Anyone else get overwhelmed with all the choices

[seang]

I am looking to get a BOB. I was thinking the Tadgear EDC. There are so many makers and for the most part the stores around here don't have any except the Maxpedition, Cambelbak, and 5.11. Trying one on in the store doesn't tell you how it's going to carry loaded.

I wear soft body armor for my job.(LE) I would like a setup where I can have a BOB in conjunction with a vest of some sort to carry AR, pistol mags, etccc. I don't honestly know where to start or what works really well. I don't know of anyone else in this area who has any BOB gear. Most would think I was crazy. I'm curious of how the BOB will carry over soft body armor and how I would wear some type of MOLLE vest rig at the same time. Is this possible?

I have done research going to different forums, but I almost feel I'm back at the beginning with so much to chose from. I'm willing to spend the money to do it right, but I don't want to spend a couple hundred bucks to find out the system I wanted doesn't work for me. I know there is that risk though.

So, any suggestions? Let's say I get the TAD BOB, how would you suggest I use it with some type of Molle system for spare mags, keeping in mind I have soft armor. Should I get something to put my soft armor in so I don't have three different systems. I know it wouldn't always be possible to take out the soft armor and slip it into something else, so I'm open to suggestions. Anyone try the TAD backpack?

I would like to have something more in the mind if I had to bug out even though that is very unlikely given my job. I believe anything for bug out use could be applied to staying put and using it on the job in SHTF.

How about this over a my soft body armor and then wearing a bug out bag? I've heard 5.11 gear can be kind of cheap.
http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Home/Law-Enforcement/Tactical-Vests/VTAC-LBE-Tactical-Vest/D/30100/P/1:100:10000:10500/I/58631

Found this posted by another user. Looks like it may work out.
http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=395&cat=94&page=1

[PA PATRIOT]

http://www.blackhawk.com//CatalogImages/18-856-IMG1.jpeg

This is Blackhawks Patrol Bandoleer which holds four 30rd AR magazines and two Pistol magazines. It sells for under $35.00 and is decently built, just throw it over the shoulder and use the two snap keeper belt loops to secure it to your belt. (Not the "D" rings shown the keepers are on the back which are not shown).

http://www.blackhawk.com//CatalogImages/18-855-IMG1.jpeg

This may work well for home defense as it is smaller holding two 30rd AR Magazines and two Pistol Magazines and is also made by BlackHawk costing under $30.00.

[seang]

Thanks for the reply. I will have to look more into those. I think they would work for use while in uniform.

[ST911]

Hey Phila- I was trying to find that thread where compared the Blackhawk to the Eagle PB, and other options... That'd be a helpful link for the OP. Give it a try?

[Vic303]

I've got the 5.11 Bug-out/Active Shooter bag. It is actually quite nice. I like it better than my Fatboy Versipack. I sold the versipack to get the 5.11 in fact.

As for a BOB, I use a nice Mountainsmith Ascent II backpack. It wears/carries better than any of the alternatives I have tried, including Camelbak. It is also quite 'grey' as far as the general population goes.

[Beat Trash]

I use the Eagle industries chest carrier for my Bug Out SHTF gear. Loaded with 8 rifle mags and the 2 pistol mags, it adds some weight to your load out. Keep this in mind, don;t forget the weight of your back, armor, water, ect. in addition to the weight of your ammo.

http://www.eagleindustries.com/product.php?productid=395&cat=94&page=1

I have been using the two mag version of this at work for a few months.

http://www.blackhawk.com//CatalogImages/18-855-IMG1.jpeg
I really like it. The manner in which we utilize the Patrol Rifle program, is a stop gap measure until the arrival of SWAT. Think perimeter control. (Active shootings in schools, ect. is a different ball game.) I have been looking for a quick and secure way to carry two mags, and this was perfect. Instead of two extra pistol mags, I carry a leatherman tool in one pouch, and a Surefiere G2 light in the other pistol mag pouch.

I am very impressed with the quality and price of this item. I plan on getting a couple of the 4 magazine pouches (for non-work usage) for a project I have in mind.

http://www.blackhawk.com//CatalogImages/18-856-IMG1.jpeg