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Full Forge Gear

Full Forge Gear Review

  Full Forge Gear sent me some of their items to try out. They are their: Torrent double rifle case, Hurricane backpack, and Storm Tool Bag. I will write a little bit about all of them, so you can skip ahead to the section that interests you. All of these products are an exceptional value for the money and can be used for a variety of range tasks.

  All of these Full Forge Gear products have similar construction. They are made from 600 denier fabric so they are pretty durable. Full Forge Gear lines them with a smoother 210 denier polyester. They all are running 10-gauge zippers. Plus they are all water resistant. Now if you like a little color in your life, you might be disappointed that they only come in black or tan colors. No Olive Drab for Chad.

Now a little review on the goods:

Hurricane Backpack:

  The Hurricane Pack is packed with features and pockets. I’ll try to explain them all, but I will probably miss something. It starts with vented padded shoulder straps with a sternum strap. Straps are very comfortable. There is also a waist strap on the Hurricane pack, I proceeded to take it off because I am not carrying enough stuff for it to matter. There is also a carry strap at the top of the pack in case you just need to grab it and go. Of course the pack has a ton of pockets, both inside and out. The pack's dimensions are 18 inches x 11 inches x 11 inches. So it is not huge and not tiny. I do like this size pack as it can be used as a personal item on flights, since it will fit “under the seat in front of you”.

  The back portion of the Hurricane pack has some additional features. It is padded with a harder style padding. This is not a bad thing as there are spaces between the padding to allow for air flow to keep it cooler on your back. It is also more comfortable than you think it would be. Toward the bottom of the back is also a clear “name tag” holder so you can distinguish between your pack and your friend who has the same one. Lastly, on the back of the pack is a large pocket for a hydration bag. It is between the padding and the rest of the bag and has a hook and loop closer at the top. If you don’t want to put a hydration bladder in it, it could be used for backpack armor. 

  Backpacks usually have one main compartment, the Hurricane essentially has two. The largest one completely unzips and can fold down. Inside this compartment is a large open mesh pocket on one side, and a smaller zippered one on the other side. These are useful for whatever kind of stuff you want to put in it. Then there is the slightly smaller large compartment. This sits in front of the largest one, more toward the out part of the pack. This one unzips about two thirds of the way. Inside it is one open small mesh pouch with two smaller pouches on it. These two main compartments give you a lot of room to fill up.

  Lastly there are two pockets on the front of the Hurricane backpack. The top one is smallish and fits a pair of glasses nicely, which is probably what it was made for. The exterior of this pocket has MOLLE and hook, so you can attach your favorite stuff or patches. The other exterior pouch is what I would call the admin pouch. It is about twice the size of the glasses pouch. Inside are open pockets for pens and such. The exterior of the admin pocket has some more MOLLE for attaching extra stuff. There are also plenty of extra straps to help keep pockets and pouches closed.

  The Hurricane Backpack is so useful that my wife is stealing it from me. She saw it and said, “That will make a great bug out bag for the dogs”. So the pack that I really liked, because it has so many pockets, is now a Labrador pack. I just need to figure out how to get him to wear it. The pack is also very comfortable for a human and a great size. I might just have to buy myself one. At under 60 dollars, they really are a great pack for the price. 

Torrent Double Rifle Case:

  Now, the Torrent Double rifle case. As one would expect, this is soft padded and can hold 2 rifles. It is really more of a carbine case since it is only 37 inches x 14 inches x 12.5 inches. Inside the main rifle storage compartment is a padded separator to keep the 2 carbines from bashing into each other. Each side of the rifle compartment has an angled piece of fabric at the front and rear. These are to help keep the muzzle of the firearm protected. It also helps keep the rifle from flopping around inside. To secure the rifle on each side, there are two wide hook and loop straps. All of this is pretty standard as far as rifle cases go.

  Full Forge also supplies a shoulder strap that hooks to the outside. The shoulder strap itself is fine, I just didn't like how it hooks across the bag at each end. It seems to get in the way of opening the case up. Luckily it has quick connect clips to take it on and off. Then of course, there are two fabric carrying handles at the top center. These carry handles can also be hooked together, with the hook and loop strap that is sewed onto one of the carry handles. 

  On the exterior of the Torrent rifle case are three pockets. These pockets are on the outside of another large side pocket. The large outer pocket can be used for pistols, ammo, or something like a SBR. The three smaller outer pockets can be used for magazines, ammo, or tools. These outer pockets have flaps that hook and loop shut. They also have a strap and clip to make sure they don't accidentally come open. 

