Best products from r/tacticalgear

Hey, we can always try to help you. Ar15.com might have a better forum but that's a semi-closed off website compared to reddit.

Just from the looks of it the Sig Micro Red dot you posted looks a lot like an Aimpoint T2. The Aimpoint is top of the line (think, best you can really purchase) as far as quality is concerned. I'll be the first to admit I don't hear much good or bad about Sig Optics so I won't act like I know how well they hold up.

An entry level red dot would be something like the Holosun for 170$ compared to the 340$ you might pay for the Sig Dot you mentoined earlier.

In my opinion, there's three tiers of optics you can buy. You can buy horrible Chi-Com shit from China that will cost you 35$ total. You can buy entry level optics like the Holosun, Vortex, or Sig (low price to high), or you can go all in and get a top shelf optic like an Aimpoint, Trijicon, or [debatably] an EoTech.

If you're worried about "overpaying" for low quality, but you're willing to spend 350-400, buying an Aimpoint PRO would be right in your realm. You'll receive extremely high quality glass for a decent price. They retain their value over the years, and if your husband knows anything about firearms, he'll be super happy with throwing it on a rifle. (edit: your post history says your husband is familiar with Special Operations Units, so I know he'll have heard of Aimpoint).

Buying him a Holosun or the Sig red dot would be a good alternative, but if you can justify it in your budget, get him something you know he'll be happy with. An Aimpoint is hard to beat. He can save up another 200$, re-sell the PRO and upgrade himself to a Aimpoint Micro if he's looking for that style of optic down the road.

My advice would be to get a flexible ear mold (you can have them custom made as well, but that involves trips to the audiologist and lots of money and doesn't improve things that much) like this: https://smile.amazon.com/HDE-Replacement-Earpiece-Insert-Acoustic/dp/B01N27TTDD/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1518372563&sr=8-5

This is not only way more comfortable, but it also doesn't block your hearing entirely in the ear the headset is in. The downside is that you'll perceive the radio as being quieter, but I think the increase in comfort and situational awareness was a great trade-off for me.

Then you can (in very small increments) trim the acoustic tube to length on both ends. They're all just press fit, so you shouldn't have to worry about messing anything up, just pull them apart. Start with the portion that loops over your ear and then cut it until it just fits over your ear comfortably. Once that's done, you can trim the end that hooks up to the transducer until it doesn't have any slack from where you're placing it (I found that the back center of my shirt collar proved to be ideal).

As this looks like a surveillance headset, I'm guessing you have to wear it for a while, and those two things made the biggest difference to me. I also bought a kevlar reinforced two wire headset because I was going through them so often, it proved to be damn near unbreakable. Unfortunately, the company that made it went out of business some time ago. The fact is on a quality headset, my experience is that the PTT button on the mic goes out first. If anything else goes out on your headset, you should probably be buying a better headset.

Also, don't forget to air dust the various tubes and parts (the transducer just snaps apart, so get in there too) to keep condensation from forming and wax from building up. And change your ear mold and acoustic tube at least every 6 months, if not more often. They not only get inflexible and crusty (especially if you're exposing them to a lot of uv light), but they can cause ear infections if you use them all day every day.

My 2¢, hope it helps. I'm not tacticool, but I wore a surveillance headset 12+ hours a day 5 days a week for about 10 years, so I spent a lot of time trying to optimize my setup.

Thanks for the response. I checked them out but its mostly just rebranded Condor Brand bags they upcharge 150%-200% for. The only reason I know that is because I was looking at the Condor Rip-Away EMT Bag, Ebay, & MyMedic. Actually I think MyMedic is offering the smaller of the two bags for more. Nice site though, thanks for the suggestion! I wish I knew who's rebranded bag they are using for their main FirstAidKit.

Edit: So I found the Main back an hour later. Its a BlackHawk Brand bag called a S.T.O.M.P. II. I'm thinking of getting it on ebay for cheaper. Thanks! This might have worked out well after all. I'm going to go look at a few reviews. Cheers.

Short answer: It's a Snugpak bivy (zipperless version as I didnt want it to fail), tarps linked below to get an idea for it, but unfortunately the one I have isnt available.

Long answer: I live in Texas and my area is swampy and buggy, while other parts drier, have a lot of pokey things and buggy as well. The bivy is awesome, but do yourself a favor and get the snugpak jungle bag too if you're in similar environs, so you can have a mosquito net to prevent critters getting in. If you're not concerned about bugs, and it's hot where you are, the bags not neccessary. The bivy itself is about the size of a beer can, I stuff it in an alice mag pouch with the dividers and frag straps cut off.

The tarp is actually getting replaced by a contractor bag cut open lengthwise, as I really just use the tarp to protect the bivy from getting pierced/place to lay my gear. The bivy will totally keep you dry on it's own, and an uncut garbage bag can stow your gear. This weighs less and takes up less space.

If you're less likely to be camping out, or the environment is hostile and you are more likely to need to leave quickly than rest comfortably, a tarp or poncho is a great option as you can lean against something covered in it with a blanket underneath, or roll into a burrito for more comfort.

Side note: I got a hammock with mosquito net, and rain fly. That shits bulkier, but much better in my environment. As a result most camping I do is in that. Hammock with a ground protector can be used on the ground when trees arent available too. So basically my bivy is in my lean backpack for light travel over longer periods. My hammock setup is on a bike rack for long distance travel. Also, snugpak jungle blanket is awesome in the bivy, hammock and poncho if the bags too much.



