NcSTAR Tactical Molle Backpack from Airsoft Atlanta

Today on the CQB Radio blog, we are looking at this - the NcSTAR Tactical MOLLE Backpack. You can find it over at Airsoft Atlanta HERE for only $24.99.  As you can tell, I got mine in OD Green, but it also comes in Black, Tan, and ACU.  And, as noted below, this is from their VISM line of gear.

 

Let's start with some of the specs:
- Main Pocket = 18x12x6
- Side Pockets = 5x5x1.5
- Front Top Pocket = 8x4.5x2
- Front Bottom Pocket = 9.5x9.5x3
- MOLLE webbing = EVERYWHERE!

If you are looking for a low-cost but very versatile pack, this one should be checked-out for sure.  Here you can see the two side pockets - one up top, one down below, and you've also go a solidly-constructed handle in the middle, so it's easy to grab the bag no matter what angle it's jammed into your car or in a closet.

Another shot of the handle on the side of the bag.

As you can see from pretty much all of the photos, this thing has MOLLE webbing all over, so if you've got a few other MOLLE pouches, you can certain strap them onto this bad boy.  Basically, other than my AEG, this thing can hold everything I need to take to a day-long airsoft op.  Here's a list of some items you can pack in here:
- BDU
- Boots
- Socks
- Goggles
- BBs
- Mags
- Tac vest
- Gloves
- Knee pads
- Belt
- Pouches
- Goggle spray
- Dead rag

Basically, it'll fit it all, and you can just keep your AEG and sidearm in a gun bag.

Looking at it here, you can see the the set-up for pockets is as follows: two on the left side, two on the right side, one main compartment, and then two more compartments (one up, one down) on the front side facing you.

Up top - you guessed it - another handle to grab the bag.  And below the handle you can see a little window where you can put your info so we all know whose bag it is.  (Side-note: the photo colors change a little depending on how close I got the camera to the bag.  The bag is all the same color - OD Green).

One the sides, you can see that compression straps are also included.  You can certainly add more gear/pouches on these straps, but they are intended to compress the bag down to make it as stream-lined as possible.  Two on the left, and two on the right = total of four compression straps.

Let's talk about your carrying straps.  You get adjustable shoulder straps with D-rings included to attach whatever items you might want easily accessible.  You can also see there is a sternum strap included so that will give you more stability and control of the pack as you hike/move/crawl with it.

Down below, you have a waist strap that is fully adjustable.

Here's a view of the bag from the side.  You can see the compression straps in use here, as well as the handle up top.

The main compartment is, well, huge.  For a backpack of this size, I was pretty shocked at how large this main section. was.  And a plus - the zippers go all the way around and all the way down so you can fold the front down like so.

Inside the main compartment...another compartment.  This is about half the size of the panel, and can hold whatever your little heart desires.

Peeking finger = opening to run your hose for a hydration bladder.

Missing hand = storage for hydration bladder or other items inside the main compartment.

Overall, for $25, I'd call this a steal.  A smaller bag from some of the big name companies out there will run you over $100 EASY, so think that you could get one of these, use it, have it wear out, get ANOTHER ONE, use it, have it wear out, get ANOTHER ONE, use it, have it wear out, and then get ANOTHER ONE, and use it and you'd be even for what you spend on the super-high-end tactical bags.  BUT WAIT...
NcSTAR has one of the best warranty's in the U.S.  Check out the specifics HERE, but basically they told our friend Thumpy that if it breaks, no matter what, they will fix it.  Nice eh?

Find this pack and many others over at Airsoft Atlanta - CLICK HERE!

Keep on firin',
Carp

Cast Gear Tactical Hoodie

Welcome back to CQB Radio, gals and gents.  Today we are taking a look at the Cast Gear Tactical Hoodie from Airsplat.  You can CLICK HERE to see it over on the Airsplat website.  How did I get this one?  Glad you asked.  When I was speaking to my contact over at Airsplat, they mentioned that they'd like to have some of their new Cast Gear items reviewed, so this is the first of a bunch of their items we will be looking at on the CQB Radio blog.

So Cast Tactical Hoodie.  Here's a look...

and here are the specs:
- Available in sizes Small through Double-extra large.
- Made of 60% cottom and 40% polyester; 10 ounce brushed fleece for warmth and softness
- Fully jersey-knit lined hood
- Thumb-holes on the sleeves cuffs
- Front kangaroo pockets
- Zippered side vents
- Hook-and-Loop closures on the side for open-carry
- Available in: Urban Digital, Woodland Digital, C-Cam, Black, Navy, Gray, and Camel Tan

The front pockets - comfortable and nicely placed.  The zippers are easy to use and though that may sound like a no-brainer - try getting a sweatshirt that has crummy zippers and you'll see why it's worth mentioning.

The thumb holes in the sleeve cuffs give you something like a fingerless glove built right into the sweatshirt.  Amazing how covering a just a little of your hand can give you some much-desired additional warmth in the colder weather.  The cuffs also have some elastic in them and this allows for your hand to be comfortable and also snug in the cuff.

On both the left and right upper arms are pockets with a patch panel on the outside.  These are large pockets in which you could easily hold a pad a paper, a mag, more other items.  They also have a pull built into them so that you can access them easily even with gloves on.