 I like the Torrent Double Rifle case. These types of soft rifle cases are my go to. The Torrent has not let me down yet. Typically I put two carbines in the main compartment and something with a folding stock in the outer one. This lets me only have to take one case to the range. I would like the case to be a little longer, or for Full Forge to make an XL version. But really, the length is the only thing that could be improved. Everything else just works like a soft rifle case should. 

Storm Tool Bag:

  My son asked for the Storm Tool Bag to use at matches, so I put him to work. Here is what he has to say:

Recently, the Firearmsinsider.tv received some Full Forge Gear to review. Part of that was one of their tool bags. With little use for it, they gave the bag to me as I was in need of something like it. I have been needing a range bag for a while. Most of my time at the range is short and usually consists of shooting a competition, or trying out a gun or two. This makes the need for large, bulky range bags obsolete for me. That’s where this bag shines.

The Full Forge Gear Tool bag is not designed to be a range style bag, kind of. Though it still worked great for holding all the ammo I needed for a day trip, along with enough room for extras such as an extra pistol, my ear and eye pro, and pockets on the side for your smaller items. Like I previously said, this bag is a tool bag, not a range bag. This makes storing some items in the bag a struggle since all the pockets on the inside are made for things like screwdrivers, wire cutters, and other various tools. I find myself only using these interior side pockets for things like my gun oil and magazine loaders. The pockets are extremely tight and don’t even fit a Glock mag, which is a gripe of mine. Overall the construction of the bag feels extremely durable. The large zipper is nice and very easy to open. The bag has a couple exterior pockets to hold other various items (or tools) but I didn’t find myself using them. The bag opens extremely wide which makes searching for things in the bag extremely easy. This large opening also works well for pulling out larger items such as boxes of ammo. Overall, as a range bag for short, lightweight trips, this thing works great. My only complaints lie with the interior and exterior pockets, as they are too small for most of the equipment you bring to the range with you. I hope to try Full Forge Gear’s actual range bag line to see if these problems are solved.

  Full Forge Gear makes some good soft items. The prices on these are reasonable and they should give you a long service life. I was pleased with all of them. The Hurricane Backpack holds a ton of stuff, yet is not super large. The Torrent rifle case does what I need it to, and then a little more. The Storm Tool Bag is used as a range bag, for when you only need to carry ammo and magazines. But it is built nice and would also work as it is intended. If you are looking for some reasonably priced gear for the range, go check out the Full Forge Gear line of products.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Affordably priced gear

Target Market:

Anyone wanting cases, gear, bags, or other affordable gear

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Torrent Double rifle case

    • 600 denier polyester fabric

    • 210 denier polyester lining

    • Nylon monofilament thread stitching

    • 10-gauge nylon zipper

    • Polyester EVA 10mm thick foam

    • Water-resistant

    • MOLLE webbing exterior

    • 3 exterior accessory pouches

    • Additional exterior pocket

    • Interior padded divider

    • Reinforced carry handle for heavy loads

    • Padded shoulder strap

    • Weight: 7.5 lbs

    • Dimensions: 37" x 14" x 12.5"

  • Hurricane backpack

    • 600 denier polyester fabric

    • 210 denier polyester lining

    • Nylon monofilament thread stitching

    • Polyester EVA 10mm thick foam

    • 10-gauge nylon zipper

    • Large internal hydration pocket

    • Water-resistant

    • Reinforced nylon straps

    • Customizable velcro patch

    • 2 exterior pouches with interior organizational pockets

    • 2 large interior pockets with interior organizational options

    • Hydration reservoir

    • Reinforced carry handle for heavy loads

    • Padded shoulder straps

    • Buckled waste band

    • Additional MOLLE webbing coverage

    • Lockable zippers

    • Weight: 3 lbs

    • Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 11"

    • Approximate Capacity: 1,870cu in

  • Storm Tool Bag

    • 600 denier polyester fabric

    • 210 denier polyester lining

    • Nylon monofilament thread stitching

    • 10-gauge nylon zipper

    • Water-resistant

    • Reinforced hard base

    • 10 exterior pouches

    • 14 interior pockets

    • Reinforced carry handle for heavy loads

    • Weight: 1.80 lbs

    • Dimensions: 9" x 12" x 9.5"

