Vanquest TOLCAT 2.0 VPacker Gear Bag Review

Today Luke is reviewing the Vanquest TOLCAT 2.0 VPacker Gear Bag.
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Link Vanquest : https://www.vanquest.com/products/tolcat-2-0-vpacker-gear-bag.html

Link Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Vanquest-TOLCAT-VPacker-Gear-Black/dp/B01FITGJPW

Price : Retail $71.99

Colors : Black, Grey, Coyote, Multicam and Multicam Black

TOLCAT 2.0 improvements: (1) ambidextrous design with removable/reversible shoulder strap for user-friendly right- or left-carry, (2) out-of-sign CCW compartment with enlarged opening (can store an iPad Mini), (3) built-in holders on both sides for small water bottles, (4) built-in medical organization.

The upgraded VANQUEST® VPacker™ 2.0 series is your next generation gear bag: Ambidextrous construction for comfortable right or left-carry, CCW and hydration-compatible, plus improved design for faster access to your gear and medical organization.

Compact, yet well-organized: One 8" (H) x 7.25" (W) x 4" (D) main compartment with a weather-resistant ripstop storm cover that can cinch-close. Two 6.5" (H) x 4" (W) x 1.75" (D) double-zippered side pockets can double as water bottle holders with elastic retention. A front pocket with elastic ladder organization for medical supplies, a lockable CCW compartment with enlarged opening (can store an iPad Mini), plus plenty of high-viz ripstop organization. The hidden CCW compartment keeps your CCW out-of-sight, and can be kept open for lightning-fast access. Total 24 slots and pockets to maximize your carry capability!

For optimal ergonomics, the TOLCAT™ VPacker naturally contour around your body. A removable waist strap further stabilizes the TOLCAT with added stability, and helps support the weight on your shoulder. Its 2" shoulder strap can be removed, and reversed for comfortable right or left-side carry. It features a Duraflex double-lock security buckle, an accessory D-ring, and a 1/2"-thick shoulder pad for maximum comfort.

Features/Specifications/Materials

● NEW: Ambidextrous design with removable shoulder strap for left or right-side user-selectable carry.

● NEW: Built-in elastic cord medical organization & Maximizer elastic webbing inside front compartment. Added hook & loop closure in front exterior pocket

● NEW: Out of sight rear CCW compartment with loop attachment and enlarged opening (Also fits the latest iPad Mini)

● NEW: Loop-Faced MOLLE-Air structure for MOLLE accessory & morale patch attachment

● NEW: Two gusseted slip pockets for quick access to multi-tool, flashlight, etc.

● Net Weight: 1.70 pounds (1000-D Cordura®)

● Net Weight: 1.55 pounds (500-D MultiCam & MultiCam-Black Cordura®)

● Total Capacity: 6.5 Liters

● Main Compartment (Interior): 8" (H) x 7.25" (W) x 4" (D)

● Front Compartment (Interior): 7.25" (H) x 6.5" (W) x 1.5" (D)

● Side Pockets (Interior): 6.5" (H) x 4" (W) x 1.75" (D)

● Rear CCW Compartment (Minimum): 8.5” (H) x 12" top - 6" bottom (W). 7.5" Zipper opening. (Fits the latest iPad Mini)

● Lightweight 210-D Ripstop Nylon storm cover in main compartment

● Neoprene handle for comfortable hand carry

● Total 24 organizing compartments and slots

● MOLLE/PALS webbings for accessory attachment

Materials:

● 1,000-D Mil-grade Cordura® fabric with water-repellent Teflon® fabric protector by DuPont® (500-D on MultiCam & MultiCam-Black Cordura®)

● Genuine MADE-IN-USA MultiCam® & MultiCam-Black Cordura® by Crye Precision™

● Lightweight & moisture resistant 210-D Ripstop nylon

● Durable RC-Class YKK® lockable zippers, reversed for protection

● MOLLE-compatible attachment system with PALS webbing

● Lightweight MOLLE-Air structure for MOLLE accessory attachment

● Mil-grade ITW® and UTX-Duraflex® hardware made from high tensile strength Acetal polymer

● Circular zipper loops made of paracord

● High tensile strength nylon webbings and binding tapes

● Finished with high tensile strength bonded nylon thread

T.O.G.R. Decal Announcement - Available Now

Today Luke is announcing some new merchandise to support the Channel. Thank you all.

