8 EDC ORGANIZER ALTERNATIVES

I’ve owned a GORUCK GR1 Field Pocket for almost 2 years now and use it everyday. It’s holding up great, still looking sharp and protecting my EDC gear. Most of the time I use it in conjunction with my GR1.21, usually MOLLED inside the pack.

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But it can be used on its own as a modular grab-n-go EDC bag. But it wasn’t always like this, what I mean is I haven’t always owed a Field Pocket there were other proto organizational pouches that came before I settled (for now) on the Field Pocket.

NOT ALL GOOD IDEAS ARE MY IDEAS.
Some of the best Ideas I’ve pursued have been other peoples. I don’t mean I stole them, I mean they’re suggestions. A couple of weeks ago a friend on Instagram asked me if I had any alternative ideas for the GORUCK Field Pocket, which features quite a lot in my Instagram posts. This sprung the idea for this post, suggestions for alternatives based on my experience of the pouches that came before the Field Pocket.

8 ALTERNATIVES TO THE GORUCK GR1 FIELD POCKET

1 - MAXPEDITION AUP Pouch
2 - MAXPEDITON CAP Pouch
3 - TACTICAL TAYLOR Enhanced Admin Pouch
4 - CONDOR T&T Pouch
5 - CONDOR Sidekick Pouch
6 - TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGNS OP1 Organizer
7 - VANQUEST PPM Husky
8 - HELIKON General Purpose Cargo Pouch

WHY DO I NEED THIS POUCH?
I use my GORUCK GR1 almost everyday and this usually means me arriving at a destination and leaning my rucksack against a table leg. This means that unless my bag is configured with some kind of pouch at the top my EDC gear is hard to find, grab and use. Also unless I have a solution like this, everything just ends up at the bottom of the bag and is a pain to find. Of course you can have as many pouches as will fit, for me one at the top works fine. Trust me laying bag out on the floor? Not an option, it’s big a trip hazard! Do not ask me how I know this : )

A TALE OF 3 TYPES
So the pouches I’ve used and tested fit into 3 types
TYPE 1 - Heavily features elastic retention loops with minimal slip pockets I.e - Vanquest Husky PPM.
TYPE 2 - Elastic retention with usable pockets possible with zip closure I.e - Maxpedition AUP
TYPE 3 - All pockets, zipped and slip, no elastic retention I.e - GORUCK Field Pocket.

Today I’m not going to bang-on in too much detail about each option but I will use the same EDC gear in each for comparison, give you the main features and let the pictures do most of the talking.

In most case each pouch get 2 pictures. The 1st showing it in a GORUCK GR1 21L to give you an idea of scale and position. The 2nd to show the pouch open and loaded.


1 - MAXPEDITION AUP Pouch

MAXPEDITION AUP MOUNTED IN THE GR1 21L. IT'S A LARGE POUCH, HAS A LOT OF CAPACITY BUT DOES TAKE-UP ROOM IN THE PACK

THE MAXPEDTION AUP HAS TWO LARGE, ZIPPED COMPARTMENTS, THIS IS THE 1ST SHOWING PRETTY GOOD ORGANIZATIONAL POSSIBILITIES AND THE SLIP POCKET

THIS IS THE 2ND ZIPPED COMPARTMENT. IT HAS THREE STIFFENED COMPARTMENTS AND THE 2ND SLIP POCKET

TYPE 2
SIZE: H. 7.5" x W. 6.5" x D. 4"
COMPARTMENTS; Yes 2 zipped
POCKETS ZIPPED: No
POCKETS SLIPPED: Yes 3
ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS: 7
KEY RETAINER CLIP: No
PALS COMPATIBLE: Yes 2 columns x 5 rows
FRONT MOLLE: Yes 2 columns x 3 rows
CARRY HANDLE: Yes
SHOULDER STRAP COMPATIBLE: Yes
FABRIC: 1000D
ZIPPER: YKK w Maxpedtion zipper pulls
MORALE PATCH COMPATIBLE: No
FEATURES: D-rings for a shoulder strap. Comfortable carry handle. Light grey interior for better visibility.


