High Ground Media, LLC

Establishing itself in 2009 as a benchmark in rifle slings, the Vickers Sling brings forward a design fostered out of years in personal application, and use in the field by armed forces. Developed by former Delta member Larry Vickers, and in conjunction with Blue Force Gear, the Vickers Sling allows for rapid adjustment to customize its overall length and weapon retention.

Made from a thick, 1.25” wide, Invista solution-dyed Cordura webbing, the Vickers Sling has “triglides” on both ends that allow the sling to be attached to M4/A2-style swivel sling loops, or on QD loop hardware.

The Vickers Sling uses TEX 90 bonded nylon thread throughout for its maximum durability against moisture rot and tensile strength.

At the front is a patented “Quick Adjuster” buckle with off-set colored pull tab for easy visual recognition.

All associated hardware on the Vickers Sling is made from either DuPont Nylon, anodized aluminum, or is made from phosphate steel for maximum strength.

Specifications:

• Minimum Length: 54” (with the adjuster slide tightened)
• Maximum Length: 64” fully extended

The Vickers Sling comes in 13 different colors to include: OD Green (featured), Multicam, ATACs, Kyrptek, Wolf Gray and many more. In addition, Blue Force Gear offers a padded variant to the Vickers Sling, as well as customized hardware to fit specific needs.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): At $49.95 the Vickers Sling really set the standard for adjustable two-point slings. Over time a lot of companies have attempted to mimic its design, specifically the adjustor buckles, but few have still had the success of the original. Market slings comparable to the Vickers include; the Operators Two Point Sling ($35.99) by First Spear, the Simple Sling ($29.00-$42.00) by Snake Eater Tactical, or the MS3 Gen2 ($47.45) by Magpul. Yet the Vickers Sling is in the higher price range (and perhaps the oldest) of slings on the market, so its cost is most likely directly attributed the volume of material involved (see Weight below) to name recognition.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Very thick, the Vickers Sling moved easily and manipulated between the carry/slung position to a combat ready position quickly. The adjuster buckle slid easily over the Cordura webbing and did not bind. The offset color of the pull tab made it easy to find the adjustor buckle. The sling itself was very comfortable because the material did not cut into exposed skin. The thickness of the sling itself however, also made it heavier than newer slings on the market and effected the overall score.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): Given the Vickers Sling was made from dominantly Cordura and quality hardware, the sling held up to continual adjustment and did not fray. The hardware did not involve overly complicated or spring-loaded points, which often pose the potential for failure, and thus the Vickers Sling effectively embraced tactical minimalism.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, it’s hard to get too complicated on a sling. And the Vickers Sling embraced that simplicity, all while offering a functional and efficient adjustment design that made it easy to go from sling to deployment in a second. Attaching it to either A2-style sling points or on QD hardware was easy, and multiple M4 or other carbine-style stocks have considered cuts or points for mounting slings in various configurations for maximum comfort. Other vendors have attempted to mimic the design, but again the original remains a consumer favorite.
• Weight – Fair (2/5): At 117 grams (or roughly 4.2 ounces) the Vickers Sling was notably heavier than most of the aforementioned alternatives, predominantly due to the material’s thickness. That weight increased markedly if the sling became wet with sweat or water. In comparison, most of the alternative slings measured roughly 3.3 ounces with its associated hardware because their nylon was thinner and of a tighter weave.

Overall Rating – Above Average (17/25)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/vickers-sling

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Introduced in 2015, then revised in 2020 to include more color options, the Apparition Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) Bag by Grey Ghost Gear is made from a two-tone combination of rip-stop nylons similar to many top-end civilian backpacks. The Apparition is intended to promote a low-profile and discrete means to transport a rifle and/or firearm accessories in a manner that won’t trigger the Karen next door.

With its 27” (H) x 14” (W) x 6” (D) overall dimension, the Apparition can extend its height to 33” and accommodate most SBRs and folder ARs thanks to an extended bottom pouch inside the main storage compartment. As a result, the Apparition has a total carrying capacity of 1200 in².

Exterior

With its clean and sleek exterior, the front of the Apparition incorporates two full-length, paddle-shaped, dual YKK zippered openings (with paracord pull tabs) that grants full access to the secondary and main storage compartments.

On the exterior left side of the secondary storage compartment is a 15”, zipper-secured accessory pocket that is also pleated to allow for flexibility of the fabric and overall bag once contents are added.

Both sides of the Apparition include an elastic-secured pouch for water bottles or other items. Above the side pouches are nylon cinch straps with slide-release buckle to secure tripods, paper target rolls, and more.

