Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1308154
S H a S H : Direct Action Vanguard Combat Uniform was built with KISS rule in mind. Keep It Simple Stupid. I guess two main factors for the designers were the sim- plicity and functionality. Did they make it? I guess so. Writing about how the pants are built would be too much fluff, so I will just focus on a couple things which might help you to decide if you want them or not. Fabric: the base fabric is not your grandpa's NYCO but the brand new fabric developed specifically for the Vanguard. This lightweight and flexible rip-stop fabric has 39% cotton, 60% nylon and 1% of spandex for increased durability and some elasticity. This together with stretch panels in the knee and crotch areas makes the pants really flexible without sacrificing the mobility. I guess you could even try a split in them, but since my name is not a Jean-Claude, I didn't try. I am curious about the color fastness of the fabric, but since I washed them just once, I haven't seen any discolorations to this moment. Maybe I should finally wash them again, they have seen some use already… The fabric is NIR compliant and it won't "glow" in the NODs, so if you need pants for the big shooting range where the targets are not made of paper and can shoot back, these are good for you. Fabric is a no-melt no-drip one so it won't stick to your body when exposed to the flame or blast. But remember, this is not stuff for firefighters. Combat Pants. Cut: Simple and close fitting. Some will like it and some won't. Works for me, but some will prefer the Crye Precision Combat Pants where the knee pads outer shells are on the outside. Vanguards have internal pockets for the knee inserts and the layer of Cordura fabric on the outside of the knee for increased protec- tion against abrasion. There are pros and cons of both solutions. When you are using the inserts (which can have the hardface too), you minimize the risk of snagging and the pad falling out (it happened to me couple of times already). The insert will not pull out when not placed properly. If you need additional adjustment, there is a Velcro flap just below the knee joint. Pants have also ad- justment flap in the bottom of the hem, but I prefer them to be worn loosely around the boot. Pockets: Just eight. Not much but just enough. Side cargo pockets are slashed and have a hidden feature. The top flap might be stowed inside and secure with the Velcro. Since there is an elastic band in the top of the pocket, it might serve as an open-top dump pocket for water bottles or spent mags. Due the position and depth items should not fall out even when running. Front thigh pockets are perfect for small and flat things. They are zippered for security. Each can fit a multi-tool, phone, Glock magazine (even the 21-rounders). If you are using a thigh holster (hey, it's 2020 already, who does that???) or the mid-ride holster with a thigh strap there might be some obstruction as the strap will block the access to the pouch. Calf pockets serve me as a TQ pouch. Basically, I am really positive about the Vanguard pants. The only thing I needed to get used to was the rear stretch panel. I was initially afraid how it would cope with the sweat absorption but it seems that it works pretty well. Also, the stretch will follow the shape of the body. Does my butt look big? What I www.fragoutmag.com