Field Test (5.11 "Tactical LBE Vest") or Me Be a "MOLLE'Man"

**Sourdough** · 09-25-2010, 02:05 AM

Went to the city and to my favorite COP Shop (Northern Security) and walked out with about $300.00 worth of MOLLE stuff made by 5.11 and part of their "Tactical Series". I bought the RUSH24 bag & the LBE Vest, and all kinds of goodies to hang on them.

First a word of warning: the stiffened stays are very hard to work with, but worth it.

We did a killer Mountain Bike trip into Crescent Lake today, and there are generally bears on the trail. So I figured this will be a chance to road test the LBE Vest for comfort, and degree of restriction of movement.

One of the nice things about the vest is you can add or MOVE components. Pressed for time I decided I needed to carry a spare 29" inter-tube, and some bike tools and food, so I quickly installed a extra first aid bag on the back.

I took my Glock 22 and two extra magazines (They were already packed in a pouch) The real first aid kit, fire stuff etc. I was concerned about being able to dance over the rocky trail with the vest.

Well, I crashed twice (Not Bad, but I was thrown off the bike) The Glock never moved, the Vest was comfortable all day, over a very rough trail. The vest is a mesh so it breathes freely, but offers no warmth, and it was 28* above when we left the trail head.

I feel the vest worked perfectly today. It take a long time to get accessories where they work, I had the first aid kit too tight above the double magazine pouch and could not extract the magazines. So it takes time to move things around so they do not restrict arm movement. Helps too keep the heavy stuff low.

The quality of workmanship is very good. The material use is durable.

Warning: Do not order the vest without trying one on for size. There are three sizes Regular-XX Large-XXXX Large. I normally wear XL but the Regular fit me perfectly. There are three colors, Black, OD Green, Flat Dark Earth (Brown). I went for the brown. I also bought the Tactical Bag "RUSH24 but have not used it as yet. The basic Vest is $79.99 and components run $14.ist to $24.ish

http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Ho...:10500/I/58631

http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Ho...00:10500:10501

http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Ho...10905/I/58601#

**Alaskan Survivalist** · 09-25-2010, 02:32 AM

You have to get a camera! I'm having a hell of a time imagining a Sourdough riding a mountain bike in tactical gear! I know it's hard to put Alaskans into any kind of stereotype but your interests sure seem at odds with each other.

I have some of the 5.11 pouches and been pleased with them. It's spendy stuff though. Next time in Anchorage drop by Second Chance and the Drop Zone, both in Spenard.

I have a friend hooking me up with my gear locally that I think you would like. He's new to the state but talk about "Boots in the Field". http://sereinternational.webs.com/ap...memberSignedUp No he does not sell gear we are just working out some trades.

**Sourdough** · 09-25-2010, 02:45 AM

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

You have to get a camera! I'm having a hell of a time imagining a Sourdough riding a mountain bike in tactical gear! I know it's hard to put Alaskans into any kind of stereotype but your interests sure seem at odds with each other.

I am just a standard issue 64 year old cowboy want'a Be.

You know we have a member "Kevin" that spends all day in your back yard, running clients up to the Knik Glacier.

**Alaskan Survivalist** · 09-25-2010, 02:53 AM

Originally Posted by Sourdough

I am just a standard issue 64 year old cowboy want'a Be.

You know we have a member "Kevin" that spends all day in your back yard, running clients up to the Knik Glacier.

Is that klkak or something like that. He said he would stop by some time but that was months ago and have not seen him or talked to him since.

**Sourdough** · 09-25-2010, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

Is that klkak or something like that. He said he would stop by some time but that was months ago and have not seen him or talked to him since.

Yes that is him, he has only had a few days off all summer.

**rwc1969** · 09-25-2010, 09:13 AM

That's pretty cool SD. I'm not much of a gear hog, but I think the Molle stuff is worth having due it's extreme versatility.

I managed to scrounge up and trade off to order up some and am sitting here waiting for it to arrive as we speak.