Link : http://www.theoutdoorgearreview.com/p/support-us.html

Giveaway - Fire B.O.S.S. - Survival Supplement Kit - Enter Now

Today Luke is giving away a FIRE B.O.S.S. BUG OUT SURVIVAL SUPPLEMENT KIT from Stanford Outdoor Supply.  Enter to Win Now!

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Link : https://www.stanfordoutdoorsupply.com/collections/survival-kits-1/products/pre-order-fire-b-o-s-s-bug-out-survival-supplement-kit?variant=30831006602

Price : $19.99

33 piece kit

The Fire B.O.S.S. is the second kit in our series of Bug Out Survival Supplements, a collaboration of Stanford Outdoor Supply and Guns and Gear Network. Anything you might need to start a fire in any condition is contained in this pocket-sized, waterproof package. Make it easy and use the lighter or matches. Feeling up to a challenge? Craft a fire bow and drill from the included Kevlar thread and flange bearing. It's all up to you! Assembled in the USA.

Kit Contents:
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·         1 Lighter
·         Waterproof Matches
·         Ferro Rod and Striker
·         Pocket Fresnel Lens
·         6 Magnesium Capsules
·         Steel Wool
·         4 pieces Char Cloth
·         2 Tealight Candles
·         1 oz. Fatwood Sticks
·         Foil Paper
·         Pencil Sharpener
·         6 Tinder Tabs
·         10' Jute Twine
·         Waterproof Tinder Ball
·         Wire Saw
·         6' Kevlar Thread (for fire bow/drill)
·         1 Flange Bearing (for fire bow/drill)
·         1 Folding Knife
·         1 waterproof survival instruction sheet

Smiths Pack Pal Tinder Maker with Fire Starter - Review

Today Luke is reviewing the Smiths Pack Pal Tinder Maker with Fire Starter.

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Link : https://www.amazon.com/Smiths-50635-Tinder-Maker-Starter/dp/B00VTO5FZQ
Price : $16.00 Amazon at the time of filming

Length = 3.65 inches

Width = 1.53 inches

Height = 1.02 inches

Weight = 0.07 pounds

Fire steel and scraper can be stored inside the tinder box. Blade can be flipped over when not in use, to prevent damaging other equipment when stored in a backpack. I added a small plastic baggie inside mine to store extra tinder and keep it dry.

 I found the cord holding it to the tinder box to be too short, making it awkward to strike the fire starter

After the Camp - Testing Grounds 3

This is the After the Camp for the Overnight Adventure, Testing Grounds 3.  Luke answers questions, addresses comments and more.

What's in the Box??? - Viewer Mail - Unboxing 18

What's in the Box???

Today we're looking at some viewer mail that was sent in to The Outdoor Gear Review.  As always I'm honored and thankful.

Snugpak Hammock Under Blanket - Review

Today Luke is reviewing the Snugpak Hammock Under Blanket.
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Snugpak Hammock Under Blanket

Amazon Link : https://www.amazon.com/Snugpak-Hammock-Blanket-Travelsoft-Filling/dp/B0167IYGH6

Snugpak Link :  http://www.proforceequipment.com/product-details.php?id=499&catid=31

Price : $43.33 from Amazon.  $60 on the Snugpak Web Site

Weight : 51oz / 3.1 lbs / 1450g

- Available in Olive Color

Anyone use to sleeping outdoors in hammocks will be familiar with the windchill that can penetrate from beneath due to the crushing of clothing and sleeping bags against the hammock, which can make for a very cold night! The Snugpak® Under Blanket is a totally new innovation. Fitting snugly to the outside of your hammock, it cleverly insulates you from the cold winds, giving you a warm, comfortable and cozy night's sleep.

- Fits most hammocks

- Made with MicroDiamond Fabric with a Paratex™ Antibacterial treatment

- The Travelsoft™ filling gives great insulation and comfort, reflecting and trapping heat

- Complete with Compression Stuff Sack

DIMENSIONS
Length 83" / 2105cm
Width (w/o flaps) 58" / 148cm
Each Flap 10" / 25cm
Pack size 9" x 9" / 23 x 23cm

Review :

Easy to setup, shock cord allows for the perfect range of movement as you get in and out of the sleeping pad.

The price is…..AWESOME!  For an underquilt, this price is terrific.

