Erik Meisner

Vehicle Preparedness: Fast access to essential items | Grey Man Tactical RIP-M

In the quest to outfit my Toyota Tundra for Overland use, countless hours have been spent scouring the interwebz for specific products. Watching reviews (yes, we watch others review products as well) to figure out what works and what doesn’t. The Rigid Insert Panel MOLLE (RIP-M) from Grey Man Tactical is the result of both research and communication with the owner of Grey Man Tactical. I was searching for a well built seat-back storage solution. A place to organize items that too often end up tossed onto the back seat or floor. Items that I regularly need quick access to while traveling.

Although there are several seat back MOLLE panels available, the RIP-M from Grey Man Tactical is by far the best choice in my opinion. Other manufacturers tend to use a tactical nylon or Cordura fabric for their seat back panels. A great fabric for most applications, but not for a seat back organizer. Unless your drivers seat back is perfectly vertical, (which it is not) you will experience sag from the fabric panels once loaded with the gear you intend to carry. Here is why Grey Man Tactical is a clear choice. Instead of structureless fabric, they use 3/16″ thick High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) to manufacture their RIP-M panels. Which is a game changer in reducing sag. And the reason I selected these products for my Overland vehicle.

Grey Man Tactical RIP-M Panel Video Review:

Although the RIP-M panel from Grey Man Tactical lends well to firearms storage, my intent for the seat-back loadout differs a bit. And since the panel is precision cut MOLLE, I can add whatever pouches I want to it. My loadout is specific for Overland travel. I have a short list of items that I regularly dig for in the truck. Items like GoPro mounts and spare batteries for filming. Midland radios for communications. Flashlights, fire extinguisher, medical and recovery gear. Multi tools, knives and even cold weather gear like a hat and gloves. All organized on the back of my drivers seat and not haphazardly rolling around in the cab. Additionally, the use of quick release buckles make removal and installation a snap.

RIP-M Panel specs courtesy of greyman-tactical.com

Made for Vertical applications such as Vehicle / Truck / Patrol Car seat back mounting.
Material: High Strength Polyethylene
Panel Weight: 24.5 ounces each
DIMENSIONS
Height: 25″
Width: 15.25″
Thickness: 0.188″

Grey Man Tactical offers a wide range of Rigid MOLLE Panels, not just seat-back organizers. Panels that are specifically designed to fit inside Pelican cases. As well as some of the more popular backpacks. Allowing the user to organize the contents of their ruck as well as rapid removal of the panel and contents should the need arise. Several additional sized panels are available for unique mounting locations such as the FJ Cruiser Dash Panel. I’ve even seen them mounted to the back of a spare tire to carry recovery gear on a Jeep. Whether you’re a LEO, Military or flight crew, check out Grey Man Tactical to find which panel works best for your application.

Due to the limited leg room in the rear of the Tundra Double Cab, I can only mount this seat back panel when no-one is sitting behind me. Not liking to waste space in my truck, I intend to permanently mount a 27.25″x19″ RIP-M panel in the dead space behind the rear folding seats this winter. A covert location that would be perfect for mounting an SBR and a few magazine pouches. And a good alternate location when I have rear seat passengers and can’t use the seat back panel. Stay tuned to the Loadout Room for future Grey Man Tactical reviews.

myCharge Adventure Series Portable Charger

Technology can be both good as well as bad. Everywhere you look, people are walking with their face buried in their smartphones. Believe me, I have two teenage boys and it frustrates me how attached they are to this technology. Many times I’ve lost comms with my 14 year old because of a dead phone battery. Apparently, SnapChat consumes a lot of juice, I wouldn’t know. So to solve this problem, I’ve been searching for a compact portable charger for him. One that will withstand the punishment of an active teenage boy. And myCharge has just the solution with their new Adventure Series chargers.

The Adventure Series is engineered to be rugged, durable power for charging in extreme conditions. This new series includes the AdventureMini, AdventurePlus, AdventureMax and AdventureUltra. All of which provide a varying range of charging capacities to suit your needs. I settled on the 3,350 mAh Mini as well as the 10,500 mAh AdventureMax. One key feature of the Adventure Series is a rubberized rugged exterior. Making them both drop and splash resistant. Compact and lightweight, the AdventureMax will go virtually unnoticed in a backpack. And the AdventureMini is a convenient pocket sized power pack perfect for EDC. Time will tell, but they look to be capable of some abuse.

