23 February 2014

The Little things (part 1)

As we all know, sometimes the small details make all the difference between a job being hard & it being a PITA.

Let's face it, while M.O.L.L.E. might be advertised as being able to switch out pouches quickly, we all know this is not the case. After using the built in straps, then Malice clips, and various gear ties, I honestly had cut off the straps & started zip tying everything. I honestly found these even easier. Since the top end is not tethered to anything, they slide very smooth. You do need to apply much pressure until the end to get the bottom clip past the last PALS strap. Also there is a hole at one end of the Speed Clip that you can run a tether through. The only down side is you need to have an idea of the size you need when ordering a new pouch.  



If there is anything that makes going through my pack a chore, its loose wires. This handy little guy fixes some of that. Works well ear buds & other wires about the same thickness. Comes in several colors, including black, coyote brown, & foliage. Good for both the field & everyday use. I have one in my pack & one with my ear buds & gym pass attached.





I had kept seeing these listed on Maxpedition's site but could not see dropping the money on them. I am normally a fan of zip ties & gaffing tape when it comes to loose wires but after a recent trip to the local Rural King, I thought $5~ to try out the 3" version might seem worth it. I had not bought a Curvyman yet and thought maybe this would be a possible alternative. The pictures on Nite Ize's show a set of ear buds coiled up. This seems too messy to me. But for wires of a larger gauge,  in a pack, bag, or drawer, these are perfect. I will not be using them to shorten wires that are in a more active situation like on my chest rig. I do plan on buying both 6" & 12" sets of these.

And I honestly laughed out loud when I saw this. I told my wife in jest, "see all the uses these have?" To which she replied, "That's pretty genius."