First Thoughts on the Soft Taco | MultiCam
The Soft Taco | MultiCam from High Speed Gear, Inc. (HSGI) isn’t just another pouch; it’s a testament to adaptable design, built to handle the unpredictable nature of field operations. I’ve spent years wrestling with rigid, single-purpose pouches, often forcing gear into spaces they weren’t quite meant for, so the promise of a “soft-sided” and expandable solution immediately caught my eye.
My search for a versatile pouch stemmed from a recurring problem: efficiently carrying various-sized cylindrical items on my tactical gear and outdoor packs. Water bottles, sustainment pouches, even oddly shaped medical kits – finding a secure and easily accessible storage solution has always been a challenge.
Upon receiving the Soft Taco | MultiCam, my initial impression was positive. The MultiCam pattern looks authentic and well-applied, a detail important to anyone who values camouflage effectiveness. The material feels durable, and the stitching appears robust, suggesting it can withstand the rigors of field use. It’s surprisingly lightweight, a welcome change from the heavier, more structured pouches I’ve used in the past.
Compared to my existing rigid bottle holders and some universal pouches with fixed dimensions, the Soft Taco | MultiCam offers something unique. The rigid holders are, well, rigid, limiting their versatility. The universal pouches I have often require fiddling to secure items of different sizes. I chose the Soft Taco | MultiCam hoping its flexible design would offer a better balance of security and adaptability.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The Soft Taco | MultiCam certainly looks the part and feels well-made, but the true test would be in its real-world performance. Would it actually hold a variety of items securely? Would it hold up to the abuse I typically put my gear through? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Soft Taco | MultiCam to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Soft Taco | MultiCam during a weekend range session and subsequent hike. I attached it to my plate carrier using the integrated MOLLE straps, initially using it to hold a standard 32 oz Nalgene water bottle. The pouch proved easy to attach, and the bottle fit snugly, with no noticeable wobble or looseness, even during light jogging.
The Soft Taco | MultiCam performed admirably in the dry, sunny conditions of the range. Reaching for the water bottle was quick and intuitive, without any fumbling or awkward movements. Later, on the hike, I encountered a brief but intense rain shower. The pouch itself beaded water well, and more importantly, retained its grip on the bottle even when wet.
I found the Soft Taco | MultiCam incredibly easy to use from the get-go. The open-top design requires no clips, buckles, or zippers, allowing for rapid access to the contents. No adjustment period was needed; it was intuitive and efficient from the moment I attached it to my gear. There were no immediate issues or surprises. The pouch functioned as advertised, securely holding the water bottle and providing easy access.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Soft Taco | MultiCam has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve used it on multiple hiking trips, a week-long survival training course, and numerous range sessions. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The stitching remains intact, the elastic hasn’t lost its elasticity, and the MultiCam pattern hasn’t faded noticeably.
Despite exposure to mud, dust, and rain, the Soft Taco | MultiCam has held up admirably. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I’ve also occasionally hosed it down after particularly messy outings without any ill effects.
Compared to previous experiences with similarly priced pouches, the Soft Taco | MultiCam has exceeded expectations. Other pouches have often shown signs of wear and tear after similar use, with frayed stitching, stretched elastic, or faded colors. The Soft Taco | MultiCam‘s robust construction and durable materials have made it a reliable and long-lasting addition to my gear.
Breaking Down the Features of Soft Taco | MultiCam
Specifications
The Soft Taco | MultiCam is designed to hold large cylindrical items, primarily 32 oz bottles or similarly shaped objects. This is crucial for carrying essential fluids or other items that need secure and accessible storage.
The Soft Taco | MultiCam features a soft-sided construction that allows it to expand and collapse to accommodate items of varying sizes. This adaptability sets it apart from rigid pouches that are limited to specific dimensions.
This pouch is designed to securely hold a 32 oz HSGI Liberty Bottle, a 32 oz Nalgene bottle, or other items of similar shape. This ensures compatibility with commonly used containers.