Adventure Series Technology courtesy of mycharge.com

Smart-sense: ensures complete device compatibility
Hyper-charge: ultra-fast charging of your devices; up to 65% faster than competitors
Power-stay: maintains battery power for up to 1 year
Max-power: maximum power transfer from powerbank to device
High-density battery: the smallest and lightest powerbank
Safe-cell: provides the highest level of battery safety
Rapid-recharge: powerbank recharges up to 50% faster than competitors
Pass Through Charging: will charge the powerbank and connected device simultaneously

The temptation to wander around like a zombie glued to the warm glow of your iPhone screen is great. Put the phone away and try to remain aware of your surroundings. A little common sense and awareness will go a long way should an emergency arise. Stash the phone and connect it to any of the new Adventure Series chargers. This way, you’ll have a topped off phone when you reach your destination.

AdventureMini Specs

Battery: 3350mAh Lithium Ion
Product Dimensions: 4.4 in x 1.9 in x 1.0 in
Product Weight: 0.20 lbs.
USB port delivers 1.0A output
Smartphone Charges 2 times
MSRP $29.99

AdventureMax Specs

Battery: 10500mAh Lithium Ion
Product Dimensions: 4.4 in x 2.9 in x 1.0 in
Product Weight: 0.55 lbs.
USB port delivers 2.4A output
Smartphone Charges 6 times
MSRP $49.99

Overland Essential | Midland Radio MXT275 | GXT1000

I’m starting to consider myself an Overlander now, but I’ve only been at it for a couple of years. Still a green horn by all accounts and measurements. So I constantly refine my personal equipment, vehicle and loadout after each trip. It’s the only way to get better. Figure out what worked, what didn’t, and what adjustments need to be made to the vehicle. With limited space on board, the items I select need to serve a legitimate purpose and not just end up as dead weight. They also need to be robust enough to endure the rugged environment. These items that make the final cut become Overland Essential. And the MXT275 from Midland Radio is one such item.

Midland Radio Video Review:

Midland Radio has been manufacturing 2-way radios since the 1950’s and was the first company to introduce a 14 channel FRS radio. Since then, their products have continued to lead the market with constant innovation and refinement. With a full line of portable 2-way radios available, I selected the MXT275 as our “base camp” radio along with a pair of GXT1000 handheld units for use on foot, or bike, or kayak. As a family of four that adventures together, I felt this set-up would offer the most flexibility and range at a great price.

Midland Radio MXT275

The MXT275 is a compact portable 2-way radio that sports a powerful 15watt base station. This Micromobile unit is small enough to be mounted just about anywhere. My Toyota Tundra serves double-duty as a work truck as well as our Overland vehicle. So I chose the center console as my mounting location for several reasons. There is a 12v plug in the console which is required to power the MXT275. Additionally, I can easily route the antenna wire from here under the carpet and rear seats to place the magnetic antenna on the roof via the rear sliding window. And finally, I can store the entire unit out of sight when not in use. All in all, a pretty seamless 10-minute install.

Although Midland advertises up to a 50-mile range in perfect unobstructed conditions, we live in Northern Michigan which is heavily wooded and expect far less range in this environment. However, we have not experienced any lapse in comms between the MXT275 and the GXT1000 handheld units when the boys push out from the campsite. With plans to head out west next season to the vast expanses of Colorado or Utah, we’ll get to test that long range capability. But for the time being, these radios from Midland have served us reliably.

Midland Radio MXT275 Spec Sheet

Midland Radio GXT1000

For use beyond the vehicle, I chose the Midland GXT1000. These small handheld units pack a powerful 5-watt punch offering up to 36 miles of range. Again, in perfectly un-obstructed conditions. This kit includes a pair of handheld units along with rechargeable batteries, a base station and headsets all for $89.99. Furthermore, the charging station includes both AC and 12v plugs for charging flexibility while in the vehicle.

A handy feature found on both the MXT275 as well as the GXT1000’s is the NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Weather Scan. This automatically locks on to your local weather channel and alerts you to severe weather in your area. On a 4 day trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this summer, we found ourselves in a bit of a pinch. Setting up camp in a remote logged out area away from civilization seemed like a great way to watch the sunset over Lake Superior. Out of cell range, I was unable to check the rapidly changing weather over the lake. As we settled into our rooftop tent for the night, we had no idea what we’d wake up to.

