[KClapp]

I know this is a serious necro-post, but I felt it best fit here rather than a new thread.

I wanted to share what I found over the last couple of years with respect to my gear. I would suspect most of the AD folks will already have found my observations to be valid. I also want to thank the good folks here for their assistance in helping me choose a decent rig for my use.

First, I finally went with a SO Tech Hellcat MkI. Based on the responses here, I felt the bang for the buck was just not there for the SPEAR ELCS. My Hellcat is used and was modified to be a near duplicate of their Falcon, except that the hydro carrier is removable. I also have a bib on it. My use has been as a range rig rather than use the average range bag. When I first got it I did add two TT 3 mag shingles for a total of 12 primary mags on the second line. After a couple of extended "patrols" through my father-in-law's woods, I found 12 mags is a large amount for normal use. Although my mentor's carried every bit that many, they were only using 20 round mags and doing extended patrols through the jungle (Vietnam). Their log assets were not nearly as accessible as they are today, either. I found running 6 in the Hellcat and 2 on the first line to be quite adequate. Additional mags and ammo can be carried in a BOB.

I also first had a large medical kit, weapon cleaning supplies, and batteries stored in two upright GP pouches. Again, too much. I have cut that down to a basic IFAK in a BHI med pouch and a few batteries and Lula in a TT small vertical pouch.

For reasons not pertinent to the discussion here, I moved from a Llama MAX-I 1911 clone to a G17. I still carry 4 secondary mags on the Hellcat. That may be alot for a tactical environment, but it's handy for the range. The weight does not seem significant, either.

I also have a M18 in a PPM pouch. And finally I also carry a SF G2, Gerber multi-tool, and Buck SBMF on the Hellcat as well as a Maxpedition dump pouch.

The weight and bulk of this setup is much more manageable than what I had previously. I believe I could get in and out of an 1114 fairly well with this setup, also. It certainly makes moving within buildings and the woods much easier.

I do run a first line with an Eagle duty belt, Safariland 6004, and TT small subload panel with two single mag shingles and a PPM dual PMP. Total mags between second and first line is 8 primary and 6 secondary.

I should mention it was most difficult to overcome the mindset that you can never have enough mags on you. It's what I grew up with. I always carried 12 primaries on my web gear. The new concept of carrying most everything on your front chest and torso just does not make this practical any longer. I really like the way the Hellcat distributes the weight and makes the tools more accessible, but there is a bit of a cost associated with that.

Again, just some observations from an old soldier with some new kit.