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black and Tan in most products

What others are saying?:

Nothing much found

Link to other reviews:

Pro Gunfighter

RangeHot

Price point:

MSRP:

Retail:

I need it now! Availability:

Full Forge GearAmazon,  or Shootammo.com

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Quality for the price you pay

  • Lots of pockets

  • Good padding

Cons:

  • Small inner pockets in Tool Bag

  • Rifle case can be a little short for some AR’s

Score: All - 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Hi-Point 995P Review 

Mission First Achro 22 EDC Backpack

Mission First Tactical

Achro 22 EDC Backpack Review

  There are a lot of off-body concealed carry options available these days. In certain circumstances, this type of carry might be your only option. Mission First Tactical (MFT) has a non descript looking Everyday Carry (EDC) backpack called the Achro EDC. This pack also has a separate, externally accessible, compartment for holding a pistol. Being able to have a normal looking EDC backpack can be a great advantage when carrying in certain locations.

  The Achro EDC pack looks like something your kids might wear to school. I was sent the black color, but it comes in two other colors: Forest Night and Dark Lagoon. Having color options makes the pack even more discreet. Just because it is an EDC pack, does not mean that it is not functional without a pistol in it. The only, kind of, tactical look this backpack has is the laser cut MOLLE on the front storage pocket. Being that it is a 22 liter pack, it is not overly large, so it won’t look suspicious as to what it might be holding. No one is even going to suspect this pack is carrying anything but a laptop and your lunch. 

  On the front of the Achro pack are two compartments. The first is a large admin pocket. It probably takes up half of the front side. I call it an admin pocket because inside are places for pens, notepads, etc. There is also a small zippered pocket inside this admin pouch/pocket. Behind that, is just an open pocket for sliding stuff into. All of the zippers on the Achro are YKK’s. The external ones are even water resistant. Also on the front of the pack, at the top, is a zippered glasses compartment. Inside it is soft fabric to hopefully keep your glasses from scratching. Inside this compartment is also another zippered pouch for storing stuff in. That pretty much covers the front of the Achro.

  The exterior of the Achro is constructed with durability in mind. MFT uses 1000D Kodra Carbonite. It looks to me like it is similar to 1000D cordura that has some sort of coating to keep it water tight. But what it is, is an abrasion resistant and weather proof exterior. This should give you plenty of years to abuse it without it falling apart.

  The main storage of the Achro EDC backpack is pretty nice. You get dual zippers to open it up. It opens up completely so you can fold  the front down and easily get to the stuff at the bottom. Inside the front section, the one that folds down, is a large zippered mesh pouch. On the back of the main compartment is the slightly padded laptop sleeve. It won’t hold a huge laptop, but it will hold a smaller one. On the front of the laptop sleeve is another open pouch. The inside of the Achro is pretty simple, but that is okay with me. 

  Now to the outside of the MFT Achro. There are stretchy mesh pockets on each side of the pack, they state these as water bottle holders, which they work fine as. You can also use them for other stuff. Around the back side are well padded shoulder straps. The back is also padded with a vent section running in an inverted “T”. This helps air to flow around the padding and maybe keep you cooler. 

  On each side of the Achro is a zipper. These zippers are for the EDC compartment. It is a passthrough compartment, so if both zippers are unzipped, you can reach through to the other side. This EDC compartment is about ⅔’s the height of the backpack. Meaning that it will hold most compact handguns like a G19 or similar. Inside, one side of the pouch has loop fabric. This is so the MFT multi mount can hook to it (think Velcro). The MFT multi mount is a triangle plastic piece that gives you the ability to mount holsters, or anything that goes on a belt, to it. So you can take a holster, mount it to the multi mount, and then position it inside the EDC pouch. It actually works pretty good. 

  Now to draw from the Achro EDC pack. The Achro does not let you have a super quick pistol draw, like a holster worn on your belt would. But, it is not as slow as expected. When wearing the pack, quickly slip it off and swing it around the front of you. Then you must unzip the EDC compartment. It has a zipper pull that works, but if you are using this with a pistol inside, I might recommend putting a larger zipper pull on it. Then you can draw your firearm. I practiced with it some, and it works, it is just not my preference. 

