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- Jun 3, 2010
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I was sent two Dunamis Gear Hanger Pockets for review. I intended to test them out on my Kifaru EMR, Pointman and E&E. Also wanted to test the stand alone aspects of the large front zip hanger pocket. Probably best to go right to the stats: The large front zip is on the left medium top zip is on the right.
Large Front Zip Cargo specs.
1. 900 cubic inches capacity.
2. 10.5 ounces.
3. 500D urethane treated Cordure, Nexus hardware
4. Guessing #10 zipper.
5. 15" x 8" x 6"
Medium Top Zip Cargo Hanger specs.
1. 400 cubic inches capacity.
2. 7 ounces.
3. 500D urethane treated Cordure, Nexus hardware
4. Guessing #10 zipper.
5. 8" x 8" x 5".
Contact info:
WorldofDunamis@gmail.com
509.520.4492
http://www.ebay.com/usr/deartogod?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
I will start with the Large Front Zip Cargo Hanger pocket. This pocket can also be employed as a stand alone duffle bag, E&E or dayhiking bag. In duffle bag configuration there are hand holds concealed via Velcro flaps. The pocket has a middle zip with paracord loops for easy access.
There are loops for a shoulder strap on both sides.
When used as a pocket it attaches to either webbing loops and or PALS compliant webbing via these hangers aka G-hooks which are new to me. I am used to Malice clips, D&L buckles, attached PALS compliant loops with snaps etc. As luck would have it the side of my Kifaru EMR has loops in the prefect spots. Go figure. Each attachment point is connected via webbing to a female buckle so the straps can be tighten securing the pocket to the pack with reduced flopping. Webbing guide loops keep the compression straps from shifting. The stitching and workmanship was very good. I guess professional is the best word.
Field use:
Attached the large pocket up to my EMR for a few hikes plus a 3 day outing. I didn't notice anything troubling during that time. This is a case of no news is good news. The pocket didn't really flop around which for me is a big pro. I didn't have to fight with it like I do some easily removable systems such as D&L. The hangers and tightening system worked well. No complaints in this department however keep in mind that I used it for civilian activities. I do sometimes toss robust packs such as any of my Kifarus on the ground. Will Bushwhack with them. I don't baby this type of gear, the EMR was no exception. The pocket remained attached and compressed to the host pack. That said military use might offer other challenges. I have no way to judge that standard.
Worked really great as a day bag. Used for bushwhacking fishing which involves a bit of climbing, brush plus a bunch of one handed requirements for gear. Also for dayhikes over some number of miles. The pocket held more than expected. I think it has about the same or even more capacity in real world usage as my Kifaru G1 E&E which is listed as 100c.i. larger than the cargo pocket. Maybe the shape plus easier access of the center zip is the reason? Not sure but it rode rather well for a shoulder bag. I never really used the little hidden handles. Mostly grasped it by the straps. Disconnected from the host pack in maybe a minute. Not that much slower than D&L.
Pros:
Beyond those which I already mentioned the ease of access really makes the pocket a joy. By access I am also including the ease of removal from the host pack. Also it excelled at packing bulky items such as clothing. Really worked great in that regard. Everyone who seen the pocket used as a shoulder bag wanted to know where I got it. It just looks useful. The pocket is very UL. Also appreciated the generous, but not overly done amount of webbing in the compression and shoulder straps.
Constructive criticism:
I think drainage grommets might be a good option. I don't really need them for most pockets, even detachable daypacks but everyone has their own requirements. For example I ordered my E&E without them. The main packs on the other hand do get drainage grommets. There is no rain flap over the zipper like on my old MOLLE waist pack, UM21 patrol and butt pack or Kifaru E&E. Personally I find those just get in my way however others might want that option. A rain flap might somehow interfere with the handles but not sure. If anyone noticed there was an orange S-Biner holding the zipper paracord loops together. I did this because of small items floating around the pocket. I could imagine the exposed zipper might get snagged via paracord loop then open up a bit. Maybe enough to allow a small SAK to fall when the pack is on it's side? Or maybe not as this didn't occur during my testing without the loops secured? Tossed the S-Biner on just in case that day. I couldn't foresee an issue with larger kit items or a bag of smaller items given the compression straps. An inside loop would be nice to attach keys or other must not get lost thing.
