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EDC No3 – Modularity Reboot – The X3 Carry Ideology

Carry HQ — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 16:29:53 +0000

Outdoor lover, carry gear enthusiast and man behind the blog YOMP NOTES, Neil Stevens has spent countless hours tweaking and honing his carry setups. And in doing so, he’s discovered the X3 carry ideology is the right solution for him. But what is it? Find out in his republished blog post below.

In an ideal world we’d have one bag and that would suit all our needs but the world isn’t perfect and we have to adapt our gear and carry to fit the circumstances of the day. The gear we need every day will be different to the gear we need for a commute or business trip. In turn that will be different to the bag we need for an extended weekend hike or one-bag world travel.

The solution? The X3 carry ideology

I work on this solution all the time and different configurations come and go but the one that seems to be sticking, therefore working, is based on 3 excellent bags from GORUCK. Why this works so well is that, by hook or by crook, GORUCK have designed equipment that complements each other perfectly. Given they are from the same company you could assume that you would be able to use bags from the same company in a modular fashion but this is often and frustratingly not the case.

The X3 bag family

The 3 GORUCK amigos

Okay, so the bags I currently use (6/26/2018) are as follows:

GORUCK GR1 3L Field Pocket

GORUCK GR1 21L Rucksack

GORUCK GR2 34L Rucksack

And for me, they work so well together it brings a tear to one’s eye.

Overview

It won’t be of much surprise that I use these bags with reference to size but in all cases, I will team up with the GORUCK GR1 Field Pocket. This is my EDC Grab Bag and houses the essentials, such as a phone, wallet, glasses, keys and other come and go items. The point is familiarity of use, i.e. the same bags, same gear used in the same way, whether I’m down the pub with mates, a city commute or on holiday. The Grab Bag is always there, always the same, always familiar therefore efficient in use. In essence the Grab Bag is the core. When I need more capacity for laptops, files, a thermos of coffee or spare clothes I drop it into my GORUCK GR1 rucksack. When I’m looking at a few days to a week away on holiday or a business trip I drop the Grab Bag into my GORUCK GR2, there is even a pocket in the GR2 that is thoughtfully designed big enough to fit the Field Pocket!!! Can’t tell you how happy that makes me.

The categories

EDC Grab bag [The essentials]

EDC Extended [Laptop / files/ etc.]

Hike & Travel [Self explanatory]

EDC Grab Bag – GORUCK GR1 Field Pocket

As mentioned earlier this is based around the GORUCK GR1 Field Pocket. A very well made piece of kit and has worked perfectly in all my environments. Smart enough to be thumped on a meeting table, rugged enough for damp November British countryside. In this I carry my 4 essentials.

EDC Grab Bag, the essentials load-out

Gear list – essentials:

• Apple iPhone 6

• Ettinger Mini Wallet

• Glasses

• Keys

Also peripherals;

• Kingston Digital 128GB memory stick

• Field Notes Note Book

• Fisher Space Bullet Pen

• Co Business cards

• Apple EarPods

With enough room left over;

• Caseti Windsor Lighter

• Punch Cigars

• Tatuaje Cigar Cutter

EDC Grab Bag ready to travel

I first came to the conclusion of an EDC Grab Bag when I started wearing glasses. The extra bulk tipped me over the edge from being able to easily carry all in my pockets, to not at all. This inconvenience was really hammered home when I left all my gear, including wallet and phone etc. on a table in a pub and walked out! I was appalled at myself; this could not happen again. I’ve tried all sorts of solutions for this carry but for me this works best.

Grab bag carry

Most of the time the Grab Bag is MOLLED inside my GORUCK GR1 (I’ll come to that later). When I need it as a standalone, it can be carried very comfortably by its own handle but if I need a hands-free option, I use a Maxpedition shoulder strap. This is very useful nearly all the time, ranging from paying for something in a shop to airport check-ins. From time to time I have also attached the GR1 Field Pocket to my rucksack front shoulder straps, chest-rig, kit bag style. This is weird to most onlookers but super useful to use. Obviously the Field Pocket can be attached to the front GORUCK MOLLE which is also useful.

Hands-free shoulder strap variant

Shoulder strap variant mounting detail

Grab bag, what’s in a name?