On the side, you can see that there is hook-and-loop at the bottom, with a zipper about 15 inches long that runs up the side of the hoodie.  This gives you the option to run a holster or any other larger pouch on the side of your body without having to worry about how you'll access it.  Also, if you unzip the zipper, you'll let in air to cool you down.

Another cool feature is the speaker-microphone holder on the shoulder.  If you have a mic that you can to clip onto your hoodie, well with this little cloth 'flap' of sorts, you can hook it on your right shoulder.

The hood - it works.  It fits nicely even with a hat on.

I've worn this one for a while, and I like it.  It's warm and comfortable, even though Urban Digital is not exactly subtle while walking around town, I didn't feel like I was walking around in a BDU blouse (yes, that's what they are called).  I've also got one of these in black - that one is just as nice.  

The cost for one of these bad-boys is $44.99.  If you are looking for a hoodie that is more than just cool looking but is also functional, this is a great option.  I've talked to the folks at Cast Gear and they seem like a solid group of individuals.  Check them out by CLICKING HERE and then check this item out over at Airsplat by CLICKING HERE.  

Condor Tactical Summit Softshell Jacket Review

Today we take a look at the Condor Summit Softshell Jacket.  You can find it HERE over at Airsplat, and they also have a variety of other Condor jackets, as well as a ton of Condor gear.   

Before we get into the jacket, let's talk Condor.  If you know airsoft gear, you know Condor.  They have been a name that a lot of airsofters go to when they are looking for a vest, a chest rig, pouches, gloves and really - whatever other gear you want, they probably make it.  They are actually a real-steel (i.e. for real operators) company, but they know that airsofters are willing to invest a lot of cash into their kit, so they are happy to make gear that reaches out to the airsoft world as well.  Check them out HERE - Condor Outdoor.

Ok back to the jacket.  Cost is $79.99 and you can find this one in Tan, OD, and Black, though the Black does have a tinge of gray in it.  These jackets are made for colder weather so this is not a spring or early fall jacket.  Check out some of the specs below this lovely pic of the jacket.

Condor Tactical Summit Soft Shell Jacket
- Lined "Stand up" collar
- Hood inside collar - easily stored
- 2 shoulder pockets, 2 chest pockets, 2 internal pockets
- 4x4 inch patch panels - one on each upper arm
- Forearm pocket
- Double-zipper (dual-access) rear pocket in lower back
- Under-arm zip vents
- Double-layer reinforces forearm
- Drawstring on waist and hood
- Hook-and-loop (i.e. velcro) on wrists
- Double front zipper for comfort adjustment

Some of the literature that comes with the jacket.

Looking at the neck here, you can see that it covers your neck very nicely, and while that little piece of fleece that covers the zipper may seem like no big deal, when the wind kicks up and the weather is cold, it actually does help significantly in keeping the cold out and your body heat (around your neck) in.

In the back you can see the zipper to unleash the hood and also the drawstring to cinch down the neck (again - to keep out the elements).

In general, this forearm pocket is one of my favorites on any clothing.  It's great to toss an ID, some money, a debit card, or other small items into this pocket that is so easily accessible.  And the extra pull on the zipper makes it easier to get into when you have gloves on.

Space for a patch on the upper arm.  One thing I like about this is that they kept the patch location color close enough to the color of the rest of the jacket that if you don't have a patch on it, it doesn't stand out. Also in this shot you can see three of the pockets - chest, upper arm/shoulder, forearm.

These front pockets are called Napoleon pockets.  The reason - well, when you put your hands in them it make you look like Napoleon and how he held his hand inside his coat.  However, the REASON for these pockets being higher is that you can now keep you hands in your coat AND at the same time still wear a battle belt or snap a waist strap on a backpack, which - with normal side pockets that are lower - you cannot do.

The back pocket - use it to keep you hands warm or to store some slightly larger items inside of it.

Inside - some info on the coat and - yes, another pocket.  As I mentioned earlier this coat is warm.  Notice the fleece and in the winter, appreciate the fleece.

Pocket on the other (right) inside.

Drawstrings to snug up the lower portion of the coat around the waist.

Now with all this warmth, you may start to get TOO hot if you are really active in this bad boy.  No need to be concerned - just unzip the pit zips and let some cool air roll on in.

Like the Napoleon pockets, the fact that the double-zipper can open the bottom of the front zipper gives you the ability to have more kit around your waist without too much restriction.  This feature is also helpful if you are having to climb up a hill or, if you are into rock climbing, this feature is a great one.  As you raise you legs with the jacket slightly unzipped at the bottom of the front zip, you don't have the jacket riding up.

Condor Tactical Summit Softshell - love it.  My wife keeps asking me to see if I can score her one in OD.  What do you say, Airsplat?  Then we can walk around town together and look like the tacti-coolest couple out there.  Anyhow, on a serious note - it's warm, it's rain-resistant, it's comfortable, it's got a TON of great features, and I'm glad to own it.  You need a jacket and want one that works for both airsofting and just wearing around?  This might just be it, my friend.  Check it out at Airsplat, and big thank you to them for sending this along for review.

- Carp