Ok, here we go with another FJ gear review that I think will be handy for some out there. This post is about a couple of bags available for small active shooter bags, go bags or hygiene kits that could be used on contract or at home.
My rule of thumb for these kinds of bags are keep it simple and small. Too many times, guys get these huge range bags and they are tempted to fill them to the brim with stuff. My feelings about these kinds of kits is guys tend to put more stuff in bags that are bigger, and the bag quickly turns into a big kitchen sink with straps. Think small, light, and mobile I say.
If you are using it for an active shooter bag, just put in the essentials and keep it small. For a hygiene kit, keep it small and easy to manage. Cheap is nice too, but I say always go with what works and is quality. And if the cheap product works, and has sufficient quality, then that is a win win gear purchase.
I personally own a M18A1 Claymore Mine Bag that I have had for years. I rescued it from the garbage after I detonated the Claymore during a demolitions exercise in the Marines. If you can find them on a base somewhere, grab them. You can still buy them too, and I found a link below.($19.50 is a little steep, and maybe check out your local army surplus stores for one that is cheaper)
Mostly I use it as a hygiene kit to take with me to the showers, when I am on contract. Or if I am wearing shorts, and I want to take a pistol and radio with me, I can shove it all in the bag and go where ever. It works great as a hygiene kit, and it holds all the showering essentials I need. I have even been known to put a pistol in my bag while going to the showers, just because there is really no where else to put it when you are wearing flip flops, a towel, shorts and shirt. (The contracts I am talking about are the ones where you are on a FOB or remote site) Having a bag like this can be handy, and with a little Inova light attached to the thing so you can see at night is really useful.
Likewise for convoy work, I used this same bag to hold a bunch of magazines and some medical supplies. It worked great as a ‘go bag’ and is just the perfect size to shove in a side compartment of a vehicle door or under a seat. If you have to ditch the vehicle because you are in trouble, then grab the bag and go. That is the idea of the go bag, and I have even seen the bandoleers used for 5.56 mm ammo set up as go bags. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to have a quick grab emergency kit, and it is something definitely to think about for contracts.
Another use is for law enforcement or armed citizens. The active shooter bag is just another name for a go bag, and it is a kit ready to go, filled with spare ammo for your carry weapon and your long gun in your patrol vehicle. That way, if you are pressed for time, you grab your active shooter bag and rifle and try and stop the active shooter before they kill any more people. Time is of the essence, and this bag is a quick way to get going and sustain yourself in a fight.
The great thing with these bags is you will find all sorts of uses for them. You can use them for hiking, for range bags, medical bags, cleaning kit bags, whatever. And with the Claymore Bag, they take up minimal space and weight. Or you can go with the more expensive bags that I listed below, and there are lots of choices.
The Eagle Industries bag is basically an upgraded Claymore Bag, and they put this bag together based on the input from Paul Howe. He has a great article in his newsletter about what a active shooter bag should be, and I recommend folks to check it out here. If any of the readers have suggestions, put a link of the product in the comments section. –Matt
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CLAYMORE MINE BAG
M18A1 Antipersonnel Mine Carrier. Makes a great lightweight 2-pocket shoulder bag for mags, shells, samples, or tools. Green cotton canvas. 12” x 12” when closed. Great for Vietnam collectors and reenactors. NEW OLD STOCK wrinkles and or small smudges and stains from shelfwear.
Price: $19.50
Buy it here.
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Maxpedtion Active Shooter Bag
Product Features
•Frontal compartment: 9″ x 8″ x 1.5″ velcro-lined, rain cover dual zips
•Main compartment: 9″ x 9″ x 3″ velcro-lined, rain cover dual zips
•Mag pouches: Two(2) M4/M16/PMAG 30-rnd; two(2) pistol
•Modular attachment: 3 rows of PALS on both sides
•Shoulder strap: 55″ max, removable shoulder pad included
•Waistbelt: 48″ max., concealable and removable
Designed in collaboration with Extreme Gear Labs, Maxpedition Active Shooter Bags are perfect for any situation where you may need to carry extra ammo and essential gear and have them accessible at a moments notice. This is a must-have in your vehicle just in case. Our active shooter bags are lined internally with loop field to accommodate any of our concealed carry, ammo, or admin accessories. There is also plenty of room for first aid and tactical supplies. Includes fully adjustable quick-release shoulder and waist straps to accomodate any body shape or size.
Price: $79.99
Buy it here.
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The Active Response Bag from Northeast Tactical is designed for the Patrol Officer armed with a long arm to respond to a critical incident with the extra ammunition and gear needed to safely take control. Three large pockets give ample options for needed equipment. Outside flap has loop velcro for attaching a name or other identification tag.
The two flapped pockets will hold your gear securely while in the trunk or passenger compartment. Rifle magazines can be carried in one or both front pockets, which are closed by velcro. The number of spare magazines carried will depend on the rifle version, but AR-15, Mini-14, common .308 and 9 mm magazines will fit. The pockets can also carry a box of shotgun or rifle rounds for those officers not issued a magazine fed long arm, or extra munitions for a gas or less lethal weapon. Depending on load out, the second flapped pouch can carry a first aid kit, flex cuffs, door chocks or other needed gear.
The large rear pocket can carry bulky items or be used as a dump pouch. The large opening lets used magazines or evidence to be easily dropped in. The deep size will keep these in the pocket under all except the most extreme conditions. The opening is secured with hook and loop to keep it closed until needed or to secure items inside.
The long, adjustable strap allows the bag to be slung over your shoulder, or wrapped around your waist. The bag can easily be moved to the side or rear to keep it out of the way, but readily available when needed.
Price: $29.95
Buy it here.
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Eagle’s Active Shooter Bag (ASB) is designed to carry 3 to 5 spare M4 mags, multiple wound kits, light sticks, medical scissors and a tourniquet. The Active Shooter Bag has a convenient design that offers 3 modes of carry via the carry handle and fully adjustable shoulder strap with quick release buckle.
• Two-pocket design for keeping items separate and organized
• #1000 denier Cordura® construction
• Eagle’s SecureTack™ stitching at all stress points
• Bound edges for a clean, durable finish
• Made in the USA• Lifetime GuaranteeDimensions:Height: 11″, Width: 5.2″, Depth: 2
Price: $31.27
Buy it here.
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LaRue Survival Bag 690-01X
Perfect for day trips, carrying mags, or even camera equipment.
The LaRue Survival Bag is an essential accessory for the boat, truck, or plane. Velcro belt loops adjust to any size belt, and attach exactly where you need it. It’s a great bag to tuck away an extra pistol and a few spare mags.
Features:
– 8″ x 6″ x 2″ interior space with two 6″ deep side pockets sewn inside
– Two internal pockets keep contents separated
– Detachable, adjustable shoulder strap
– Two large, Velcro-flapped external mag pouches
– Two ruggedized belt loops with Velcro
– YKK Zippers, with heavy paracord pulls
– Splash resistant
Made in USA
Available in Coyote, OD Green and Black
Price: $ 24.95
Buy it here.