Gear Review – ESEE Lite Machete taking abuse and loving it (Video)
ESEE Lite Machete Review - 4.75/5 (My new primary bushcraft blade)
I had been questioning what kind of blade I needed as either a chopper or utility type blade aside from a neck and/or belt knife for several months. I was originally considering the new junglas from ESEE but when I considered the weight vs. utility factor I just didn't see why it was any better than a specialized tool. So I started asking around about hatchets as opposed to large knives and really considering my needs in the bush.
As people started to answer it was evident that large knives were out and the real battle was small axe vs. machete. So I started thinking about my AO and approach and thought to look up some videos on thicker vegetation areas like jungles. That's when I came across Colhane's Youtube Channel. This guy is a machete master! He's a Baptist minister that spends a lot of time in Brazil and leads a kind of outdoor ministry at times that frequents rain forests. Now, whoever of you out there doesn't think the areas I operate in are as thick as jungle, check out the area behind me in the Sitka Review Video. Most importantly from his videos I saw what the machete could do to smaller trees - that is, take them down. I had previously worried about the strength of a machete for serious chopping, but seeing some really thick trees felled quickly with no damage to the blade convinced me enough to try one out. Besides, even the most expensive machetes are half the cost of a good belt hatchet.
I had seen that ESEE was producing a new 18" machete (23" OAL) and being a bit of a fanboy, decided to order one. Add that I had just seen Woodsmonkey's review and was smitten. Let me tell you first, it's an improved copy of the 18" Condor machete and is almost twice the price. ESEE adds their own blade treatment and micarta handle, but other than that it's the same. The reason why I support ESEE regardless of price is outlined a bit later.
So it came and it was of course, razor sharp. I mean shaving sharp (which was an issue later on). The handle is a tad bit long for my hand but is really comfortable. The sheath was a fairly inexpensive cordura type that I'm not a big fan of, but it'll do for now. The whole feel of the machete, the balance and the handle together is just awesome.
Now, I was going to wait until the lease work day to try it out, but I was excited about it and took it trailblazing with the dog in tow. It was great, felling 1-2" saplings with one swing and up to 5" with relative ease, so chopping down frame materials are no issue at all. Clearing vines and palmetto was nothing. I did this for about two and a half hours and had a blast. At least in my AO and for my purposes a machete was going to fit the bill perfectly. But the real test was going to be using it as the only clearing/hacking/cutting tool on the work weekend for our deer lease in South Carolina.
So as promised I took the ESEE Lite Machete to do some trail clearing during our work weekend. We cut pine, maple, trimmed up (hacked of 4" branches) of scrub oak. My dad once stopped hacking with it to say "that's a dang good machete!", and he is not easily impressed. While putting up his ladder stand on a new area he had never hunted he realized that although the area was perfect with two clear lanes, a food plot not far, when he climbed up and looked out he hadn't counted on one single old maple to be blocking about 90 degrees of shooting. From the ground it wasn't in the way, but its leaves at 15-20ft definitely were. My dad thought we could "bend" it back but it was 7-9" thick and we didn't have enough rope to throw over. I said "let's hack it down", now my little brother says there's no way the machete could take it, accepting the challenge of it I said I could do it in less than five minutes. So I started hacking down into the tree at about 54 inches, then started wedging up. I was making good time but got out of breath and dad took over. Within two more minutes the thick maple was down.
We were all sold at that point. The ESEE Lite Machete had taken three hard days of serious abuse taking down hard and soft wood up to maybe nine inches thick and had come out begging for more. I will never need that size wood while scouting or bushcrafting, but it's great to know that this machete's performance will far exceed my needs. I am so impressed with the performance here that I am going to perform Colhane's mods and possibly purchase or make a good leather scabbard for this blade because it's coming with me every time now. The only thing this baby doesn't do is baton and split wood, it's also quite large for delicate tasks. So I'm going to really evaluate what other blades I need. My Izula is utterly unnoticed while on my neck and it takes an edge so quick that its a must have. So the question really is, is my RC-4 past it's prime or do I really need a specific batoning blade?
The issue: The first day I had used the machete I noticed some denting/chipping on the blade. It didn't effect performance but it still concerned me so I emailed ESEE's info address asking if they knew of any bad batches or how they preferred to re-profile the edge. Amazingly the very next day I go an email from Jeff Randall himself (owner) and through the day we isolated the issue to a very severe grind leading to a super thin edge and a possible heat treat issue. He told me how to fix the edge and said he'd send me a new machete immediately. That's the kind of service I like and it's why time again I will order from smaller American owned businesses with a reputation for pride in their products.
