Active Shooter Bag Review/Comparision

[halfacop]

Hey guys. I have over time acquired a few different Active Shooter Bags. So I thought I would take this opportunity to throw up a review / comparison of them……. for all that may be interested.

First up……….

The well known Blackhawk Battle Bag.



I have been carrying around the majority of my “Go Gear” in this bag for the last 5 months. This bag is solid. The stitching is +A. It consists of 3 rifle mag pouches on the outside that can carry 2 mags a piece making it 6 totals, as well as two pistol mag pouches on the left side and a general pocket on the right (which just happens to accommodate a pair of cuffs perfectly. On the new version of this bag the MAG POUCHES were done away with and replaced with a big single zippered pocket instead. Not sure if it’s as functional but it is a bit more OPSEC by not allowing the mags to be visible.



The interior is divided up into 3 compartments. One that houses a removable (Velcro) holster that fits most handguns and an extra mag pouch. The middle section which is wide open for most anything – i.e. Water bottle, energy bars, gloves etc etc. The other section is more of a tight fit pocket that is great for hot hands warmers, quick clot, gauge, tourniquet etc etc. There is also some molle loops along the outside of one of the dividers that is perfect for light sticks, shotty shells, small flashlight etc.



Along the outside of this bag on the back is an elongated Velcro pocket that holds the waist belt out of the way until you require it.



The “storm” flap that covers the whole bag has an integrated see thru map pocket. The shoulder strap is of good wide material and the design is simple and functional. No quick disconnects just length adjustments.



The main compartment is secured by a high quality YKK zipper.

A great solid proven bag for any and most required gear for an LE active shooter scenario or “Go Bag” for SHTF situation for your average Joe.

[halfacop]

Next up is the LaRue Active Shooter Bag made by Hawkepak.







The first thing I thought when I pulled this bag out of the box was “Holy **** – there are straps and buckles all over this damn thing!” (More on that later)

The core of the bag is outstanding. It’s covered on three sides with molle to allow the attachment of other accessories pouches.



The inside is set up nicely with a “wall” of Velcro on one side and Velcro molle straps on the other. It comes with a removable divider that is held in place by utilizing the Velcro inside. There is also a nice removable holster that fits most frame sizes that is held in rock solid on the “wall” of Velcro section.



The sides of the bag inside are lined with molle made out of elastic to held bungee the bag shut a bit due to no external zipper or closure. The not only serve that function but would be great for light sticks, shotty shells etc.

With the divider in place you can easily fit 5 AR mags side by side, which then gives you room for all the extra **** you need – water bottle, hot hands, and door jams etc, as well as plenty of room for that holster to hold a full size handgun with no problem.

Now – Back to my first thought. Once I started looking at this bag my immediate thought was, “This bag has been over engineered”. As you can see in the pics the back side of the bag includes a waist strap and a set up for belt wear if needed. Theses two set ups are attached by a bunch of Velcro. All this webbing and buckles was somewhat stowed tightly and but it was still quite the bees nest of ****! The Shoulder Strap is built like a brick ****house and is extremely comfortable. But even that was over engineered by the way it attached to the bag itself. It had fastex buckles on both ends that were attached to the bag by another piece of material that was attached to a steel ring.

To make this bag more functional for my uses I immediately started with the back of the bag. I disassembled both the belt attachment and waist strap. This cleaned up the back of the bag very nicely.



It left two long straps held in place by stitching and velcro that can still be sued to “belt carry” the bag if need.

I then started in on the shoulder straps fastex buckles.



I cut them off the bag and then refastened the strap itself right to the metal rings, thus eliminating all the bulk of the buckles and making the strap assembly 6 inches shorter total. The strap itself has plenty of adjustment still with a cleaner more functional look.



The strap itself is an outstanding design, A nice wide shoulder padded free floating piece that keeps the bag where it needs to be while on the move.

My only real problem left with this bag is the cover flap. As you can see by the pics, the corners that are attached to the bag itself are cut at an angle. When the bag is closed and the buckle fastened – there is quite the amount of gap between the bag and the lid.



With no other closure system on this bag, it seems that you asking for smaller stuff to possibly fall out if the bag gets tipped. The lid fastex buckle also has very little adjustment to it once the lid is closed when there are no other pouches fastened on the outside. (you can see that on the first pic) The buckle should have been placed higher on the lid to allow the user to cinch it down tighter if need be. There is plenty of strap to do this but it bottoms out to quickly when no other pouches are present.

All in all a real quality piece of kit. The size is perfect for most everything you will require in a “grab bag and go” situation with the possibility to expand the room by adding pouches on the exterior. The stitching is all sold and clean. There are two drain grommets in the bottom to allow drainage if needed.

[halfacop]

Last up is a bag I picked up from a officer in Colorado. It was described as “custom made bag for the Illinois Tactical Officer's Association 2007 conference” it’s made by Hawkepak as well.



