I am new to the M4Carbine forums, so hello to all!
As many of you on here, I am a tactical gear lover and user for a long time. After spending countless dollars over the years on gear and always searching for better fits for my equipment, I decided to start my own manufacturing company (TacPak Tactical) of high-quality, lifetime warranty gear that competes head-on with the “bigger” names but at a significantly lower cost - no sacrifice in quality and not cheap Asia import items.
I am in the beginning stages of the launch and working with several suppliers to complete the design of my products. The first will be a tactical backpack. Since this is the early stages of the manufacturing, I wanted to reach out to the real-world user community and get some feedback on what some folks think should be incorporated into a product they buy.
Note, that I will only be using premium components (1000 denier nylon or better, YKK zippers, etc.) and all of them will be built around a modular Molle design. What I am looking for is design feedback. Useful configurations, pocket or compartment size recommendations for specific gear type, etc.
Your help will be greatly appreciated and the members here will have the opportunity to be part of the design. Of course, when the items are ready, I will be happy to offer them at a discount to the user forums, if this is permitted on this board.
Thank you everyone, and I look forward to your feedback!
How about a backpack to fit an disassembled 10.5-12.5" SBR? Main zipper compartment with divider for upper/lower receiver, second zipper compartment for mags, etc. Keep the exterior clean/subdued/covert.
Something like my 5.11 COVRT 18 bag, but big enough for an disassembled SBR.
How bout a gunners bag for uparmored turrets? I always wanted a purpose built bag that would hold some spare M4 mags, flares, dip, spray bottle of CLP, towel, headspace and timing gauges, and sundry other items. It should be made to attach to the turret somehow. I made do with a hanging toiletries bag, but I always hoped someone would come up with something like this.
Just to make sure were on the same page… Whatever it is, it wont be good without: 138 Bonded Nylon thread throughout, 5038 Taped seams throughout, more 1000+D Cordura than hip, new, cool, 2-way stretch Duro Ind. bullshit, YKK zips exclusively, ITW/Nat’l Molding/AustriAlpin hardware exclusively… Etc.
Unfortunately, though, whatever it is it wont be cool and marketable at any competitive rate and subsequently wont be successful without: a cool looking, well-embroidered logo (see: Arc’Teryx), as much if not more focus on product marketing as/than on product development (see: Arc’Teryx), the blessing of at least a few gurus in the training industry (see: Arc’Teryx), at least a marginal overtaking of practicality by aesthetics (see: Arc’Teryx).
As far as actual innovation and the point of this thread goes… Right now all I want is a better way to integrate 0.093" Kydex mag retainers into mag pouches, a way that does NOT rely on adhesive and I’d like to see bent UHMW/HD PE or Kydex inserts in the back of IFAKs to make sure that when packed full of gear they do not peel away from hook and loop MOLLE panels. Also a pouch or just small retention device for a primary dressing used just to slap a cover on a GSW/laceration while you move the casualty to safety where you can prep for transport would be nice. I dont like the idea of breaking out the IFAK, choosing the right size gauze package, putting the IFAK away cause Ill need it later and then applying the gauze, moving casualty and then breaking out the IFAK again. Just give me a one-column elastic band or simple pistol mag-style pouch with hook and loop closure for signature reduction that I can keep a primary dressing (size for 6" IBD, Olaes, large Kerlix) in for just such applications.
This is great feedback and I appreciate the active and constructive responses. PAX - I agree with the logo - branding and marketing are key and I am working with some designers on the logo.
Another note I should mention; I am trying to keep the manufacturing all in the USA. Right now, I have enlisted the skills of my wife who is cutting and sewing the patterns that my suppliers need for the sample design. I am hoping to have some initial photos of the first round of product in the next few weeks.
The first product lines will be limited, but if response is positive, I will be incorporating the most popular design responses into the next batch of product.
PAX - also to you comment, the founding principle of starting this initiative, is to create ONLY quality products with premium components and design. No adhesives, substandard material etc. Professional grade zips, snaps and hook/loop and fabric.
Like the participants here, I am also a user of this equipment. I want my products to exceed that of what 5.11, Maxpedition, Arc’Teryx have on the market; and I know all three of those are good products as I use them myself. But I want to be better
I never got in on the “sneaky” bag grab before the company went out of business. I would like to see someone bring back the sneaky bag concept, for say, 16in carbines and then maybe 14.5s and one for SBRs. Yes, I have seen the 5.11 variety and they are not bad. Staying tuned for updates.
How about showing the 7.62 AR crowd some love.
It’s awfully difficult to find mag pouches in different varieties for 7.62 as opposed to 5.56.
Kydex or elastic would be a good place to start & FYI, in my experience with 7.62 mag pouches, the pouch is too deep for the mag–it’s like they had a 30rd 5.56 mag in mind when they measured out the length.