Gear Review – 5.11 Rush 12 after one month
5.11 Rush 12
I have been searching for the perfect pack since I began getting serious about the woods. Starting with a Target special sling bag and progressing through various vendors and designs. For my most common need I think a two strapped version of the Maxpedition Sitka would be great. Or maybe a new Pygmy Falcon with a hydration carrier and a back plate. Something a bit smaller than a true daypack but with at least 1000d nylon and a little support. Having used a 5.11 Rush 24 for some hard months through the Ocala National Forest at a wilderness therapy camp, I grew to appreciate 5.11 designs. So naturally when I saw the 5.11 Rush 12, I thought my perfect pack was on it's way.
5.11 has a short history with packs only having produced three true packs in conjunction with VTAC. All having been designed in the past five years or so with little to update or improve the design. Luckily the designs are pretty decent. 5.11 likes to include quick release buckles on straps, cuts the shoulder pads at a curve for a more ergonomic fit, and includes decent options for hydration carrier capability. One of my favorite 5.11 features is the padded eyewear pocket near the top strap. The Rush 12 doesn't deviate from these designs, just miniaturizes them.
For a while now it's been pretty difficult to come by the Rush 12. Apparently 5.11 made a limited run of them, I'm assuming they weren't confident they could gain enough market share over Maxpedition when it comes to smaller packs. I found mine from a random Ebay vendor that usually sells only challenge coins and the like. I thought it weird but it was verified new in the bag with tags still on it and at $72 plus $5 or so for shipping, I was down.
Size comparison with a cheap Target pack and the Maxpedition Sitka
So it comes, I open the box and rip the bag out like it's an Atari at Christmas. I hold the bag up ala Lion King and commence the inspection. All the seams look tight, no fraying, zippers are smooth (all YKK's), buckles aren't deformed. Well alright, I won't need to return it. On to the pockets - the main pockets and compartments. The main compartment is almost the same as the 24 and 72 with a bungee pocket on the back wall and two zippered mesh pockets on the front wall. They have taken away the bottom zippers but I don't really see any harm in that. The hydration carrier pouch is all the same, two hooks and a velcro loop up top - hang your bladder in there, thread the drinking tube up through the access slot and into the velcro ports on top of the bag. There are ports on both sides but when you thread the tube onto the shoulder pads the only real option is the left side as this is where the sternum strap's keeper loop is. The Admin pouch is again, a mini version of the 24, two key keepers, all kinds of small flaps/pockets, two deep pockets on the front flap that will hold a .5L bottle of water each, and a zippered pocket at the back. The padded eyewear pocket on the top is now a staple of 5.11 products - don't lose that, design guys, and Maxpedition take note! The only real difference with the Rush 12 is the "top pocket". The 24/72 had a split pocket with a perfect set up for cell phones, small wallets, compass and firesteel, etc. In the 12 it is one pocket about 4.5" deep and maybe 8" long and its not padded or separated any further. Its a great place to dump your wallet and keys but that's about it. I would have rather seen another split pocket design even if miniaturized.
Holding a 17 inch laptop
The exterior is the same ol' PALs webbing (credit BobtheBreaker from ZS for clarifying that). I don't really use any Molle accessories and I'd actually like to see a version without all the tacti-cool webbing. But that isn't this review. The stitching looks strong but I've had issues with my 24 in the past and I'm not confident that they won't break loose in the future. And yeah, I know I won't use it so there's no point if the webbing does get loose but I paid for it, I want it to be quality regardless. There are some added buckles at the bottom of the pack to add webbing and make a waist strap. I see this as completely unnecessary - the pack isn't big enough. Should have thought about that with the 24, though. The back plate is ok. It adds rigidity but retains heat and allows no airflow - equals swamp back. No padding, either. Luckily the straps are quite comfortable up to about 18 lbs.
I've had the pack for a little over a month now. I take it to work, use it to walk the dog (loooong walks), run with it on, and have taken it through the brush while scouting. These are my findings:
Showing the depth
If you plan on stuffing this thing with some work goodies and a laptop (in a sleeve) it's great. Highly organized and comfortable for car to office kind of carry. I think 5.11 takes an edge over Maxpedition when it comes to EDC as their organizational options are a bit better, and with this new reduced size, they finally have a true contender for the desk bound Sheep dogs.