2 - MAXPEDITON CAP Admin Pouch

MAXPEDITION CAP MOUNTED IN THE GR1 21L. A MUCH BETTER SIZE FOR THIS PACK BUT IT'S TOUCH TO GET ALL OF MY EDC TO FIT.

THE MAXPEDTION CAP HAS TWO ZIPPED COMPARTMENTS, THIS IS THE 1ST SHOWING ORGANIZATION AND SLIP POCKET

THIS IS THE 2ND ZIPPED COMPARTMENT. THIS HAS MORE EXCELLENT ORGANIZATION AND TWO MORE SLIP POCKETS

TYPE 2
SIZE: H. 7.5" x W. 5" x D. 2.5"
COMPARTMENTS: Yes 2 zipped
POCKETS ZIPPED: No
POCKETS SLIPPED: Yes 3
ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS: Yes 12
KEY RETAINER CLIP: Yes
PALS COMPATIBLE: Yes 2 columns x 5 rows
FRONT MOLLE: Yes 2 columns x 3 rows
CARRY HANDLE: Yes
SHOULDER STRAP COMPATIBLE: Yes
FABRIC: 1000D
ZIPPER: YKK w Maxpedtion zipper pulls
MORALE PATCH COMPATIBLE: No
FEATURES: D-rings for a shoulder strap. Comfortable carry handle. Light grey interior.


3 - TACTICAL TAYLOR Enhanced Admin Pouch

MOUNTED UP IN THE GORUCK GR1 21L.THE TACTICAL TAYLOR ENHANCED ADMIN IS A GREAT SIZE FOR THIS PACK AND THE MOLLE, HOOK AND LOOP FIELD GIVES US MORE OPTIONS FOR MORALE AND GEAR ORGANIZATION

LOTS OF ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS IN LOTS OF SIZES MAKE IT  EASY TO ORGANIZE AND LAY-OUT AN  EDC

TYPE 1
SIZE: H. 4.75" x W. 7" x D. 1.75"
COMPARTMENTS; Yes 1 zipped
POCKETS ZIPPED: No
POCKETS SLIPPED: Yes 3
ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS: Yes 9
KEY RETAINER CLIP: No
PALS COMPATIBLE: Yes 4 columns x 4 rows
FRONT MOLLE: Yes 4 columns x 4 rows
CARRY HANDLE: No
SHOULDER STRAP COMPATIBLE: Yes w D-rings
FABRIC: 1000D
ZIPPER: YKK w paracord pulls
MORALE PATCH COMPATIBLE: Yes
FEATURES: Very well made and durable. Interior hook and loop for removable map / doc pocket. Adjustable Interior paracord retention stops the pouch opening completely.


4 - CONDOR T&T Pouch

MOUNTED TO THE GORUCK INTERIOR MOLLE FIELD THE CONDOR T&T USES APPROX HALF THE SPACE OF YOUR PACK BUT LOTS OF UP FRONT MOLLE AND HOOK AND LOOP GIVES US LOTS OF OPTIONS FOR MORALE PATCHES, NAME TAGS AND CARRY POSSIBILITIES

THE CONDOR T&T IS THE LARGEST MOST USEFUL AND EASY TO USE ORGANIZER IN THIS LINE-UP. IT'S EASILY BIG ENOUGH TO TAKE ALL OF MY EDC WITH SLOTS TO SPARE

TYPE 2
SIZE: H. 7.5" x W. 10" x D. 1.5"
COMPARTMENTS; Yes 1 zipped
POCKETS ZIPPED: 1
POCKETS SLIPPED: 1
ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS: Yes 33
KEY RETAINER CLIP: No
PALS COMPATIBLE: Yes 6 columns x 4 rows
FRONT MOLLE: Yes 6 columns x 4 rows
CARRY HANDLE: No
SHOULDER STRAP COMPATIBLE: Yes w D-rings
FABRIC: ???D
ZIPPER: ???
MORALE PATCH COMPATIBLE: Yes
FEATURES: Adjustable Interior paracord retention stops the pouch opening completely as do x2 hook and loop straps on the exterior of the pouch. Interior hook and loop for removable map / doc pocket.


