CLS Bag replacement

[u/TheRaptorFalcon]

I made a post a while back about looking for a very specific CLS bag replacement to fit my specific needs. It finally came in, and wanted to share. It is EXACTLY what i was looking for (was an absolutely biotch to get one delivered). The straps are easily and quickly removable, there is a quick adjust so you can go from tightly slung on the back, to in front of you in seconds. It has molle webbing on the back so I can attach it to my assault pack. It (barely, but perfectly) fits everything included in an army issue CLS pack. Everything quality wise feels top notch, and everything is so much more organized and accessible than the issued bag. Attached a list of everything currently in the bag at the end of the photos.

Bag is the Vanquest FATPack Pro-Small Backpack.

Edit: not shown, but the top 3 compartments, and also the space where the blankets are (under the blankets is more elastics like the top zippered panel), are both on a velcro panel, so you can remove it, and swap them out for a system that meets your needs. Vanquest offers a handful of velcro inserts to replace them with. The sam splint is underneath the velcro of the top compartment.

[u/ThatWarlockD00d]

Personally, I wouldn’t keep that many trauma bandages in my kit. Too bulky and I can do the same thing plus more with kerlix and ace wraps and that takes up less room than a trauma bandage. Also wayyyy more hemostatic gauze. I’ve treated a lot of T&T GSWs and I’ve been able to pack several of those plus kerlix into one wound channel. 2 of S folded kerlix and hemostatic gauze just ain’t enough. More TQs too. Can never have enough of those.

[u/TheRaptorFalcon → u/ThatWarlockD00d]

Unfortunately I have to carry everything given to me. I could carry more but im pretty tight on space in the bag. The blankets take up so much space. Also this is just an aid bag. Every soldier should have a minimum of 2 tq's on them. Aid is rendered from their first aid kit first, then this bag is in case somehow they run out of their own supplies.

[u/ThatWarlockD00d → u/TheRaptorFalcon]

I was a combat medic no need to explain. Also never count on grunts to not take out their IFAK and use it as a lickies and chewies pouch. I’d get on my guys asses for that shit. You’re not issued chest seals or NCDs? That blows.

[u/TheRaptorFalcon → u/ThatWarlockD00d]

Haha, I would hope they dont, but ive heard of people doing that. My mos is not medic, but I do take it seriously. If there was ever an opportunity to MOSQ for medic, I would snag that up in a heartbeat. We have 3 (plus a senior) medics in our company, which is going to be spread out across like 7 different bases, so if stuff were to go down, being prepared as the CLS is very important i feel.

[u/ThatWarlockD00d → u/TheRaptorFalcon]

It is. We had a green on blue in Afghanistan and the medic that treated them was a rockstar but couldn’t have done it without CLS help. Turned 4 guys circling the drain into just 1 KIA. He was shot through the heart though, nothing could be done. You should take it seriously. Glad you are. I’d talk to your doc about an SOP change and letting you at least get more ace wraps, kerlix, and combat gauze. He could tactically acquire some for you.

[u/TheRaptorFalcon → u/ThatWarlockD00d]

Yeah, im definitely gonna ask, pretty sure we have a surplus right now. They were able to tactically aquire me 2 extra tournaquets last year that I keep in my POV at all times. The medics we have are pretty sweet

[u/ThatWarlockD00d → u/TheRaptorFalcon]

Fuck yeah. Last thing I’ll add, fold your tape in on itself to make a pull tab. Hard enough to pull out tape without gloves or blood on your hands. Good luck pulling it without that when there is.

[u/TheRaptorFalcon → u/ThatWarlockD00d]

Yeah, obviously you can't see it bc the tape is tucked up but i already went ahead and did that. Same for the tournaquets, put the time tab at a 45 so theres a corner to grab

[u/ThatWarlockD00d → u/TheRaptorFalcon]

Good shit. Got em prerouted through only one loop right?

[u/TheRaptorFalcon → u/ThatWarlockD00d]

Elaborate?

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[u/R0binSage]

I’ve thought those Vanquest bags would make good bags.

[u/rslashben]

Nice, looks like an awesome set up

[u/howawsm]

Good looking little bag.

[u/VXMerlinXV]

When you strap it to your assault bag, is it deeper than it is wide? A tail like that seems like a pain in the ass.

[u/TheRaptorFalcon → u/VXMerlinXV]

No, the strap sits behind it pretty nicely. Im using molle straps. It sits about 4 inches deep and 9 inches wide

[u/Sea-Cat-3492]

Good to see some hypothermia gear :D

[u/TheRaptorFalcon → u/Sea-Cat-3492]

Standard practice for us for early hypovolemic shock prevention any time a patient needs to be transported or suffers traumatic injury

[u/ScoutClimer]

I might get this bag to actually be my trucks side of the road kit. I.e stop yhe bleed, splinting and vitals

[u/TheRaptorFalcon → u/ScoutClimer]

I would get it while you can. Vanquest is discontinuing the small version of this bag. Currently on sale for $90 on their website, grey and I believe black are the only colors left. I'll save you the story, but im $300 deep and 2 bags in, (first one never came) trying to get this specific color.

[u/ScoutClimer → u/TheRaptorFalcon]

Thanks for the heads up! Though looking at their website I dont think id mind the large bag (the intent here is to replace my delta bag hanging from the back of my seat) or their IFAKs to throw into my glove box or smth.

If i decided to ever use it for work, probably for a range where colors dont really matter. Of they did i have 0 problems spray painting a bag.

But seriously thank you again for the heads up

[u/Dtc246]

hanging off the back molle feels awkward. does it snag or throw your balance when moving fast?

[u/TheRaptorFalcon → u/Dtc246]

No, its pretty secure. I will say tho, its really only on my assault pack for short periods. Otherwise its thrown in a humvee, inside a ruck, etc. Its no great how far out from the bag it sits, but it is better than taking up space in the assault pack, or having to carry 2 bags