If you have a medium bit of cash lying around you may wish to check out these new 686 pants. Actually, they’re not totally new, they are an upgrade of the 686 Anything Cargo Pant. The company says they upgraded the pants with “GORE Infinium fabric with WINDSTOPPER enabling Technology, YKK Aquaguard Waterproof Zippers, stretch gusset and back yoke, 3M reflective inner taping, and a new Snap Hem Adjustment.”
These upgraded 686 pants feature an Innie + Outie Lacing System, a snap hem adjustment around the ankles, and intelligently designed pockets for your gear.
Many reviewers seem to love the breathability and these were highly praised for being great in rain and wind conditions. They also mention the pockets often using happy words to describe them, because there are so many of them and they don’t make the wearer look bulky.
What makes these 686 pants stand out?
Lightweight As easy to pack as it is comfortable to wear.
Water-Resistant Designed to resist light rain and snow, which means light rain beads off and rolls off, so you stay comfortable.
Breathable Moisture from sweat vapor can easily escape through the innovative membrane, so your body’s microclimate stays balanced.
Windproof Don’t-even-need-to-worry-about-it, windproof. When an icy wind picks up and you™re miles from home, that’s exactly what you should be relying on.
Modern Fit – Made to move. A regular fit through the waist, seat and thigh with a highly articulated leg.
Men’s Gore-Tex Infinium Anything Cargo Pant Specs
686 pants – Men’s Anything Cargo pants
More Specs
GORE-TEX 2L 100% Polyester Fabric with Windstopper Technology
Elite Tactical Systems [the ETS group] recently announced the release of the new 32-round 9mm clear polymer magazine for Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, and 45. The company says they have been working on these new ETS mags for five years.
The new GEN 2 32rd 9mm is available in three translucent colors: clear, orange, and blue.
Product Details
Fits the Glock 17, 18, 19, 19x, 26, 34, and 45
New and improved internal geometry; increased feeding reliability across all ammo types including steel and aluminum casings
Small changes in the external geometry allows better compatibility with 9mm AR and PCC
Increased round capacity 32rd instead of 31rd
Uses the new ETS GEN 2 Base Plate that improves plate retention and eliminates potential separation on extreme impact
Compatible with most floor plates that fit Glock magazine
Compatible with Gen 1 through Gen 5 Glocks
Ergonomically designed floor plate makes it easy to grab from mag pouches
Lifetime Warranty
The ETS 32rd GEN 2 mag is compatible with Glock 17, 18, 19, 19x, 26, 34, and 45.
Advanced Polymer Benefits
Extreme Impact Resistance—won’t crack or break when dropped
Very resistant to harsh chemicals
Superior heat, cold and UV resistance—won’t become brittle over time even when exposed to harsh environments or extreme cold
Translucent body—allowing you to see your ammo count and type
Creep resistant—the feed lips and body won’t spread when being stored long term even when fully loaded
The new ETS GEN 2 magazine is available in three colors, clear, blue, and orange for $21.99.
About ETS:
At Elite Tactical Systems Group (ETS), our goal is to provide our customers with innovative products by utilizing cutting-edge design, materials, and manufacturing processes. Be it our clear polymer magazines or the fastest loaders the shooting world has ever seen, our dedication to our core values keeps us at the forefront of innovation and value for our customers. ETS products are reliable and affordable with a lifetime warranty and are always proudly made in the USA.
Princeton Tec has expanded their Modular Personal Lighting System (MPLS) lineup with the Vizz Tactical headlamp.
The MPLS has four different colors of LED for those who require something other than white light to accomplish a task. Red, blue, green, and IR are all available in one package, and all are programmable to set the user’s preferred order of illumination. Each distinct beam profile and corresponding customization is easily accessed via a large, easily located button situated on top of the light. Press, hold, or double press: one of ’em will get it done.
For ye olde white light the Vizz MPLS Tactical produces a dimmable 420-lumen white spot (making it the brightest light in the series) and also features a 50-lumen white flood for close-up tasks (also dimmable).