This is, in my mind, what an active shooters bag needs to be. The size is perfect.....SMALL!

There are two exterior pouches for 1 AR mag a piece.



The backside has a belt hook up if wanted and would be quick to deploy as it’s done by very stiff Velcro.



The original strap was not included due to the owner replacing when he had. He said it was too small to fit over a jacket.

When you open it up it screams simplicity. It’s divided up into three zones like the Battle Bag is and both divider walls has a couple straps of elastic.



They work great for holding in place pistol mags, flashlights, knives etc. The other tow pockets are of good size for hot hands, quick clot, maps, perhaps an extra medium frame pistol etc.

There is plenty of room in the middle for a water bottle and any other things that may be needed. I included a pic of what the last owner was carrying in it while on patrol.

The stitching is +A on this unit as well. A nice big YKK Zipper closes everything in so nothing is lost on the run. It’s the smallest of the three bags but still plenty enough room for your gear.

Well - there you go. A couple great bags. Hope this was of interest to at least a few of you.

Half

NOTE: I think I am ging to set up the LaRue bag for my duty gear while working my Humane Law Enforcement gig.

We back up the State and Local Law Enforcement on calls if we are close by. We do not carry AR's but we do carry a well used 870 to supplement our G22's.

So if I am responding to an active shooter situation, hostage, etc to take up perimeter my primary long gun is a SHOTTY. So I'm taking out the AR mags and pistol holster and I thought I might pick up a couple molle shotgun panels and stick them in on the "wall of velcro" for extra ammo.

When I get that done - I will post a update to that rig!

Half

[Narco]

awesome post. thanks for taking the time to do that. i love user reviews complete with photos.

[CG1811]

Thanks for taking the time to share your insight.

My partners use the Maxpedition Line - and fit a G22 plus 4 mages, surfire, and toys. They standout but are excellent go bags.





Thanks again.

[Kieth M.]

Excellent post, thanks!

[M-11]

Tactical Taylor has a really sweet Active Shooter Bag as well. It's pretty minimal, kind of a Combat Purse.

M-11

[halfacop]

Originally Posted by M-11

Tactical Taylor has a really sweet Active Shooter Bag as well. It's pretty minimal, kind of a Combat Purse.

M-11

Yup - I am working on a review of that as well.

I'll get it up here when it is done!

Glad you guys found it helpful and interesting!

[Narco]

hurry up with the review!

[Resq14]

I just received the Hawkepak MA-54 Rifle B.o.B. ($70ish)


and

the 5.11 Active Shooter Bail Out Bag ($36.99).


I'll try to snap some pics of the 5.11 to add to this thread, unless someone beats me to it. The MA-54 has been reviewed here before (w/pics). http://forums.officer.com/forums/sho...light=hawkepak
props to MCSD241.



For what it's worth, I prefer the 5.11 bag. It's a great deal at under $40. The Hawkepak is definitely more "solid"... but it's a little too "high speed" for this guy. I like how you "cleaned up" the back and shoulder strap of of yours, halfacop. That's one other reason why I like the 5.11... clean and simple.

I liked the 5.11 so much that I decided to go with their 72-hour bag and their new 3-in-1 duty bag... both in the mail.

This Maxpedition knock-off manpurse looked interesting as well...
http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail....r=511-56037-XX

[halfacop]

Originally Posted by Resq14

the 5.11 Active Shooter Bail Out Bag ($36.99).


I'll try to snap some pics of the 5.11 to add to this thread, unless someone beats me to it.

Great - I am interested in seeing those pics......

[Resq14]

Overall shot... left to right: note that there are:
- 2 30rd PMAG's (no Ranger plates), flap won't close but mags are nice and snug
- 1 30rd PMAG (no Ranger plate), flap is open, mag could easily fall out
- 1 30rd PMAG (no Ranger plate), flap is closed, mag is secure

My Ranger Plates were on backorder, but I'm going to guess even 1 PMAG might not fit under the flap with a Ranger Plate.


Back of bag:


Interior: PALS on one side, Velcro-compatible fabric on the other. Note the lighter colored interior = easier to see


Side shot, showing PALS on side pocket. I plan on adding a triple mag pouch here.


Crap inside, 3 PMAG's


Crap inside, 6 PMAGS


I still have some little items to procure, as well as to maybe swap out some stuff. I will have a separate "stand-off bag" for perimeter posts, extended duration stuff, etc. I'm also going to have some duplicate ammo and lights on my Point Blank SPIDER vest. Overall, I'm liking it so far.

[Narco]

awesome...these reviews are great guys. i wish all posts had pics and reviews of equipment discussed. thanks!

[halfacop]

awesome - thanks for getting those pics up Resq14.

So basically the only draw back to the 5.11 bag is that the mag pouch flaps are cut to short.

