Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1193118
• Two front thigh upper zippered pockets. They are pleated, so they slightly expand when filled. When zip- per is closed it stays in the garage for lower profile. Pockets have inter- nal compartment sized for AR maga- zine (can't be closed) or smartphone. • Two cargo pockets with hook and loop flaps. The pockets lay comple- tely flat when empty, due to their do- uble-pleated design. The top edge of pocket features the elastic rubber. There is also a Velcro loop inside the pocket, so the flap might be tucked in and can be used as a open-top pocket for quick access or as a dump pocket. • Two calf pockets on the bottom with concealed pleat on the back. Pockets have flap closure with hook and loop. They are conveniently loca- ted, so they won't become a problem when kneeling. Pants lack the back pockets, due the large elastic fabric panel on the rear. Knee area is reinforced with a sin- gle layer of Cordura 500D fabric for abrasion resistance. It creates a knee pad compartment. Direct Action offers neoprene impact pads separately. They might be replaced with D3O pads or low-budget foam DIY inserts. There is hook and loop stabilizer strap just below the back of knee. The vertical position of the pad can't be adjusted, so make sure that you will choose the right inseam length. FABRICS The Vanguard's main fabric, they proprietary rip-stop blend (39% cotton/60% nylon/1% elastane) has some stretch and very thin water repellent coating, so water forms beads on the surface. It is still uni- form fabric, so do not expect any water resistance here. The coating also prevents against dirt, grease or oils. All fabrics are quick drying. Vanguards are currently available in solid Black and Adaptive Green (kind of brownish-green, similar to Arc'te- ryx Crocodile or Clawgear Swamp colorway), Crye Multicam camoufla- ge pattern and in PenCott Wildwood woodland camouflage pattern which is Direct Action and Helikon-Tex exc- lusive. There are six sizes (European S to 3XL) and three lengths available (Regular, Long and Extra Long). PREVIEW Frag Out! Team is using the Vangu- ards for two months now. Please expect first solid feedback in 2020. We are using them in many different scenarios and environments. They are lightweight (bit over 600 grams in Medium Regular) and comfortable in use. The main fabric (we are using the Adaptive Green ones) is soft and breathable but seems to be durable. Elastic stretch panels work as desi- gned and they seem to be logically placed. Panels definitely increase the mobility as they do not restrict any moves. The one thing which bothers us is the rear stretch panel. Yes, the bottom-back part is stretch fabric. We will find out if it works and how durable is the fabric in this area. But we are quite sure that guys behind the design exactly knew what they are doing. Pockets design and layout are well- -though. Our only doubt is the Velcro hook inside the side pockets which is stiff and bit irritating at least on the beginning. Pockets are comfor- tably placed and are pretty spacious. Internal organizer pockets for maga- zines inside cargo pockets would be nice as they fit phones too. As mentioned above, the fabric is coated for some weather and incre- ased dirt resistance (grease, oil). Ultimately, the coating will wash off somewhere in the future. Stretch panels are also dirt resistant. Cordura 500D abrasion resistant layer on knees is pretty soft, flexible and works well when taking a knee. These layers offer some protection against water. www.fragoutmag.com