[mym1a]

I think I would go with web gear, more versatile

[SwedeSteve]

I would tend to agree, if you are distributing a medim to heavy load. Light to medium, I think a vest is the way to go.
OK, "some" of us were thinking body armor. I thought that was clarified early on don't you mitch? With 24+ years in the Army Infantry I immediately agreed with your LBE(my day)/LCE(my day), reference. However, that was not the question either!
While a Femoral Artery shot is at best a 2nd or 3rd shot placement, I would agree that it would be devastating, and would def sit me DOWN! But I think our comrade chose to ignore the "actual" queston, and give us his version at any rate! Tell me that, in your opinion, I am completely bass-ackwards on this and I will concede! I respect your opinion! There is a history of this!

[mitch_mckee]

Quote:       Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

I would tend to agree, if you are distributing a medim to heavy load. Light to medium, I think a vest is the way to go. OK, "some" of us were thinking body armor. I thought that was clarified early on don't you mitch? With 24+ years in the Army Infantry I immediately agreed with your LBE(my day)/LCE(my day), reference. However, that was not the question either! While a Femoral Artery shot is at best a 2nd or 3rd shot placement, I would agree that it would be devastating, and would def sit me DOWN! But I think our comrade chose to ignore the "actual" queston, and give us his version at any rate! Tell me that, in your opinion, I am completely bass-ackwards on this and I will concede! I respect your opinion! There is a history of this!

I think you are correct. Anything but center mass is a shot of necessity, not of choice. After all, he ain't going to have a sign on his back informing you of his body armor rating.

[SwedeSteve]

LOL mitch! I would like to add you should be careful not to overload whatever system you use! Try hiking around with it a little and you'll know if its too much!

[mitch_mckee]

Quote:       Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

LOL mitch! I would like to add you should be careful not to overload whatever system you use! Try hiking around with it a little and you'll know if its too much!

Wasn't too long ago I did lots of hiking on the Appalachian Trail and other spots in my area. I managed to get my carry weight down to around 50 pounds. Thought that was the life!

Since heart surgery, I still have trouble getting up the stairs, but it's getting better. I just can't risk getting in trouble 20 miles off road. I think one ought to consider his limitations carefully before taking off to the woods. Search and rescue is expensive for society and dangerous for the personnel. I may get back some day, but walking up and down the street must do for now.

[JMcDonald]

I have a tactical vest for a light duty BOB. In it is:
-Flashlight w/ extra batteries.
-Tools (multitool, allen keys, and a few gun tools).
-2' x 4' white cotton towel.
-2 liter camel pack.
-60yd roll of duct tape.
-Poncho.
-Space blanket.
-A few hundred rounds of 9mm ammo.
-10 energy / candy bars.
-2 Lighters and a flint lighter.
-Knife (strapped to shoulder).
-Bag of fire-starting material.
-Water purification tablets.
-Dental supplies.
-A compass / magnifying glass / thermometer / whistle object.

It is way more comfortable than a backpack, and it has enough that if all I had time to grab was my vest and gun, Id still be able to survive for a while. I still need to add a few things like gloves, walkie talkies, my sharpening stone, etc.

Additionally, my GF has a mini backpack and a fannypack for her BOB setup that holds some cooking supplies, ammo for her gun (.22LR), another flashlight, another knife, some soap, another compass thing, and some more stuff that we are putting together.

Finally, if we have the ability to take it, we have a larger duffle bag that has (good) food for several days (until we can find something else), a few extra clothes, a tent, a blanket, etc.

IMO a good vest is much better than a backpack as far as comfort is concerned. Plus, given that it has pockets all around instead of just in the back, you can put quick-access stuff right in the front.

And, no we aren't talking about body armor to protect yourself from crazy people sniping innocent civilians as they try to find their way out of the trouble...

*edit*

Here is my vest.
BJR-015 - Mil-Tec Tactical Vest BLACK Heavy Duty Adjustable Sizing - Manufactured by: Cheaper Than Dirt

[LarryO1970]

I've seen enough people wearing tac-vests break ribs while diving to the ground... I'll take my chances with the web gear I've used for over 15 years...

Not everything you have has to be attached to your web gear... use your cargo pockets and a small Alice pack...

... for my years in the field, this is what I used, what I am comfortable with, what I continue to use.

Personally... I like to travel light...

[Mad Hatter]

What is "web" gear ?

[mitch_mckee]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

What is "web" gear ?

AKA "Alice Gear"

Military Surplus - Other Military Web Gear

[Mad Hatter]

Thanks Mitch ! oh and stay away from those pizzas with your heart and all, we want you around for a while ..

[mitch_mckee]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

Thanks Mitch ! oh and stay away from those pizzas with your heart and all, we want you around for a while ..

We all have our weaknesses.

[YugoM59/66]

Quote:       Originally Posted by nathangdad

Anything you add to your clothing weight will detract from your speed of mobility which I feel will really be the key to survival in a truly bad case situation. Also, people like me will be armed with rifles for which a tactical vest will be of little, if any, benefit as you will be hit with very heavy bullet travelling at very fast speed. After all, enough energy will put you down with or without a vest.

here's my outlook. I'm a Marine and am forced to wear a flak jacket in country. The sappy plates we use is supposed to stop (if your lucky) three 7.62 AP rounds. I've seen them crack after one round though. Even though it would stop the round, it would most likely crack ribs and you wouldnt be getting up right away. It will not however stop a 5.56 bc the velocity is too high and the round is too small. Your best bet is to maybe get a vest to hold magazines, compasses, grenades(if your that fortunate), anything that you would need at immediately. Other than that all you would need is a backpack for chow, water and other basic survival items. and its fun to go wear at the range to practice mag change drills. you would be surprised how long it takes a person to load a fresh mag if your not used to it. With an AR it should take a couple seconds. press mag release, pull a new mag out and put it in and slap the bolt release. thats something that you should get used to if your really worried about a SHTF situation

Quote:       Originally Posted by LarryO1970

I've seen enough people wearing tac-vests break ribs while diving to the ground... I'll take my chances with the web gear I've used for over 15 years... Not everything you have has to be attached to your web gear... use your cargo pockets and a small Alice pack... ... for my years in the field, this is what I used, what I am comfortable with, what I continue to use. Personally... I like to travel light...

thats salty larry, good choice.