Details
Built off the basic design and dimensions of an off-the-shelf vest, this vest was built from the ground up to meet the users specific needs, and to improve on the design's shortcomings. First, extra MOLLE webbing was added, adding one column on each side and two extra rows, which also gave it more girth to fit over armor, as well as real estate for more pouches. The drag handle on the original was inadequate (1" webbing is NOT acceptable for a drag handle, no matter whose brand name is on it), so we built in a beefier handle with 2" webbing, pinched at the middle for better grip, and sewn with two 5" box stitches for strength that surpasses that of the mesh or the webbing alone. Locking zipper front, (with a metal zipper that won't melt and prevent removal in a flash fire situation) with a retaining snap strap at the top to prevent the weight of the gear on the vest from pulling the zipper open. Two zippered interior mesh pockets provide extra storage room, and a hydration pouch that can fit either a standalone 100 oz bladder (with a loop to hang it from) or a 100oz bladder with an insulated cover. The hydration carrier pouch was also sized to prevent it from shifting. It also has adjustable shoulders with1.5" d-rings, perfect for attaching a single-point sling or routing a hydration tube. All stress points were double and triple stitched for lasting strength, as appropriate. The whole vest was constructed with attention paid to every detail, making sure that every functional part can do its job, as efficiently as possible, and without sacrificing durability, safety or the mobility of the wearer.