When not in use the Vizz Tactical – MPLS can be locked to prevent accidental turn on to prevent the 3AAA batteries from becoming drained. As with all of PTEC Professional Series headlamps, the Vizz Tactical – MPLS is waterproof (IPX7) and is equipped with regulated circuitry making it lithium battery compatible.
That’s a good feature to have whether you’re mounting the light on a tactical helmet, keeping it in your hunting gear, or throwing it in your range bag.
Princeton Tec says,
“Durable body construction and an IPX7 waterproof rating round the Vizz Tactical-MPLS out for a top-of-the-line choice in tactical lighting equipped to endure your next mission.”
Features
Dimmable spot beam
Order programmable additional color modes: red, blue, green, and IR
Waterproof
Includes MPLS Headlamp mounts:
NVG Adapter Plate
Bracket mount for MOLLE and/or standard nylon headstrap
On October 13th, 2021, IWI – Israel Weapon Industries launched the ACE-N 52, the newest assault rifle in the ACE family.
The ACE-N 52 has a new ergonomic design and is compatible with standard NATO (AR-10) magazines, which includes 7.62X51mm ammunition. Photo courtesy of IWI.
As IWI puts it, “ACE assault rifles are exceptionally resourceful due to their versatility. They incorporate 360° Picatinny rails, serving as a platform for mounting a wide array of optical devices and accessories.”
Here’s what they had to say about the ACE family of rifles:
With enhanced human engineering and ergonomics incorporated into its design, the ACE is an outstanding assault rifle. Able to achieve high accuracy and reliability under the most extreme conditions, it is well suited to the emerging unstable realities of modern combat. Deployed and proven worldwide, the ACE 5.56X45mm is compatible with a NATO-standard ammunition weapon. The ACE 7.62X39mm enables military forces around the world to replace their weapons with modern, innovative, high-performance models without changing their ammunition requirements. The ACE 7.62X51mm is a modern and reliable weapon, suitable for long-range targets in open and urban areas.
Photo courtesy of IWI. “IWI announces the launch of a new assault rifle in the ACE family – the ACE-N 52 – with an improved ergonomic design, suitable for standard NATO magazines.”
IWI ACE-N 52 Specs
Caliber: 7.62X51mm
Rifling: 6 RH Grooves, 1:12″ twist
Barrel length (mm): 409 (16″)
Total length (mm): 954
Weight (Kg) (weapon only): 3.6
Rate of fire (approx. rd./min): 620~680
More about Israel Weapon Industries
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), located in the center of Israel, has been a world leader in the production, marketing, design, and development of unrivalled weapons for over 85 years. IWI’s products are deployed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and worldwide. All of IWI’s weapons have been battle proven around the world under adverse and extreme environmental conditions.
IWI is a member of the SK Group, founded by Mr. Samy Katsav, consisting of companies in the defense scope manufacturing a wide array of unique and matchless products worldwide.
The company’s firearms are developed in close collaboration with Israel Defense Forces (IDF). IWI and the IDF have established joint Research & Development teams to create these weapons, whose ultimate configurations are the product of ongoing interaction, field tests, and modifications resulting from combat requirements and experience.
With the increase in firearms sales over the last year or so, it’s no surprise that tactical gear sales also increased, including plate carriers. So what does a SWAT plate carrier setup look like? Alex over at Iron Infidel dishes out some of his first-hand knowledge in regard to plates and plate carriers. He covers three plate carriers that he has used a lot.
Alex initially started out with the First Spear plate carrier, then went to the Crye JPC, and currently is using the featherweight UARM carrier. He’s quick to point out that all industry-leading plates and carriers are good and your choice boils down to your intended use and function needs.
Alex wants a carrier that is large enough to hold his necessary attachments (he covers those later) without being too cumbersome or intrusive to his movements. Obviously, your own needs will determine if you need one that’s bigger or lighter than what he currently uses.