Grab Bag (Escape & Evasion kit) is the name given notably by SFs to a pouch, probably mounted on a belt, that contains equipment for survival and to carry on as a war fighter should one become separated from the main body of gear. This would be something a bit more than a Personal Survival Kit usually all contained in a mess tin and within a 58 PAT utility pouch.

The inspiration – SAS / SF grab bag, escape and evasion kit. Based around a 58 PAT utility pouch.

EDC Extended including Grab Bag etc.

EDC Extended [Laptop / files/ etc.]

EDC Extended is the config I use almost every day. It’s based around the GORUCK GR1 rucksack and as it’s made by the same company as the Field Pocket, they work very well together. How the Field Pocket can be attached and integrated has been covered above but doing so gives me a very useful, larger capacity to carry laptops, files, food, water or even a soft shell if necessary.

I discuss the GORUCK GR1 in more detail here. But today I will discuss the internal config for this practical EDC variant and it’s a tale of two MOLLES.

MOLLE attachment

MOLLE attachment and custom RIP (M) detail

The GR1 has 3 x 6 columns of integrated, internal MOLLE then below this is a bellows pocket I think intended for rucking plates. Once I have mounted the Field Pocket to the integrated MOLLE panel there isn’t any more MOLLE for organising so I have swung a RIP (M) from the last row of MOLLE. This means I can lift the panel to access the pocket behind. The Field Pocket is mounted via x2 ITW side lock buckles, making it quick release with one hand. The Field Pocket can also be lifted up, revealing the internal MOLLE beneath. It struck me that I could also organise gear here but as I write this I haven’t fully explored that idea. You will need a 10.75x7in RIP-(M) available from Grey Man Tactical if you would like to replicate the above.

EDC Grab Bag quick release detail

Once the Grab Bag is attached it can be lifted to reveal the MOLLE underneath. This could be used for small items.

More modularity

With this config ease of modularity is at its core so it doesn’t stop at the Field Pocket. A full loaded Extended EDC for me might also include a 32oz Nalgene bottle, RAVpower power pack and a Vanquest PPM Husky organiser. With the exception of the battery pack this gear is swung from the MOLLE panel with carabiners. This is great for two reasons:

1. Pouches, bottles and organiser can also be lifted out of the way, making them easier to access

2. This makes them easier to remove. I don’t need these items all of the time so when not necessary I can just unclip them

Swinging EDC gear from MOLLE makes it much easier to access.

For me this flexibility works really well as a concept. As it’s inside the rucksack and for the most part gear is in its own pouch, items don’t clang around inside the bag.

Teaming up the GR1 Field Pocket with the GR2 rucksack, the extended travel config.

GORUCK GR2 34L – hike/travel

This is based around the GORUCK GR2 34L rucksack and I discuss the bag, its basics and my first impressions here. In this post I talk about how this bag fits so well into my X3 bags for life theory. The GR2 is a new piece of kit for me and I’ve not used it as much as I’d like. However in recent weeks I went to Spain on holiday with the family and took the GR2 as my carry-on, cabin-sized luggage for the first time. It was a joy to use. I packed it with clothes and gear for seven days easily and left the second front compartment of the bag empty. The question on my mind as I board the plane is… I hope I can get it in the overhead locker easily! This was not a problem; indeed I had about 7ins to spare in bag depth, once it was laying on its back.

The GR2 integrated pocket is the perfect size for the Field Pocket and at the top of the ruck for very easy access.

I’ve already said the GR2 has an integral pocket, to the front of the rucksack that is just the right size for the Field Pocket. I loved this and it really helped to streamline my load when jumping from taxi to bus, to taxi, to plane and all the time still able to access my EDC and retrieve my Grab Bag and have it with me at my seat.

Not fully explored yet, Grey Man Tactical 12.25 X 19 RIP-(M) sized for the GR2 34L.

If you’d like to build a X3 bag for life system, a gear list with links to purchase can be found below, do let me know how you get on.