Around 4am, I thought I saw a flash of light through my eyelids. Maybe it was just my imagination. As I lay there, I start to hear the familiar rumble of thunder. Peeking out the window, I see a large fast moving storm cell. The detail of the clouds revealed in the dark sky with each lighting strike. Illuminating the angry mass of clouds as if someone was turning on and off a light switch within. I grabbed the Midland Radio and pushed the WX button. The radio scanned for a local NOAA Weather channel. Once locked on, the bad news hit us loud and clear.

We found ourselves in the path of a severe thunderstorm with winds exceeding 40 mph. The next 15 minutes mimicked ground zero of an artillery barrage. I counted around 40 lightning strikes within 5 miles of us. With nowhere to take refuge, we just hunkered down and hoped that the odds were in our favor. As I watched from our window, a tree on the edge of the clearing took a direct hit. About a half of a mile from our tents and way too close for comfort. It was as beautiful as it was terrifying. And another important learning experience. In the future, I’ll pull up a full weather brief for our area of operation prior to departure.

Final thoughts:

In the video, Scott and I are exploring areas closer to home. Driving our trucks in Northern Michigan and getting ready for Overland Expo East. Good 2-way comms allowed us to warn one another of obstacles on the trail and game plan our route on the fly. GMRS radios are a great way for a group traveling together to have reliable communications. More powerful HAM radios are a good solution in the event you need help from outside the group over greater distances. But require each user to have a license. Just a couple of considerations when selecting a vehicle radio for Overland travel. However, the compact size and transmit range of these Midland products allow you to outfit your rig with an affordable and very reliable set-up.

“Midland Radio Corporation develops consumer products such as all hazards/weather alert radios, GMRS two-way radios, citizen band radios, marine radios, and bluetooth intercom systems. It has manufactured two-way radios since the late 1950s and was the first to introduce a 14-channel FRS radio to the market. In addition, as a manufacturer of land mobile radios, MRC supplies analog and digital portables, mobiles and base stations/repeaters for government entities such as forestry, public safety, etc., and other commercial users. Midland is the U.S. affiliate of an international group of companies with offices in Bulgaria, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. MRC is headquartered in a distribution facility in Kansas City, Missouri, which houses its entire U.S. operations.” ~Wikipedia

Overland Essential: Atlas 46 Yorktown Tool Roll

One of the essential items I’ve found while traveling Overland is a good set of tools. If you plan to take to the hills for an extended period of time and put your rig to the test, things can break. And they do. Being stranded in the middle of nowhere without the means to patch up your vehicle is no fun. Quite possibly dangerous. I always carry a comprehensive first aid kit for my family, why not one for your vehicle? Carrying the right tools and keeping them organized and accessible is much easier with the Yorktown Tool Roll from Atlas 46.

Atlas 46 History:

44 years ago, the founder of Atlas 46 was producing nylon gear for motorcycle racing, assorted bags, motocross pants, etc. In 1977, the company shifted focus to tactical goods for the military and law enforcement. And for the next 40 years, owner John Carver oversaw the operations of the world leader in individual equipment for the military, homeland security and law enforcement. Currently, in their next evolution, Atlas 46 is pioneering the personal workwear category with the same high-quality nylon goods that got them where they are today.

Video Review:

Recently I asked Tony, an old Ranger buddy, what tools he packed and how he carried them. As a driving instructor at Overland Experts, he recommended Atlas 46 for their high-quality tool bags. Taking his advice, I looked into the companies products. I was in search of something capable of keeping the tools I carry both organized and well protected. More specifically, I was looking for a tool roll in addition to a gear bag for my recovery equipment. The Yorktown Tool Roll looked adequate to organize and haul the hand tools I’ve selected. I recall as a kid living in Germany, the fancy European and British cars that came with their own toolkit. Neatly wrapped up in a cloth or leather tool roll and stored in the boot. That’s what I was looking for.

The Yorktown Tool Roll is just a modern version of that old concept. Made from heavy duty 1000D Cordura Nylon, this tool roll is built like a tank. With four large zippered pouches on the front side, you’ll have more than enough room for sockets, screwdrivers and ratchets. 480 cubic inches each to be exact. Flipping the Yorktown Tool Roll over exposes two additional storage options. Under one velcro flaps is an eleven slot organizer with graduated lengths. Perfect for a set of open-end wrenches. The opposing side offers seven multi-width slots for wrenches, pliers and other hand tools. The roll quickly cinches together and is secured by a large quick release buckle. Two heavy-duty handles make transporting the tool roll a snap. And a longer strap allows hanging of the tool roll from just about anywhere.

