Tactical Vest question - What are must haves in it?

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Rockrivr1

Rockrivr1

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While purusing the online auctions sites I picked up a black tactical vest pretty cheap. Seeing I can't shoot for a few more weeks because of my shoulder I've been keeping busy doing other gun related stuff. The vest has a cross draw holster for my Sig and 2 sleeves to hold mags for it. It also has three sleeves for AR or AK mags, but it also has a slew of various other pouches and sleeves for other equipment.

With that said, what do you think is "MUST HAVE" equipment on a SHTF tactical vest? Besides loaded magazines that is. Granted, I'm never going to wear this unless things go terribly wrong, but it's nice to know I have it fully stocked in the event I need it.

The vest came with a belt thats attached through the vest loops and has area's for attachements as well. So if you think I need something more then the vest will hold, I can add them as well. The back of the vest comes with the hardware to install a Camelback or other hydration system, but I'm not sure if that is the right choice or if a canteen on the belt would be better.

So what do you think.
 
The Most Important "Thing" to Have In It

A highly trained and motivated person with a stout heart.

:)

Hey, you asked, everything else is secondary.
 
Pockets. If the SHTF than you need to carry a LOT of crap with you and you must have it immediately ready, not stowed away in a big, bulky backpack. A flashlight or extra mag in hand is worth three in the pack.
 
A flashlight might be useful. Maybe an LED light. Give some thought to batteries. During the aftermath of the two hurricanes we just went through in Volusia County C and D cells were almost impossible to get. AAs were a bit easier to come by. The 123 lithium batteries used by cameras and Surefire type lights were available but the flashlights that used them drain the charge very quickly. A few chemical light sticks are small, light, and easy to pack.

Some method of starting a fire would probably be useful. I like disposable lighters, but whatever works best for you. If you go with the cheapy throw away lighter like me carry two in case one breaks. Matches should be kept in a water proof container, etc.

A good multitool or Swiss Army Knife can come in handy during an emergency. Having one dedicated to your vest might be useful if you can't find your everyday carry one in the dark with whatever disaster that is causing you to bugout going full strength.

Some zip ties and a small flat roll of duct tape can be useful in making repairs or as make shift restraints should the situation call for it. I also like to keep a roll of metal wire hanging around. I have used this for all sorts of quickie and semi permanent repairs. Get some the next time you are at the hard ware store, you won't regret it.

Some extra food is a good idea. Maybe some life boat rations or the entree from an MRE to save space. Beef or chicken bullion cubes are another good thing to have. A hot cup of broth is better then nothing. Hard candies are great for quick energy and to moisten the mouth and throat. Also get that camelback for you vest. Water can be worth it's weight in gold.

A small first aid kit and some spare over the counter medication is a must. Some suphedrine, Tylenol, and vitamins are great things to have handy. As are Band-Aids and gauze. Include any prescription drugs you take on a regular basis. If you have asthma bring a spare inhaler.

A space blanket or better yet a space sleeping bag can keep you warm at night out in the open.

Last, but definitely not least. BRING SPARE SOCKS. Two or three pair at a minimum. Doing so saved my feet during hurricane Frances when I was mandated into work at the correctional facility and my shoes got soaked while I was investigating a hole in the roof during the storm. I had to keep working regardless, and we were there three days with no chance to go home. If you can attach a small pack like comes as part of some camelback hydration systems to your vest a pair of BDU pants and a T-shirt can be rolled up tight and take up little space.

I may seem like a lot, but you would be surprised how much you can pack into a small space if you are motivated and don't mind plying a 3 dimensional game of Tetris. All tactical considerations for movement in a hostile area still apply. If your gear rattles or shines where it shouldn't you need to repack and fix the problem.
 
I forgot to mention insect repellent. This is important. Natural disasters can bring out all sorts of creepy crawlie nasty things that bite and sting.

Also hygiene items to inlude shaving gear. It can be a real morale boost to be clean and shaved. Maintaining your morale is as important as maintaining your weapon.
 
OK, I'll give you the unglamorous stuff that nobody else thinks of:

Rubber or wood door stops for wedging doors shut. They can still be forced open, by not stealthily. use them to secure doorways you clear and pass.

