Civilian Lab?

[SolarFlare]

Anyone got any Civilian Lab gear? The Escape RG in particular, any thoughts, comments? TIA

 

[AJ_Dual]

I don't own any, but wish I did.

I've posted this before, the only problem I have is that it's actualy "too cool".

I feel as though I'd have to be an astronaut, helicopter EMT, rock-climber, or perhaps, idealy, an uber-hip, fit and trim, 21 y.o. iPod'ded New York bike-messenger to be worthy of wearing it without looking like some Bat-Man wannabe "strange ranger" nerd.

If I brought a Civilian Labs shoulder rig home I'd get laughed out of the city by my spouse before I even put it on.

It probably says more about the person I wish/fantasize that I was, than it does about Civilian Labs gear…

:(

We need a pioneering individual of important personage to make such an EDC rig cool and acceptable enough, no matter how many kids you have, or inches on your waistband.

 

[eart]

Ahh this stuff is pretty neat, but I can see how you'd have to be one of the cool kids to acutally wear one. On the other hand, in a shoulder bag configuration it'd look pretty innocuous.

 

[CLHC]

Yes they're interesting carry gear. T.riple A.ught D.esign Gear sells them. . .

 

[roisondubh]

I've got a Scouter LT on order with TADgear. they say its on 2 week back order. When I get it, I'll write a review.

RoisonDubh

 

[SolarFlare]

excellent! I think its actually pretty small, thats why I need a real world evaluation, it can't be covert if ya have to walk with orangutan arms can it?

 

[roisondubh]

It's on the way. Should arrive Friday.

 

[diggdug13]

I've got the wallet they make, although I've never used it, it's got great quality workmanship put into it.

Doug

 

[KDOG3]

I also like the Escape RG, I just wonder where they are manufactured. I sent them an email so hopefully they'll respond. The only negative I see in their gear is that bright orange. That just screams "look at me."

 

[eart]

I believe you can get in variety of colors including black.

 

[KDOG3]

Yes but even the black packs have bright orange areas' on them....

 

[KDOG3]

Well they wrote back and stated that most of their stuff is made in Taiwan...just FYI

 

[dandruff]

I feel as though I'd have to be an astronaut, helicopter EMT, rock-climber, or perhaps, idealy, an uber-hip, fit and trim, 21 y.o. iPod'ded New York bike-messenger to be worthy of wearing it without looking like some Bat-Man wannabe "strange ranger" nerd.

hmmm. i disagree. i am somewhat similar to your description above if i may say so:p

ive just turned 20; i have 9% body fat; and i play several sports competitively.

BUT!

i would still look (and feel) like a dolt if i wore one of those (stuffed with flashlights, knives and multitools) to school.

i think it really is more the situation than who your are that warrants the wearing of such cool stuff. it would be weird wearing it on an everyday basis, to the office, while shopping etc.

but i would feel alright wearing them if: 1) im travelling 2) if im outdoors

 

[MScottz]

I would feel like less of an uber-nerd carryig a maxpedition fatboy than wearing one of these I think. But like dandruff sayed, I guess it depends on when and where you wear it.

 

[AJ_Dual]

Well sheesh…

If the athletic 9% body-fat crowd can't bring themselves to wear Civlian Labs shoulder rigs in public on a regular basis, what's their business model?

I'm beginning to suspect that the majority of their sales are impulse buys, and are never actualy worn. I think they have a classic "Chicken & Egg" paradox here. The stuff is overly-cool, and people want it, but who's willing to be the "pioneer" and actualy wear it in front of (gasp) girls?

Any takers? Think about it. Somebody had to wear the first: Platform shoes, bell-bottoms, thong, bandanna tied around the knee, thong underwear, Vans checkerboard sneakers, fat or "pipe" jeans… etc. etc. etc.

And a Civilain Labs shoulder rig is better than all of those.

 

[eart]

:D

I think it depends what configuration you cary it in. If you use the shoulder holster type arrangement it'll look funny. If you carry it in a more conventional shoulder bag arrangement it'll work out fine. A buddy of mine ordered one last week, I'll let you know if he looks ridiculous :)

 

[roisondubh]

Okay got the Scouter Lt with the gossamer harness. I gotta say I don't really care for it.

I hate all my gear poking me in the legs when I sit down. Figured a shoulder harness would be the great compromise...and it is...sorta.

The modules are too thick to comfortable carry under the arms. I feel like I'm doing a constant impression of those muscle guys who can't scratch their behinds cause their arms are too far out from their bodies.

Secondly, the use of velcro! Nothing "covert" about the ripping noise of velcro. The velcro also tends to catch on the material of my shirt. The orange tabs aren't too bad, unless you are trying to avoid it being noticed.

Thirdly the six configuration selling point of the harness leads to straps and buckles and attachment points being EVERYWHERE!! I felt like I had to remove straps and buckles just to eliminate the stuff flapping around.

Fourthly, unless you wear a coat or suit jacket there is NO WAY to get around coworkers asking "What on earth is that?" I thought bat-beltism was bad but this just screams "geek" and not "chic uber-cool geek" either... Plus everything just seems harder to get access to in the shoulder rig.

Finally, this was an impulse buy for me. I'll probably keep it around and try and use it this week and then off to ebay!

RoisonDubh

 

[SolarFlare]

Thanks roisondubh :grin2: , that little review has put me right off 'em (crosses off list) Ahhh well someone had to try em eh!

 

[big_erb]

roisondubh, I have been throwing around the prospect of buying the loader RG.. I actually work as a flight paramedic. I own the CUF medic vest from onpointtacticalgear.com but it is a lil big.. Do you think, this rig would would for a specific task, such as rescue? Figured I would run this question by U since you have one! thanks for any input...