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NEMO COOL FACTOR
Tsunami
Hits, Missouri
floods.
A
review of BLACKHAWKS! S.T.R.I.K.E. Tsunami 100oz Hydration Pack
I
must say; I have always been a CamelBak guy and have never really swayed
from that customer loyalty, based on my own "field" experience
with their products. As of
recent however, I stumbled across a GREAT deal from Blackhawk™, with
their BLACKHAWK! S.T.R.I.K.E. Tsunami 100oz Hydration Pack for $68.99
plus S&H.
While
spending the better part of a week on sand bag detail assisting with flood
efforts here in
Missouri
, I coincidentally received my BLACKHAWK! S.T.R.I.K.E. Tsunami 100oz
Hydration Pack, the week prior.
One
of the obvious reasons I was drawn to the Tsunami was price but I also
find when using a hydration system exclusively, I am sacrificing the
ability to carry desirable equipment or lugging around a second pack
to supplement the hydration pack.
The
second reason, (again to be honest) I thought it was a good looking pack.
With
the BLACKHAWK! S.T.R.I.K.E. Tsunami 100oz Hydration Pack, you not only get
a 3 liter Microban® antimicrobial
hydration system but a roomy, (3) three compartment storage pack.
The
first internal pocket, located closest to the Blackhawk impressed carry
handle is probably my least favorite and has been reserved for items I
"don’t" need in a hurry. Although the pocket is deep and
roomy, I have found it to be somewhat of a "catch all" for items
not needing immediate access to and almost too deep if that makes any
sense (my opinion).
The
second pocket contains the HydraStorm logo and is located in front of the
aforementioned larger internal pocket as an outer pocket. During my flood
work, I found myself storing a majority of my items in this pocket due to
rapid and easy retrieval of most items. Mainly an Industrial can of
Skeeter repelant and granolla bars.
The
next pocket is the outmost pocket and is a perfect fit and location for
additional personal items.
When
I was wearing the pack (anywhere
from 85-95+ degrees days), I noticed the rear of the pack to provide a
lot of comfort and helped me to remain much cooler than folks working
without packs. I even used the pack a time or two as a make shift recliner
on breaks.
Upon
further research for this article, I found that the rear of the Tsunami
was an IVS or “Intercooler
Venting System”. According
to Blackhawk, this technology helps improve the structure of packs and
rigs through stiffening of the back panel and provides enhanced stability
during movement. In addition, the molded channels on the platform
increase air flow between the equipment and your body to provide
additional comfort during extended missions.
The
molded back panel is constructed of a “tri-laminate” of nylon, closed
cell foam, and durable moisture wicking material, all heat compressed into
one solid platform.
As
I entered and exited vehicles, climbed levees, threw my pack in and out of
trunks and truck beds, tossed in the sand and flung onto a roof top, all
in all it is a very useful, rugged and well-designed hydration pack. The
shoulder and waist strap were very comfortable (I
didn’t use the waist strap but for a short time) and did not pose
any discomfort during the entire operation. I also noticed the stitching
on the pack to appear a lot beefier than most packs I have owned (just
not a stitch expert).
Although
I am not sure what the duration of this price or product will be available
from Blackhawk, it is a steal at $68.99
and is sure to not disappoint by means of looks, performance or
practicality.
Look
for the video review in days to come at www.nemotraining.com
I
give it a NEMO cool factor of 4 out of 5 bandits!!!
Darin
Logue
began his law enforcement career in 1998, but has been involved in
fugitive apprehension since the mid-1990s. He is considered a skilled
practitioner in the areas of narcotics, interview and interrogation, and
fugitive apprehension and tracking. He is a frequent lecturer to criminal
justice classes, as well as a guest speaker at many police academies and
departments throughout the
Midwest
. Logue has served as one of
Missouri
's youngest chiefs and is an active member of the law enforcement
community, working with several agencies in
Missouri
. He conducts training seminars on undercover narcotics and fugitive
apprehension and tracking and can be reached at www.nemotraining.com
or lnirt@hotmail.com.
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