As the title says, I’m looking for recommendations for a new modular hydration carrier.
Here are my constraints-
[ul]
[li]Must fit the back of an IOTV (5 spaced MOLLE rows)[/li][li]Zipper closure preferred[/li][li]3L capacity, with no overkill (just big enough for the bladder, maybe one or two very low profile pockets)[/li][li]Multicam[/li][/ul]
I have been using a Tactical Tailor pouch, which I ordered because I liked the simplicity. I’m not interested in getting another for two reasons. One, it is just too long. Secondly, I do not like the hook and loop flap closure. Both of these contribute to the pouch getting hung up going in and out of vehicle doors and hatches.
The two that I am most interested in are the PIG 3L Hydration Carrier (Multicam is out of stock), and the Emdom Vehicle Hydration Carrier (I’m choking on the $110 price tag). So please, help me out M4C. What hydration carriers are out there that might work for me?
check out the dagger from source - price includes reservoir:
http://source-military.com/hydration-packs/81-dagger-3l.html
The PIG 3L is just the size of the bladder, not real room for anything extra. It has a tapered cut toward the bottom.
The Emdom Vehicle Hydration carrier has plenty of extra space and is more boxy. Has a long sleeve pocket on the outside great for a VS-17 Panel folded. Also has a mesh pocket towards the top for water purification pills or other things of the nature.
I switch back and forth quite frequently between my PIG 2L and the Emdom pouch. I use the Emdom when operating out of a helo because I can carry more stuff like extra MBITR batteries in there. It expands quite well. Normally my Air missions are far shorter so I don’t bring a pack and keep everything on my armor for ease.
When dismounted, or working from a truck, I wear the PIG 2L because it’s very slim line and isn’t such a PITA with a ruck or assault pack.
SOS
Edit - If I remember correctly the IOTV molle starts lower down on the back of the IOTV because of the drag handle. There is not as much room from top to bottom as most PC’s or even the old IBA.
Thanks for the recommendations, guys.
SOS, you are right about the IOTV’s limited space on the back. The MOLLE rows actually sit in the middle (don’t go all the way up or down) because of the poorly executed access to the rip cord system. I’m probably going to break out my extremely poor sewing skills to put another row of webbing on the upper rip-cord-access-flap so I have room to mount a hydro carrier higher up.