Great review - thanks for adding it to the list. This is going to turn into a great reference point to BOB's for everyone as other bags get added.

This would be a great thread to Sticky in my opinion.

[CG1811]

Again - great review and advice.

Nothing really to add -

Isreali Battle Dressing in my kit / and One with Velco that sits on the interior roof.

Where I can I get those sexy lime green door stops.

Thanks

[fyrdog]

Where I can I get those sexy lime green door stops.

CG1811,

They're called a Wedge-It, and they can be found at most places that sell stuff to hose beaters.

Here's a link
http://www.thefirestore.com/store/ca..._456_wedge_it/

Stay Safe

Fyr

[Resq14]

haha

You can get 'em in tacticool black too. I figured green is harder to lose track of. They work very well - use as a hinge hook, or use at the top of a door, or as a traditional door stop.

[CG1811]

New addition to my kit.

Everyone loves the hose beaters.

I will post my new active shooter/bail out bag next month.

Moving from narcotics to the dark side of the house where jeans, boots, and t shirts are replaced with shirt, suit, and ties.

I am going to convert a Kenneth Cole innocent looking briefcase to an active shooter/go bag that will hold 4 G22 Mags; IBD; Door Stops; QClot; 2 MP5 Mags; Surefire Z2; Backup Bats; Flex Cuffs; Perm Marker; MiniPad; Interop Radio with PS Attachment; and Desk Jockey Stuff.

KC Battle Bag - for all your revenge of the nerd types that are too bashful to post. I think I am joining (voluntarily) that side of the house.

Not only will I be a fashionable 1811 - but ready to roll.

The current Diamondback Tactical 2 Day Assautler with Molle Attachments will standout too much among business class.

Thanks again for the posts.

Forgot to Mention - I look the sexy lime green Wedge Its as they will be recognized.


Stay safe.

[Resq14]

half - I just noticed your glow zipper pulls on the Battle Bag.

Did you get those from a guy on lightfighter.net, or somewhere else?

[Narco]

glow zipper pulls???

[Resq14]

yup - see pics

[ryang]

Good reviews, but do you really need an active shooter bag? It seems like when you're on duty you already have the necessary weapons/radio and the prime requirement is for more ammo that you can quickly access and easily carry without interfering with your normal duty gear. In that regard I consider a BlackHawk Strike MOLLE bandoleer with pistol, shotgun and rifle mags sufficient. It's easy to put on, doesn't interfere with gear on your duty belt, and can even carry additional plastic restraints.

What am I missing here?

[halfacop]

Originally Posted by Resq14

half - I just noticed your glow zipper pulls on the Battle Bag.

Did you get those from a guy on lightfighter.net, or somewhere else?

Right - I got them in the swap meet over on LF.

They are just the ticket for this type of application. I can charge those up at the begining of my shift with my high intensity light and they hold a charge for ever. Everytime I get the chance I might hit them again for a second or two - so if the baloon goes up I have absolutly no problem finding the pulls when I need to in the dark.

I recommend them for any and all applications. I have them on my patrol bag and cases as well. Makes them really easy to find in the trunk while on a stop while retrieving paperwork, tools etc on those dark nights.

[halfacop]

Originally Posted by ryang

Good reviews, but do you really need an active shooter bag? It seems like when you're on duty you already have the necessary weapons/radio and the prime requirement is for more ammo that you can quickly access and easily carry without interfering with your normal duty gear. In that regard I consider a BlackHawk Strike MOLLE bandoleer with pistol, shotgun and rifle mags sufficient. It's easy to put on, doesn't interfere with gear on your duty belt, and can even carry additional plastic restraints.

What am I missing here?

By all means - I think each and every officers needs to weigh his/her requirments for what they need for their type of assignment. If the bandoleer system works for you - then fantastic. It in itself is a good base system to use for this application.

I prefer a bag system for the fact that it carries my ammo and a few items that I would want upon the unsuspected situation where I might find myself with the need to be self sustaining for a while. I guess you never know what will happen. I guess I would rather have it and not need it then the other way around.

Everytime I think about this I come back to the North Hollywood shootout. It lasted for well over an hour in which a couple officers found themselves pinned down and in need of medical attention. How much better off would they have been if they had not only more ammo but water, quick clot etc.

I can carry all this in a bag slung over my shoulder. Take a look at that last bag.........Fully loaded it is not cumbersome or hindering in any way.



Some bags are bigger than others. You simply need to pick what would work best for you. Just my 2 cents.

[Resq14]

Originally Posted by ryang

What am I missing here?

Ease, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder I guess. I think it's easier to just have a shoulder bag to grab and go. I considered chest rigs and bandoleers... I just preferred the bags. I like being able to carry some "oh $#!+" gear in addition to extra ammo.

I'd never be able to live with myself if a fellow officer was critically wounded and I didn't have the $50 in supplies to, at the very least, try to make a difference...