However, in the bush this bag is hot (only comes in black), is not breathable on your back, and creates way too much condensation with the back plate. Add to that a somewhat inferior fabric durability and I'm just turned off. I am not confident in this bag's ability to stay together over the long run. There are most certainly better options in the $100-$150 range if you can throw a bit more cash at it. Even in the same sub $100 range the Pygmy Falcon II is a better bush bag (sans hydration carrier ability).
The verdict: Great EDC bag, not so great in the bush. For well under $100 its a cool piece of kit if you like the tactical black approach, for those who prefer a greyman approach check out Mountainsmith in the same price range.
Gear Review (video) – 5.11 Rush 12 pack
Note - I didn't realize the lighting was so horrible so I'll be doing another video outdoors in the next day or so.
I've been using this pack for about two weeks for a mix of EDC and some bushcrafting. It is a great size option when you think something like a Maxpedition Condor or Rush 24 is too big. I would use it as a secondary scout bag except for the quality. It's just not on par with Maxpedition. On my 5.11 Rush 24 I had a seam split on the hydration carrier pocket. Not sure how it happened, either.
This bag is from the first production run in which the only color choice was black (not my first choice). I'm not sure if the next production run coming out later this month will have other options.
My experience with this bag thus far has done two things: Reaffirmed my wish of a two-strap Maxpedition Sitka (please guys, I'll put up the preorder money today!), and that 5.11 products should be kept for med/light use. The QC just seems to be hit or miss.
The point - Great EDC bag, but not stout enough for serious bushcrafting.
Organization: 4.25/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
Build Quality: 3.5/5
Value: 4.25/5
Gear Review – Using the Rat/ESEE Izula to baton wood
Not a full review but the first time I have used the Izula to split wood. It's small and needs alot of adjusting due to the small "target" size, but it will take some serious abuse.
Gear Review – Video of the Maxpedition Sitka
This is not an in-depth review, but rather a short review due to a poster on the Zombie Squad forums asking about using the Fatboy on short hikes. I told him I preferred the Sitka, and here's why.
You see it used here as a scout pack.
Video – Using the ESEE/Rat RC-4 to cut down a pine sapling
I am not really liking the editing software that Kodak includes with the Playsport camera. Too bad, because the camera is awesome - except for the fact that it records in .MOV and Windows Movie Maker won't accept it and the converters I have are not playing nice. Anyways, I thought before I took the camera back I'd throw a video onto the new Youtube channel.
The video is me using a Rat RC-4 (pre-ESEE) that had just been sharpened using the new Spyderco Sharpmaker and it's 40 degree setting, then a fine touch with the 30 degree setting. It's not shaving sharp as I thought it'd be, probably my own error, but it's plenty sharp for shelter making.
Note: The video seems to be playing faster than real time. I don't know why.
Some comments from forums have made me expand upon the video - this text is now in the description on Youtube-
www.TheChristianSurvivalGuide.com
Using my (ESEE) Rat RC-4 that had just been sharpened by a Spyderco Sharpmaker. 1/4 mile from road so some noise. I did have permission to be on the property and taking a sapling was not an issue.
The sapling was rougly 3.7" diameter, not that big but thick enough that it could not be bent and cut.
Yes, I know, a knife isn't the best chopping tool. But a 3-6" fixed blade is common carry in the woods, an axe or hatchet is not due to size and weight. If I carried a larger and heavier kit in the bush, it would contain a hatchet, but I don't, so I use this.
Yes, a larger knife would be better for chopping. But then again we could circle around to the axe/hatchet argument.
Gear Review – Casio PAW1500T-7V Pathfinder Solar Atomic Watch
Casio Men's PAW1500T-7V Pathfinder Multi-Band Solar Atomic Ultimate Watch
Casio Ultimate Pathfinder
During my earlier years I adjusted to the idea that I needed a tough watch for field use. My drawers had a mix of Timex Expeditions, a Coleman or two, and your typical G-Shocks. These watches were not always fashionable and often times weren't everything I wanted - a timepiece, stopwatch, barometer, and compass, but they worked. When Casio first introduced the Pathfinder series that encompassed all I had needed in a watch (save that they were ugly as sin) I considered them heavily. However, they had one major flaw...battery drain.