Yorktown Tool Roll Features and Benefits (courtesy of atlas46.com)

Condensed Quick Roll for Throw N Stow
4 large front pockets. (16″ x 2 1/2″ x 3″ = 480 total cubic inches)
11 wrench slot organizer
7 multipurpose tool slots
Patriot made 1000D Cordura
YKK USA made zippers
2 carrying handles secured by precision tack.
Smallest Wrench Slot: 5.5″ x 1.375″
Largest Wrench Slot: 8.875″ x 2.375″
Hand crafted in the USA
Lifetime Guarantee
MSRP: $110

Another fantastic item from Atlas 46 is the Gear Carry Bag. Offered in three different sizes, I opted for the Largest one. Measuring 14″w x 6″d x 8″h, this bag is just what I needed to organize my recovery gear. With enough room for jumper cables, shackles, tow strap, soft shackle, gloves and a few additional items, the Gear Carry Bag is always readily accessible in my truck. Made from the same 1000D Cordura Nylon, the Gear bag is made in the US and covered by the Atlas 46 lifetime guarantee. Both the Tool Roll and Gear Bag recently made the trip from Michigan to Overland Expo East in North Carolina.

Features and Benefits

Double layer 1000D Cordura® construction to last a lifetime
Multiple sizes to fit user needs
Optional Hi-Viz Interior
Dual satchel style carry handles
Dual slider zipper opening
Pull tabs to assist with closing of pouch
Hand crafted in the USA
Lifetime Guarantee
MSRP $39

I’ve only covered the tip of the iceberg here. Atlas 46 has a laundry list of tool belts, work gear, aprons and bags. And all made with pride right here in the good ole’ US of A. Take a few minutes and check out the Atlas 46 website and support these American workers making high-quality products for the working professional.

Upgrading the Glock 19 | Shadow Systems Optics Ready Slide

The Glock 19 is one of the most popular modern pistols on the market. And for good reason. It’s simple design, cost to own, reliability, ease of maintenance and accuracy make it a no-brainer for thousands of owners and agencies alike. Although the pros outweigh the cons, the one thing a Glock isn’t is sexy. But who really cares, it was designed to do a job and do it well. For me, I like a little individuality. I add personal touches to my vehicles, so why not my firearms? There’s no reason the Glock 19 can’t be both functional AND sexy, right? This Texas based company can take your Glock from mundane to whatever your heart desires in no time with the Shadow Systems Optics Ready Slide.

The Gen 4 Glock 19 is also one of my two daily carry pistols. No, I don’t carry two pistols at the same time. In the cooler months, I’ll wear my G19 in a Bravo Concealment holster outside the waist belt and under a coat. In the summer months, I typically carry the slimmer fitting Sig P365. One of my only dislikes about the Glock pistols are the lack of front slide serrations. Shadow Systems offers several custom slides for the Glock 19 and 17 variations, from mild to wild. And all have front serrations which checked one of my boxes. So I decided to go with the Optics Ready Slide with RMR Cut. Shadow Systems Slides are 100% Made in the USA from U.S. sourced materials which checks another box.

This beauty is DLC coated for durability and offers several desirable features. Most noticeable are the two window cuts on the sides and pocket cuts atop the slide. Drastically reducing the weight of this 17-4 stainless steel sculpture by more than 2 ounces over the factory slide. Also of note are the aggressive serrations on the sides of the Optic Ready Slide. Precisely milled at a slight angle to help reduce draw friction from a holster, these serrations retain a cheese grater type profile. Offering the shooter exceptional traction on both the front and rear of the pistol during high-speed operation. Atop the Shadow Systems Optics Ready Slide is a cut out for the Trijicon RMR. While I use an RMR on my competition Glock 34, I may try it out on the Glock 19. But when not in use, Shadow Systems offers a matching slide plate to fill the cutout.