Does an awesome job of blocking the wind and keeping you warm.  The coldest temps that I have been able to use it have been 29F with winds around 15 mph.  With this under blanket and the Snuppak Hammock Blanket; perfectly comfortable!

Snugpak is known for affordability and quality and again, they hit the mark.  It works with just about any quilt; my Hennessey, my Snugpak tropical, etc.

Bottom Line : For the money, this is a really good product.  The downfall is that it is heavy.  Save some weight, ditch the compression sack.  It weights in at over 6oz.

Testing Grounds 3 - Overnight Adventure

Testing some gear;

Mora Eldris Mod!
Swag Tent.
Hot Ash Stove.
Fenix TK32
and more.

Thunder.  Lightning.  Gear Failure.

Enjoy!  More adventures on the way.

My Favorite Gear : Inexpensive Ultralight Ground Cloth

Today Luke is talking about one of his favorite pieces of gear; the Ultralight Ground Cloth.

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Link :

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=144

UL Ground Cloth

Shipped as a Duo Size - Can be cut in half for two solo sizes at less than 1.2oz ea.

60" X 96" (5' X 9') 2.4oz

$8

Very WaterProof - Even more than Silnylon and most other LW WP Fabrics and Tyvek

Ultra Light Weight, Inexpensive and Effective

• SHIPPED AS ONE LARGE DUO SIZE - Cut it into two singles or any shape to fit a floorless shelter footprint
• A trimmed 28" X 7' solo size will weight less than 1oz
• This UL Ground Sheet is fairly quiet and is NOT crinkly or noisy.
• Clear - Similar in feel to a thin Mylar plastic- pretty tough for a .5oz/sq/yd material
• Plenty tough for many nights of use
• Film is used in food industry to shrink wrap food .
• Tough and safe vs lower quality chemical laden PVC style wrap
• Clear color to see sticks and stones underneath
• Can be cut into tent shape footprints.
• Punctures and little tears can be mended with duct tape for a pretty long service life

Winner Announcement - 2016 Christmas Giveaway

Today Luke is announcing the Winner of the 2016 Christmas Giveaway.  Will it be you?  Find out now.

Thank you to everyone who entered, more contests and giveaways coming soon.

Testing Grounds 3 - Overnight Adventure - INTRO

Testing some gear;

Mora Eldris Mod!
Swag Tent.
Hot Ash Stove.
Fenix TK32
and more.

Thunder.  Lightning.    Gear Failure.

This is the INTRO for Testing Grounds 3.  The actual Adventure is coming soon.

What's in the Box??? - Viewer Mail - Unboxing 17

What's in the Box???

Today we're looking at some viewer mail that was sent in to The Outdoor Gear Review.  As always I'm honored and thankful.

Fire B.O.S.S. - Bug Out Survival Supplement Kit - Review

Today Luke is taking a look at the FIRE B.O.S.S. BUG OUT SURVIVAL SUPPLEMENT KIT from Stanford Outdoor Supply.

…

Link : https://www.stanfordoutdoorsupply.com/collections/survival-kits-1/products/pre-order-fire-b-o-s-s-bug-out-survival-supplement-kit?variant=30831006602

Price : $19.99

Weight :

33 piece kit

The Fire B.O.S.S. is the second kit in our series of Bug Out Survival Supplements, a collaboration of Stanford Outdoor Supply and Guns and Gear Network. Anything you might need to start a fire in any condition is contained in this pocket-sized, waterproof package. Make it easy and use the lighter or matches. Feeling up to a challenge? Craft a fire bow and drill from the included Kevlar thread and flange bearing. It's all up to you! Assembled in the USA.

Kit Contents:

·         1 Lighter
·         Waterproof Matches
·         Ferro Rod and Striker
·         Pocket Fresnel Lens
·         6 Magnesium Capsules
·         Steel Wool
·         4 pieces Char Cloth
·         2 Tealight Candles
·         1 oz. Fatwood Sticks
·         Foil Paper
·         Pencil Sharpener
·         6 Tinder Tabs
·         10' Jute Twine
·         Waterproof Tinder Ball
·         Wire Saw
·         6' Kevlar Thread (for fire bow/drill)
·         1 Flange Bearing (for fire bow/drill)
·         1 Folding Knife
·         1 waterproof survival instruction sheet