Conclusion.
Despite getting this pocket for free I intend to order another later this summer setup the same way as it worked so well with my Kifaru packs. I guess that kinda says it all.
Medium Top Zip Cargo Hanger.
Most of the same pros and cons apply the same here so will mostly talk about what is different. As the name applies this pocket has a top zip. The mounting system is the same but rather than female buckles there are strap tighteners to aid compression. On the top there are two loops made of thinner webbing , one has a paracord loop created with a knot that I often use if looking to achieve a paracord O loop. Not sure what these are for? Maybe somekinda shoulder strap attachment points? Like the other pocket I was able to work it into the EMR.
It also worked very well with the E&E. Here I was collecting Tulip Poplar for a friction fire. Fit the back of the E&E well.
The two compression straps combined with easy access made for a very nice canteen holder. I think it could be adjusted for a bunch of different canteens, in this case a Nalgene wide mouth. The fast removal makes it easy to move the pocket from pack to pack. If I wanted to remove then reattach then remove then reattach Malice clips it wouldn't be worth the time and effort to add a canteen pocket from a host pack to an E&E then back again using that system. But not so with the hanger attachment system.
Pros.
Most of the same as the Large Front Zip Cargo Hanger however works great as a fast pack swapping canteen pocket. To be honest I liked using it as canteen pocket so much this application comprised most of my testing. In some ways that's a hard test for a pocket. Water is heavy, it's full containers want to slide around increasing flop. If a pocket can hold a full canteen well then most everything else should be easy.
Constructive criticism.
Much of the same as the Large Front Zip Cargo Hanger.
Conclusion.
I liked the shape and use as a canteen holder however it would work for most any other purpose. This concludes the written part of this review. Have a video review with some field use. Thanks for looking.
[video=youtube;5ZJgEMC02gw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZJgEMC02gw[/video]
Large Front Zip Cargo specs.
1. 900 cubic inches capacity.
2. 10.5 ounces.
3. 500D urethane treated Cordure, Nexus hardware
4. Guessing #10 zipper.
5. 15" x 8" x 6"
Medium Top Zip Cargo Hanger specs.
1. 400 cubic inches capacity.
2. 7 ounces.
3. 500D urethane treated Cordure, Nexus hardware
4. Guessing #10 zipper.
5. 8" x 8" x 5".
Contact info:
WorldofDunamis@gmail.com
509.520.4492
http://www.ebay.com/usr/deartogod?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
I will start with the Large Front Zip Cargo Hanger pocket. This pocket can also be employed as a stand alone duffle bag, E&E or dayhiking bag. In duffle bag configuration there are hand holds concealed via Velcro flaps. The pocket has a middle zip with paracord loops for easy access.
There are loops for a shoulder strap on both sides.
When used as a pocket it attaches to either webbing loops and or PALS compliant webbing via these hangers aka G-hooks which are new to me. I am used to Malice clips, D&L buckles, attached PALS compliant loops with snaps etc. As luck would have it the side of my Kifaru EMR has loops in the prefect spots. Go figure. Each attachment point is connected via webbing to a female buckle so the straps can be tighten securing the pocket to the pack with reduced flopping. Webbing guide loops keep the compression straps from shifting. The stitching and workmanship was very good. I guess professional is the best word.
Field use:
Attached the large pocket up to my EMR for a few hikes plus a 3 day outing. I didn't notice anything troubling during that time. This is a case of no news is good news. The pocket didn't really flop around which for me is a big pro. I didn't have to fight with it like I do some easily removable systems such as D&L. The hangers and tightening system worked well. No complaints in this department however keep in mind that I used it for civilian activities. I do sometimes toss robust packs such as any of my Kifarus on the ground. Will Bushwhack with them. I don't baby this type of gear, the EMR was no exception. The pocket remained attached and compressed to the host pack. That said military use might offer other challenges. I have no way to judge that standard.