Then a few years back Casio started producing G-Shocks with an embedded solar panel to constantly charge the battery. The concept of kinetic energy keeping a spring or battery charged has been used for quite some time, but the solar idea had never been refined enough for use in a tough watch. Then they went and one-uped themselves and put the system in a Pathfinder. Problem was, the things weren't cheap. Such is the thing dreams are made of and onto gear "wish list" it went.
Christmas last year I didn't have much in the way of a "normal" gift I wanted and explaining why I need a Berkey Light water filter usually brings about a, "okay, how about a Target gift card" kind of response. So as I contemplated my Christmas morning future I remembered to check my old gear wish list. A watch seemed pretty normal, regardless of the fact that it's solar powered and has about a bajillion functions and features seemingly only good for outdoor use, so I asked for it. Lucky me they took the hint and eventually I had a brand new Casio Ultimate Pathfinder with a titanium band. I was ecstatic!
First thoughts after unwrapping: The face is big! I guess it would have to be for all that info to show up clearly and then add a solar panel. Parts of the case were covered in plastic, not impressed - wish it was all metal. The whole package is lighter and slimmer than I'd thought it'd be. I had thought it'd stand pretty high on the wrist - it doesn't.
The watch looks great. Its not the nerd alert the original Pathfinders were. The titanium band and case, plus the black bezel give a great masculine but yet refined look. The display shows a lot of data - time/date, tides, moonphase, and barometer chart or day of week is the normal display along with powersaving icon, alarm on, misc stuff that doesn't take up much space. The face is big but isn't uncomfortable or extremely heavy, though Casio could probably streamline the thing by eliminating some full time displays and just having them cycle with the tools/modes.
Band and clasp
The band needed adjustment to fit my wrist (as most watches do). I tried to take the pins out myself and was successful, too bad the same thing wasn't true for putting them back in! It uses the suction cup style pins that are tough to get back together without watchmaker tools. So I broke down and went to a jeweler who did it for free - same guy that made my wife's wedding ring - one more thumbs up for utilizing good, honest, American-owned small businesses. The fit we went to is snug, as I don't like a watch moving around AT ALL and the weight of this behemoth is sure to pull if the fit is loose.
Then it was necessary to set the atomic time. It wasn't difficult, the usual "pick a city" thing and adjust for DST if needed. The watch picks up the signal up to six times a day but once is about all you'd need to keep it +/- two seconds a day. Now please note that the watch does need good reception and about four full minutes to update. Casio recommends taking the watch off at night and placing it on a window, easy enough. The only real problem I've ever experienced with the atomic timekeeping was on my honeymoon in the Caribbean. It didn't receive anything. I'm sure I could've adjusted for a different radio signal but I didn't know how and using the world timekeeper function was easy enough.
Once on my wrist for a full test drive I started geeking out on the tools. The compass, altimeter, and barometer are all ridiculously easy to get to as they all have dedicated buttons on the right side of the case. Once you press any of the buttons for the tools and get the info you need, one press of the mode button (only one on left of case) will return the display to the "normal" time display. I found the tools to be more than adequate for rough field use. Of course they are not precision instruments, how could they be in such a small package? However, its better than you'll need for quick references in the bush or when mall crawling in the concrete jungle.
The backlight in complete darkness
View of the compass readout
The one function I don't like is the automatic backlight. I just can't seem to figure out a quick way to get this thing to come on. It should be a quick turn of the wrist activates the backlight, but it doesn't. Not for me, atleast. I have to turn my wrist at just the right angle and hold it for about 1.5 seconds to get the thing to come on. If I don't do this perfectly I have to move my wrist and try again. Instead I just use the regular "light" button at the 5:30 position of the case because its quicker. Even in no light I can grip the watch and find the light button in under one second every time. I do wish they had made the light button bigger/easier.
Take these awesome features and then throw in the solar charging and power saver mode and its wrist candy. This watch will theoretically never need a new battery though contrary to popular belief, it does have one. Its just that the panels keep it charged, thus, limited drain. I use the power saver mode that puts the display in a sleep-like state after a period of time (about 60 mins) without movement or light exposure. The display will kick back on if you press a button, move the watch abruptly, or expose it to light. It usually takes about two seconds.
