KIT & GEAR
BLACK CAM
been massively impressed by this Polish manufacturer. I
wrote about them at length in Issue 109 (which you can
check out via the BACK ISSUES section of the AA website)
but suffice to say, they’re a well-respected supplier of
packs to top-tier military units, so they’re more than good
enough for me!
There are two models that I’ve picked up, the first
being the ZIPPERFOX 40L. This is a pack that will suit me
for multi-day MilSim excursions, as it’s big enough to
hold all my essentials for operating in the field away from
support (apart from water re-sup). The newest addition in
Wisport’s line of military backpacks, the ZipperFox 40L was
created as a modified, slightly larger and more versatile,
version of their Silverfox 30L backpack that I’ve used
before.
Designed for one or two-day long trips (I’ll stretch it
to three!), this new generation of single compartment
tactical backpack benefits from an extremely lightweight
yet durable construction, great functionality and
innovative technology. The main feature is an inverted
“U”-shaped clamshell zip opening, which allows for
quick and easy access to the main compartment from
the top and both sides at the same time. The ZipperFox
comes with re-designed SAS Plus back system which now
includes profiled straps, removable buckled waist belt,
rigid construction and highly breathable padding. Thanks
to the ergonomically profiled straps sewn in permanently,
the backpack provides excellent stability and is great under
load!
Of course, you
may not need a
pack of this size
for most one-day
games, so another
little Wisport
gem to consider
is the SPARROW
16L model.
The smallest of
Wisport Sparrow
family, the
Sparrow 16 is the
latest generation
of compact
backpacks made
of extremely
durable 500D
Cordura Nylon
and developed
in collaboration with Polish Military forces. The main
advantages of the Sparrow 16 are the removable,
ergonomically shaped and lightly padded shoulder straps,
spacious hydration compatible main compartment and
multiple MOLLE attachments points.
The main compartment of Sparrow 16 pack comes
with an internal hydration sleeve pocket inside, a zipped
pocket and multiple elastic loops for easy organisation.
Additionally, above the sleeve pocket is a hook for
attachment of hydration bag and a conduit for hydration
hose or antenna. The pack features a front compartment
with zip closure and multiple quick release buckles
allow it to be quickly dumped if required. The side
compression straps allow the pack to be adapted to the
size of carried kit and prevent it from shifting which may
cause unnecessary noise, discomfort and disturbance
of balance. This is a cracking little patrol pack and one
that is, although it’s not the cheapest option out there,
a companion that will see you through many airsoft
encounters for years to come!
One thing I will quickly recap on before I close is the
panel I chose for the back of the plate carrier. This I intend
to leave in place even when I’m wearing a bigger pack,
so it’s important that is goes down as flat as possible
when not in use. If I’m using the 40L pack then this can
be dumped at the Patrol Harbour where I set up my
basha and essentials can be added to the back panel
for operations and patrols; plan ahead, be effective and
efficient!
Although all of the gear mentioned is still pretty new,
I have the feeling that it’s all going to stand up well to
some serious abuse and will acquit itself well. There
are still more items in the overall loadout that I haven’t
included (such as the excellent Emerson Multicam Black
FAST helmet cover that also came from Taiwangun), not
because they’re not good but because they are still to be
added and fully tested. All of the items I have mentioned
though are already through my first stage of evaluation
and they are all working together well.
This is purely “my take” on a loadout with a “Red
Cell” feel to it but it’s a loadout that will, quite literally,
allow you to choose your gear from head to toe without
breaking the bank! Now I just need to finish building my
“Mutant AR/AK” and I’ll be good to go as soon as sites
re-open.
My thanks go to the great teams at VIPER, Taiwangun,
and Military1st for their assistance in pulling this article
together. To keep up to date with the new VIPER tactical
products as they become available please visit www.
viperkit.co.uk. Do check out www.taiwangun.com for the
8FIELDS gear - and I’ve noticed that it is also beginning
to appear now with certain retailers in the UK too. And
of course, thanks to www.military1st.co.uk who stock
not only VIPER gear but also a comprehensive range from
Wisport. Do give them a look and check out the “Choose
by Colour” function of their website if you’re looking to
create a complete loadout from scratch! AA
www.airsoftaction.net
25