Bundle Monster Waterproof Picnic Beach Outdoor Large Camping Mat Pad Blanket with Draw String Carrying Tote - ASH Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VYQN0I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RJmZDbQK7QY0P

Civ here, gonna get an IR reflective flag patch like the one you have (I'm guessing). I thought you only get the reverse flag for the shoulder?

Also

Water, check
TQ, check
ammo, check,
pack, check.

• 1 change of clothes
  
• Provisions (high calorie good nutrient)
  
• large knife
  
• concealed back up pistol in case you are disarmed
  
• 1 bobby pin
  
• 2 handcuff keys - one in your bag and one on your person.
  
• pocket saw
  
• water filter
  
• a good pair of gloves (I've got camelback magnums, they're awesome)
  
• Compass
  
• Magnesium fire starter
  
• emergency blanket
  
• bug spray you'll thank me
  
• a couple contractor trash bags (this will help waterproof your shelter and it's amazing insulation.
  
• medkit (you said its on your list)
  
• sighting device (unless you have a scope on your rifle)
  
• flares/flaregun
  
• chemical lights
  
• flashlight
  
• bear mace
  
• compact cookset for boiling water, cooking/retaining nutrients.
  
• 100 ft paracord
  
• toilet paper or wet wipes (trust me)
  
• 1 bar antimicrobal/antibacterial soap
  
• toothbrush/paste
  
  and then depending on where you live, you may want some climbing equpment, like a descender or ascender and some rope.

Sure thing! For the FNX 9 I really couldn't say, but for AR mags, I was very surprised how good these were.

I was on a tight budget because I didn't know if I'd really be into 3 Gun, but these worked great. Enough retention I don't worry about them falling out unless literally jumping upside down, but not enough to worry about pulling them out.

A fairly satisfying 'pop' almost when they were released too. And 2 of them for $15, I just couldn't pass up. And just so you're not confused by the picture, it's 2 separate pouches, and they can either be attached to each other, or used individually. The pictures don't clearly show that

If you're not looking to order right now, I will try and remember to take some pictures when I get home later

I like it, nice and basic. Light weight.

One suggestion...

I use a SureFire M600 Ultra Scout Light combined with Surefire SR Plug-In Tape Switch and some Larue rail clips to keep everything snug and secure. I dislike the tape switch that comes with the surefire lights, like the one in your picture, I think that this accessory out performs it by miles.

Maybe think of getting a Tape switch as well and some clips to hold it down, unless you like your zip tie look and it functions well enough.

Bellum Designs Dual Assault Pack which are/were issued to NSW iirc

Pricier listing, but better pictures

Otherwise, the Osprey Farpoint models are a great alternative if you want something more civvie looking.

https://www.amazon.com/HSGI-Micro-Grip-Belt-Panel/dp/B01B1H9B2I

I love having the flexibility to use it with or without the inner Velcro belt. I keep this on it most of the time honestly and only remove it when I know I’ll be wearing the inner belt.

Sorry about bein' an amateur to all the lingo, appreciate all of the information I have a lot to look at! I got in touch with one of my old friends who enlisted and he suggested one of these two

http://www.amazon.com/Explorer-Military-Tactical-Backpack-Medium/dp/B006YZP7SK/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&dpID=518S6Be-90L&dpPl=1&keywords=3%20day%20pack%20military&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&qid=1452379271&ref=plSrch&ref_=mp_s_a_1_4&sr=8-4

OR

http://www.amazon.com/Monstrum-Tactical-Day-Backpack-Desert/dp/B00MEMHDHU/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&dpID=51UUEbZ0aiL&dpPl=1&keywords=3%20day%20pack%20military&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1452379351&ref=plSrch&ref_=mp_s_a_1_37&sr=8-37

I'll work on laying everything I have out and figuring out what needs to be accessible and what can be buried in the deep abyss. Thanks again!

THIS 100%, throw a 14500 battery in it and wow!

LUMINTOP TOOL AA 2.0 EDC Flashlight, Pocket-sized Keychain Flashlight, Super Bright 650 Lumens, 5 Modes with Mode Memory, IP68 Waterproof, Powered by One AA or 14500, for Camping Hiking Emergency https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLTP9ZD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nWUBDbC9E2D4E

HGSI taco triple mag shingle. The shit.

Take a variety of different magazines even water bottles. Pistol pouches can be used for flashlights multi tools tourniquets etc. I’ve used hsgi tacos for years and love them.

https://www.amazon.com/High-Speed-Gear-Shingle-Pouches/dp/B07CQ43BTX?th=1&psc=1

They are Howard Leight Electronic ear pro. I love them, they switch off momentarily at a certain decibel for and the rest of the time you can hear better than with a naked ear.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001T7QJ9O/ref=ox_ya_os_product_refresh_T1

http://www.amazon.com/Levis-Athletic-Cargo-Black-32x32/dp/B01611DAP8/ref=sr_1_7?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1458242783&sr=1-7&nodeID=1045558&refinements=p_lbr_brands_browse-bin%3ALevi%27s

It isn't magpul brand 5.11 with tactical clipozine pouches but its better than nothing. Plus Levis have always been pretty comfy and decent from my experiences.

Thanks, I wanted to do something like this. Would this be considered a chest wound seal: https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-HyFin-Vent-Compact-Chest/dp/B01M7O5TJS/ref=sr_1_10?crid=1CVFCIGB2POML&keywords=sucking+chest+wound+seal&qid=1554495215&s=gateway&sprefix=chest+wound+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-10


I have most of the other stuff already.

I have a baofeng ham radio with a remote speaker/mic that I plug into my ear pro. I also have the extended battery and antenna

edit: links