As the guys prepare to kit up to head out to Germany it made us realise that there’s one piece of kit that Bill has used constantly since he got it in 2015 both in-game and for EDC, and that’s the SIDEWINDER SLING PACK from HAZARD4.
He told us…
“A good few years ago I came across some great gear from US brand HAZARD4; the name is inspired by a standard threat-classification index: ‘1’ low, ‘2 & 3’ moderate, and ‘4’ deadly, and their gear is designed to be the last line of defence for its owner when things turn bad . Their parent company, Civilian Lab, has great experience in manufacturing top quality outdoor adventure, extreme sport, and travel gear in innovative configurations and forms, and as with many manufacturers these days the tactical community has lapped up their output.
“Originally called the SWITCHBACK, the SIDEWINDER updates this classic EDC-design, and now this quality sling-pack has generous size to accommodate laptops in its padded retainer, yet is nimble enough to be rotated from back to chest. Common to all HAZARD4 sling-packs, such as the EVAC™ series, this ability gives on-the-go access to frequently used gear while carrying heavier loads on the back the rest of the time. It’s also more secure in crowds and tight spaces since you can keep it in sight and access the entire pack close to your body, and an included but removable stabilizer strap keeps the bag from sliding forward.
“The generously padded and ventilated main shoulder strap is also ergonomically cut for hours of comfortable wear per day, and it is covered in modular (MOLLE compatible) webbing to attach pouches for phones and the like at hand’s reach. Generous side modular webbing provides lots of expansion options and the thermoformed best-in-class moulded back panel provides variable rigidity, air ventilation, and a durable surface. A drop-down fast access gear organizer can also hold an iPad-sized tablet like a shelf and the main compartment is lined in fuzzy loop for attaching hook-backing dividers, patches or HAZARD4 holsters.
“Now I am going to put in a word of warning here that HAZARD4 gear is not the cheapest in the world, but it works very well indeed, is massively innovative, and makes use of the best design and components married up with superb construction methods. This little pack has travelled the airsoft world with me over the past nine years and has stood up to the abuse I’ve given it both when playing OPFOR roles and travelling internationally… and it’s all set again to head to IWA with me… again!
“Mine originally came from www.military1st.co.uk and it has been a worthwhile companion for a considerable time, so although it wasn’t the cheapest bit of kit I’ve ever bought, you really are getting your money’s worth!”