Worked really great as a day bag. Used for bushwhacking fishing which involves a bit of climbing, brush plus a bunch of one handed requirements for gear. Also for dayhikes over some number of miles. The pocket held more than expected. I think it has about the same or even more capacity in real world usage as my Kifaru G1 E&E which is listed as 100c.i. larger than the cargo pocket. Maybe the shape plus easier access of the center zip is the reason? Not sure but it rode rather well for a shoulder bag. I never really used the little hidden handles. Mostly grasped it by the straps. Disconnected from the host pack in maybe a minute. Not that much slower than D&L.
Pros:
Beyond those which I already mentioned the ease of access really makes the pocket a joy. By access I am also including the ease of removal from the host pack. Also it excelled at packing bulky items such as clothing. Really worked great in that regard. Everyone who seen the pocket used as a shoulder bag wanted to know where I got it. It just looks useful. The pocket is very UL. Also appreciated the generous, but not overly done amount of webbing in the compression and shoulder straps.
Constructive criticism:
I think drainage grommets might be a good option. I don't really need them for most pockets, even detachable daypacks but everyone has their own requirements. For example I ordered my E&E without them. The main packs on the other hand do get drainage grommets. There is no rain flap over the zipper like on my old MOLLE waist pack, UM21 patrol and butt pack or Kifaru E&E. Personally I find those just get in my way however others might want that option. A rain flap might somehow interfere with the handles but not sure. If anyone noticed there was an orange S-Biner holding the zipper paracord loops together. I did this because of small items floating around the pocket. I could imagine the exposed zipper might get snagged via paracord loop then open up a bit. Maybe enough to allow a small SAK to fall when the pack is on it's side? Or maybe not as this didn't occur during my testing without the loops secured? Tossed the S-Biner on just in case that day. I couldn't foresee an issue with larger kit items or a bag of smaller items given the compression straps. An inside loop would be nice to attach keys or other must not get lost thing.
Conclusion.
Despite getting this pocket for free I intend to order another later this summer setup the same way as it worked so well with my Kifaru packs. I guess that kinda says it all.
Medium Top Zip Cargo Hanger.
Most of the same pros and cons apply the same here so will mostly talk about what is different. As the name applies this pocket has a top zip. The mounting system is the same but rather than female buckles there are strap tighteners to aid compression. On the top there are two loops made of thinner webbing , one has a paracord loop created with a knot that I often use if looking to achieve a paracord O loop. Not sure what these are for? Maybe somekinda shoulder strap attachment points? Like the other pocket I was able to work it into the EMR.
It also worked very well with the E&E. Here I was collecting Tulip Poplar for a friction fire. Fit the back of the E&E well.
The two compression straps combined with easy access made for a very nice canteen holder. I think it could be adjusted for a bunch of different canteens, in this case a Nalgene wide mouth. The fast removal makes it easy to move the pocket from pack to pack. If I wanted to remove then reattach then remove then reattach Malice clips it wouldn't be worth the time and effort to add a canteen pocket from a host pack to an E&E then back again using that system. But not so with the hanger attachment system.
Pros.
Most of the same as the Large Front Zip Cargo Hanger however works great as a fast pack swapping canteen pocket. To be honest I liked using it as canteen pocket so much this application comprised most of my testing. In some ways that's a hard test for a pocket. Water is heavy, it's full containers want to slide around increasing flop. If a pocket can hold a full canteen well then most everything else should be easy.
Constructive criticism.
Much of the same as the Large Front Zip Cargo Hanger.
Conclusion.
I liked the shape and use as a canteen holder however it would work for most any other purpose. This concludes the written part of this review. Have a video review with some field use. Thanks for looking.
[video=youtube;5ZJgEMC02gw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZJgEMC02gw[/video]