550 cord, various lengths. Used to secure doors and as drag/RIT lines. Flat or tubular webbing works great also if you can get it.

Spare flashlight.

Miniature Stanley Wonderbar. Great for forcing locks, if you're an ape

Compact mirror for corners, I use one from an auto parts store that was the stickon kind. Also have a mechanic's extendable mirror

Trauma Pad, for really bad oopses

Granola bars or protein bars. something to gnaw on.

Cough drops, Coughing in a fight is rude, plus it gives away your location.

Bottle of water.

Leatherman tool, of course.

Spare grenade pin

Nomex gloves

Small bottle of breakfree for things that squeak when they should'nt.

I'm sure I've got more, but this a start
 
Since nobody has mentioned it yet, I will. ALWAYS go with the Camelback over canteens. Nevermind the tacticality of them for HS/LD issues, if you are able to drink in small sips rather than large gulps you will stay better hydrated. Better hydration means better performance. Think about it. If you have to grab the vest and head for the hills you will be able to drink on the run, without having to free up both hands to access your canteen. You can move farther faster. Don't believe me, check out any footage of any military unit, especially special ops. units, and see what they are using. They might have canteens, but they have hydration systems as their primary every time. Hope this helps.

Calhoun
 
:D

Flashbangs are expensive, I'll reuse any part I can get. Pins are one of those things, when ya need one, ya need one real bad.

Ditto on the camelback, nowhere near as clunky as canteens
 
Geez, sendec...

Thanks for your list.
Kind of an eye-opener for me.
I don't think I'll ever have to clear a house
(aside from my own), but the unexpected items
you lsted got me thinking and rethinking
my own situation.

Again, thanks.


.
 
Does your vest have any shell loops? Because I happen to know that the "fun-sized" Butterfinger candy bars will fit into 12-gauge elastic shell loops. I'd take some of those. They're really tasty. Plus, I'll bet if the SHTF, and some crazy biker terrorist charges you with a machete, and he sees those Butterfingers in your vest, he'll stop charging and say "Oh, cool! You've got fun-sized Butterfingers! Can I have one?" Then you can shoot him.
 
some crazy biker terrorist charges you with a machete, and he sees those Butterfingers in your vest, he'll stop charging and say "Oh, cool! You've got fun-sized Butterfingers! Can I have one?" Then you can shoot him.
Click to expand...

That had me rolling! :D
 
Get one with a pocket for a camelback or similar bladder... even if you are just out "playing" three gun it's nice to have water handy that doesn't make you take off a canteen.

Some only have space for a 4 rifle magazines, others hold 8. The US made LBE's have better padding and support than the Warsaw Pact ones.

It's a survival vest first and foremost, right?

So anything you'd throw in your fanny pack on a weekend hunt would be useful. Small first aid kit, paracord, flashlight, batteries, firestarter, carb rich emergency food, space blanket (also a signaling device) compass, mirror, map, GPS/radio if you don't know how to use a compass. Gum, salt tablets, water purifying straw/tablets, cable saw or knife with wood saw blade (for making shelter) triangular bandage.... wear it as a doorag cuz you are gonna sweat carrying all that.

:scrutiny:
 
triangular bandage.... wear it as a doorag cuz you are gonna sweat carrying all that.
Click to expand...
yeah, I was going to reccomend an old 4wd Subaru wagon since theyre reliable, use almost no gas, and (with a little skill) have the abilty to go almost anywhere. Throwing some of the stuff in the back will help lighten the load...

I got to thinking about re-using the flashbang last night at work. To re-use it, I would, at some point, have to pick it up. No thanks.
 
Ammo.
Otis cleaning kit (very small)

Camelback (Having tried to get to my canteens under a infantry ruck on my LBE while moving with an M16, I became a die hard Camelback fan)

mechanic's mirror for corners and a doorstop or two.

Zip ties, they come in handy for all sorts of things.

10 feet or so of 550 cord and electrical tape.

A Leatherman tool.

If you have an attachable pouch or buttpack near/under the Camelback, a couple disassembled MREs or some granola bars to chew on.

I would get a thigh rig holster and attach it to the belt, it frees up room on the vest and puts the gun where you can get at it (ever tried lying on a Sig? Not comfortable) Some spare batteries for a gunsight/flashlight.