Good Lord does this watch have a lot going for it! After six months of wearing this watch I have to say its just about everything I ever wanted. Its rugged, reliable, and pretty much maintenance free with almost every tool I could need for quick orientation and situational reports. After all that its comfortable, too. Man, its hitting on all cylinders.
Well, this thing is great but in all fairness I do have some criticisms. The face is huge and it would be comfortable if smaller. I suppose you could take away some of the data displays to do this and relegate them to a button/tool mode. The backlight button should be bigger and easier to find and the auto backlight feature is too particular to rely on. Hopefully Casio will take note of such criticisms and make an even more streamlined and efficient field watch.
The height off the wrist
All in all its a great buy for under $250 shipped. For bushcrafting and prepping its a great survival watch as it's tough and adds no noticeable weight/space in your GHB or BOB but creates a layer of secondary tools including a compass and stop watch (for timing post-event procedures, heart rates for cpr/etc). The fact that it's solar powered and may never need a battery change in your lifetime is also a huge advantage as self-sufficiency also includes efficiency.
The only glaring issue - it should be dead or entirely unreliable after an EMP detonation.
Ratings (five being an absolute home run, one being a regrettable experience) -
Value: 4.25
Quality: 4.5
Ease of use/learning curve: 3.75
Features/multiple uses: 4.75
Maintenance: 4.75
Recommendation - Buy it if you're a watch guy that feels naked without one. Its a bit pricier than a regular G-Shock but well worth the price.
Desmond the survival dog admiring Casio's craftsmanship
Gear Review – Crossbreed Minituck Holster
Crossbreed Minituck in cowhide: $67.75 at Crossbreed Holsters
Crossbreed Minituck and Kahr PM9
The decision to purchase a crossbreed was a tough one. Not because I questioned the value of the product but because there are so many holster designers out there it's hard to narrow it down just by looking at some pictures. I searched for reviews on THR, youtube, etc., and in the end it was crossbreed vs comp-tac. I really liked that the comp-tac had interchangeable kydex bodies but realistically, I would just want a dedicated holster for each weapon and the minituck was really the size I wanted for my particular carry gun. So Crossbreed it was.
Now, I had already become very comfortable with my CCW/uniform Bug - the Kahr PM9 but I had thought IWB carry would be uncomfortable, so I had been using a desantis nemesis in the front right pocket. That holster was extremely comfortable but not exactly tactically advantageous as it can only be accessed by one hand and it left a large bulge in my dress pants and khakis (cargos were great and I still use it this way). While reading up on IWB carry through www.defensivecarry.com (where the owner of Crossbreed is an active member) I saw that most people seemed to think IWB was great - given you didn't carry an extremely heavy gun like the XDM in .40 and had a good belt (like the wilderness tactical products ring belt worn in the photos) . The owner of Crossbreed seemed to have a serious amount of customer loyalty and an awesome sense of customer service so I went ahead and pulled the trigger thinking I could address any issues on Defensive Carry if necessary.
Crossbreed Minituck with Desantis Nemesis for size comparison
Ordering: Simply put, there were no issues. The ordering process was smooth, the delivery was fast once the holster had been made (hand made to order), and the product was exactly what was advertised. Exemplary of American-owned small businesses.
Comfort: While I made my first foray into IWB I was a bit uncomfortable. Kind of like carrying concealed for the first time, I thought everybody could see this huge bulge on my strong side. They didn't, I was just being paranoid. Once I got over my paranoia I could feel just how comfortable this holster was, especially while carrying a small polymer framed single stack! In fact, the only way I do not like carrying this holster is on a hot Florida day where I sweat a lot and don't have an undershirt on. The cowhide backing kind of "sticks" and can rub your skin the wrong way. My next Crossbreed will be in horsehide, a $10 upgrade. With an undershirt and a good, stiff belt it is honestly not noticeable.
The minituck's cowhide backing - also showing the cutout for the mag release
Construction: The holster is sturdy and durable. More than capable of some bush time if you choose to carry it then. The rivets are strong and the quality of the leather is awesome. I did have to use a razor knife to cut out a little indention for the magazine release button which is a common procedure and not difficult at all.
Gun ride: The holster has adjustable retention but I didn't mess with it. The tension from my belt over the kydex body is plenty enough. The gun rides extremely well, it won't fall out even when jogging (yes, I jog with cargo shorts, so sue me) but can be drawn without a tug of war battle.