Gear list

• GORUCK GR1 3L Field Pocket

• GORUCK GR1 21L Rucksack

• GORUCK GR2 34L Rucksack

• GREY MAN TACTICAL RIP-(M) 10.75X9in

• GREY MAN TACTICAL RIP-(M) 12.25X19in

• MAXPEDITION 1.5in shoulder strap

• VANQUEST PPM Husky Organiser

• VANQUEST Hydra Bottle pouch

• TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGN S2 pouch

• NALGENE 32oz bottle

• MOLLE Backpack Accessory Straps

• ITW Nexus Side Release Buckles

EDC No3 gear list, the decompile

Future upgrades

It’s true, if I had my time again I would change three pieces of gear. The Field Pocket I would swap out for a GR2 4L version. This is larger and would allow me to carry a Nalgene 16oz water bottle. I think this would make a great day bag, super useful on holiday. Secondly I would buy the GR1 26L version. More room for the larger Field Pocket and I think would blur the line between EDC, hiking and short trips away. Recently I’ve been looking at the GORUCK Bullet 10L. This looks like it would make a great day bag, especially on holiday and trips but we shall see. For now the GORUCK Bullet is something to think about while I’m having a bath : ) or hope someone gets me for Christmas. : )

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Best Pouch Organizers for EDC

Carry HQ — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 05:06:19 +0000

Bags tend to get a lot of the spotlight in the world of carry, but we’ve got a lot of love for pouches. They make retrieving small items from your bag easy (no need to rummage in the recesses for that lost pen or multitool), some can attach to the outside of your bag when you need extra volume, plus it’s just plain fun playing with different configurations until you find a setup that suits your needs. But not all pouches are created equal, and there are definitely things to consider when scouting for a pouch of your own.

Weight

First, think about the weight. It’s tempting to go for a pouch that looks like it will survive the Apocalypse, but it doesn’t take many 600D Cordura pouches with PALS and PE stiffener before you’ve doubled the weight of your bag. Abrasion-resistant fabrics are needed on pouches you keep on the outside of your pack, but if these are living inside a bag, they can be much lighter weight.

Nesting

Next, consider nesting. If your pouch opens wide and then relies on internal pockets to keep things secure, you often end up with crush zones in the centre and voids at the sides. It’s hard to get this nesting nailed.

Visibility

Also not to be overlooked is how visible the contents are. Where the heck did I leave that blade/pen/USB stick…? Too many opaque pouches can leave you searching. Mesh pouches or transparent materials can help with this. Or fewer pouches that display their internals better when opened.

So now you’ve got some idea of what to look for in a good pouch, but how about a helping hand in picking your pouch? We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the best pouch organizers for EDC…

Condor Pocket Pouch (from $10.95)

Need a functional organizer that comes in at a wallet-friendly price? This pouch has you sorted, featuring three internal pockets as well as a fold-out vinyl sleeve, with MOLLE straps for attaching to a bag or your belt.

Great for: organizing your daily carry in a versatile pouch that won’t break the bank…

Maxpedition Micro Pocket Organizer (from $14.18) and Fatty Pocket Organizer (from $21.68)

Solid construction, a mix of internal pockets and loops, an external quick-access mesh pocket and a clamshell opening for easy access make these pouches versatile additions to your EDC. The Micro Pocket Organizer is small enough to carry in a trouser pocket, while the Fatty Pocket Organizer features exterior webbing for attaching to a bag.

Great for: hassle-free access to the contents and accommodating for EDC situations both with and without a bag…

Tom Bihn Double Organizer Pouch ($15-19)

Two pockets to organize your items, a urethane window for assessing contents at a glance, plus a choice of three sizes. This handy pouch is a great way to bring order to the contents of your bag, whether you need to carry smaller or larger items.

Great for: sidestepping carry chaos and lost items in your bag and easily swapping your gear between different bags…

ZPacks Backpack Belt Pouch ($29)

Designed for use with a backpack waistbelt that has a daisy chain or attachment point, this hard-wearing pouch helps protect your gear from the elements thanks to its taped seams and water-resistant zip. Plus it won’t weigh you down, coming in at just 0.75 ounces (21 grams).