A Surefire and a MiniMag light (Surefire for tactical use, Minimag or LED for other crap).
 
Wow, a lot of good stuff here. Some of it I was thinking of and others that I wasn't. Some of the stuff I wasn't is things I'd want to have if I was out on my own, that's for sure.

Hummm, you think the neighbors would get nervous seeing me running with a fully loaded vest. Holy crap, I'm gonna need to be in great shape if the SHTF. I'll be wearing my bullet (deterent) vest, tactical vest, weapons etc. Better hope the fiance can carry some of the load. lol :scrutiny:
 
ALWAYS go with the Camelback over canteens.
Click to expand...

Since you are kinda wanting tactical, Camelbacks are nice because they don't slosh water and make noise when half full. A collapsible military canteen is another option since you can squeeze the air out to eliminate the slosh.

I've go to say this...If you can carry half the crap listed here..YOU DA MAN!!! :D Cause there ain't no way I could carry half the stuff.

I would keep just the basics on the survival vest such as weapons related items and knives/flashlights. The rest I would keep in a military style buttpack or camelback that also doubles as a small pack. Also, a key chain type LED light can be invaluable. I've used mine numerous times.

I keep a lot in a buttpack since it can stay in my truck and be there whenever I need it. I don't know if this has been said yet, but I'd also carry a reflective vest and medical rubber gloves. I've had to stop more than once to help out car accident victims on the side of the road. Gloves keep you from getting blood on you, and the vest will keep you from getting run over.

Good Shooting
Red
 
Well, by now your "vest" needs a pickemuptruck :)

May I suggest an ounce or two more? Or would that break the SHTF-er's back (it would mine)?

Ooops - I asked permission... but I don't want to wait - so here's a few ounces more:

Somewhere in the spare space you have please deposit a small container of .22lr's. These will be your rabbit, etc. generated food supply when your vest is less weighty and other ammo has been expended on [whatever]... sort of an insurance premium. And - even if you didn't bring along a .22 for field scavenging, the powder - though small in quantity - may be just the thing to help with the last fire you'll need before civilization is found just over the hill. Pliers have already been recommended, no?

Okay this may have sounded - well - off-base in some way, it's not meant to be. The utility of a .22 with its cheap and easy to find ammo - might be a "strategic" decision for a tactical approach to an event.

This has been offered by others in several threads across a couple boards in the past.

Thought I'd pass it on.

-Andy
 
WOW, what everybody has listed would be hell to carry on a tac-vest...

I'm going to throw my .2 cents in with this list. I suggest a Load Bearing Vest(LBV), buttpack and pack. The LBV and buttpack will be worn when going into a fight and will contain all nessacary gear. The pack is used when just moving and will contain all gear that isn't nessacary but is helpful. It is ditched or cached as needed. Everything that I am listing I have taken on many field ops. It is decent enough in weight, but fairly complete. I would advise hiking with it before you really need it, as it will take some getting used to.

LBV:

Ammo-For a rifle, 6 max capacity mags. For a pistol, 2 spare mags.(This is assuming that you are dual carrying)

Water-camelback. I prefer the low cut ones like the Interceptor because they fit better under packs and allow you more freedom of movement.

Snacks-Energy bars work best.

Map Kit (map pens, protractor, compass, MAP, gps)

LED flashlight, blue. (saves night vision but is easier to conceal than red)



BUTTPACK:

1-MRE field stripped
1-pair socks
1-pair polypro underwear
1- first aid kit
Poncho/Poncho liner rolled up and attached to bottom of buttpack
Survival Kit
550 cord
hygiene kit
cammie paint
Weapon cleaning gear


Survival Kit

Magnesium Fire starter block, a few cottonballs soaked in petroleum jelly in
ziplock bag(will ignite when wet), 2nd ignition source(lighter, matches etc) iodine crystals(it is in a small bottle that will purify hunreds of gallons of water), fishing line/hooks. multi tool, stiff wire for snares, laminated cards with pictures of edible plants. signal flares, whistle.

Most of this can be bought in an outdoor supply store.

PATROL PACK
I use a BlackHawk 3 day assault pack, but depending on the time that you plan to be in the bush, you might want to go for a large ruck.

