The concept of a modular tactical vest is not new. In fact our chief designer recalls seeing versions offered as early as 1981. These were sewn to order, with the pockets fixed permanently to the vest. The modularity came from being able to pick the pouch modules from the catalog and have the manufacture sew them where you want them. In the late eighties, modular vests appeared that used “alice clips” to hold the pouches to pre sewn “bandoleers” or “daisy chains”. The problem that these vests encountered was two fold: the “alice clips” although commonly available, were heavy and did not hold the pouches as securely as sewing.

The designers at Drop Zone determined that the convenience of being able to move, place, remove, and replace various pouches and accessories was a distinct advantage, especially for cash strapped tactical and rescue teams.

The Drop Zone design team also determined that floppy pouches were a no no.

Other important criteria included the ability to carry pockets from Canadian and U.S web gear (including those heavy alice clips), British pouches (with adapters) and commonly available civilian accessory pouches. The vest would have to be adjustable in size to accommodate winter clothing and/or body armor. The vest should also be breathable, for hot weather wear.

Armed with these criteria the design team hid in the studio for a week and emerged with our unique Drop Zone MULES Vest. We feel this vest is so well designed we’ve applied for a patent!

The foundation of the vest is a state of the art 3 dimensional mesh known as Aerospacer. This mesh literally holds the outside pouches away from the wearer allowing for superior breathability. The portion of the 3 dimensional Aerospacer mesh that goes against the wearer is made of Allied Signals Hydrofil nylon, for maximum sweat absorption. The inherent bulk of the 3 dimensional Aerospacer mesh fabric actually stiffens the vest, so that pocket and pouch slop, normally associated with traditional mesh vests, is eliminated.

To accommodate the pouches a series of “bandoleers” made of milspec webbing are sewn to vest. The ”bandoleers” will accept U.S. “alice clips” Canadian “velcro” pouches (use a butter knife to keep the hook and pile from snagging while inserting into the “bandoleer”) and our favorite and probably the best method for securing any pouches, electricians wire ties.

We call the wire ties, “Zap Straps” and include a dozen with each vest. For those that have access to “Zap Straps”, we recommend 11" black outdoor specification straps. “Zap Straps” are available from us.

Size adjustment on the vest is provided by tabular buckles and webbing on each side of the vest, providing a generous 10" of play! Plenty of room for those that wear body armor under their vest.

Fit is also fine tuned by the closure of the rear main pocket. The two side buckles are incorporated into the rear pocket flap. Closing these buckles snugly wraps the vest tight into the wearers lumbar area creating a comfortable supportive fit.