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Product Review: MAXPEDITION LEO S-Type Versipack

August 18, 2012 Equipment Reviews, Military, Second Amendment / Gun Control, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures Comments Off on Product Review: MAXPEDITION LEO S-Type Versipack

MAXPEDITION’s LEO S-Type Versipack

MAXPEDITION’s Jumbo Law Enforcement Officer S-Type Versipack (~$86.00)

http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/Jumbo-L-E-O-S-Type-4p1607.htm

Call it a shoulder bag, go-bag, or man-purse, MAXPEDITION’s Jumbo LEO Versipack is a hit with low profile operators around the world.  The bag is designed to provide easy and quick access to essential items you would want to have on your person no matter the venue.

I have used this kit bag for over a year now both stateside and overseas professionally in a variety of environments and find it very simple, user friendly, rugged, and with just enough space to force you take what you need, but only what you need.  My team has been provided many different carry bags, but this one tends to be the daily go-to bag.  I have found the bag to wear best over one shoulder with the pack resting on your weak side to prevent obstructing quick access to a concealed handgun.  Wear in this manner places the radio and phone pouches facing forward so that they are quickly and easily accessible.  However, the bag will function in an ambidextrous manner.

The design is well thought out and extremely rugged.  It has good retention over the shoulder via an ample padded shoulder strap and has a detachable waist strap that is great if you need to walk or run with the bag for an extended distance hands free.  Although, I have seen one quick-release buckle for the flap snap on a previous model (easily repaired with a spare clip kit), mine has performed flawlessly and the plastic is tough.  Stitching, material, and workmanship are all high quality and live up to MAXPEDITION’s reputation as a premier maker of tough equipment.  The heavy nylon is coated with Teflon so it sheds water and cleans off easily.  In fact, my bag still looks relatively new even after being drug through all kinds of dirt, sand, rain, and snow. Note that the bag is not waterproof and any submersion in water will certainly soak everything inside.

The layout of the bag is well thought out.  The pouches are the right size for the right items, where you need them.  Further, the pouches are all dual purpose.  For example, the magazine pouch on the side provides quick access to M4/M16 30 round magazines, but also holds a radio or water bottle equally well.  Internally, the bag is nicely compartmentalized and suitable for carrying various items in a host of organized configurations.

Everyone will have their own needs and specific configuration, but I find that any slim line Kydex or leather concealment holster fits nicely inside the zippered or main compartment.  The rectangular main compartment stores a host of items nicely to include a laminated street map, extra magazines, a survival kit, an extra water bottle and some power bars.  Depending on what I am doing, I usually have a few additional special items I carry in addition to the basic load and often toss in a lightweight windbreaker/rain jacket.  The zippered side pouch is perfect size for an individual first aid kit.  The zippered top pocket makes a nice storage spot for a GPS without restricting reception and or sunglasses.  The front zippered pocket is ideal for storing items like a note pad, reference documents, ID’s, a SureFire style flashlight, a multi-tool, spare batteries, keys, and a lighter with plenty of space to spare.  The side magazine pouch makes a good spot to put additional water, a radio, or as intended, two M4 30 round magazines.  The cell phone holder has good retention, but is not suitable for larger smart phones.  However, it is ideal for slimmer basic cell phones like Nokia, Samsung, and T-Mobile often sell.  Finally, you have a few slim pockets that can support additional documents, weapons, pencils, etc.

Tactically speaking, the bag can quickly be shouldered or taken off and doesn’t impede movement when wearing body armor.  It allows single hand access to the bag and its contents while keeping your shooting hand free to manipulate a weapon, steering wheel, door, or anything else.  Unlike a backpack, the bag can be spun instantly in front of you to quickly access additional magazines/ammo, first aid kits, or even just your radio or water bottle without having to first take it off and while still on the move.  The bag has a less tactical look and is appropriate for low-pro operations, but doesn’t sacrifice on the “pro”—tection or functionality.  Being less “tactical” in look, it makes this bag completely suitable for running around town without raising eyebrows.  Nonetheless, I would like to see MAXPEDITION produce this bag to look completely commercial and perhaps using some colors other than green, brown, and black.  For military and police, having the Molle straps for additional gear mounting is great, but for true low visibility activity, I would like to see them removed or appear much less noticeable.  The Velcro strip on the flap also has the tactical look making one expect to see an IR reflective American Flag stuck onto it.  This should also be removed for a bag to blend in better with the crowd.

For the prepared person, I would recommend this bag as an ideal one person kit to carry anywhere, be it in the mall or while commuting to work.  It has enough space to carry the key supplies for survival, but won’t weigh you down or draw unwanted attention making it something you can and will keep on you.  After all, a bag not on you when you need it is of no use.