Great for: fast access to gear without carrying unnecessary extra weight…

Vanquest EDCM-HUSKY Maximizer ($31.99)

This pouch boasts a host of features to keep your EDC items in order. Offset-stitched elastic loops help make the most of the internal space, while additional organization features include an exterior and three interior pockets, an interior key fob and a paracord attachment loop. Plus the exterior MOLLE webbing comes in useful for securing the pouch to a bag as needed.

Great for: a pouch that applies thoughtful design to interior organization in order to minimize wasted space…

Cargo Works EDC Note Case ($39.90)

The EDC Note Case is a wallet, passport holder and EDC organizer in one easily portable package. The case offers a choice of compartments, pockets and webbing for storing cards, a phone, passport, pens, small multitools and more. Easily access items when you need them and keep them securely in place when you don’t.

Great for: all-in-one organization for travel and EDC essentials, with convenient access on the go…

Bellroy Pencil Case ($39.95)

Bellroy’s Pencil Case is a chic solution for keeping small EDC, travel and tech items easily accessible on the go. The case can store a variety of items, from stationery and earphones, to cables, chargers and multitools. Pull loops on either end help with opening and closing, and the case folds out flat into a tray so you can quickly access individual items without rummaging.

Great for: an elegant way to store and access small essentials for work or play, with stylish aesthetics that look good in the office and beyond…

Aer Cable Kit ($45)

The minimalist exterior of the Aer Cable Kit makes this pouch right at home in work environments, campuses, and a diverse range of travel environments. But take a closer look and you’ll find those pared-back aesthetics are well complemented by considered organization to store a variety of EDC and travel essentials. Dual compartments and a selection of pockets and loops let you tailor the setup to suit changing needs, from tech cables and small accessories to travel tools and EDC.

Great for: minimalist, urban-friendly aesthetics with functional organization that adapts to a variety of loads…

Hill People Gear General Purpose Pocket Medium ($47)

This pouch features a 6/9 PALS backing for secure attachment to a bag and offers both a full-width pocket and two half-width pockets to keep your EDC organized when you’re on the go.

Great for: a durable pouch that’s happy on the outside of a bag and can handle demanding use…

Tactical Tailor RRPS Admin Pouch Enhanced (US$47.25)

Rich in features and rugged in durability, this practical pouch doubles up as storage for your EDC and a desk on the go. Numerous pockets, loops and a removable fold-out map holder keep your important items neat and accessible, while an adjustable cord lets you tweak the pouch from a clamshell opening to a desk setup to suit your needs.

Great for: accommodating a range of EDC, protecting papers and documents, and swapping between setups to suit different environments….

Bellroy Classic Pouch ($49)

Classic looks with adaptable design and convenient access? No problem for the Bellroy Classic Pouch. This self-standing pouch opens wide to easily see and reach items, while also collapsing flat if desired for space-saving portability. And the multifunctional design holds anything from work tools and accessories to travel toiletries.

Great for: an office-friendly aesthetic with the functional versatility to adapt to work, travel or day-to-day organization needs…

Cargo Works 10.5″ iPad Pro EDC Kit ($49.90)

Looking for tough, compact and functional carry for your tech and smaller EDC? The Cargo Works 10.5″ iPad Pro EDC Kit provides padded protection for an iPad, along with interior pockets and webbing for organizing items. In addition, exterior webbing provides handy attachment points for keeping frequently used items within easy reach.

Great for: keeping your tech and small EDC safe and organized on the go in a tough and functional case…

Kifaru 500D Organizer Pocket (from $55)

Designed to attach to the exterior of your bag, this pouch keeps quick-access items at the ready all in a tough 500D Cordura construction. The main compartment offers pockets and loops that neatly accommodate a range of items, from flashlights to a phone, while a front zipped pocket provides slip-in storage for your most frequently used items.

Great for: versatile organization for your EDC and reliable construction that will withstand regular use for years to come…

Peak Design Tech Pouch ($59.95)

The clean aesthetics of the Peak Design Tech Pouch allow this piece to slip easily into work, travel or EDC setups. And with its origami-inspired organization you can keep a wide range of items tidy and within easy reach on the go. Add in its convenient handles and wide opening and you’re all set for quick access to essentials on the go.

