5.11 Summer Gear and Clothes | Art’s Hot picks

MVR 3-in-1 – 3L P

I’ve been a fanny pack user for decades. Way back, I used them for hiking and outdoor excursions for carrying essential items. In the mid-nineties when I was a cop, I bought one of the first concealed carry fanny packs affectionately known as a “shoot me first bag” for off-duty use. I’ve continued to use them off and on over the years, drifting more towards everyday carry gear and travel, with the occasional CCW application.

Earlier this year I tested and reviewed the 5.11 MVR 35 backpack and was impressed with it. I was looking through the 5.11 website and realized that they had a fanny-pack/sling bag, the MVR 3-in-1 3L Pouch that is part of the MVR backpack system. I requested one to test and pair up with the MVR 35 Backpack.

Upon receipt and examination of the MVR 3-in-1, I realized that this was not the typical CCW fanny-pack/sling bag type of bag. Personally, I don’t see it as a CCW option. There is no Velcro panel in any of the compartments that facilitates mounting a holster. Don’t get me wrong, the 3-in-1 can be used as a CCW bag, but you will have to improvise how a weapon is mounted in it. First, a few specs from the 5.11 website:

• MATERIALS: 900D 100% polyester plain weave, 10 oz/yd², DWR C0, PU coated (2 sides)
• MEASUREMENTS: 13″ W x 10″ H x 1″ D
• WEIGHT: 0.46 kg / 1.02 lbs
• CAPACITY: 3 liters
• Mojave Hexa Slim Buckles
• 90° Opening Geometry
• Three-Way Carry Design
• MSRP: $55

Let’s start from the outside of the MVR 3-in-1. I really like the zipper pulls on the MVR series; with the shrink tubing over the cord, they are a big step up from the previous zipper pulls on bags and packs. The front is a zipper pocket made out of a soft, stretchy material. Perfect for a pair of glasses or small quick-grab items like keys, lip balm, or a bottle of hand sanitizer. There are two other zipper compartments in the bag. On the back is a pair of flaps or ears made of Velcro material that fold out. Once folded out, you can attach the 3-in-1 to a panel of the opposite side Velcro. For example, when using the 3-in-1 with the MVR 35 backpack, the ears folded out can be attached to the Velcro webbing on the front of the pack or the interior Velcro panel. Additionally, there are straps hidden within the 3-in-1 that add additional security when Velcroed to the front of the pack or allow it to be attached by the straps only. The straps can be used to hook the 3-in-1 to the pack straps for use as a chest pack. Or, if you have a chest rig harness, you could use the 3-in-1 as a chest rig.

Moving to the main compartments, the first one has several interior organization pockets for keeping your gear easy to find. There’s also a zippered pocket for items that require an extra layer of security, such as wallets, cash, and passports. The back compartment has three elastic loops in it. These can be used for chargers, your phone, medical items, or even rifle magazines. Depending on the magazine capacity, you may have to leave the pouch unzipped with the magazines extending out.

I’ve been using fanny packs and sling bags for a long time now. There have been very few over the years that have ever made the cut for long-term use, but the 3-in-1 has made the short list of users. I’ve been using it daily for two months, and it doesn’t disappoint in providing good service. It works exceptionally well as a daily carry waist pack or sling bag, and I believe it would be a great personal item for air travel for someone who doesn’t need a full backpack of carry-on items. Available in several color choices, the three-way functionality waist, sling, or mounted puts the MVR 3-in-1 out ahead of the competition in my opinion. The quality, design, versatility, and overall function of the 3-in-1 put it in my top three of this style of bag. If you’ve been looking for a versatile bag for your personal, professional, everyday, sporting, or travel needs, I believe that the 3-in-1 will fit the bill for you.

Oscar Short Sleeve Shirts

Here in New Jersey, we’re currently experiencing a heat wave with daily temperatures in the one-hundred-degree range. It’s hot damn hot!!! The 3-in-1 makes carrying your EDC easier in the heat, but sometimes you need to travel light and cool. Over the years I’ve used what I call carry shirts to conceal my pistol in hot weather. The standard is the full cut, square bottom, short-sleeve style like a Hawaiian-style shirt. Many times, I’ve found the material too heavy, or the fabric traps the heat.

I decided to give one of the 5.11 Oscar Short Sleeve Shirts (OSSS) a try and have been pleasantly surprised. Lightweight, generously cut to accommodate us full-size folks, with material that doesn’t cling in the heat and allows sweat to evaporate. The shirt is made from “Dissolving yarn fabric technology for increased breathability,” per the website. What I can say is that even in extreme heat it remains comfortable. The shirt closes with faux button snaps that allow for a quick opening should the need arise, and the generous cut allows for concealment without printing. Without looking like you’re wearing a circus tent. The chest pocket is also secured with a snap and has a retention loop that can hold your phone or wallet. Personally, I’d lean towards securing my wallet or a money clip in the pocket. The OSSS is great for casual hot weather settings and comes in several cool colors and fun designs. These are fun, comfortable shirts that will allow you to cover your gear and beat the heat.

Thanks to 5.11 Tactical for providing these items for testing and review.