A couple months ago a buddy and I met Cris from Skull Monkey Gear at a local rifle match. Over the course of the day we talked about making new rear bags and wanted to see if he could make a bag that was completely sewn shut so we didn't lose the stuffing when laying prone. In addition, we wanted a bag that would hook on to the shoulder strap of the vest and would always be there when you lay down or get up to move to the next position. Cris came through with a design quickly that was perfect.
Fast forward to the next match and Cris express interest in trying his hand at designing and making a tactical vest. We discussed some ideas and thoughts and left the Rayners March sniper match with some working ideas. At the April 21st steel match, Cris had a prototype vest. We discussed the changes that needed to be made and some ideas that would separate a Skull Monkey Gear vest from others out there. I also gave him the challenge of getting me a vest prior to the May 5th & 6th Reade Sniper Match. No small feat in making a new vest in the matter of 10 days and having it in my hand so I could give it a try in match conditions. Needless to say, Cris came through and provided me with a great vest but also with 3 pouches. The only thing missing at this point is a completed pack but that will come soon enough and for my purposes, I did not need it immediately.
The vest:
Initially you may think it's just another vest with molle sewn on to carry pouches, ammo, data book, and other items you might need during a tactical rifle match. But let me explain some of the 'game changing' features of the vest:
First is the adjustability. No need to have separate rigs for summer or winter shooting. This vest is designed to be used year round and can be adjusted to any amount of clothes you are wearing.
The first picture shows the back of the vest in the closed position. You can see the snap that is undone on the right hand side.
In literally 2 minutes you can have the vest adjusted and secured in place and ready to go.
There are plans to offer a couple of different sized side panes so you get the correct fit. Notice that the molle come around to the center of your mid section and there is only the space of the buckle that is not covered. Excellent molle coverage!
The vest does have a hydration pouch built in for your bladders. I ran a 100 oz bladder in the vest for the matches that I used it in. You can see the it has a hook for the bladder to hang on. There are two slits, one on each side that you can run the hose to either shoulder. Also, the way the shoulder straps are made the hose will run under the top layer of mater and through another slit so the hose isn't just hanging out there off your shoulder. It is well contained and out of the way, yet easy to get to when you want a drink.
Back pouch:
Front Shoulder slit:
The shoulder straps are VERY well padded and come down farther on your chest than others which makes the vest comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
In this picture you can see how the rear bag is attached to the vest. As I mentioned earlier, it is always right at the rear of the rifle when you lay down or get up.
As far as pouches, I wanted a double 10 round mag pouch, a padded laser range finder pouch, and what I call an Admin pouch for my data book and other misc stuff. All the pouches are extremely well made ... the mag pouch can be secured by using velcro or by the buckle. There is a piece that folds out of the pouch to cover the velcro if you only want to run the buckle - another great idea. The padded range finder pouch fits my Swaro like a glove. The Admin pouch fits the data book nicely and there is room for a couple other small items if necessary.
As I mentioned above, the back pack is still under development but there are a couple of ideas that we have floated back and forth. You can see in the picture, the pack will buckle in to the vest so you have the choice of using the pack or not.
Same picture as above but notice the buckles at the top of each shoulder where the pack would attach.
Bottom line is Cris at Skull Monkey Gear has a winning product here and has plans to be able to supply product in a timely manner. The adjustability and features that I mentioned above will be worth looking at.
He was very responsive and listened to suggestions. He was able to turn those ideas into a working vest in less than 2 weeks. If you are looking for a tactical vest, please consider a Skull Monkey Gear made vest.
Fast forward to the next match and Cris express interest in trying his hand at designing and making a tactical vest. We discussed some ideas and thoughts and left the Rayners March sniper match with some working ideas. At the April 21st steel match, Cris had a prototype vest. We discussed the changes that needed to be made and some ideas that would separate a Skull Monkey Gear vest from others out there. I also gave him the challenge of getting me a vest prior to the May 5th & 6th Reade Sniper Match. No small feat in making a new vest in the matter of 10 days and having it in my hand so I could give it a try in match conditions. Needless to say, Cris came through and provided me with a great vest but also with 3 pouches. The only thing missing at this point is a completed pack but that will come soon enough and for my purposes, I did not need it immediately.
The vest:
Initially you may think it's just another vest with molle sewn on to carry pouches, ammo, data book, and other items you might need during a tactical rifle match. But let me explain some of the 'game changing' features of the vest:
First is the adjustability. No need to have separate rigs for summer or winter shooting. This vest is designed to be used year round and can be adjusted to any amount of clothes you are wearing.
The first picture shows the back of the vest in the closed position. You can see the snap that is undone on the right hand side.
In literally 2 minutes you can have the vest adjusted and secured in place and ready to go.
There are plans to offer a couple of different sized side panes so you get the correct fit. Notice that the molle come around to the center of your mid section and there is only the space of the buckle that is not covered. Excellent molle coverage!
The vest does have a hydration pouch built in for your bladders. I ran a 100 oz bladder in the vest for the matches that I used it in. You can see the it has a hook for the bladder to hang on. There are two slits, one on each side that you can run the hose to either shoulder. Also, the way the shoulder straps are made the hose will run under the top layer of mater and through another slit so the hose isn't just hanging out there off your shoulder. It is well contained and out of the way, yet easy to get to when you want a drink.
Back pouch:
Front Shoulder slit:
The shoulder straps are VERY well padded and come down farther on your chest than others which makes the vest comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
In this picture you can see how the rear bag is attached to the vest. As I mentioned earlier, it is always right at the rear of the rifle when you lay down or get up.
As far as pouches, I wanted a double 10 round mag pouch, a padded laser range finder pouch, and what I call an Admin pouch for my data book and other misc stuff. All the pouches are extremely well made ... the mag pouch can be secured by using velcro or by the buckle. There is a piece that folds out of the pouch to cover the velcro if you only want to run the buckle - another great idea. The padded range finder pouch fits my Swaro like a glove. The Admin pouch fits the data book nicely and there is room for a couple other small items if necessary.
As I mentioned above, the back pack is still under development but there are a couple of ideas that we have floated back and forth. You can see in the picture, the pack will buckle in to the vest so you have the choice of using the pack or not.
Same picture as above but notice the buckles at the top of each shoulder where the pack would attach.
Bottom line is Cris at Skull Monkey Gear has a winning product here and has plans to be able to supply product in a timely manner. The adjustability and features that I mentioned above will be worth looking at.
He was very responsive and listened to suggestions. He was able to turn those ideas into a working vest in less than 2 weeks. If you are looking for a tactical vest, please consider a Skull Monkey Gear made vest.