Great for: users who appreciate clean style paired with thoughtful organization to keep items easily accessible and avoid a jumbled mess on the move…

Skinth Solutions Milky Way ($50) and Trail Blazer ($65)

Need to carry a phone, pens, cards, multitool and more? No problem, the Milky Way accommodates all of these items and can be carried on a belt or in a pocket. If you’re venturing into the outdoors and looking for a place to stash your survival kit and/or other outdoor tools, the Trail Blazer is at the ready – but works just as well for urban settings.

Great for: multifunctional designs that can be customized with optional features to tailor them to your needs and preferences…

GORUCK GR1 Padded Field Pocket ($75)

Built to withstand hard use, the GR1 Field Pocket serves as both a dopp kit and EDC pouch, can be attached to a bag courtesy of its MOLLE webbing, and provides mesh pockets to easily locate different items.

Great for: partnering with the GR1 backpack, plus the padding helps protect your gear… .

Triple Aught Design OP1 ($75)

The OP1 has a number of useful features to make your daily carry that little bit easier, including a clamshell opening for easy access to the contents, an assortment of pockets and loops for organization, plus a choice of attachment options for using the pouch with a bag or belt.

Great for: a durable pouch that can adapt to changing carry needs thanks to a range of flexible organization and attachment features…

Boundary Supply X-Pac Port Kitt ($79.99)

With its modular and water-resistant design the Boundary Supply X-Pac Port Kitt is capable of handling a diverse range of environments and loads. Take it to the gym or on your travels, where you can stash liquids in one compartment and dry items in the other. Split work tools and EDC items between the compartments. Hang it up or lay it flat depending on your requirements. Or even separate the compartments to use them as standalone pouches.

Great for: users who want modular adaptability and a durable, water-resistant build that handles EDC and travel use…

This Is Ground Tech Dopp Kit 2 ($229-289)

Love a luxurious touch to your EDC? The Tech Dopp Kit 2 delivers, with a stylish handcrafted leather design that looks good in work, leisure and travel settings alike. The kit comes in a choice of sizes with loops and a zippered pocket to keep your tech accessories neat and tidy. But there’s no reason you couldn’t use it for other EDC items too.

Great for: if you’re looking for an alternative to tactical aesthetics and want a chic EDC pouch that suits work and leisure environments equally well…

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check these out too:

Our Favorite Organization Pouches for EDC Right Now

How To Stay Organized: Pouches and Packing Cubes

The post Best Pouch Organizers for EDC appeared first on Carryology - Exploring better ways to carry.

Gifts for the EDCer

Carry HQ — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 00:03:07 +0000

A disciple of everyday carry puts extraordinary thought into what nestles in one’s pockets, their careful selections linchpinned by the filters of utility and preparedness. A personal array of essentials – collected and curated (and most likely shot in a finely-arranged grid) – is a telltale sign you’re in the presence of an EDCer. A member of a tribe that takes enormous pride in the little things, and are always prepared for kicking life’s butt in a big way. They’re gear geeks, no doubt. And Zen Masters in the art of carrying. This selection’s for them…

–

Leatherman Squirt ES4 ($26.04)

Multitools are great for getting you out of a tight jam, taking care of DIY jobs and helping with daily tasks, from opening boxes to popping off the cap of a cold brew. With this little guy, you can enjoy nine different tools in a compact size that fits nicely on a keychain or in your pocket.

Great for: …being ready to handle a host of everyday and unexpected tasks without having to carry around a bulky multitool.

Victorinox Swiss Army Manager Pocket Knife ($26.16)

The legendary Swiss Army Knife in a pint-sized form that’s perfect for slipping in your pocket or attaching to a keychain. The Manager does what it says on the tin, offering ten different functions to help you manage EDC tasks with ease.

Great for: …having access to a host of useful tools – including a mini pen and scissors – in a lightweight design that’s easy to store in a bag, pouch, front or top pocket, or keychain.

Vanquest EDCM-HUSKY Maximizer ($32.59)

A lot of EDC items are pretty small…which means they’re pretty easy to lose in a bag. With this handy organizer pouch you can keep your small EDC together, organized and easily accessible.

Great for: …not having to rummage around in your bag for elusive EDC, plus a convenient way to quickly transfer your EDC between different bags.