The company’s website lists the below product features:

•Special edition of Maxpedition Jumbo Versipack that has been optimized for use by the Law Enforcement Officer

•Designed based on hundreds of L.E.O. customer feedback

•Excellent for active shooter scenarios

•Better For Left Side Carry

•Main: 9″ x 8″ x 3″ with front and back subdividers; bottom drainage grommet

•Front: 7″ x 6.5″ x 1.5″ with divided 2″ elastic webbing to carry 4 handgun mags; web subdivider

•Side A: Mag pouch with lateral elastic retention; fits two M4/M16 30rnd mags or radio

•Side B: 7″ x 3.5″ x 2″ with double zipper slides, 3 rows & 2 channels of PALS

•Phone pouch: Accommodates up to 5″ cellphone excluding antenna

•Top of lid pocket: 6.5″ x 3″ x 1″ inside lined with loop field; 3/4″ webbing grab handle

•Rear/CCW Compartment: 9″ x 8.5″ with 7″ x 8″ loop field

•Shoulder strap: Integral 2″ quick release (min 33″ strap alone / max 56″ strap alone ; min 45.5″ loop / max 69″ loop) with 2″ non-slip shoulder pad

•Multiple PALS attachment points

•Removable/adjustable waist belt of ¾” webbing; max. waist size 48″ circumference

•Optional accessories (sold separately): #3501 Universal CCW Holster, #3502 Triple Magazine Holder, #3503 Dual Mag. Retention Insert, Grimloc Carabiner D-Ring

•Also #9846 Jumbo L.E.O. (Better for Right Side Carry)

Product Materials

•Tough PU-coated 800-denier nylon fabric for approx. 15% weight reduction

•Teflon® fabric protector for grime resistance and easy maintenance

•high strength zippers and zipper tracks

•UTX-Duraflex nylon buckles for low sound closures

•Triple polyurethane coated for water resistance

•High tensile strength nylon webbing

•High tensile strength composite nylon thread (stronger than ordinary industry standard nylon thread)

•#AS-100 high grade closed-cell foam padding material for superior shock protection

•Internal seams taped and finished

•Paracord zipper pulls

•Stress points double stitched, Bartacked or “Box-and-X” stitched for added strength

Cleaning Instructions

•MAXPEDITION’s nylon fabric is treated with Dupont Teflon for superb water and grime resistance.

•To clean, simply wipe down with a damp cloth. Allow gear to dry naturally.

•Do not machine wash.

•Do not use detergent or bleach.

Armed Individuals Prove More Effective at Combating Piracy than World’s Navies

August 16, 2012 Big Government, Constitution, Department of Defense, Liberty and Freedom, Military, Pirates, Second Amendment / Gun Control Comments Off on Armed Individuals Prove More Effective at Combating Piracy than World’s Navies
Private security aboard a commerical ship

This picture says it all about how effective armed security can be. Bring it pirates!

The notoriously dangerous pirate infested waters off the coast of Somalia have suddenly become serene.  For over a month now, pirates have not even attempted to take a vessel.  This is unprecedented in recent years and prompts one to ask what has suddenly changed.  Well, the data are in and they overwhelming show that self-defense has proven to be the most effective anti-piracy strategy.  Who would have thought?

Over the last decade, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have been progressively becoming more and more dangerous for mariners.  The seizure of the Maersk Alabama and its crew by pirates and their subsequent rescue by Navy Seals illustrates this situation.  To counter this, the international community insisted the answer was to deploy an international flotilla worth billions of dollars from around the world to protect vessels while simultaneously using “soft power” to improve the lives of violent pirates in hopes they would return to more tranquil occupations such as fishing.  As the years past, it was clear that the piracy continued unabated and at best, the world’s navies were a reactive force staging what often became messy rescue operations resulting in the deaths of both pirates and hostages.

Industry could not wait for government solutions and instead, did what industry does best.  They found their own solution.  To mitigate the piracy threat and the spiralling insurance costs of moving cargo through these vital shipping lanes, the shipping companies authorized armed personnel to ride escort on the ships.  The international community naturally resisted vehemently and brought up the host of hollow gun control arguments of why this would be “more dangerous” and not effective.  “Civilized” nations went so far as to suggest they would restrict ships from entering their ports if there were armed guards aboard.  Nonetheless, the necessity to move billions of dollars in cargo through those treacherous waters required an effective solution to be found.

