Hydration Systems

[benelli]

What sort of hydration systems are being used by tactical team members out there...We currently carry a canteen on our belt but it is obviously cumbersome and any movement that needs to be done on your back is difficult. Some of our guys carry the Camelback but I have concerns over the straps covering the tac vest. Any other ideas?

[MARK92A]

Might want to check the older Camelbak/hydration postings on GEARNET for more info

[Sharky]

Alot of the vests now are compatible with the camelbak system. Blackhawk comes to mind among others. I have a South African Load Bearing vest that has a large pouch in the center of your back. I cut out the divider in the middle that divides it in two and voila. Great place for a camelbak. At the time, there weren't many of those vests around (1995) but I saw them for sale in a catalog not long ago for around $80.00.(Think it was Cav or Ranger Joe's but not sure) I have nothing but praise for mine. I got mine free from a South African soldier but it would be $80.00 well spent. A very comfy and practical vest.

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F.I.D.O.

[MARK92A]

The new Interceptor vest that has been adopted by the US Army and USMC has a pouch in the back that can either hold a Camelbak or Armor plates. It even has a small slit in the flap cover for the hose to come out.

Camelbak or someone needs to make a pouch that is MOLLE/ALICE compatible that holds 50-70 OZ of water that can go on a belt. Kinda like the current Packteen, but better.. Maybe someone will take the hint..

[benelli]

I currently have the Second Chance vest w/ the snap and velcro. It would be possible but some work to modify a pouch to hold the camelback. Those who wear the vest over the armor have it a little easier....

[Swat1]

My team wears the Safariland Tac 6+ with the camelbak pouch and camelbak and I couldn't be happier with it. Extremely good system and no complaints from our team.

Swat1*

[DFC5343]

Check out www.blackhawkindustries.com (http://www.blackhawkindustries.com)

[This message has been edited by DFC5343 (edited 12-04-2000).]

[This message has been edited by DFC5343 (edited 12-04-2000).]

[RogueExec]

Our group uses the same one that SWAT1 was talking about.....rave reviews from the SRT.

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"Don't think of it as theft. Think of it as creative augmentation of your operational capabilities."

[benelli]

With the Cover 6+ are you still able to access the front pouches w/ the straps from the camelback?

[Swat1]

There are no straps, you just need the camelbak pouch that goes on the rear of the vest and attaches to the vest itself. No straps the camelbak goes in the pouch and the tube runs over the shoulder.

Swat1*

[benelli]

Do you have the Cover 6+ with the fixed pouches or the detachable ones and how do you like it. I'm satisfied w/ my vest but am looking for a new one. Was it issued or did you buy it personally...any bad points on the vest?

[Swat1]

Safariland makes two different versions of the same vest each with modular or fixed accessories. The first is called the Cover 6+ and features a vertical zipper in the front. The second type is the Tac 6+ and is the exact same vest except is has zippers on both sides. We have the modular system which means the accessories are movable and can be customized for the operator. We have several different pouches and accessories depending on the person/mission. I rarely if ever change my pouches but some others do. I love the vest, it has great ballistic coverage especially if you get the arm protectors. The only thing I don't like about the Tac 6+ is that with the zippers being on the sides, once you get the thing on you need a partner to zip you up most of the time. I keep one side zipped all the time and throw it on over then usually have someone else zip me up. One that is nice about the Tac 6+ is the ease of placing the Level IV ballistic plate in the front. With the Cover 6+, because of the vertical zipper all the way down the front you have to play with it to get the plate in. So there are Pros and Cons to both, you just need to decide what is more important to you.

The con about the whole system is that it can be expensive. DO NOT BUY FROM A CATALOG OUTFIT Like Gall's, Streichers, etc. Gall's advertises the vest for somewhere around $1500.00 for just the vest itself. We got the vests with four pouches (you pick) for $950.00 through a state bid contract with Safariland. Talk to your local Safariland Representative and they can tell you whether there is a state bid contract with anyone that you can jump on.

Our vests were all issued. But I was part of the selection process.

Swat1*

[benelli]

Thanks for the info, I did see the ad in Streichers and had considered just buying through the mail. I'd have to try the side zippers though, the plus about the one I have now is that you can throw it on and zip it yourself if you need to move quick. Be safe.

[javahedz]

Camelbaks are what we use out here at 1st Group.


FYI, Blackhawk is coming out with a new system in January. Changes include an on-off switch on the tube to prevent accidental leaks, and the tube will have a screw-in, not a push-on type attachment to the bladder.

Hope this helped.

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Keep your powder dry
Go Get 'em Gear (http://www.gogetemgear.com/)
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Dan

[This message has been edited by javahedz (edited 12-06-2000).]