I have finally figured out and designed a peice of molle gear I really need for my flak Jacket. No company makes one specifically like I want, and I dont have the machine or know how to fabricate one from sctrach. We carry a lot of short lists, like nine lines for casualty evacs and calling in explosive ordinance disposal groups, keeping track of radio frequencies, call signs, etc. What I have been trying to put together is something that would attatch to the front of my flak, zip open from the top, down both sides so that the front flap can fold down, with several transparent sleeves that I can put info in to flip through. It needs to be really durable, and in a tan material. Needs tabs on the back with buttons to slip through the molle slips on my flak. I guarantee that anyone to put one together will end up making a LOT more, as I'm sure once I put one on my flak word will spread and tons of orders will come in. Not sure if this is up anyones alley, or a company they know of. I can get ahold of a pouch I already have, I just need it to be modified to attatch to the flak, and add the little clear sleeves inside. I know, I'm crazy. I just figured this was a shot in the dark but its a shot nonetheless. A LOT of guys I know could really use these. Right now we just laminate and stick them in our cargo pockets, but with gloves, goggles, sweat, lots of gear, sand, adrenaline, the confusion, etc...putting it all in a simple location thats easy to access would be a lifesaver.
I'm a seamtress and I'd be up for trying to put this thing together, right now I have a Singer Simple, hopefully in the future I'll get my hands on an industrial machine. Anyhow pm me when you get a chance and we can figure something out.
My wife can sew. But if I told her somone on the interweb had a sewing question for her, she just might laugh at me and call me a d-bag.
Jack, one other thing to try would be to try and get in touch with the parachute shop at Miramar or perhaps one closer to you and see if those guys can't rig something up for you. I got to thinking about your idea, instead of using zippers (which might jam) why not try a fabric flap with velcro on the sides (and top, if needed) and then a grommet at the bottom with either a carabiner or even a plastic handcuff to secure it to your gear. Then all you need to do is pull on the tab, you can read whatever card you put inside the flap and if you end up letting it go it'll still hang in place. Might be simpler to rig up too with the velcro.
Thanks for the idea brian! The biggest problem I can think of with not having it zip is the sand out here. We had a sand storm last week while we were in the field, and it injects sand into everything that isnt permanently sealed. I really like the idea of calling the parachute shop at Miramar. The problem is the distance....its 3 hours from my station. I do have a buddy who controls air traffic on that MCAS, so I'll see about getting ahold of him. I'm also gonna bug bee, I wanna see what she cooks up! -Jack
If you've got it velcroed on the sides but leave the bottom and top open it should just go right through. Sand can foul a zipper pretty quick. I'll see if I can't cook up a drawing and send it to you for the idea I've got. It should only take a little bit to rig up the way I'm thinking of. Another nice thing about using the chute shop is that I'd be willing to bet they've got access to some pretty sweet stuff fabric/thread wise.