With the UARM carrier, he actually received it as a sample a few months ago but has used it enough to give a good review. The only real aspect of the carrier that he didn’t try out was the heat signature reduction from the fabric. Regardless, he’s pretty happy with it.
The UARM featherweight carrier is made of laser-cut Cordura fabric with NIR that is designed to help reduce the heat signature of the wearer.
Let’s get into the specifics of the carrier, shall we?
The UARM uses laser-cut Cordura fabric, similar to what you’ll find on the First Spear Strandhogg. The UARM website states that it has NIR, the near-infrared fabric to help reduce the heat signature of the wearer. On the bottom front of the carrier, there is no molle. They set it up that way so you can personalize the carrier for your needs — one carrier, different plates, and pouches.
The carrier has rock-tube detachments at the shoulders and cummerbund points. This is handy for the initial fitting of the carrier and for getting it on and off more quickly so you don’t have to worry about resizing. Alex states that he likes it better than Velcro closures for the ease of getting it off and on, especially in a circumstance of injury or incapacitation.
The thickness of the shoulder straps on the carrier is important. If the straps are too thick, they can actually inhibit your ability to properly shoulder your rifle.
The shoulder straps are thinner than other brands he’s seen. This is important because if you have too much padding at the shoulder it can mess with the shouldering of the rifle, pushing it off the shoulder pocket and reducing your ability to minimize the recoil of the rifle.
Clearly, the most important part of the carrier is the plates.
Alex uses the HESCO L210 plates that are single curve polyurethane plates, designed to stop most rounds. He does say that they are not Level 3 or 4 plates only in that they didn’t go through special testing to show they would stop an M80 round. According to him, the plates will stop green tip and other penetrating rounds, up to six rounds of 5.56 or 7.62.
He does stress the importance of proper plate placement within the carrier, covering the vital organs in your chest. You want your plates to be fitted properly to cover the area between your nipples and extend from your collar bone to your belly button. You also want to make sure your back plate is level with your front plate to ensure you’re using them correctly.
Alex from Iron Infidel uses HSGI double stack TACO pouches on all his rigs, but on this plate carrier setup, he pairs it with a push-to-talk that attaches to the cummerbund where his radio is located.
To round things out, Alex quickly goes through the accessories he has on his plate carrier setup. He uses HSGI double stack TACO pouches (never has a carrier without them). His side support shoulder has a push to talk with the cord running to the cummerbund that has his radio and handcuff pouches. The back of the carrier has a grab handle and Hailey Strategic flat-pack, that a buddy would have to access for him.
To recap, all industry-leading carriers are good, and you have to find one that fits your needs and test it. Don’t forget to properly place your plates in the carrier to cover your vital organs both from the front and the back. Finally, get the chest rig that fits your function and can accommodate all your needs, because the cool one you find in a video might be all wrong for you.
Thyrm recently announced its VariArc Helmet Mount is now available for helmets with M-LOK rails.
With positive indexing at forward, umbrella, and admin task angles, the Variarc Helmet Mount shines light where you need it. Directs light through 360 degrees, with 8 additional lower-force index positions.
The VariArc Helmet Mount has positive indexing at forward, umbrella, and admin task angles and is compatible with standard 1913 Picatinny Rail Lights such as:
Surefire Scout, X300, XH35, Vampire, XC1/2, and similar
Directs light through 360 degrees, with eight additional lower-force index positions
Works in vertical positions for umbrella lighting rooms, canopy illumination, and IR strobe signaling
Can be used in downward angles for admin & task lighting
Picatinny Accessory Rail with three slots and four ridges
Features retention holes on both ends for dummy wiring critical gear
Mounts on standard dovetail-style helmet rails (Ops-Core), Team Wendy, or M-LOK side mounts
Durable, reinforced polymer construction with steel hardware
M-LOK version comes with genuine Magpul M-LOK nuts
Designed and made in the USA
Thyrms’ VariArc Helmet Mount is available in black and flat dark earth for $34.99.
