Input for the new RAT PAck design

Here is what I did for a guy who just was part of the last RAT Woodlands course with me.

He was not a fan of the RC-5 and wanted an RC-4.

I used the stock sheath design for an RC-4 and added a loop for the sharpener. I kept the exact same hole pattern so he could use it with the other RAT sheath accessories.

I do a fold lots of kydex & and make packs occasionally - I was not happy with the shock cord retention on the RC-5 - so I just tucked it back in. I love the idea - I think this 1st version was decent - but nothing like streamlining and maximizing efficiency of design. I am interested to see what they come up with for the next one. This little project did spawn some ideas for my future rigs.

RAT4-Pack1.jpg


RAT4-Pack2.jpg
 
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ooo I like that.
I think you boys and girls have the new pack pretty well sewed up.:P
An external pocket large enough for a decent digital camera + spare battery and I'd be able to eliminate my current setup.
2 sizes would be really cool.one for the +4inch knives and one for the -4 inch knives.A macro and a micro class.
 
First off: Thank you guys at ESEE for bringing us such great products, and its absolutely awesome that we get to interface with you here!

I have one of the current packs and like using it a lot! The following lists are what I like and what I think can be changed/improved/modified.

The things I like:
1. Overall construction of the pack.

2. The elastic in the front of the pack.

3. Web Dominator and elastic cord retention works very well.

4. Front access pocket with clip

5. Opens flat.

6. Velcro top-strap.

7. Retention flap in the large pocket.


Some things I'd like to see changed/improved/modified:
1. I don't like how the zipper gets stuck at the sharpener every time I try to open or close the pack.

2. Wish the molle webbing in the back was just a little less tight.

3. Definitely dig the idea of being able to carry different sized knives (ie. interchangable sheaths inside).

4. Love to be able to carry it both horizontally as well as vertical.

5. A few more places outside, perhaps on the spine of the pack, for a couple more Web Dominators or attach small molle accessories (such as flash light pouch, multi-tool holder, etc.)

6. Like to be able to carry both a RC-6 and an additional/optional smaller knife like an Izula or HEST.


So far, that's what I can think of off the top of my head.... Hope this was helpful!
 
Here's the deal about carrying different knives. You can unscrew and remove the generic kydex sheath that came with the RAT Pack and put any sheath in there that has a hole at the bottom. The lock up is in the sheath so you don't need the shock cord at all. This will be a done deal on the new one. But the versatility will go a lot further. A guy should be able to close the whole thing up completely and keep a small knife insdie. I think most of you are going to be very pleased with what we bring back to the market place with the new one. You will see that your input has actually been made real and you can use it:) This kind of interaction with our customers is what makes us stronger. We can literally give you wghat you ask for!! Mike
 
lmcq784 said:
1. I don't like how the zipper gets stuck at the sharpener every time I try to open or close the pack.
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What I did was saw off that corner (about 1/2" ) of the kydex that was getting hung up on the zipper. No problems now.
 
These updates make me want to get a pack even more. Until then i can figure out what knife to get :)
 
I have a kit ... and i ditched it for an older set up.

1. heavy - kudos very sturdy feels bullet proof. while i like the 1000d having 2 long layers and a pocket makes it pretty heavy. and cuts down on storage room.

2. Lighter interior both color and fabric weight wise- something orange/light grey/yellow. this helps identify and find items. also i do not see the reason to use such a heavy interor fabric when a lighter one would probably do the trick.

While i like the pack . i found it hard to stack even my old rat e&e pouch contents over to it. Im looking forward to seeing the revisions
 
I'd want a place to hold several arrowheads without them moving around. I'd love it if it could mount to or around the Junglas sheath that way I could carry the Junglas and 6 together.
 
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DH1 said:
What I did was saw off that corner (about 1/2" ) of the kydex that was getting hung up on the zipper. No problems now.
Click to expand...

I love the idea that we can store the sharpener with the sheath... so my zipper is actually hung up on the sharpener's end, rather than the sheath.

I suppose I could just store the sharpener on the side of the sheath with the tire inner-tubes, but that's not as nice as the dedicated holder at the bottom of the sheath.

somberbear said:
I have a kit ... and i ditched it for an older set up.

1. heavy - kudos very sturdy feels bullet proof. while i like the 1000d having 2 long layers and a pocket makes it pretty heavy. and cuts down on storage room.

2. Lighter interior both color and fabric weight wise- something orange/light grey/yellow. this helps identify and find items. also i do not see the reason to use such a heavy interor fabric when a lighter one would probably do the trick.

While i like the pack . i found it hard to stack even my old rat e&e pouch contents over to it. Im looking forward to seeing the revisions
Click to expand...

:thumbup: Agreed, esp for #2!

Shotgun Shogun said:
I'd want a place to hold several arrowheads without them moving around. I'd love it if it could mount to or around the Junglas sheath that way I could carry the Junglas and 6 together.
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I was going to say that, but figured not everyone needs arrowhead storage... so I opted for more storage outside, maybe making a kydex sheath for the arrowheads to go inside of the front pocket, or attached molle pocket. :p
 
OD Green to match my Junglas pack :D
instead of the screw set up to hold sheath ,use a pin and a split ring set up or small cottor pin.
I would opted for the sharpener to be placed in loop on front pouch .
This is my set up currently,I can switch from Izula sheath to ESEE 3,4,5,6, in seconds and never worry about a loose screw.quick & easy with security
IMG_3677.jpg
 
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texastonydobbs said:
OD Green to match my Junglas pack :D
instead of the screw set up to hold sheath ,use a pin and a split ring set up or small cottor pin.
I would opted for the sharpener to be placed in loop on front pouch .
This is my set up currently,I can switch from Izula sheath to ESEE 3,4,5,6, in seconds and never worry about a loose screw.quick & easy with security
IMG_3677.jpg
Click to expand...

Exercising your usual genius I see! That's quite clever!:thumbup:
 
I just use it and If it works, Great ! If not I do simple mods.... use factory sheaths and quick clip set up works like a charm... for me any how
 
I am in agreement with the majority of suggestions made here but especially with the one obvious point about the logo. Either make it a velcro / removable piece or black & O.D. green or even black and tan. The existing logo is like toting a glowstick with you that's on all the time.
Just my 2.
 
I've been looking at the packs quite a bit recently. Now, I'm glad I waited that little bit, as it looks like the new ones will be improved. I really like that the new packs will fit any size of knife, as I have a few different sizes and that's one of the reasons I was procrastinating on the old pack.

Only suggestion I'd make is that the quality has to be there, if as has been indicated, it's the same quality or better (for less money nonetheless) then I'll be close to the front of the line to get one. Being in Canada I'm not too concerned where they're manufactured but again as long as the quality is there, that's what counts to me.
 
LittleSpartan said:
What the heck? My post in here disappeared? Or did it get deleted?
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if you posted it would be here ,,even if your post was deleted you still be post # XXX ?
I think you thought you posted your thoughts infact your thoughts just evaporated... :D That is what I think :thumbup:
 
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