“Hidden In Plain Sight”
by Caleb Causey, Lone Star Medics
The first thing you’ll notice about the concealed carry backpacks, range bags, and even the tactical sling bags from Vertx is that you don’t notice them. That’s sort of the point and one of the many underappreciated features of their tactical bags; they don’t look “tactical.” As you begin to load up one of their tactical sling bags or concealed carry packs you’ll realize how balanced and well-thought-out each pocket, zipper, and pouch is designed. Elements such as these highlight the versatility of the Vertx everyday carry backpack and tactical bag line-up. This past year there has been plenty of reasons to take being prepared serious. The idea of having a Get Home Bag is becoming more common. Everyone seems hell bent on using a pack that screams “LOOK AT ME!” instead of trying to actually blend in with their surroundings and stay off people’s radar. The point of being “tactical” is to use tactics to achieve your objective. Most of the time, blending in with your surroundings is advantageous… you know… being tactical and all. This is one of the many uses where the Vertx sling and bag line up come into play.
First, let me disclose that I have had a professional relationship with Vertx for several years. If you were to look back at some of the first photos of our classes, you’ll find all of the LSM cadre wearing Vertx clothing as the unofficial uniform for Lone Star Medics. Over the years Vertx has provided our students with products to test drive in our courses. One of the most appreciated aspect students enjoy about our classes is the ability to get their hands on different manufacturers’ products. Students become educated, informed, and usually loyal consumers after attending our coursework.
So let’s look at a few features that really make these bags stand out from other bags… without anyone noticing. Their low-profile style, the level of organization, and their limitless versatility are three features that continue to separate Vertx from other brands. The fact these tactical, concealed carry bags don’t look anything like tactical, concealed carry bags is my favorite feature. The designers took a hard look at who would be carrying these bags, what they most likely will be carrying, and where they would be carried. I mean, the entire point of “concealed carry” is to be “concealed!” If someone saw you walking around town with a pack in the latest trendy tacti-cool camo pattern and MOLLE panels saturating every square inch of your daypack; they’d probably ping you for a member of the armed forces, maybe a veteran, or even an on/off-duty police officer. Which may or may not be true; but you’ve just been “noticed” either way. The low-profile feature of these tactical sling bags and packs is the key feature for me when choosing a pack for traveling, Get Home Bag, or even when at the grocery store with the family. Vertx tactical backpacks allow me to go unnoticed.
If I were to dump out all the contents of my everyday carry backpack (Gamut 2.0); you’d wonder how the heck I fit everything in there and still keep it organized. That’s where the genius of those mad scientists over at Vertx shines. Each item or tool has a very specific place in my EDC bag to call home. Commonly used tools are kept readily accessible while others are loaded in the main compartment in order of precedence. The various sizes and shapes of these bags is another feature worth mentioning here. A trick I’ve learned after years of traveling and hiking throughout the world is; the bigger the bag, the more stuff you usually carry. That means the heavier the pack will be so carry a smaller pack. Obviously these packs were never intended to haul a quartered elk out of the Rocky Mountains during a three-week stalk/hunt. They were designed to secure and rapidly deploy everyday carry items and tools for those “low probability high consequence” type of situations. Speaking of low probability high consequence, Vertx has teamed up with DFNDR Armor to offer ballistic plate inserts in various threat levels to fit precisely inside some of their bags and packs. I view my Gamut pack and the DFNDR armor as a solid insurance-bundle when things go bad. Armor plating isn’t the only thing my Gamut EDC bag keeps organized. The last thing I need to do is waste time digging through a bottomless pit of despair searching for my headlamp or pair of exam gloves so I can help assess the driver of a car wreck for injuries with both of my hands while on my way home at night. These tactical sling bags and concealed carry packs create harmony out of chaos.
Having the ability to adapt to different missions and environments is a key attribute to survival. The Gamut 2.0 is quite capable of assisting you at surviving and prevailing. As a traveling instructor teaching field and tactical medicine across the country I’m always having to change up my load out in my pack for one reason or another. I may be zooming down to KR Training in Texas one weekend, driving up to Mead Hall Shooting Range in Oklahoma, and then flying out to 360 Performance Shooting in Pennsylvania the next. By keeping things super organized unpacking for air travel is a breeze. I’m able to open one pouch, remove two items, secure them at home, zip up, and I’m ready to walk through a TSA checkpoint with my carry-on luggage without hesitation once I arrive at the airport. The Gamut concealed carry backpack is not just my Get Home Bag; it is my mobile office, overnight bag, 007’s aid bag, diaper/Dad bag, and don’t ask me why I know but it’ll carry half a bag of ice and a case of your favorite IPA… comfortably. If versatility is required from your gear, then the Gamut 2.0 certainly won’t let you down.
GAMUT 2.0 BACKPACK
In a World of Limitations, the Gamut Gives You Options
Tug the Hot-Pull Tab to access the PDW rifle discreetly carried in an adjustable print-proof scabbard that doubles as a laptop and sensitive gear sleeve. The Gamut Backpack front flap can be configured as an external sling to carry larger items while your laptop stays snuggled in its dedicated sleeve. Loads of internal and external slots and pockets keep all your gear secure, organized and where you expect it to be when you need it.
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Best Bags for Concealed Carry, EDC, and More
GAMUT CHECKPOINT
Streamlined Styling with Street-Smart Capabilities
The Gamut Checkpoint’s sleek styling and an unassuming façade conceal the capabilities provided in this full-featured rifle-friendly gear hauler. Equally adept on the trail and the street, the emphasis is on efficient organization of an extensive loadout that is easy to access yet protected by subtle pilfer-resistant construction features. The internal MOLLE panel and multiple VELCRO® Brand loop panels let you customize the configuration of essential gear to best suit your needs.
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TRANSIT SLING 2.0
Compact, Comfortable and Quick Access to Your EDC
When you’re on the go and can’t be burdened by a full-size back pack but still need to bring the goods, this medium volume sling bag is spacious and versatile enough to handle your CCW and EDC needs. Blending into the crowd is easy with the Transit Sling 2.0. Plus, when the need arises, you can change its outward appearance while retaining rapid access to your secured tools quickly and without announcing the presence of your gear. Comfortable shoulder and waist straps manage loads that can include hydration systems, laptops and everything in between..