The backpanel incorporates two 1” thick, open cell foam pads that are spaced to allow air circulation while worn. From its top, a nylon harrying handle is stitched into the supportive material.

The shoulder straps and yolk are adjustable so as to accommodate a variety of heights and comfort, while a sternum strap and waist belt provide added security and support while worn. The shoulder straps, yolk, and waist belt also incorporate the same 1” thick open-cell foam for breathability and heat dissipation. Both sides of the waist belt also include a zipper-secured accessory pouch, and the belt itself is secured around the waist via a 2” slide-release buckle and to the SBR Bag via hook-and-loop.

At the bottom is the zipper-secured 6” extension pocket as well as a separate, zipper-secured pocket containing a stowable rain cover.

Interior

On the interior of the outer secondary storage compartment of the Apparition is a ¾ length hook-and-loop (female) field, above which are two accessory pockets and two pen sleeves. Oppositely, on the inside of the access flap is a zipper-secured, accessory mesh pocket.

The main storage compartment is an unencumbered space with a hook-and-loop (female) field the length of the interior. Accompanying the hook-and-loop field are five adjustable hook-and-loop (male) anchoring straps that allow the user to customize how the Apparition secures an SBR or a full-length rifle broken down into both its receivers.

On the interior of the main storage compartment access flap are two magazine pouches, secured via adjustable shock cord, and a 9 ¾” zipper-secured accessory pocket. In addition, next to the accessory pocket is a key lanyard.

The Apparition SBR Bag is available in Tan (featured), Black, Grey, and Brown with a variety of offsetting thread colors.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): With its list price of $179.99, the Apparition merges flexible abrasion-resistant nylons (typically attributed to quality hiking backpacks), with genuine YKK hardware to give the end user a functional transport bag, with low visibility features, that would be at home in any café bistro or on the range. Market alternatives to the Apparition includes the SBR Pack ($257.49) by LBT Inc., the Gamut 2.0 ($219.99) from Vertex, the Stealth SBR Backpack ($199.95) by Elite Survival. All of these bring together their own unique designs and applications, but illustrate that the Apparition is at a very good price point amid the market, its materials, and low-profile design.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From an aspect of comfort, the Apparition had a good level of padding along the back, and sufficiently along the shoulder straps that ensured the wearer did not feel pressure from the contents, nor pinch in the arms/shoulders. Likewise, if opted for, the included waist pad also helped mitigate the weight borne on the upper torso by spreading it along the hips—something that was beneficial while on backcountry trails. Both sides of the back panel had a thick, deep padding that allowed an airflow channel down the center that offset some of the heat built up/trapped under the pack against the body. The shoulder straps themselves were wide enough apart, and the adjustable yolk had enough range, that it allowed for excellent comfort across the shoulders and prevented slumping in the shoulders under a full weight. All YKK zippers functioned smoothly and did not bind nor pinch taking turns. The only drawback noted here, and recommendation of improvement for GGG, was a lack of elastic cuffs on the various shoulder, waist, and sternum straps to control excess material; but for the interested end user, these can be easily purchased through an aftermarket vendor.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The Apparition was made from the same Rip-Stop and nylon material as many outdoor packs and weather-resistant clothing. The purpose to this was to prevent gouges, tears, or cuts—and when/if that material becomes compromised the threading would only be limited to that small segment and not fray further (although it obviously wasn’t puncture resistant). Throughout evaluation keys, gear, cameras, guns, water bottles and other items were all carried or moved over the material. At no point did any material fray nor become compromised. Some over-threading was noted, but easily removed, and all stitch lines were smooth and straight. Throughout the bag, double-line and bartack stitching was noted along all zippers, shoulder straps, and other key stressor points that helped ensure longevity while being carried, transported, or thrown around during evaluation.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Apparition was intended to serve as a discrete SBR transport bag, one that successfully enabled the user to confidently carry their short barrel rifle or AR pistol freely. The low profile design, pleating, and colors fit well within almost any urban/civilian setting or gear lineup. When completely filled with a 10.5” AR pistol (with/without mounted suppressor) and other items, the bag itself limited any bulge or profiling that could indicate the nature of its contents. Of note, if users wanted to remove the hip pad, it is hook-and-loop secured to the sleeve at the bottom of the bag, and can be simply disconnected and slid out so that the Apparition takes on an even greater appearance of a dual-strap day pack, and less like a hiking pack. The overlapping front pockets did do well to carry smaller items, including a G19 and training essentials provided they all had a somewhat slim or flat profile (bulkier items used up the storage space quickly). Other features, like the fully hook-and-loop (female) lined interior and anchoring straps, provided for complete customization based on platform and dimensions to ensure that rifle, pistol, or other contents could be securely accommodated. The expansion pocket on the bottom helped to allot for a full-length suppressor to be mounted to the interior while transported, and still held enough room for a complete AR pistol (this also meant that a full length 16” AR rifle with a folding stock could be easily accommodated as well). The only notable drawback to using the expansion pocket is that the barrel will extend downward and out of the bag, thus prohibit setting the bag down while sitting up (something GGG may want to consider reversing the location of the expansion pocket to be on the top/opening of the bag, and thus allow the bag to be set down). Likewise, users may want to note that while the removable rain cover is stored in the bottom of the bag, it does occupy a small amount of space inside the bottom of the interior, but did allow the pack to relax sufficiently to stand up when placed on the floor.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At an approximate weight of 64 ounces (empty), the Apparition was very lightweight and similar to other civilian hiking backpacks, in large part to the flexible nylon material, open-cell padding, and frameless design. The adjustable shoulder pads helped ensure the weight remained comfortable on the upper torso, while the hip pad greatly assisted over longer distances. In contrast, the SBR Pack (38.4 ounces) by LBT Inc., the Gamut 2.0 (67.2 ounces) from Vertex, and the Stealth SBR Backpack (46.4 ounces) by Elite Survival illustrate that with different designs and volume of material gives a wide difference in overall weight. But the Apparition itself is still among the heavier of similar bags simply due to the added weight from padding and material over lesser SBR bags.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://greyghostgear.com/products/apparition-sbr-bag