  There are a few things I would add or change to the MFT Achro pack, and some I would not. The size is perfect. Especially if you are using it for airline travel, please make sure there aren’t any firearm items inside it. It is made to fit under the seat in front of you as a personal item. I will probably make it my SHOT show pack. My biggest complaint is that it is not hydration compatible. Meaning it has no compartment or no hole for the water line to exit. The straps are a little stiff, but I figure that as I use it more, they will wear in. I really like the grayman aspect of the Achro as nobody realizes what kind of backpack it is. If you are wondering, the Achro will fit a small pistol caliber carbine, with a 30 round magazine, in its main compartment.

  If you are looking for a discreet carry backpack, the Mission First Tactical Achro EDC might be worth looking into. I really liked the size and how it is pretty non-discreet looking. The Multi-Mount also worked really well for mounting a pistol inside the pack. Even if you are just looking for a regular backpack, go check out the Achro EDC.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

EDC backpack with CCW access that doesn’t look tactical

Target Market:

Anyone who wants a ccw backpack that doesn’t look tactical

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Low-Vis (Gray Man) design aesthetic 

  • Dedicated and discreet firearm pocket

  • MFT Multi-Mount Platform included

  • Smart storage for vast array of EDC organizational options

  • Lighter colored WR (water resistant) ripstop liner to aid in interior visibility

  • YKK AquaGuard® zipper 

  • Aluminum key clip

  • Weather and abrasion-resistant construction

  • Secure storage for 16” laptop or tablet  

  • Premium padded back panel with ventilation channel

  • Fully adjustable, premium padded shoulder harness 

  • Adjustable and removable sternum strap 

  • Dual-stretch mesh exterior 32oz bottle storage pockets

  • Laser-cut MOLLE for additional gear attachment

  • Large panel-zip allows full access to main compartment

  • Internal zippered storage pockets

  • Front admin & cable storage  

  • Fleece-lined sunglass pocket

  • Fits neatly under the seat in front of you (for flying) 

  • 22L Capacity, Approximate Dimensions: W(10”) x D(6.6”) x H(17.5”), 2.55 lbs

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Slick (no MOLLE) and some color options

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Pro Gun Fighter

Price point:

MSRP = $149.99

Retail = Around $100-120

I need it now! Availability:

Mission First Tactical or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Laser cut MOLLE

  • Comfortable

  • Comes with velcro mount for holster attachment

  • Doesn’t look tactical

Cons:

  • Not the quickest access to firearms

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Gforce Arms Rapture Review 

Tasmanian Tiger TAC Modular SW Pack 25

  Ever since Tasmanian Tiger products have been distributed in the USA, I have wanted to check some of their stuff out. Well, the time has come. I requested the TAC Modular SW pack 25 for review. This is from Tasmanian Tiger’s discreet line. So from the outside, it just looks like an everyday 25liter backpack.

  When the TAC pack first showed up, I was really impressed with the quality. It is made from 700D Cordura , and is tough. I tried to scuff it up with a screwdriver. I couldn’t even tell where I had tried to fray it. 700D has the wear resistance of 1000D but the weight of 500D. It has 3 compartments, 2 of which have lockable YKK zippers. The 2 main compartments run the full depth of the bag. The 3rd is a smaller one that is on the top front, mainly made to hold pens, notebooks, glasses, and various smaller items. Of course the TAC pack has padded shoulder straps, a padded back, and even a padded removable hip strap.

  Where the TAC pack really shines, is inside the 2 main compartments. The front one completely unzips and can be folded out for ease of access. On the front fold down piece, there is a zippered mesh pocket that takes up about a third of the flap. The other section of that flap has 2 loop strips to attach stuff. As you look inside this opened up pack, you will see a hook and loop padded divider. This divider has 4 strips of 2” wide loop fastening sewn to it. The inside, sides, are lined with a loop MOLLE panel. I really like the loop MOLLE panel because one can use it a multitude of ways, plus it is pretty stiff to support heavier items. Since I mentioned the padded divider, it is removable to allow the 2 main compartments to become 1.

  The second main compartment, which I call the back, because it is the side that is against your back while wearing the pack, also fold down completely. There is no side MOLLE loop panels, unless the divider has been removed. Instead, the whole fold down panel has the loop backed MOLLE panel! The pack comes with a so called universal holster to attach to this. As with most anything called universal, it kind of sucks. So I took a Matchpoint panel, attached a real holster, and made my own. Tasmanian Tiger does mention the holster supplied is really only for transportation, but I think they should have just omitted including it. This compartment also has the pocket for the back support. The back support is a semi-molded plastic with an aluminum spine running down the middle. You can form this to your back pretty easily. In with the backer is also some closed cell foam for padding. Toward the top of this compartment, are slots, one on each side, to allow a bladder hose or wires to go through.