Conceived by Josh Jackson (SWAT-LEO) at LMS Defense, with input from other SWAT-team leaders and active-duty special operations soldiers, the VariArc helmet mount provides a full-featured mounting solution. The locking teeth are biased to the forward position, keeping your light aligned for the most critical uses, but with a firm twist, the VariArc mount unlocks and rotates through 8 additional lower-force index points for administrative tasks and diffused lighting options. Its small footprint and low-profile keep things tidy and the Picatinny Rail allows for maximum compatibility with visible and IR lights. The VariArc is built to remain fully functional through extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, sand, water, drops on concrete, and rough handling.
Strike Industries announced its new Strike Slide for the Sig Sauer P365 CCW. This new P365 slide available in black for $259.95 and FDE for $269.95.
Strike Slide for Sig Sauer P365 in black or FDE. (Image courtesy of Strike Industries)
They say the Strike Slide is great for either an upgrade or a custom build. It’s machined in the USA and is lightweight at 7.70 oz which is less than the factory production model. This reduces recoil momentum allowing for quick and effective follow-up placement.
Strike Industries makes an important note to “use only [the] latest generation P365 internal upper parts [and the] newer style P365 extractor and striker.”
Here’s more about Strike Industries’ Strike Slide:
Large enhanced aggressive front and rear serration areas aid in manipulating the slide to check the chamber or clear a jam along with the included left and right side charging handles located towards the rear of the slide. The two large port relief cuts will highlight any styled barrel or work with the Sig Sauer SAS ported barrel and also provides a faster cycle time with its lightweight structure and improved air flow. The Strike Slide for Sig Sauer P365 is pre-cut for Shield Standard and Docter/Noblex footprints, you are able to mount compatible Micro Red Dot Optics (MRDS) securely with ease without needing to send your slide out to get machined. Additionally, a removable cover plate with a built-in rear sight is included for those who do not want to use an optic. The Strike Slide comes with all necessary screws and posts needed for compatible red dots. The Strike Slide for Sig Sauer P365 is truly a function and aesthetic upgrade or a great choice for a new custom build.
–Optional STRIKE SLIDE FOR P365 MRDS ADAPTER PLATE to use a RMR red dot or other brands–
Strike Slide for Sig Sauer P365. “Made in the USA from machined billet 17-4 Stainless Steel.”( Image courtesy of Strike Industries)
Compatibility: •3.1” 9mm P365 barrel including SAS ported •Front Sight: P365 compatible •Grip Modules: Standard, SAS, X, XL (X&XL requires shorter P365 standard barrel) •With or without manual safety models
Red Dot Compatibility: •Shield Standard Footprint which include: Sig Sauer ROMEOZero, Shield RMS/RMSc/RMSw/SMS, Holosun 407K/507K, JP Enterprises JPoint, Leupold Delta Point Pro, Swampfox Sentinel, Vector Optics Frenzy-S •Docter/Noblex Footprint which include: Docter/Noblex Sight C/Sight 2+/Sight III/QUICKsight 5.0 VR, Noblex Sight G, Burris Fastfire 2/Fastfire 3, Delta Optical MiniDot/MiniDot II, EOTech MRDS, Hawke Reflex, Leica Tempus, MAKdot, Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec/Mini Shot Pro Spec, US Optics DRS 2.0/DRS 2.0 Enhanced, Vector Optics Frenzy, Vomz Pilad, Vortex Viper/Venom
Product Specifications: •Length: 143.65mm (5.66″) •Width: 22.86mm (0.90″) •Height: 32.51mm (1.28″) •Weight: 7.70 oz •Weight W/ Pkg: 9.40 oz
Package Contents: •1 Strike Slide for Sig Sauer P365 •1 Cover plate •2 Cover plate screw [M3x5mm] •1 Charging handle [Left] •1 Charging handle [Right] •2 Screw for Docter Red Dot Sight [M3x6mm] •2 Screw for Vortex Venom [M3x6mm] •2 Screw for FastFire/MRDS/Viper [M3x8mm] •2 Screw for Shield/Leupold DeltaPoint [M3x10mm] •5 Small post •1 Torx tool [T10] •1 Loctite Threadlocker Blue 243
Strike Slide for Sig Sauer P365 Package Contents. (Image courtesy of Strike Industries) Strike Slide for Sig Sauer P365, up close. (Image courtesy of Strike Industries)
About Strike Industries (in their own words)
Formed in 2011, Strike Industries is a firearms accessories company composed of avid AR15 and pistol shooters. Although there are already many phenomenal firearm and accessory companies we feel that there are still some areas that have not been explored and ideas that have not been brought forward. Since the AR15 platform is so versatile there are nearly endless options and designs that could be made.
