First Impressions of Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch
The Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch promises a novel way to attach and organize chemlights on tactical gear. This patent-pending pouch utilizes a hook pile surface for secure attachment. It’s manufactured by Raptor Tactical and aims to improve upon existing methods of marking equipment with chemlights.
As a seasoned gear specialist, I’ve spent years wrestling with various chemlight attachment methods, from zip ties to improvised duct tape solutions. I needed a reliable, low-profile, and easily accessible way to keep chemlights readily available on my kit, especially during nighttime operations or low-light training scenarios. The promise of a dedicated, Velcro-backed pouch designed specifically for this purpose immediately caught my attention.
Upon receiving the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch, my initial impression was positive. The materials felt durable and the construction appeared solid. The hook pile surface on the back looked like it would provide a secure grip on loop Velcro panels. Compared to a simple elastic loop or MOLLE attachment, this seemed like a cleaner and more streamlined solution. While other options like dedicated chemlight holders exist, the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch’s Velcro backing and low profile were appealing.
I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve seen many tactical accessories that promise the world but fail to deliver in real-world use. My excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism. I was eager to put the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch to the test and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch during a nighttime force-on-force training exercise at a local airsoft field. I attached it to the loop Velcro panel on the back of my plate carrier. The exercise involved navigating through a dark, wooded area, requiring frequent use of chemlights for marking objectives and personnel.
The pouch performed reasonably well in the initial stages. The Velcro backing provided a strong and secure attachment, and I didn’t experience any issues with it detaching or shifting during movement. Retrieving and deploying chemlights was also relatively straightforward. However, the humid conditions of the evening caused some concern.
After the first hour, I noticed some slippage when drawing chemlights with gloves on. The material on the sides felt less grippy as moisture built up. Additionally, the pouch’s open design meant that it collected some dirt and debris from the environment.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to use the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch during various outdoor activities, including a weekend hiking trip and several range sessions. After a few weeks the material felt worn down and the grip was subpar, especially with gloves. I also attached it to my rucksack, but it kept snagging on foliage.
The Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch showed some signs of wear and tear. The edges of the pouch started to fray slightly, and the hook pile surface on the back accumulated a noticeable amount of lint and fuzz, impacting its ability to stick to loop Velcro as securely.
Cleaning the pouch was relatively easy. A quick brush with a stiff-bristled brush removed most of the dirt and debris. However, removing the lint and fuzz from the hook pile surface proved to be more challenging. Compared to other chemlight carrying solutions I’ve used in the past, such as simple MOLLE-compatible pouches, the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch offered a lower profile and faster access. I would personally prefer to use a more secure method.
Breaking Down the Features of Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch
Specifications
The Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch is designed to provide a secure and accessible means of carrying chemlights. The pouch is manufactured by Raptor Tactical. Its primary feature is its hook pile backing, allowing for direct attachment to loop Velcro surfaces on plate carriers, backpacks, and other gear.
The pouch is listed as “One Size,” suggesting it’s intended to accommodate standard-sized chemlights. The accessory attachment system is described as “Velcro,” specifically utilizing the hook pile material on the pouch’s rear surface. While no specific dimensions or weight are provided, the pouch appears to be relatively compact and lightweight. These specifications are important because they determine the pouch’s compatibility with different types of gear and chemlights, as well as its overall comfort and usability.
Performance & Functionality
The Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch performs adequately in its intended role of securing and providing access to chemlights. The Velcro backing provides a reasonably secure attachment to loop Velcro surfaces, preventing the pouch from easily detaching or shifting during normal activities. The open-top design allows for quick and easy access to chemlights, which can be crucial in time-sensitive situations.
However, the pouch’s open design also presents some weaknesses. It offers limited protection from the elements, allowing dirt, debris, and moisture to accumulate inside. The hook pile surface can also attract lint and fuzz, which can reduce its effectiveness over time. While the concept is innovative, the execution needs further refinement.
The pouch generally meets expectations for basic chemlight retention and accessibility. However, it falls short in terms of durability and environmental protection. Users operating in harsh or demanding environments may find the pouch’s limitations to be a significant drawback.
Design & Ergonomics
The Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch features a relatively simple and straightforward design. It is constructed from durable nylon fabric. The pouch is lightweight and doesn’t add significant bulk to the gear it’s attached to.
The pouch is relatively user-friendly. Attaching and detaching it from loop Velcro surfaces is quick and easy. The open-top design provides unobstructed access to chemlights, even when wearing gloves.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch is questionable. The edges of the pouch are prone to fraying. The hook pile surface on the back can lose its effectiveness over time due to lint and fuzz accumulation.
Maintaining the pouch is relatively simple. It can be cleaned with a brush and mild soap. However, removing embedded lint and fuzz from the hook pile surface can be challenging.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available. The pouch’s design is relatively basic and doesn’t allow for any significant modifications or enhancements.
Because of the simple Velcro backing, it is easily attached to most generic pouches with existing loop Velcro. This adds to the modularity of the gear to which the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch can be applied.
Pros and Cons of Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch
Pros
- Low-profile design minimizes snagging and interference with other gear.
- Hook pile backing allows for quick and easy attachment to loop Velcro surfaces.
- Open-top design* provides fast access to chemlights in time-sensitive situations.
- Lightweight* and doesn’t add significant bulk to equipment.
- Simple and user-friendly design* with minimal learning curve.
Cons
- Open design exposes chemlights to dirt, debris, and moisture.
- Hook pile surface can accumulate lint and fuzz, reducing its effectiveness over time.
Who Should Buy Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch?
The Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch is perfect for individuals who prioritize a low-profile, easily accessible chemlight carrying solution. This is beneficial to tactical operators, airsoft players, or anyone who needs to quickly deploy chemlights. It can be useful for those operating in relatively clean and dry environments.
Those who require maximum protection for their chemlights or operate in harsh environments should skip this product. Those wanting long-term reliability may be disappointed.
A must-have modification for this pouch would be a retention strap that holds the chemlights in the pouch.
Conclusion on Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch
The Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch offers a unique and innovative approach to chemlight storage and deployment. Its low-profile design and Velcro backing make it a convenient option for attaching chemlights to tactical gear. However, the pouch’s open design and questionable durability limit its overall appeal.
At a price of $25.00, the value proposition is borderline. The pouch’s advantages are overshadowed by its limitations. I would only recommend the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch to users who specifically need a low-profile Velcro-backed solution and operate in relatively clean environments.
Overall, the Raptor Tactical Chemligh Pouch is a decent idea with subpar execution. While it offers some advantages in terms of accessibility and low profile, its durability and lack of environmental protection are significant drawbacks. Before purchasing this product, carefully consider your specific needs and operating environment. Explore other chemlight carrying options that offer better protection and longevity.