The FS Strandhögg was way ahead of its’ time when it was commercially released back in 2012. It was the first ever gear item I purchased that used laminated fabric and the Tubes were a cut and dry case of a revolutionary change product design, one which has gone on and gained gigantic popularity in the market. Spiritus Systems for example has gone “all in” on Tubes with the upcoming LV-120 Plate Carrier, not even showing a cummerbund option without Tubes at their booth during SHOT Show 2025.
As trends in tactical gear have changed over time the design of this flagship product from FS has not been altered a great deal as frankly not much change was needed, however it was changed somewhat with the latest V3 release to follow along with certain popular end user requirements.
Personally I have owned a few different versions of the ‘högg to include this MBAV cut V2 back in 2020. The small additional PALS surface area on the MBAV cut was a deliberate choice to facilitate the latest tacticool must-haves of the late 2010s i.e. a placard adapter on the front bag and zip adapters for back panels on the rear bag.
In the headline image of this post the basic setup includes the following:
- AXL Adaptive Vest Placard for FirstSpear carriers
- FS Mini Admin Pocket
- FS GP Pocket, Medium
- Raptor Tac Back Panel Zip adapters
- Blue Force Gear Smoke pouch and TenSpeed single mag pouch
- RAINE Tactical The Bridger
In the image above I have added a Tyr Tactical back panel to the rear and a Spiritus Mk3 to the front bag, with some simple blanking plates from Kurmaz Gear on the Mk3 and a Spiritus triple elastic mag insert inside the rear pouch. Oh and a Vegas Knights hockey team patch.
Above is just one more addition but it is one of FirstSpear’s best ever products, one that was again far ahead of its’ time just like the Strandhogg and one that has always been significantly under-rated; the Vertical Envelopment Pack (VEP).
Overall while the FS carrier may be at the more pricey end of the market it is almost impossible to beat in terms of quality of manufacture. It is easily one of the very best carriers on the market in terms of stock ability to provide extensive soft armour coverage, yet it manages to maintain that slick ‘minimal plate carrier’ silhouette for unhindered manoeuvrability.
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