Shadow Systems Optics Ready Slide Includes:

Choose Gen3 or Gen4 compatible slide
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) finish
Optic cut for Trijicon RMR
17-4 Stainless Steel Slide
Screws included
The slide is completely stripped and does not include Channel Liner
Compatible Gun Models: Gen 3 Glock 19, Gen 4 Glock 19
MSRP: ~~$469~~ $418

Shadow Systems offers a full line up of Glock related parts. From complete guns to the smallest of internal parts. As I work my way through modifying my Glock 19, Shadow Systems components will be a large part of the equation. I’ve already tested and reviewed their Match Barrel. The TiN coated barrel really looks sharp through the window cuts on the Optics Ready Slide. I also plan to try their Elite Trigger on this build. One thing to keep in mind that all the custom slides from Shadow Systems are stripped. So make sure to pick up a Slide Completion Kit. Up next will be an article on Glock frame modification so stay tuned.

*Images courtesy of the author

Sig Sauer P365 vs. Glock 43 | Size matters

Ever since the announcement of Sig’s new P365 micro compact pistol, I’ve eagerly anticipated its arrival. At SHOT Show, I had the pleasure of handling the pistol at the Sig Sauer booth but missed the opportunity to shoot it on Range Day. Apparently, Sig Sauer has their own range day and doesn’t participate in the Industry Day at the Range. Lesson learned. Luckily, my local gun shop set aside their first P365 arrival for me to purchase. I’ve been carrying the single stack Glock 43 since its arrival on the scene and it’s been a pleasure. Is the new Sig P365 going to replace my tried and true Glock? Due to the similarities of these two excellent pistols, I’m going to dive into the details a bit and describe the differences.

Specs* Glock 43 Sig P365

Length: 6.26″ 5.8″
Height: 4.25″ 4.3″
Width: 1.02″ 1.0″
Barrel Length: 3.39″ 3.1″
Capacity: 6 +1 Single Stack 10 +1 Double Stack
Sights: Polymer Day Sights XRAY3 Day/Night
MSRP: $499 $599

*Specifications taken from the manufacturers websites

Looking at the dimensional information above, you can’t deny these two pistols have a striking similarity. What sets them apart, in my opinion, are; capacity, sights and price. And don’t forget about trigger feel. There isn’t a metric for this category but I can tell you that the stock Sig trigger has a smoother pull and a cleaner break than the factory Glock trigger. In fact, more than half of my Glocks have aftermarket triggers because of this. Disclaimer: I own 6 Glocks and the P365 is my first Sig. Another glaring difference are the sights. Sig was kind enough to include a set of XRAY3 Day/Night sights. With the Glock, you get the standard $12 plastic sights. These are strong factors to consider when comparing the price difference of these micro-compact pistols.

Dimensionally speaking, the Sig measures 31/32″ at the mag well. Where the Glock measures 7/8″ in the same location. That tiny of a difference is what the Sig engineers exploited to fit a steel double stack magazine in the polymer grip. Resulting in a similarly sized pistol carrying 4 additional rounds of 9mm than the Glock 43. That being said, I still prefer how the Glock feels in my hand. Although dimensionally similar in width, the grip on the Glock is considerably larger front to rear, fitting my hand a little better. The Sig feels smaller and the grip angle is a bit more perpendicular to the slide as compared to the angle of the Glock 43.

The length of the two barrels are within .29″ of each other and I didn’t realize any measurable difference in the defensive type of shooting you’d do with these pistols. Let’s just say they aren’t target pistols. The Sig does mention in the literature that the chamber and barrel are +P rated. I noticed that the barrel wall on the Sig is a bit thicker than the Glock. But I’ve been shooting +P defensive ammunition in my Glock 43 for years now without issue. Both pistols include a flush fitting magazine as well as a magazine with a pinky extension. The extension does not add any additional capacity to the magazine. However, Sig sells a factory +2 extended magazine that I currently have on order. Allowing 12 rounds in the mag plus one in the chamber which is double the capacity of the Glock 43.

Final thoughts: Although the Glock feels a little more comfortable in my hand, I don’t believe that is a strong enough argument to not use the Sig as my new daily carry. As you can see in the short video below, there isn’t a substitute for capacity. Additionally, the trigger and night sights make the P365 a clear winner in my book. Sig has also incorporated a proprietary rail groove on the frame. Rumor has it that Sig Electro Optics is working on a light/laser combo. The only problem I have right now is finding a nice IWB holster for this new pistol. At the time of writing, neither Alien Gear or Bravo Concealment (my two favorites) offer one. But I did find one from Hazmat Holsters that I just ordered.

Feature image and photos by author