Extra ammo-dependent on what situation and the length of time before possible resupply. At least 200 rounds for rifle and 50 for pistol.

Another camel back-I recommend that between your vest and pack, you should have 5 quarts of water.

Gortex jacket & trousers

At least 6 pair socks and undershirts

Extra pair of clothes

4 days worth of Field stripped MREs( 1 case. you will need a ruck if you plan on this)

Sleeping bag system with gortex outer shell

E-Tool

Extra batteries for all gear that require them.

Make sure all clothing is waterproofed in zip lock bags. The bags also double as water gathering devices if you need them.
 
OK, you want to set up a tactical vest for TEOTWAWKI / SHTF type situations. There have been some great suggestions so far. Letme throw my own $0.02 in to the mix.

First off, you really should use a three level system of arranging your load-out.

Level 1: with you at all times, the last thing you get rid of, basic necessities in case you need to do some E&E (escape & evade)
- pistol in a thigh holster, attached to the belt on your pants, not the belt on your vest
- small knife of some sort, either clipped in pocket, on belt, or in the spare mag holder of most drop leg holsters (BTW, that little mag holder isn't all that useful for tactical reloads - it's on the same side as your gun hand, think about it)
- multi-tool, on your belt or in mag holder
- spare mags, 1 or 2, on your belt, weakside

Level 2: the basic stuff needed for a fight or limited engagement
- vest of some sort (modular or pre-configured)
- ammo for main weapon
- spare ammo for handgun
- water (Camelbak or similiar)
- food
- compass, map, pace counter beads, other land nav items
- possibly a drop-leg holster attached to this belt on weakside for ammo
- weapons cleaning kit
- basic first aid items
- spare socks in buttpad
- basic hygiene items (travel sized pack of babywipes, bic razor, toilet paper)
- other small items carried in buttpack / GP pouches such as 550 cord, 100 mph tape, chem lights, IR glint tape, etc.
- flashlight

Level 3: stuff needed for prolonged survival, movement towards objective
- rucksack / backpack
- more food
- more water
- spare clothes / socks
- more complete hygiene kit
- more complete first aid items
- poncho liner or thermal blanket
- other items you need based on situation

For some more insight into the vearious methods to carry tactical gear, you might want to check out the Lightfighter forums.
 
Ah, my kind of people. I'd love to respond substantively, but I'm just so happy to read so much good advice on this subject, on this site, that I'm overwhelmed. Plus, I didn't see anything obvious missing from the lists above, especially since the original question was about a vest.

Okay, I can't help myself. There are two things I would add to the vest. First, a contractor type plastic garbage bag, maybe 55 gallons or so. It will make a tent, a rain parka, a ground cloth, and it will fit in a small pocket. Second, a coffee filter and a small bottle of water purification tablets available everywhere. Together they're about half the size of your thumb, and if you filter and then treat the water you can be about 98% sure of having safe water for 3 or 4 days.
 
more ammo,flex cuffs, small first aid kit, cleaning kit, combination tool,water, high protien snack and a sure fire light with some spare batteries.
 
Wow, a lot of great advise. You know the more I think about it, the more I think I need to set up my Fiance with some gear so she can also carry some load. You know, i got a really strange look from her when I gave her a bullet proof vest. Hummm, wait to I get measurements for a vest and some gear. lol

Actually though, there is some great advise here. I really appreciate it. Some questions came to mind though. I've been looking on-line at a few survival kits that run between $50 and $200. They have just about everything listed above in them. Are they worth the money to have or is it better to collect the equipment yourself?

Also, when having the vest on, what would be some of the better butt and back packs to go with it? I'm just trying to picture how the shoulder straps would sit when I have the vest loaded with stuff. Same with a butt pack and how the strap would come across with a thigh rig and the vest's belt.
 
www.lightfighter.com stocks the no-BS stuff...... guy running it is a former paratrooper and the guys who buy from him are all in the Sandbox.


Eagle 3-day pack is a good pack as is the Becker Patrol pack for medium duty use. A Kifaru or USGI Large Infantry Rucksack is good for just hauling crap long distance.

SOE, London Bridge Outfitters, Tactical Tailor, Eagle all make good combat load bearing vests/tac vests. Most of them make good holsters too.
 
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