Our products are designed by active shooters for the active shooter in mind and we design and manufacture with these ideals in mind. Quite simply, we would not make design and manufacture a product that we would not personally use on the field
The CEO of Strike Industries, comes from the US Navy as a SH/HH-60 Helicopter Crew Chief Aviation Warfare Systems Operator/Aviation Warfare Specialist and has real world knowledge of small arms and tactical applications ranging from Spec-Ops to Combat Search and Rescue (STRIKE COMBAT Level IV). We have come a long way since 2011 and as a top provider in the firearms community. Strike Industries’ success is largely due to the loyalty of its customers and end-users. Strike Industries is committed to ensuring top level products and customer service. We strive to continuously bring innovative solutions to the small arms business.
If you are looking for an OWB back holster, the Advanced Back Holster from Elite Survival Systems is a possibility for $54.95.
OWB Advanced Back Holster in Black. (Image courtesy of Elite Survival Systems)
Elite Survival Systems’ Advanced Back Holster is now available in left- and right-hand sizes 2 – 8. Two verified customer reviews so far come in at 4 and 5 stars, touting good fit, comfort, and durability.
Advanced Back Holster, OWB, right-hand. (Image courtesy of Elite Survival Systems)
More about Elite Survival Systems’ Advanced Back Holster:
The Advanced Back Holster is constructed of leather and padded Ballistic nylon and built to last a lifetime. This OWB small of back holster has a truncated muzzle design to maximize concealability, proprietary PowerBand for tension adjustment, and Velcro adjustable, reversible Thumb-Break retainer straps. Proprietary SightStrip protects your weapon’s sights each time you draw and reholster. The Elite SOB holsters fit most pistols. The belt-attachment panel of this SOB carry holster accommodates belts up to 1.75″ wide.
The OWB small of the back holster is made in the USA.
Size 8: H&K USP 9mm/40/45; Browning Pro-9; Springfield XD; FN Five-Seven Tactical; Sig Sauer SP2340,SP2022; Walther P99
Elite Survival Systems small of back OWB Advanced Holster.
About Elite Survival Systems.
Elite Survival Systems is your choice for premium quality holsters, cases, and tactical nylon. At Elite Survival Systems, we believe that an individual has a right to safety and defense of life, and that an immediate threat to life requires an immediate response. The responsible carry and use of firearms makes the world a better, safer place. We envision a world where firearms blend seamlessly into all aspects of life. Our mission is to create high-quality, intelligently designed products for concealment, discreet transport, and rigorous carry. We strive to better serve our customers and users while promoting best practices in our industry. Our broad line of concealment holsters, packs, backpacks, and discreet rifle cases support almost every style of concealed carry. We are proud to say that the vast majority of our products continue to be made in the USA.
If you want to check out more holster styles, here’s what debuted this year.
Auto-Ordnance recently announced the release of the Old Glory custom 1911.
The custom 1911 Old Glory. (Image courtesy of Auto-Ordnance.)
Here’s what the company has to say about it:
“Old Glory” has become the heartfelt term of endearment for our nation’s flag for generations of American patriots. From the legendary story of the famous “Old Glory” flag owned by Capt. William Driver, Americans have looked to the stars and stripes for inspiration during times of trial. With the new “Old Glory” custom 1911, Auto-Ordnance pays tribute to the flag that has waived gallantly over our nation through perilous fight, over the land of the free, and the home of the brave. Each Old Glory 1911 features that name engraved on the left side of the slide, with the quote “I’m mighty proud of that ragged old flag” on the right side. The grips are engraved with “USA” and 1776. Stars and stripes also adorn both aluminum grip panels.
