The SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL Made a Bold First Impression
The SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL is a compact, everyday carry (EDC) organizer designed to keep your essential gear readily accessible and well-protected. SOG, known for their tactical knives and tools, aims to bring their rugged design philosophy to smaller organizational accessories. Its charcoal color lends a low-profile, discreet aesthetic suitable for various environments.
As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear realm, I’ve always struggled with keeping small, but critical, items organized within larger packs or bags. Pens, knives, multi-tools, small electronics – they often end up lost in the abyss of my backpack. I was looking for a solution to compartmentalize and access these essentials quickly and efficiently.
Upon receiving the SOG SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL, I was immediately struck by its sturdy construction. The material feels durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use. Its compact size is also a definite plus, making it easy to slip into a larger bag or even carry as a standalone pouch.
Compared to other organizers I’ve used, like Maxpedition’s Micro Pocket Organizer or Condor’s Gadget Pouch, the SOG organizer seems to strike a better balance between size and functionality. The Maxpedition is arguably more durable, but also bulkier. The Condor is cheaper, but the build quality isn’t as confidence-inspiring. I ultimately chose the SOG for its perceived balance of durability, size, and functionality, all at a reasonable price of $25.99.
My initial impression was positive. The SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL felt like a well-thought-out, robust organizer that could finally bring order to my chaotic EDC setup. I was excited to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test for the SOG SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL came during a week-long backcountry camping trip. I primarily used it to organize small essentials within my larger backpacking pack: a small first-aid kit, a Leatherman multi-tool, a spare knife, a headlamp, and some charging cables. The organizer lived in the main compartment of my pack, near the top for easy access.
The performance was admirable, even in less-than-ideal conditions. The organizer kept my gear neatly separated and readily accessible, even when the inside of my backpack became somewhat disorganized. While it wasn’t subjected to torrential rain, it did experience some light drizzle, and the contents remained dry.
Using the organizer was intuitive. There wasn’t a learning curve whatsoever; the various loops and pockets made it easy to arrange my gear in a way that made sense. The only minor issue was that some of the smaller elastic loops were a tight fit for some of my thicker pens, but this wasn’t a deal-breaker.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the SOG SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL is still holding up remarkably well. I now use it daily to organize my EDC items within my work bag. It transitions easily from my work bag to my hiking pack, and even to my range bag.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear. The stitching is still intact, and the material shows no significant abrasions or fading. I’ve even subjected it to some accidental spills (coffee, mostly), which cleaned up easily with a damp cloth.
Maintaining the organizer is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it needs. I’ve also used a mild detergent for tougher stains, with no adverse effects. This significantly outperforms a previous cheap organizer I had, that started falling apart after only a few weeks of similar use.
Breaking Down the Features of SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL
Specifications
The SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL is a compact organizer designed for everyday carry and tactical applications. Its dimensions are approximately 7 inches (height) x 5 inches (width) x 1 inch (depth), making it small enough to fit easily into a backpack, briefcase, or large pocket. The material is a durable and water-resistant nylon fabric, which offers protection against light rain and moisture.
The organizer features a zippered main compartment with multiple internal elastic loops and slip pockets for organizing small items. These internal divisions are crucial for keeping items separated and easily accessible. The exterior features a loop field for attaching morale patches or ID. The overall weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to your load.
Performance & Functionality
The SOG SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL excels at its primary function: organizing small items. It keeps gear separated, preventing items from scratching or damaging each other. The elastic loops securely hold items in place, preventing them from shifting during movement.
The strengths of this organizer are its compact size, durable construction, and thoughtful internal layout. One minor weakness is the aforementioned tightness of some of the elastic loops, but this is a minor inconvenience. The product meets, and arguably exceeds, my expectations for a compact EDC organizer.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent for the price point. The nylon fabric feels robust and the stitching is clean and secure. The charcoal color is discreet and professional-looking.
The design is user-friendly, with intuitive placement of the various pockets and loops. There’s no significant learning curve; it’s simply a matter of arranging your gear in a way that makes sense to you. The compact size and light weight make it comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded.
Durability & Maintenance
The SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL is built to last. The durable nylon fabric and reinforced stitching should withstand years of regular use. It’s also easy to maintain; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but its loop field on the exterior allows for customization with morale patches or ID. It is compatible with a wide range of standard EDC accessories, such as knives, multi-tools, flashlights, pens, and cables. You can even attach a small carabiner to one of the zipper pulls for added versatility.
Pros and Cons of SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL
Pros
- Durable Construction: Made from robust nylon fabric with reinforced stitching for long-lasting use.
- Compact Size: Perfect for everyday carry without adding excessive bulk to your bag or pocket.
- Thoughtful Internal Organization: Features a variety of elastic loops and slip pockets for optimal gear organization.
- Low-Profile Design: The charcoal color and minimalist design make it suitable for various environments and applications.
- Excellent Value: Offers a great balance of features and durability for its price point of $25.99.
Cons
- Some elastic loops can be a tight fit for thicker pens or items.
- Not completely waterproof, though water-resistant.
Who Should Buy SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL?
The SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL is perfect for:
- EDC enthusiasts who want to keep their everyday gear organized and accessible.
- Outdoor adventurers who need a compact and durable organizer for small essentials.
- Tactical professionals who require a low-profile and reliable organizer for their equipment.
- Travelers looking for a way to keep their electronics, cables, and other small items neatly organized in their luggage.
Who should skip this product?
- Those needing completely waterproof storage.
- Individuals who only carry a few essential items and don’t require extensive organization.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Morale patches to personalize the organizer.
- A small carabiner to attach it to a belt loop or backpack.
Conclusion on SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL
The SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL is a well-designed, durable, and practical EDC organizer that offers excellent value for its price. Its compact size, thoughtful internal layout, and robust construction make it an ideal solution for anyone looking to keep their small essentials organized and readily accessible.
The price of $25.99 is definitely justified considering the quality of materials and construction. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who values organization and efficiency.
I would definitely recommend the SOG 85-71-01-31 SURREPT 02 CS ORGANIZER CHARCOAL to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile EDC organizer. Tidy up your chaos and grab one today!