Every American has the right to quality body armor, gear, and medical equipment.. lets get this convo started and get guys squared away

Plates aren't a priority for me at the moment but I'm thinking of just getting level III+ steel with some kind of kevlar pad to catch spalling.

I would highly advise against steel plates honestly. Composite or ceramic is the way to go.. no chance of spalling and lighter .. yes more money however you can get a rig and save money for quality plates that will save your life. That being said I have seen AR500’s new coating that stops spalling and I am a little impressed but after the coating they are about the same price as Ceramic or composite plates

https://www.rtstactical.com//rts-tactical-ceramic-nij-0101-06-level-iv-rifle-protection-plate-inserts.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4NTxBRDxARIsAHyp6gBFoOW5Co9c-ijQJIInm_XY2WavWjNM_QMsAaACxIV4kBHEpUv1wKEaAgtkEALw_wcB

Thoughts on this?

There is not a lot of info on these as to what they stop (on the link) if 5.56 is the only threat you may face these may not be terrible. But my I ask what about 7.62, 308, or any number of many other calibers that are becoming more popular. I’m not saying these are an absolute no go but what threats are you willing to expect

Well it's level 4 which is supposed to stop up to .30-06

Also level iiia is rated for pistols only

My bad I sent the wrong ones I thought it was weird they were almost all pistol calibers

lol its all good

$40

Thoughts?

It doesnt look to bad, it really just comes down to what your trying to accomplish. The reviews look good, and it's a pretty decent size. I guess it comes down to purpose, distance and camo ( blending in with a crowd vs. Standing out)

Yea I have a nice bag for blending in. I just need a bigger more comfortable bag for carrying stuff long distances

The covert bag I have is just a nice black backpack that I got for school but never used

Its my current bug out bag but it's not designed for hiking so the weight isn't distributed great which causes it to be uncomfortable when full

I would look into something with a padded waist belt. Thats just personal preference. If your able I would consider going to a surplus and looking at some of the rucks. I've actually been looking for a new bag but i

It's a pain finding a good gray man bug out bag without spending a fortune

Ok. I'll look into it. Thanks for the feedback

No problem. I'm not sure where your located but there is a good one in iowa city called CC's military surplus

Ok. The only one I know of thats close to me is Uncle Stan's military surplus in cedar rapids but I'll look around. Any suggestions on what type of ruck?

I don't know a lot about military surplus rucksacks

I'm not sure what your budget is like and I dont want to but if you can. I would look for one of the 2000's or newer marine rucks. If I can find a picture I'll post it on here for you.

Ok. Thanks

I don't really have a ton of money so I pretty much want the cheapest backpack that will work well but I'm willing to spend a fair amount if it's worth it

So this one is the one I'm looking at but I'll post another one that would work well also

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/usmc-military-surplus-filbe-pack-used?a=2194053&pm2d=CSE-SPG-15-PLA&utm_medium=PLA&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=CI&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpfHzBRCiARIsAHHzyZr2RFX7xIQ41hVddGqf-UAzfv4Bg2nLhFaEsB2xZIwjizMUGO5ixUcaAt63EALw_wcB

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/us-military-surplus-usmc-assault-pack-used?a=2183074&pm2d=CSE-SPG-15-PLA&utm_medium=PLA&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=CI&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpfHzBRCiARIsAHHzyZr2RFX7xIQ41hVddGqf-UAzfv4Bg2nLhFaEsB2xZIwjizMUGO5ixUcaAt63EALw_wcB

The first one is super nice and pretty much exactly what I want but is more than I can spend. The second one is definately in my price range and is nice, I just kinda wish is had a spot for a bedroll

I'm not sure if it's like the army assault packs or not but if it is, there should be molle o the bottom that you could strap a bed roll too. The first one is definitely one to aspire to for sure

Yea its so nice. Its just that I'm missing several pieces of gear and can't spend that much on a backpack right now

I'm in the same boat at the moment, these layoffs are killing me. Once I get to a position to where I can I'm more then willing to help people get the better stuff for sure

Yea this shit sucks. Who knew the apocalypse wouldn't be all campfires and blowing up buildings?

No joke right? Ever since I started prepping and stuff I said I would absolutely hate a bio threat, and of course here we are. The virus doesnt really bother me it's the people being fear mongered into all this panic buying and all around craziness

Yeah that's what I'm more worried about to be honest

We havent really had it to bad here in muscatine but but theres a good chance that when we start getting more cases that things will start to change pretty rapidly

@kilowatt cocktail What's your opinion on the USMC ILBE rucksack?