Vertx has been doing well with their original tactical pant design so it makes sense to see them expand upon the concept with their new Phantom line. Since overall pretty similar I've chosen to do a dual review so easier to compare.
As usual I am catching up with reviews, but as a plus to that is has given me more time to beat up on this here fine Strandhögg Plate Carrier. Even though First Spear has moved more towards their modular AAC system I think the Strandhögg is still definitely worth talking about. For starters, if one is unfamiliar with First Spear, this vest is a great example of their 6/12 design tech and The Tubes hardware.
I can always use some fancy base layer shirts for working out or wearing with armor so was happy to give this Vertx version a try. Offhand the size small I tried out was a fairly loose fit compared to the Under Armour DO YOU EVEN LIFT BRO tight fit look. Preferably I would have additionally tried a smaller size just see, but alas I am a wee-man and size small is as small as they make. For better or worse there is plenty of shirt length, this is usually a plus for those who don't tuck in their shirts, yet can get a little warmer / crowded in the crotch for those who do tuck in.
It appears Vertx isn't settling on just pants and is dabbling in jackets as a part of their new limited edition lineup. Although several items are offered in this "OPS" line I got to check out the OPS Shell Jacket as an introduction to the series. Much like the pants I think they find a good balance of performance and features us tac folks enjoy without a particularly super tactical look.
Commonly toiletry bags are budget style made so it is nice to see this heavy duty one from Maxpedition. Now I'll admit the name is somewhat amusing as Aftermath somewhat implies you would be carrying something more along the lines of a set of microwave burritos and toilet paper (which it could happily hold), additionally it isn't particularly compact. The silly thoughts aside, it is nice to be able to count on a good bag to clean up with when you get done with a long day in a crap environment.
Originally shown back at shotshow 2013 earlier this year, I finally got a hold of one of these 5.11 Maverick Assaulter's Belts and it is everything I hoped it would be. There are a lot of good Cobra based belts out there, but the attention to the small design details really makes the Maverick shine.
Fighter Design is an up and coming company bringing some very cool new ideas to the tactical market. Their Airflow pants in particular have the most aggressive hot weather design I've seen to date where you'll have to get into space suit type designs to do much better. No wacky fans, gels, or anything like that, just well placed mesh on an already good set of military style pants. Additionally the pants can utilize another cool product from Fighter Design, their Magnetic Fastener kits. For folks where velcro just doesn't match your needs, the magnetic closures offer a silent and smooth alternative.
As a part of Maxpedition's new products this year they wanted to provide some visually lower profile designs with the Spatha and Testudo Laptop bag designs being good examples. The hard use functionality is all still there, with I'd say the main differences being less exterior pockets and a good color selection to offer more civilian looking options. The only feature that looks a bit specifically tactical is the external loop velcro which can easily be taken off for those who desire to. I'm showing the Spatha and Testudo together as they are very similar in core layout with the Testudo being slightly larger and having optional backpack functionality.
It appears Maxpedition's Pocket Organizer line has been going well with demand for even larger versions resulting in the semi new Beefy variant. I actually already showed the Fatty version in an earlier article, however since so similar it is appropriate to show again for a size comparison. Being on the bigger side, these pouches either require a good sized cargo pocket or can make handy organizers to be used in larger bags. The Fatty is approx 5" x 7" x 2" filling up most cargo pockets and the general concept of the Beefy is an up-size to approx 6.25" x 8.75" x 2.5". At this size a full ACU style billowed cargo pocket is required which even then makes for a tight fit to close the flap.
Propper has started several new apparel collections earlier this year with these STL I Pants being a part of the LS1 line. I don't know what any of those abbreviations mean, but the general design theory on the LS1 line is to combine tactical and athletic ideas which seems like a pretty good idea. Overall they fit a good middle point where they don't quite scream tactical man yet have more usable features than the more covert designs.
Maxpedition MPB XXL 
5.11 RUSH MOAB 6 
A day of MSM Tour 
Wilcox L4 G24 NVG-Mount 
MYDOGTAG.CA Custom Dogtags 
ZERO TOLERANCE KNIVES Model 0301 Folding Knife 
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