5 - CONDOR Sidekick Pouch

FOR ME THIS IS A SMALLER VERSION OF THE T&T BUT I PREFERRED  ITS BOXY, PROTECTION FOR MY EDC. THAT ZIPPED POCKET UP FRONT IS GREAT FOR BUSINESS CARDS : )

DESPITE ITS SMALLER SIZE THE CONDOR SIDEKICK HAS A LOT OF GOOD ORGANIZATION POSSIBILITIES

TYPE 2 (just)
SIZE: H. 7" x W. 5.5" x D. 1.5"
COMPARTMENTS; Yes 1 zipped
POCKETS ZIPPED: 1 Exterior
POCKETS SLIPPED: 1
ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS: Yes 17
KEY RETAINER CLIP: Yes 2 cord loops
PALS COMPATIBLE: Yes 3 columns x 5 rows
FRONT MOLLE: Yes 3 columns x 3 rows
CARRY HANDLE: No
SHOULDER STRAP COMPATIBLE: No
FABRIC: ???
ZIPPER: ???
MORALE PATCH COMPATIBLE: Yes
FEATURES: Adjustable Interior paracord retention stops the pouch opening completely.


6 - TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGNS OP1 Organizer

TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGNS OP1 ORGANIZER MOUNTED MOUNTED ON THE GORUCK GR2

LOTS AND LOTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL POSSIBILITIES INSIDE THE OP1 BUT BE WARNED, IF YOU USE ALL AS I HAVE HERE YOU'LL GET A BIG POUCH BULGE

TYPE 2
SIZE: H. 7" x W. 7.5" x D. 1"
COMPARTMENTS; Yes 1 zipped
POCKETS ZIPPED: Yes 1
POCKETS SLIPPED: Yes 1
ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS: 20
KEY RETAINER CLIP: No
PALS COMPATIBLE: Yes 4 columns x 2 rows
FRONT MOLLE: No
CARRY HANDLE: No
SHOULDER STRAP COMPATIBLE: Yes D-rings
FABRIC: Cordura1000D
ZIPPER: YKK w Paracord zipper pulls
MORALE PATCH COMPATIBLE: No
FEATURES: 2 Large exterior pockets x1w hook & loop closure and 2nd with flap and featuring x4 organization slots for pens etc.


7 - VANQUEST PPM Husky

I LOVE THE PPM HUSKY, I USE MOST DAYS ALONG SIDE THE FIELD POCKET

DESPITE THE SIZE IT'S POSSIBLE TO GET A LOT OF GEAR IN THE PPM HUSKY WITHOUT TO MUCH BULGE DUE TO THE OFFSET OF THE RETENTION LOOPS, REALLY LIKE THIS

TYPE 1
SIZE: H. 6.5" x W. 4.75" x D. 1"
COMPARTMENTS; Yes 1 zipped
POCKETS ZIPPED: No
POCKETS SLIPPED: 2
ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS: 25
KEY RETAINER CLIP: Yes x2 Paracord loops
PALS COMPATIBLE: Yes 2 columns x 3 rows
FRONT MOLLE: No
CARRY HANDLE: Yes, Pull loop
SHOULDER STRAP COMPATIBLE: Yes w Vanquest system
FABRIC: 1000D
ZIPPER: YKK w Paracord zipper pulls
MORALE PATCH COMPATIBLE: Yes
FEATURES: Pull loop/ Carry handle.  Front slip pocket w hook & loop closure, HiViz orange interior.


