dailyherold
FNG
Recently received my IA8K as early Christmas present from the wife. I have loaded it down with a Goruck Jerry Can to figure out fitment, and now getting my setup as I'd like for first trip end of January. I'm one to customize, mod, enhance (insert meme), and wanted to share some stuff I have done, as well as encourage others to share given there isn't as much content on these bags versus the other big names. Also important to share our solutions because the IA bags are also somewhat disadvantaged to other recent bag releases given there isn't a grid of laser cut MOLLE on waist or straps. Maybe in the future, but for now, let's have some fun!
First up, a pouch for my Garmin inReach Messenger:
The Messenger is somewhat the odd ball in the trio of current inReach devices. The Mini 2 has a ton of searchable use, lots of accessories (e.g. Exo's very nice pouch), built in loop for hanging, and a screen that can show more stuff without your phone. The new Messenger Plus takes the Messenger's attributes (stronger antenna, smaller screen, bigger battery, no hang loop) and adds voice and image messaging. The Messenger sits in the middle without as much community sharing, and neither Messenger device has great mounting options nor "official" pouches that I could find.
After a bunch of searching Amazon, I started checking my collection of "battle belt"/pouch/tactical gear companies. Defense Mechanisms, Blue Force Gear, and Esstac a short list. I stopped at BFG when I found their Handcuff Pouch. Size seemed right, and based on the spec sheet picture, I figured I could use my faithful 1" one wrap to figure out a mounting solution despite the shoulder strap not having MOLLE. Below pics will outline what I did.
Cut a strip to sandwich the load lifter strap because the pouch had vecro on inside of the bottom loop (didn't realize this pre-delivery, and fortuitous overall).
Cut a strip in half, and formed two loops to create a pocket to prevent strap (and pouch) for shifting side to side.
Wasn't sure if I'd use the built in MOLLE straps so added a strip to serve as a hold for the straps once mounted.
Got the pouch fastened by the lower pre-buckle section of the load lifter strap. Really focused on getting it tight on the bottom stitch line (right above D-ring) and used the sliding buckle to cinch down on the pouches straps for a tight hold on any vertical movement. It's easier to get the strap routed while far away from pouch, then slide it down with slack between the buckle.
I folded back and crisscrossed the built in MOLLE straps to the strip of one wrap I added earlier. I honestly might just cut these off, but does somewhat pull the top of pouch back against the strap which adds questionable value. Will keep for now and cut off if I'm bothered in future.
The pouch fits the Messenger so well one might think it was custom made, There is a main pouch that keeps the Messenger snug, while also having a nice elastic divider behind if you wanted to keep some low profile stuff. The only final tweaks I made were to cut the corners of pouch flap because they were unnecessarily square and cut off the white brand tag. Velcro isn't quiet for those that care, but I'm cool with it. The only other mod I might make is sewing on an inner loop so I can add a tether of some sort. Overall though, I am extremely happy with this mod. The fit and finish is great (feels like a nice Hypalon material), size is perfect for device, width of pouch lines up nicely with strap (no overhang to catch on stuff), the pouch's velcro closure is very secure, and my mounting solution maintains tight x/y positioning. I would recommend the pouch to anyone with a Messenger device and an ability to mount it to their pack.
First up, a pouch for my Garmin inReach Messenger:
The Messenger is somewhat the odd ball in the trio of current inReach devices. The Mini 2 has a ton of searchable use, lots of accessories (e.g. Exo's very nice pouch), built in loop for hanging, and a screen that can show more stuff without your phone. The new Messenger Plus takes the Messenger's attributes (stronger antenna, smaller screen, bigger battery, no hang loop) and adds voice and image messaging. The Messenger sits in the middle without as much community sharing, and neither Messenger device has great mounting options nor "official" pouches that I could find.
After a bunch of searching Amazon, I started checking my collection of "battle belt"/pouch/tactical gear companies. Defense Mechanisms, Blue Force Gear, and Esstac a short list. I stopped at BFG when I found their Handcuff Pouch. Size seemed right, and based on the spec sheet picture, I figured I could use my faithful 1" one wrap to figure out a mounting solution despite the shoulder strap not having MOLLE. Below pics will outline what I did.
Cut a strip to sandwich the load lifter strap because the pouch had vecro on inside of the bottom loop (didn't realize this pre-delivery, and fortuitous overall).
Cut a strip in half, and formed two loops to create a pocket to prevent strap (and pouch) for shifting side to side.
Wasn't sure if I'd use the built in MOLLE straps so added a strip to serve as a hold for the straps once mounted.
Got the pouch fastened by the lower pre-buckle section of the load lifter strap. Really focused on getting it tight on the bottom stitch line (right above D-ring) and used the sliding buckle to cinch down on the pouches straps for a tight hold on any vertical movement. It's easier to get the strap routed while far away from pouch, then slide it down with slack between the buckle.
I folded back and crisscrossed the built in MOLLE straps to the strip of one wrap I added earlier. I honestly might just cut these off, but does somewhat pull the top of pouch back against the strap which adds questionable value. Will keep for now and cut off if I'm bothered in future.
The pouch fits the Messenger so well one might think it was custom made, There is a main pouch that keeps the Messenger snug, while also having a nice elastic divider behind if you wanted to keep some low profile stuff. The only final tweaks I made were to cut the corners of pouch flap because they were unnecessarily square and cut off the white brand tag. Velcro isn't quiet for those that care, but I'm cool with it. The only other mod I might make is sewing on an inner loop so I can add a tether of some sort. Overall though, I am extremely happy with this mod. The fit and finish is great (feels like a nice Hypalon material), size is perfect for device, width of pouch lines up nicely with strap (no overhang to catch on stuff), the pouch's velcro closure is very secure, and my mounting solution maintains tight x/y positioning. I would recommend the pouch to anyone with a Messenger device and an ability to mount it to their pack.
