Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1516388
The QR variant has a similar build, ex- cept the front part was split in two-part pieces connected with 2M ROC buckle. This cummerbund is way faster than the standard one and you don't need to remove magazines from the kit. Both cummerbunds are available in Medium and Large sizes and might be used to retrofit other plate carriers. ACCESS- ORIES The Gurdian Plate Carrier is fully com- patible with MOLLE but it also comes with its own suite of pouches, pockets and accessories. Let's start with Guardian Smallpack. This 7.5 liter pack may be used as fixed to back panel, stand-alone pack or con- nected to older product which was ava- ilable for some time, the Guardian Chest Rig. Pack features a main compartment with a U-shaped ¾ length zipper. The rear of the pack is stiffened with a removable insert. Outside it is almost flat, except for the four MOLLE attachment points. In the top part of the pack, on the sides, there are two compression straps. Inside the main compartment there is a flat hydration system pocket lined on the outside with Velcro loop for additio- nal organization and hanger for the hy- dration bladder. There are two cut-outs to route the hydration tube. The bottom of the pack features an elastic cord loop for attaching rolled clothing or equipment. Main flap features MOLLE webbing and the small, zippered compartment for storing small items. As mentioned, the Guardian Small- pack might carry as a stand-alone pack thanks to detachable well-padded sho- ulder strap attached to the main com- partment with four quick-release buckles. Another accessory will be (at mo- ment of publishing it is still not availa- ble) a horizontal dual magazine pouch. It might be attached to the bottom of the plate bag (in the same way as a dangler) giving the user two additional magazines for primary weapons. Underneath there is a flat admin pocket with Velcro closure for such items as map or tiny notebook. Bottom part of the torso panel lacks the webbing but is used to attach modular flaps (two are currently available: with fixed three ma- gazine pouches or "kangaroo" one with detachable inserts). Flaps are fixed with Velcro and two buckles. To the bottom part of the front panel, users can attach an adapter for a Dangler/Fanny Bag po- uch. Rear panel has six rows of MOLLE webbing (two are covered with Velcro loop) and has a drag handle on top. SAPI plates are loaded from the bot- tom of the plate bags and are secured with a large piece of Velcro as in most of the standard plate carriers. Fairly wide Shoulder straps are adju- stable and have some Hypalon fabric reinforcement in the stress points. The- re are loops for routing hydration tubes or radio cables and shoulder pads that increase overall comfort of use. Users can configure the Guardian to use as a QR or non-QR carrier. One or both sho- ulder straps can be replaced with a part that features the 2M ROC buckle. CUMMER- BUNDS Guardian Plate Carrier can be configu- red with one of two available cummer- bunds – QR and non-QR. The non-QR is standard cummerbund consisting of left and right "wing" made from MOLLE webbing and mesh for increased air flow. The inner layer features the Hypa- lon fabric which improves the rigidity of the cummerbunds, especially under load. Both parts are attached to the rear and front panel of the plate carrier with Velcro loop and feature elastic parts for increased mobility. In the front, there are small Hypalon pull tabs for quicker access. To close the cummerbund you just need to pull up the bottom part of the front panel. Simple as it is, but a bit cumbersome, especially with a loaded rig. 36 www.fragoutmag.com