Let’s Talk About 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch
The 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch is a seemingly simple piece of kit that punches well above its weight. From 5.11 Tactical, a brand synonymous with ruggedness and reliability, this pouch is designed to securely hold and provide quick access to two 40mm grenades. Its durable construction and versatile attachment options make it a staple for anyone who needs to carry these specialized rounds.
My need for this pouch arose during a force-on-force training exercise. I found myself fumbling with loose grenades bouncing around in my kit, a situation that was both inefficient and potentially dangerous. I wanted a secure, readily accessible, and low-profile solution.
Upon unboxing, the 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch felt immediately solid and well-made. The 500D nylon felt thick and durable, and the stitching was clean and reinforced at stress points. It’s surprisingly lightweight, which is a huge plus when you’re already carrying a substantial load.
I considered other options, like the Condor Single 40mm Grenade Pouch and the HSGI Taco Grenade Pouch. I chose the 5.11 Tactical pouch because it offered double the capacity in a compact form factor and its SlickStick compatibility seemed more versatile than standard MOLLE. My initial impression was one of quiet satisfaction. It seemed like a well-thought-out piece of gear that was ready for serious use.
Real-World Testing: Putting 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real test of the 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch was during a weekend-long MilSim event in a heavily wooded area. The weather was mixed, with periods of heavy rain followed by humid sunshine. I attached the pouch to my battle belt using the SlickStick system.
The pouch performed admirably in the challenging conditions. The grenades remained secure even during vigorous movement, like running and crawling. Accessing them was quick and intuitive thanks to the non-slip pull tab.
The only slight issue was that the elastic retention straps felt a bit tight when new, requiring a firm pull to release the grenade. This quickly resolved itself as the elastic broke in with use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of fraying or tearing, even after being dragged through mud and brush. The color hasn’t faded, and the stitching remains intact.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. The 500D nylon is surprisingly resistant to dirt and stains. Compared to other pouches I’ve used in the past, this 5.11 Tactical offering is significantly more robust and reliable. It definitely lives up to the 5.11 Tactical reputation for quality gear.
Breaking Down the Features of 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch
Specifications
The 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance. It’s made from durable 500D nylon, which strikes a good balance between weight and abrasion resistance. It’s designed to hold two 40mm grenades, each in its own separate compartment.
The pouch features integrated elastic snap retention to keep the grenades secure. It has SlickStick compatibility for easy attachment to MOLLE platforms or belts. The non-slip pull tab grip allows for quick and easy access, even with gloved hands. These specs matter because they directly translate to the pouch’s reliability, ease of use, and longevity in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch excels at its primary function: securely holding and providing quick access to 40mm grenades. The elastic retention straps keep the grenades from rattling around, while the pull tabs allow for rapid deployment. Its strength lies in its simplicity.
One minor weakness is that the elastic straps, as mentioned earlier, can be a bit stiff initially. However, this is a minor inconvenience that diminishes with use. Overall, it far exceeds expectations for a pouch in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch features a clean and functional design. The 500D nylon feels durable and comfortable against the body, and the pouch’s low-profile design prevents it from snagging on obstacles. The weight is negligible, even when fully loaded.
The SlickStick attachment system is incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to attach and detach the pouch from various platforms. There’s virtually no learning curve. The design is intuitive and efficient.
Durability & Maintenance
Thanks to its robust construction, the 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch is built to last. The 500D nylon is highly resistant to abrasion, tearing, and water damage. The reinforced stitching further enhances its durability.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe-down is usually sufficient to keep it clean and functional. The pouch is designed to withstand years of use in demanding environments.
Accessories and Customization Options
The 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch doesn’t come with any accessories. It’s designed as a standalone pouch for carrying 40mm grenades. While there aren’t many customization options, its compatibility with the SlickStick/MOLLE platform allows users to integrate it seamlessly with a wide range of tactical gear from 5.11 Tactical and other brands.
Pros and Cons of 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch
Pros
- Durable 500D nylon construction ensures long-lasting performance in demanding environments.
- SlickStick compatibility offers versatile attachment options to belts and MOLLE platforms.
- Quick access pull tabs enable rapid deployment of grenades in critical situations.
- Integrated elastic snap retention keeps grenades secure and prevents rattling.
- Low-profile design minimizes snagging and interference with other gear.
Cons
- Elastic retention straps can be initially stiff.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch?
The 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch is perfect for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and MilSim enthusiasts who need to carry 40mm grenades. It’s also a valuable addition to the gear of anyone involved in breaching operations or tactical training. Anyone who needs to carry these specific projectiles.
Those who don’t require carrying 40mm grenades should skip this product. Also, if extreme customization is a must-have, other pouches might offer more options. A must-have modification would be to apply some silicon lubricant to the elastic straps to speed up the break-in process.
Conclusion on 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch
The 5.11 Tactical Double 40mm Grenade Pouch is a well-designed and durable piece of kit that excels at its intended purpose. At $39.99, the price is definitely justified considering the quality of materials and construction. It’s a simple pouch, but 5.11 Tactical got it right.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who needs a reliable and efficient way to carry 40mm grenades. If you need to carry 40mm grenades, stop looking and just buy it. You won’t be disappointed!