Very soon then, ships began to hire armed security contractors and or arm and train their own crews for defense of the vessels.  The result has been an unheard of 100 percent success rate at preventing hijackings according to a statement made by Admiral Potts, the commander of the European Union’s anti-piracy force.  Governments in particular are quick to point out that they have conducted raids of pirate enclaves and have implemented programs to help transition pirates into other “occupations,” but the ground truth is indisputable.  That is, that privately armed individuals have been more effective than all the governments on earth at stopping piracy.  Stig Hansen, an expert on Somali piracy is quoted in the below linked Christian Science Monitor article and states, “The naval forces would perhaps dispute this, but I would say that private security is by far the major factor, not the warships.  Pirate commanders I have spoken to onshore tell me that it’s those armed guards they’re most afraid of. It means that they just don’t target the most valuable ships any more.”  Could he have been more direct?

For Americans there is much to be learned from the success of this counter piracy strategy.  As a nation, we are currently facing ever increasing forces determined to force the disarmament of the American people.  These forces aggressively lobby and publicize the lie that it is really the guns that make America unsafe and if we were to just give up our weapons, the government would be there to protect us.  Nothing could be further from the truth as a handful of Somali pirates demonstrated to the world’s navies.  On the domestic front, in Aurora, Colorado, an incredibly fast 90 second response time to the theater massacre was clearly not enough either and demonstrated again the insanity in believing the government can protect you.

In truth, what America needs for security is the same as what those ships required.  It isn’t a police state, or better intelligence and surveillance, or massive government firepower and raids.  It is simply the willingness to take responsibility for your own safety and security and those around you.  This goes beyond taking up arms, but the fact that you can arm is essential and a core aspect of this principle right.  You can never get safer or freer than by living in an armed society of citizens that understand this responsibility.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2012/0808/For-Somali-pirates-July-was-a-very-bad-month

 

The Government’s Ever Present Need for the Boogie Man and the Police State Illusion to Protect You

August 12, 2012 9/11, Constitution, Department of Defense, Liberty and Freedom, Military Comments Off on The Government’s Ever Present Need for the Boogie Man and the Police State Illusion to Protect You

Military Deployed to the Streets of USA

 

In this piece, the need for government and industry to create a polarizing enemy to spread fear is presented as well as the dangers it spawns to liberty.  A society at peace is freer that one at war.  Today’s military industrial complex Eisenhower warned us of a half century ago is now a thriving insider market that thinks nothing of sending thousands of Americans to their unnecessary deaths as long as it sells one more piece of military hardware.  Couple industry’s unquenchable thirst for wealth with the executive’s unending lust for absolute power and you have a perfect storm for achieving tyranny through fear.

Today we are living in this fear based society.  It is sad so many people willing buy into the notion that 9/11 happened because we didn’t have a police state and so the only way to protect our nation is to create one.  This weak logic of the masses will ensure tyranny’s rise.  It was not the lack of government that allowed for 9/11, but the excesses of it.  Al Qaeda’s genesis alone can be credited to the backwards and shortsighted foreign policy of Washington during the Cold War where it blindly and hypocritically propped up brutal dictators and corrupt regimes in places such as Saudi Arabia.  Then our very own CIA funded, armed, trained, and equipped these jihadist fighters in places like Afghanistan, the Balkans, and most recently in Libya and Syria.  Couple this with a non-existent immigration policy and destructive partisan politics and you have all of the ingredients for 9/11, but one critical piece.  The last piece of the puzzle is rooted in society’s failure to raise another generation of Americans willing to die fighting rather than become complacent victims.  Our population has been so softened and conditioned to run away, call the police, or submit, they failed to react when it was most critical save their own lives except for one flight that was most likely shot down over Pennsylvania.  It is no accident that since 9/11 every single attempt for a passenger or passengers to commit an act of violence has been quickly resolved by swift and violent action by the passengers.  In truth, had Americans been conditioned to resist instead of willingly submit and cower, 9/11 would have been impossible regardless of the failures of law enforcement, intelligence and government policy.  Instead of the truth though, the government finds it more beneficial for itself to breed fear and brainwash Americans into thinking only through a Orwellian system of surveillance and control can security be achieved.  What groundless lies!

Ladies and gentlemen, therein lies your truth.  A police state serves only the purposes of the government and does not provide you a single bit more security.  Tyrants love it, free citizens suffer it.  A free society must accept personal and collective responsibility for its own security and not outsource it to power-hungry politicians, spy agencies, and industrialists.  In fact, the incredible response time of the Aurora Police Department in response to the theater shootings demonstrate this fact.  Even though police were less than two minutes away (essentially there), they were unable to prevent a horrendous massacre.  Just like 9/11, it is only through the willingness to resist and the individual to accept responsibility for his own and his community’s collective security that our nation will remain free and safe.  Do not buy the spin and refuse to accept the government’s facade that swaps freedom and liberty for security.  You will get neither.

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