  Time for the back area and straps. The part of the TAC pack that rests against your back is also padded. The padded panel is attached in a way that makes it so one can use it like a large pocket. Sliding something in from the top. It does have side openings at the bottom to  allow the hip strap to be attached, so it isn’t a true pocket. The hip strap attached inside this “pocket” via hook and loop. The hip strap is padded, has large zippered pockets on each side, and is about 4” wide. The hip strap can hold an AR magazine in each pocket with room to spare. It is very comfortable, but I took it off because I am not carrying huge amounts of weight. The shoulder straps are about 3” wide and very well padded also. They have some curve to them so they won’t rub on your neck. As one would expect, they also have quick adjust straps on both the top and bottom for extra adjustability. An adjustable chest strap, with some elastic for give, helps to hold the pack firmly. The straps also have quick release buckles, in case you need to get the pack off quickly. Over these quick release buckles, is an elastic cover, that can be slid over to keep them from unclasping at the wrong time. 

  The outside of the pack is pretty generic. This is exactly like a discrete backpack should be. On each side is a pocket, that has loop inside it. The loop allows you to actually keep something attached inside it, like maybe some magazine carriers. It will hold a double mag AR pouch. There is a small single zippered pocket at the bottom front, then the top one mentioned earlier. Now all the way at the bottom, is a zipper. Inside this zipper is an orange panel. The panel is half covered in loop. It can be pulled out and attached to the pack. When attached, it can be used as an identifier by attaching patches to the loop panel or just as a signal. There is a tiny Tasmanian Tiger logo carefully hidden by one of the straps, this is the only noticeable feature, and most people won’t even see it. On the top and bottom sides, there are also some tabs to attach shock cord or paracord. Just a little something in case you might need to strap something else onto the pack. There is also a carry handle at the top of the pack. A pretty useful feature if you don’t want to hoist the bag onto a shoulder for short movements.

  I have been using the TAC pack 25 for around 3 months now. It’s been loaded up with ammo and taken to the range as a range pack. I’ve thrown clothes in it for short trips. Basically I have done everything I could think of to this pack, short of dragging it behind a truck. It is the perfect size for travelling, It might even be small enough to count as a personal item on airlines. The comfort is amazing. Having an actual spine makes it useful for heavier items. It is a little narrow to fit my level 3A soft backpack insert into, but it can be crammed into it if needed. The MOLLE hook and loop panels are spectacular. It might be a little heavy for some, at 3.75lbs, but I didn’t think so. The way the compartment panels unzip and fold out, might make it a useful medical backpack. 

  I’m very pleased with the Tasmanian Tiger pack. It does everything I need. Plus, in today's climate, having a backpack that is discrete, is a huge plus. Nobody will look at it and think, “maybe he has a gun in there”, instead they will just go about their everyday business and pay you no mind. Go check out the TAC Modular SW pack 25 and see for yourself.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Discrete duty grade backpack

Target Market:

Anyone needing an everyday use  backpack with all the options

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 25 liter volume

  • Padded Back Carrying System with aluminum spine

  • Large zip opening with easy access to the main compartment

  • Removable, padded hip belt

  • Hip belt with zipper pockets

  • Carry Handle

  • Lockable zippers

  • Deep top pocket

  • Insert pockets on both sides with hook and loop inside

  • Cable port

  • Large MOLLE hook-and-loop panel inside

  • Signal flag with hook-and-loop integrated in the bottom

  • Main compartment with detachable divider with hook-and-loop closure

  • Extra small TT Logo to remain covert

  • 3.75 lbs empty

  • 22” x 11” x 7”

  • 700 denier Cordura 

  • Lockable YKK zippers

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Olive and Coyote

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

Pine Survey

Price point:

MSRP = $239.00

Retail = $199.95 at Mad City Outdoor Gear

I need it now! Availability:

Mad City Outdoor

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Discrete

  • Excellent size

  • Removable Hook & Loop MOLLE panel / divider

  • Carry handle

  • Lockable zippers

Cons:

  • Hard to find

  • Removal/Installation of hip strap

  • Supplied holster

Score: 8.50 Great

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Favorite Link:  Gun and Gear Cult