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Designed with input from members from 3^rd Special Forces Group and Canadian Special Operations, the Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) by The Requirements Groups (TRG) and sold via their distributor Shadow offers a compact, rapid-access, minimalist pouch to life-saving essentials.

Made of 1000D Cordura, the IFAK features a YKK-zippered IFAK pouch inside an envelope-style mounting flap with a YKK silent release buckle. The mounting flap secures to the user via three rows of MOLLE and/or two belt loops, and uses combination hook-and-loop and button connections to ensure the aid pouch remains in place but can be disconnected when needed. All major stress points to the mounting flap are either double stitched, bartacked, and/or ‘X Box’ stitched for added strength.

Inside, the IFAK pouch consists of a taco-style design with two elastic cuffs per side, behind which are two elastic envelope sleeves for documents or flattened items, such as Celox or other hemostats. The IFAK aid pouch itself is wide enough to contain one tourniquet and one battle dressing (Israeli) to one side, and smaller/flat items (such as an NPA or pen light) on the other (medical items not included). On the top of the IFAK, is a high-grade cell foam padded handle, and overall the IFAK with mounting flap measures 7” (W) x 6” (H) x 3” (D).

The Shadow IFAK comes in Coyote (featured), Black, OD Green, UTP, UTP Temperate, Woodland Digital, and Italian Vegetato.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At $33.10 the price of the IFAK is comparable to other internationally manufactured IFAKs (US products sometimes tend to be higher). But for the 1000D Cordura material and design, the cost is about what should be expected.
• Comfort – Fair (2/5): The aspect of the enclosing envelope-style flap feels a bit awkward, like you’re having to access a pouch to get to another pouch. Most IFAKs on the market don’t feature this two-pouch design; and that plays an aspect into the product’s purpose, but it just feels like a clunky approach if you were in dire need of a tourniquet or your hands slick from blood and needed direct access.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The 1000D Cordura is on the higher scale for abrasion resistance, so TRG’s IFAK is going to stand up well if worn or mounted to a vehicle. With the addition of X-style and bartac reinforcement, the IFAK will likely stand up for a long time. In fact, the only negative that affected the IFAK’s score was a missed stitch line to the IFAK itself, and it is uncertain how that will be affected over time. This is most likely a QC-related issue that TRG would resolve if desired.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): As noted above, the functionality of the envelope-style flap and tear-away IFAK is a bit awkward, particularly if one is in a high duress situation. Otherwise the internal design of the IFAK is very compact and with the elastic cuffs it will ensure the medical items remain secure. It would be nice if there were a means of visually denoting on the exterior that this is an aid pouch (medical cross or hook-and-loop field for an associated medical patch) so others can know at a glance what is inside. But if necessary one can draw one in using a sharpie.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At 9.1 ounces (empty) the IFAK is of reasonable weight considering the high denier rating of the material and comparable to other IFAKs on the current market.

Overall Rating – Average (15/25)

Product Link: https://therequirementsgroup.com/she-24047/

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.