Jodi DePorter, Director of Marketing for Kahr Firearms Group, explained the design saying, “The Auto-Ordnance patriotic series of custom guns is an important expression of our company’s love of America, its history, and its traditions. We want to convey the message that our company is owned by and staffed by patriots, and is very proud of that fact!”
The Old Glory 1911 starts as a stainless steel pistol made entirely in the United States. The finish is distressed Burnt Bronze Cerakote. It features an adjustable trigger, skeletonized hammer, full-length recoil guide rod, extended beavertail grip safety, extended magazine release, and a checkered slide stop lever. The front and rear night sights are made by TruGlo. The ejection port is flared to aid in reliable function. Both mainspring housing and front strap are machined checkered at 20 lines per inch. Each pistol’s 5″ match grade barrel is chambered in 45 ACP. One 7 round magazine is included. SKU# 1911TCAC11N.
The custom 1911 Old Glory. (Image courtesy of Auto-Ordnance)
Specs
Model 1911TCAC11N
Caliber .45 ACP
Barrel 5”
Length O/A 8.6”
Weight 2.3 lbs
Sights TruGlo night sights
Grips Custom Aluminum Grips
Magazine 7 round
Warranty 1 Year
The custom 1911 Old Glory. (Image courtesy of Auto-Ordnance)
While we here at Gunmagwarehouse.com carry several Auto-Ordnance magazines, you’ll have to reach out to your local firearms dealer to get ahold of the Auto-Ordnance custom Old Glory 1911.
Ask yourself: if a life-threatening injury occurs, will you know what to do? Will you have the skills and trauma care equipment necessary to render aid to yourself, your family, and innocent bystanders until medical personnel arrives? Your answer to this question can spell the difference between life and death, so it’s a topic you should take seriously.
When Seconds Count
From the moment a traumatic injury occurs, the clock is ticking. Uncontrolled blood loss from a broken limb or gunshot wound can lead to death in as little as five minutes. But, according to a 2017 study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, “Emergency medical service units average 7 minutes from the time of a 911 call to arrival on scene.” The report continues, “That median time increases to more than 14 minutes in rural settings, with nearly 1 of 10 encounters waiting almost a half-hour for the arrival of EMS personnel.”
You should learn how to quickly apply a tourniquet to your own limb and to someone else’s. Repeat it enough to make this action automatic, and practice one-handed as well.
It’s not difficult to learn how to pack a wound, wrap it in a compression dressing, and apply a tourniquet — even kids can be taught these basic skills. Organizations such as Stop the Bleed offer free virtual and in-person classes throughout the United States. We highly recommend taking one of these courses, or a more advanced wilderness first aid class, and periodically taking refresher courses to keep your skills sharp.
Trauma Care Tools
Training is critical, but it must be paired with the right tools. Now is the time to prepare a trauma care kit — often known as an individual first aid kit, or IFAK — that contains the essential resources for a life-threatening bleed. At a bare minimum, your kit should include the following:
Medical gear is only one element of an every-day carry loadout, but it’s all too often overlooked.
There are plenty of other tools that could be added to your kit — for example, chest seals are highly recommended. You may also include helpful accessories such as nitrile gloves, medical tape, and a permanent marker. Once you’ve started to train with your IFAK, you’ll be able to customize it to match your experience level.
Staging & Every-Day Carry Considerations
Immediate accessibility is essential for any first-aid kit, especially one focused on major trauma. It’s wise to stage larger kits in your home, office, car, and range bag, but it’s even wiser to have the key components on your person at all times.
Although it’s perfectly legal to carry basic medical gear most places, including airports, openly carrying these items may lead to some uncomfortable questions from family or coworkers. Sadly, there are those who will assume your preparation is a sign of paranoia. For this reason, you may want to conceal your medical gear.
