weeds perhaps for extended periods in all kinds of weather. I'd prefer the excellent tuck tab closure design as is found on the UW Gear (no velcro, nothing to break or wear).
-Two handgun reloads
Tuck tab design closures, can be worn on trouser or molle belt also.
-Rifle reload
Tuck tab design closures, can be worn on trouser or molle belt also.
-BOK
Mounted at 6 o'clock. Tear off design/removable load. I prefer this here vs. on the chest rig for two reasons: less bulk on my chest means better prone positioning and free-er use of arms and on the belt it will be with me kinda no matter what. Will likely keep a tourniquet on the chest rig.
-Dump Pouch
Would prefer a foldup or roll up design that also incorporated the tuck tab closure. Worn for ambidextrous use/access.
-Fixed Blade Knife
-Comms. Optional, this may be the only other thing I have on the chest rig, still thinking on this one.
-E&E/Survival Kit
Honestly, this is one of the things I am still unsure about. I value having this stuff on me no matter what. Currently I have a small waistpack that I keep in my pack with the intent of grabbing and donning it if I ever have to ditch the pack. May continue with that plan. Have considered splitting the stuff up and putting in in various pockets on my clothes. Not crazy about that though.
I keep an empty, folded Platypus 1 liter 'bottle'/bladder in this kit.
I am hesitant to put water on the belt, but may do so. The reason is that I find canteens or nalgene type bottles on a belt to be excessively bulky.
My parameters for gear for an AC:
-Durable
-Light (but not at the expense of long term durability)
-Compact (low bulk)
-Modular
-Allows for freedom of dynamic movement (not just fast, but dynamic)
Sorry for the wall of text. Love to hear what yall think.
I wanted to generate some discussion on the role, type and gear choice for the battle belt as used by the AC.
A couple reasons I consider a battle belt valuable are:
-although I value the ability to simply continue wearing my CCW gear in it's normal place and throw a chest rig/assault pack on, personally I carry my CCW AIWB, so I will by necessity have to move my CCW anyway. A battle belt would seem useful for this.
-I could just move my AIWB holster to 3 o'clock IWB (although I do not find a handgun comfortable carried IWB at that position at all honestly). But I think of the other things I would generally need for rifle support gear. Where would I put my BOK, my belt mounted spare rifle mag, my dump pouch, my E&E/Survival kit, etc?
So, this leads me to the battle belt. Another advantage of the battle belt is it can easily be worn over the lower portion of the cammie blouse.
Alright so what to put on it vs. on the chest rig vs. in the a-pack/ruck.
I will mention that I do value the tier level method of gear configuration, but also tend to think of a battle belt, chest rig and a-pack as one unit. I feel it is likely that when patrolling or on another mission I will not drop/cache the a-pack, nor the chest rig. A large ruck, yes, maybe, but prolly not the much smaller a-pack (that will also contain a hydration bladder).
So, what to put where. Again this is just throwing out some thoughts, interested to hear what others think....all for the context of the AC.
On the belt:
-Handgun.
In flapped holster, that is slightly droppable/offsettable (to clear armor or chest rig), can accommodate a weapon mounted light, has a trigger guard (and can be worn on a trouser belt or molle battle belt). And this holster must not ride up much if at all when the firearm is drawn.
I feel a flapped holster would be preferred for an AC who expects to be low crawling in the weeds perhaps for extended periods in all kinds of weather. I'd prefer the excellent tuck tab closure design as is found on the UW Gear (no velcro, nothing to break or wear).
-Two handgun reloads
Tuck tab design closures, can be worn on trouser or molle belt also.
-Rifle reload
Tuck tab design closures, can be worn on trouser or molle belt also.
-BOK
Mounted at 6 o'clock. Tear off design/removable load. I prefer this here vs. on the chest rig for two reasons: less bulk on my chest means better prone positioning and free-er use of arms and on the belt it will be with me kinda no matter what. Will likely keep a tourniquet on the chest rig.
-Dump Pouch
Would prefer a foldup or roll up design that also incorporated the tuck tab closure. Worn for ambidextrous use/access.
-Fixed Blade Knife
-Comms. Optional, this may be the only other thing I have on the chest rig, still thinking on this one.
-E&E/Survival Kit
Honestly, this is one of the things I am still unsure about. I value having this stuff on me no matter what. Currently I have a small waistpack that I keep in my pack with the intent of grabbing and donning it if I ever have to ditch the pack. May continue with that plan. Have considered splitting the stuff up and putting in in various pockets on my clothes. Not crazy about that though.
I keep an empty, folded Platypus 1 liter 'bottle'/bladder in this kit.
I am hesitant to put water on the belt, but may do so. The reason is that I find canteens or nalgene type bottles on a belt to be excessively bulky.
My parameters for gear for an AC:
-Durable
-Light (but not at the expense of long term durability)
-Compact (low bulk)
-Modular
-Allows for freedom of dynamic movement (not just fast, but dynamic)
Sorry for the wall of text. Love to hear what yall think.