Fenix PD25 Flashlight ($37.00)

Offering plenty of illumination for everyday needs, this flashlight has a range of output modes including a strobe option, a tactical tail switch for quickly turning it on or off, plus an IPX-8 rating for waterproofness up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Great for: …having an easily portable light within easy reach for power cuts, walking home at night or providing extra illumination in dimly lit environments.

**(multee)project Type-2 Carabiner ($38.00)**

Keeping your small EDC items together and quickly accessible, the Type-2 Carabiner can hook onto a belt or bag and includes three keyrings for securing your gear.

Great for: …providing dedicated attachment points without impeding attaching or removing the carabiner.

TravelCard ($39.00)

A phone is a highly useful addition to EDC – until the battery dies. But this isn’t an issue with the nifty TravelCard on hand, a slim and portable 1500 mAh charger that fits in your wallet.

Great for: …keeping your phone juiced until you can commandeer a mains power supply, without having to haul a bulky charger all day.

Prometheus Lights Beta-QRv2 Quick-Release Keychain Flashlight ($59.00)

Having a readily available keychain flashlight sounds awesome, but sometimes the practical application leaves a lot to be desired. Rather than having to fiddle around removing it from a keyring or using it with a bunch of other items still attached, this thoughtfully designed flashlight features a quick-release mechanism so you can access it in a jiffy.

Great for: …saving time and hassle when you need quick illumination without awkward functionality.

Cha-O-Ha EDC Card ($60.00)

Imagine fitting a toolbox in your wallet. Impossible, right? Well this EDC card comes pretty darn close, featuring over 30 functions in a form that’s durable enough to handle daily demanding use, while being compact enough to carry in your wallet.

Great for: …a multitool option that easily assimilates into your daily carry setup, there when you need it and not distracting when you don’t.

Tanner Goods Memori Stainless Steel Pen ($65.00)

Beautiful, refined, hard-wearing, functional, timeless. The Tanner Goods Memori Stainless Steel Pen is one you’ll want to hold onto. Plus it accepts a number of ink cartridge refills, making it easy to keep it in your life.

Great for: …if you’re looking for an elegant and practical pen that looks classy in any environment and is built tough to stand the test of time.

Bellroy Card Sleeve ($64.95)

Super slim and compact, the Card Sleeve keeps pocket bulk to a minimum. Two external slots provide storage for frequently-used cards, while the main compartment holds infrequently-used cards and folded cash. Plus a handy pull tab provides quick access to the interior contents.

Great for: …shedding unnecessary wallet weight thanks to a pared-down design; plus it doubles as a business card holder.

Bellroy Phone Case – 3 Card ($74.95)

It’s likely you carry your wallet and phone every day – so why not reduce the carry bulk and enjoy a two-in-one design. The Phone Case – 3 Card combines protection for your phone, space for 3 cards and room for some cash and a spare SIM card, in one sleek form.

Great for: …minimizing your daily carry setup or bringing only the essentials for a night out on the town.

Benchmade 555HG Pardue Design Mini Griptilian Plain Edge Knife ($89.25)

A hard-wearing 154CM stainless steel blade, ambidextrous thumb-hole opener, AXIS locking mechanism and textured handle for enhanced grip are just a few features of this versatile knife.

Great for: …if you’re after a functional, compact and durable tool that makes a useful edition to your EDC and can assist with a range of DIY and everyday tasks.

Mystery Ranch Java daypack ($199.00)

The Java aims to perk up your daily carry setup thanks to a front zip design that allows the interior to be exposed for quick access to your gear. With space for documents, up to a 17-inch laptop, as well as smaller items in a top pocket, you’re set for a busy day ahead.

Great for: …accessing the contents quickly, while retaining a sleek design that suits a variety of environments.

Kifaru X-Ray ($376.00)

Built for rugged use, with flexible top and panel-loading access, this tough EDC pack is compact in size but big on functionality. Suitable for use as a daypack (or even an overnight pack if you travel light), this bag provides plenty of webbing for exterior carry options.

Great for: …when you need a versatile EDC bag with solid construction that can handle a range of day-to-day carry tasks, with the potential to serve as carry for multi-day trips too.

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