The Soft Taco | MultiCam utilizes a TACO-style design, which provides a positive grip on the contents while maintaining easy access. This is a key feature for quickly retrieving items in dynamic situations.
The material is MultiCam, which provides effective camouflage in a wide range of environments. This makes it suitable for military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts who require concealment.
Performance & Functionality
The Soft Taco | MultiCam excels at its primary function: securely holding cylindrical items. The adjustable design allows it to accommodate bottles, containers, and other gear of varying diameters. The TACO-style grip ensures that items remain firmly in place, even during strenuous activity.
The pouch’s greatest strength is its versatility. It can easily adapt to different items, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pouches. A potential weakness could be its open-top design in extremely muddy or debris-filled environments; however, this is mitigated by the tight grip and depth of the pouch.
The Soft Taco | MultiCam has met and even exceeded my expectations. Its ability to securely hold a variety of items, combined with its durable construction, makes it an invaluable piece of gear.
Design & Ergonomics
The Soft Taco | MultiCam boasts a well-thought-out design. The soft-sided construction allows it to conform to the shape of the item being carried, minimizing bulk and maximizing comfort.
The open-top design ensures rapid access to the contents, while the TACO-style grip keeps items securely in place. The pouch is surprisingly lightweight, adding minimal weight to the overall load. There’s virtually no learning curve. It’s intuitive to use, even for those unfamiliar with tactical gear.
Durability & Maintenance
The Soft Taco | MultiCam is built to last. The durable materials and robust stitching ensure it can withstand the rigors of field use.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. The pouch can also be hosed down for more thorough cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Soft Taco | MultiCam doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but its MOLLE-compatible design allows it to be easily attached to a wide range of gear. This includes belts, packs, plate carriers, and other MOLLE platforms.
The pouch is compatible with a variety of after-market accessories designed for MOLLE systems. Users can add additional straps, clips, or pouches to further customize their setup.
Pros and Cons of Soft Taco | MultiCam
Pros
- Exceptional Versatility: Easily holds various-sized cylindrical items, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pouches.
Cons
- Open-Top Design: May not be ideal for extremely muddy or debris-filled environments.
Secure Grip: The TACO-style design ensures items remain firmly in place, even during strenuous activity.
Durable Construction: High-quality materials and robust stitching ensure long-lasting performance.
Easy Access: The open-top design allows for rapid retrieval of contents.
Lightweight Design: Adds minimal weight to the overall load.
Price Point: At $44, it’s a more expensive option compared to basic, single-purpose pouches.
Who Should Buy Soft Taco | MultiCam?
The Soft Taco | MultiCam is perfect for tactical professionals (military, law enforcement), outdoor enthusiasts (hikers, campers, hunters), and survivalists who need a versatile and reliable way to carry cylindrical items. It’s ideal for anyone who values adaptability and efficiency in their gear setup.
Individuals on a very tight budget or those who only need to carry a single, specific item might find simpler, less expensive options more suitable. Those who operate exclusively in extremely muddy or debris-filled environments might want to consider pouches with more secure closures.
A must-have accessory would be a secure MOLLE attachment system if your gear doesn’t already have one. Consider adding a retention bungee if you need extra security in extreme environments.
Conclusion on Soft Taco | MultiCam
The Soft Taco | MultiCam is a well-designed, durable, and versatile pouch that offers exceptional value for those who need to carry cylindrical items in a variety of environments. Its ability to adapt to different items, combined with its secure grip and robust construction, makes it an invaluable addition to any gear setup.
The price of $44 is justified by the pouch’s versatility and durability. It’s an investment that will pay off in the long run by eliminating the need for multiple specialized pouches.
I would absolutely recommend the Soft Taco | MultiCam to anyone looking for a high-quality, adaptable pouch for carrying cylindrical items. It’s a reliable and efficient piece of gear that will serve you well in the field. Upgrade your carry system today with the Soft Taco | MultiCam and experience the difference!