8 - HELIKON General Purpose Cargo Pouch

THE HELIKON GENERAL PURPOSE CARGO POUCH WAS AN EARLY OPTION. I LIKED THE PALES FIELD TO THE FRONT OF THE POUCH, GOOD FOR PENS ETC

QUITE A GOOD LEVEL OF ORGANIZATION IS POSSIBLE DUE TO THE FULL HOOK & LOOP FIELD. THIS ALLOWS US TO USE ADD IN COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE MAXPEDITION MICRO ORGANIZER INSERT

MAXPEDITION MICRO ORGANIZER INSERT IS A GREAT FIT FOR THE HELIKON

MICRO ORGANIZER REMOVED REVEALING THE HOOK & LOOP FIELD, VERY COOL

TYPE 3
SIZE: H. 6.75" x W. 4.75" x D. 2.75"
COMPARTMENTS; Yes 1 zipped
POCKETS ZIPPED: No
POCKETS SLIPPED: No
ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS: Yes x2
KEY RETAINER CLIP: Yes x1 Paracord loops
PALS COMPATIBLE: Yes 3 columns x 4 rows
FRONT MOLLE: Yes 3 columns x 3 rows
CARRY HANDLE: No
SHOULDER STRAP COMPATIBLE: No
FABRIC: 500D
ZIPPER: YKK w Paracord zipper pulls
MORALE PATCH COMPATIBLE: No
FEATURES: Large internal hook and loop field.


HOW DO THE ABOVE COMPARE WITH THE FIELD POCKET?

GORUCK GR1 Field Pocket

THE GORUCK GR1 FIELD POCKET IS DESIGNED TO PERFECTLY FIT THE GR1 BACKPACK

ORGANIZATION IS NOT PERFECT BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE. THE ABOVE DEMONSTRATES HOW I USE MY FIELD POCKET THIS WORKS PRETTY WELL

TYPE 3
SIZE: H. 6" x W. 9" x D. 2.5"
COMPARTMENTS; Yes 1 zipped
POCKETS ZIPPED: Yes x2 one of which is mesh
POCKETS SLIPPED: Yes x1 mesh
ELASTIC RETENTION LOOPS: No
KEY RETAINER CLIP: No
PALS COMPATIBLE: Yes 4 columns x 2 rows
FRONT MOLLE: No
CARRY HANDLE: Yes, a good one.
SHOULDER STRAP COMPATIBLE: No
FABRIC: 1000D
ZIPPER: YKK w Paracord zipper pulls
MORALE PATCH COMPATIBLE: Yes
FEATURES: Very tough construction, padded, great for delicate gear i.e optics

IN CONCLUSION THEN:
So I guess I like TYPE 3 best; GORUCK GR1 FIELD POCKET as that’s what I’ve settled on (at least for now) however I do use the VANQUEST PPM HUSKY along side the FIELD POCKET at times when I need more detail. So, it’s important to say that all the pouches featured, performed great and apart from size and content capacity, I could still be using any of them to this day. In short I found them all to be great in their own way, it's down to you to decide. If you need a lot of organization then you need to consider something like the CONDOR T&T, VANQUEST PPM Husky or the TAD Triple Aught Design OP1 organizer. If not then the FIELD POCKET or even the HELIKON General Purpose Cargo Pouch could work for you.

POST SCRIPT.
In an idea world, for me the idea pouch would something like the CONDOR T&T with the build quality, carry handle and colour options of the GORUCK Field Pocket. The CONDOR was my first organizer and we never forget our 1st organizers do we? : )

GEAR LIST:

1 - MAXPEDITION AUP Pouch
2 - MAXPEDITON CAP Pouch
3 - TACTICAL TAYLOR Enhanced Admin Pouch
4 - CONDOR T&T Pouch
5 - CONDOR Sidekick Pouch
6 - TRIPLE AUGHT DESIGNS OP1 Organizer
7 - VANQUEST PPM Husky
8 - HELIKON General Purpose Cargo Pouch

GORUCK GR1 FIELD POCKET

LEATHERMAN WINGMAN Multitool
FENIX RCO5 Flash Light
FIELD NOTES Note Book
FISHER BULLET SPACE PEN
PARKER JOTTER PEN
EXOTAC Matchcap
APPLE EARBUDS
GARAGE BUILT GEAR X5 BiFold Wallet
DOGTAG Travel Insurance
MAXPEDITION Hook & Loop Mini Organizer

RELATED POSTS:

VANQUEST PPM HUSKY Personal Pocket Maximiser
EDC ADMIN Organisers
PERSONAL SURVIVAL KIT
CONDOR ELITE FRONTIER

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