A patterned cover shirt makes it disappear
Concealability: With the Kahr PM9, which is a thin, single stack 9mm, I can use t-shirts and still have little outline and that's if you know what to look for. With patterned/checkered western shirts over jeans there is no way you can tell that anything is there. I will occasionally wear this set up with a tucked-in dress shirt. The minituck does have hooks that allow this option and it just disappears. Of course body type and size of the gun make a big difference here but your covering garment is really the kicker.
Under a T-shirt the minituck prints less than my cell phone (left side)
Summary: It's a great IWB option. Admittedly, the only other IWB holsters I have used were cheap Uncle Mike's and Galco set ups that are mass produced so when I get hold of quality hand made American goodness I will be a little bit biased. Crossbreed has done a phenomenal job at making a well crafted, comfortable, and affordable IWB holster with the minituck and I am sure it speaks for the rest of their product line.
Note - I tried to mess around with image placement. Let me know if it effects your viewing.
Check out my gangsta style - beginning of draw The contact point is good and solid leading to strong presentation
Gear Review – Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack
My Maxpedition Fatboy
Maxpedition FATBOY™ VERSIPACK (Green)
Specs -
Main: 8” x 6.5” x 3”
Frontal: 7” x 5” x 1.5”
SideA: 6” x 3” x 1.5”
SideB: 5” x 1.5” x 1”
SideC: 4" x 2.5" x 1"
Shoulder: Integral 2” Strap w/ Non-slip Pad
Attach: Integral Quick Release Belt Snap
Empty Weight: 17.6 oz.
I had originally bought this pack around 2008 to carry a full-sized Springfield Armory XD. I was new to concealed carry and that pistol was the big 5". I didn't feel comfortable carrying it IWB so I looked for alternative methods of carry. The internet had been on fire at that time about Maxpedition gear and I thought to give it a try being that the only decent IWB holsters for the 5" XD were $75+ and not easily returnable plus the added pocket space would be great for some gear I had wanted to carry but found too cumbersome to EDC on person.
All the stuff I had thought necessary for EDC
At that point I had little idea about what was really necessary for my EDC (or layering preps). I wanted to carry way too much. For instance I was really into Geocaching and wanted to carry my Garmin Etrex and a big camera with me, dunno why when my cell could do both jobs. But I could also carry an extra mag, flashlight, fixed blade, multi-tool, some pens/notebook, and a small FAK. With the light and extra mag going into the two "sheaths" on the side of the bag for quick access. It seemed like a no-brainer.
While I carried it around town I had assumed I'd get some looks. You know, "who's that dude with the purse" kind of thing. I even renamed it "The Tactical Manbag of Death" so I wouldn't lose my street cred. What I found out is that with my style of dress, few people cared or even noticed. I appeared to be any other 20-something college kid with a hipster accessory bag. The look was common around that area of Nashville (where I was working at the time). Every once in a while I'd get a once over from what appeared to be the LEO type, but no "shouldn't you be wearing a dress there, Sally" type comments.
Now, what I did notice is that off the body carry just isn't smart for the non-disciplined. I couldn't deploy the XD and be on target in less than 2.5 seconds, that was unacceptable. Also, retention is much more difficult. Then I noticed that the bag would swing forward with the weight of it if I bent down, causing me to plop the bag down if I was being active or leave it in the child seat of shopping carts to reach lower level shelves. I often found myself leaving the bag on a chair (with weapon inside and not on me) and finding excuses not to bring it into shops if I thought I'd only be a minute or two. Add to that no place to hold a nalgene or water bottle (the Jumbo has rectified that). So I eventually stopped carrying it.
While its not my favorite way to carry CCW and I use other means of EDC, the Fatboy does see use - as my dog walking bag. When I get home I rip off my uniform and get comfortable in athletic shorts and a t-shirt. Its convenient to sling the Fatboy already prepped instead of going through my pocket check routine for CCW.
Endpoint - This bag made me fall in love with the Maxpedition brand. The Fatboy is extremely durable and has plenty of organizational options. On person EDC is not as obtrusive or uncomfortable as carrying an attache case/messenger bag but does not offer quick weapon deployment or true retention. Unfortunately, while the bag is extremely well made and thought out, I really don't see a necessity for it in my carry options.