There are many ways to do this, including pocket IFAKs, ankle IFAKs, and inside-the-waistband IFAKs. Today, we’ll take a look at a good example of the latter — the IWB-Flat medical kit from Immediate Casualty Care (ICC).
About Immediate Casualty Care
Immediate Casualty Care is a veteran- and a first-responder-owned company that builds covert personal trauma kit carriers. All of the materials and hardware are sourced from the USA, and the kits are built in the USA.
ICC standalone TQ pouch pictured with an SOF-TT tourniquet.
Several configurations are available, ranging from a standalone tourniquet pouch (pictured above) to various complete IFAK carriers. Each kit is built from strong latex-free elastic with stitched seams. The standard stainless-steel clips can be worn over a belt or the hem of a pair of pants. For an additional fee, buyers can upgrade to sturdy Discreet Carry Concepts belt clips, tuckable UltiClip 3+ clips, or non-metallic clips and hardware that won’t set off metal detectors.
ICC IWB-Flat Medical Kit Review
Immediate Casualty Care IWB Flat Medical Kit.
I tested the Immediate Casualty Care IWB-Flat, which offers storage for IFAK components in a wide, slim configuration. At 12 inches wide by 8 inches tall, it wraps around the waistline with a single layer of pockets. Other ICC kits place these pockets in a two-layer configuration, producing a smaller but thicker shape. I prefer the single layer to avoid any visible bulge underneath my shirt.
Since I carry my Glock and spare magazine in the appendix position, there’s plenty of space for the IWB-Flat IFAK anywhere on the back half of my waistline. If you carry strong side, you may need to shift the medical gear to the opposite side of your waist.
Kit Contents
Immediate Casualty Care IWB Flat Medical Kit Contents.
Each kit comes unloaded, so it’s up to you to choose the contents. I loaded my kit with the following items:
C-A-T Gen 7 tourniquet
Celox hemostatic gauze
H&H Medical mini compression bandage
Hyfin Vent chest seal twin pack (not pictured)
Grey nitrile gloves*
*Note: Black gloves are not recommended. Light-colored material contrasts with blood, and makes it possible to detect injuries quickly with a “blood sweep.”
While this is advertised as a medical kit, there’s no reason it couldn’t be used to carry other EDC items. Pistol and rifle mags, pepper spray, fixed-blade knife, passport, emergency cash — the sky’s the limit.
Wearing the Kit
I slid this gear into the IWB-Flat medical kit, clipped the IFAK into my waistband, and went about my day. For the most part, I was able to forget I was even wearing it. The elastic material is comfortable, and the standard belt clips held it firmly in place. Personally, I find this more comfortable than an ankle kit, and I’m able to keep it concealed while wearing shorts (a necessity in the desert).
After a few days, I noticed that one of the clip screws had worked its way loose and fallen down my pant leg, never to be seen again. Lesson learned: always use thread locker on all the hardware for your EDC gear. Thankfully, I scavenged a compatible screw from an old knife sheath and was able to replace the missing part immediately. No problem.
There’s only one critique I have for the ICC IWB-Flat medical kit, and it’s mostly a byproduct of the contents. C-A-T tourniquets are covered in hook Velcro, both on the windlass retention band (when staged as seen in these photos) and the TQ strap. This exposed Velcro tends to snag on shirt hems, eventually pulling loose threads and leading to frayed areas. If you prefer the SOF-TT tourniquet, you won’t have these issues thanks to its Velcro-free design.
Recently, ICC released a “2.0” version of the kit with a high-back design that prevents contents from rubbing against the wearer’s skin. This is an improvement, but I’d like to see a version with an elastic cover that slips over the Velcro, similar to North American Rescue’s outside-the-waistband TQ carrier.
Conclusion
The ICC IWB-Flat has become my go-to EDC medical gear carrier. Its contents are supplemented by additional gear in my car and range bag, but it feels good to know I always have these basic trauma care items inside my waistband.
