At Garrison Packs, we specialize in modifying and making the right nylon product for you!

One of our customers wanted to expand his US Army Molle 2 Canteen & Utility pouch into his single survival kit. He has been experimenting with several pouches and packs but found them either too big or too small. So, he approached Garrison Packs to try to solve his problem. He loves the existing pouch as it is because it is tough and practical. It would be the perfect survival go back for him if it had just a bit more space. So, we did just that for him.

US Army surplus item. Still has a lot of life in it.

The US Army molle 2 pouch is a rather standard issue. There are many American surplus sellers selling them. Even in KL, we can find them being sold by some military enthusiasts stores. To modify this pouch, we spent time listening and getting an idea of what the customer wants. It is obvious that too big is rather useless for a survival kit and being to small would defeat the purpose as well.

There is no way around this modification but to tear it apart, do the necessary modification and then put it all back together. Garrison Packs keeps 100% original Cordura materials and this ACU pattern material is something we stock as well. Hence, we would have no problem matching the colors.

The pouch being laid out

Measuring and adding ACU pattern Cordura material to the original item

What the customer wanted was pretty straight forward. Rather than the two small (almost useless for keeping anything bigger than the US Army issued can opener) pockets, we were commissioned to add storage space to the two pockets. By opening up the original unit, we are able to add the bigger pockets top the sides more accurately.

The two pockets being added

With the two side pockets installed, the customer is now able to add in other items that is essential to his survival kit. This is comparatively much bigger than what it was before.

The two side pockets installed

The final product after modification

At Garrison Packs, we pride ourselves for having original 1000D cordura material, sewn with milspec thread to your specification and needs. This modification to expand a US Army Molle 2 canteen & utility pouch is done using such materials right here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Small modifications that make a world of difference

I love my Helinox Chair One. In the jungle, it is like the one piece of gear that made all the difference. No more squatting or sitting on wet soggy ground that’s infested with creepy crawlies. I love it to bits! To make it even better, I have decided to add side pockets onto them. All the small little things like drinks, smoke kit can fit into them while I enjoy my lazing around in the jungle.

There is the Helinox tactical version with side pockets. This model came a few months after I got my Chair One. Adding the side pockets makes a lot of difference in terms of user friendliness. My only serious considerations were material integrity and correct positioning of the pocket’s location. I have also decided to go with zippers for the pocket. Don’t want to lose anything valuable.

The cut out of 1000D cordura for the side pockets

Not only am I able to keep items like drinks in the pockets but I can even keep some small essentials on a permanent basis in it. Items like a small key chain sized LED light or even a lighter. As for zippers, it had to be YKK. The best I can find from my suppliers.

Adding value to the chair

The pocket can expand from the inside to accommodate bigger items

Once the pockets are added, I tried them on at home for a couple of hours watching TV. With the occasional walk up and replenish my drinks and nature call, the pockets seems to be holding up really well. The integrity of the original structure is not compromised (though I cannot say the same with the warranty…hahahaha).

The side pockets finished

I enjoy modifying items like this to suit specific needs. This Helinox Chair One side pockets is completed and will be accompanying me on more of my trips into the jungle for sure.

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Adding molle capability to the British army Bergen side pocket

One of the toughest army issued kits around would have to be the ones used by the British army. They are built like tanks (not comfy though) and seems like bits of kit that will last forever. In Malaysia, there are some enthusiasts that collects and use these kit. So, we were not really surprised when a customer approached us to have molle webbing sewn on his British army Bergen side pockets. These good pack kits does not seem like they are going to fail anytime soon but the molle webbing would probably make them look more ‘updated’.

The much loved Bergen side pockets

As simple as it may seem, installing the molle webbing on this side pocket involves quite a bit of work. We decided it would be best to dissect the entire unit completely. This would allow us to have the ends of the webbing neatly tucked inside the seams of the pack . With the owner’s consent to do so, we went straight into it.

The only way we can do a good job

We used mil-spec webbing on this project. The molle lines were spaced out according to conventional sizing and from there, we started to stitch them in place piece by piece. With the webbing tucked in the seams, the final thickness is noticeable. We slowly sew everything together to our best ability.

Measure twice…sew once

This modification project on the British army bergen side pocket took us longer than expected due to the thickness of some parts of the pouch. We had to be slow and careful or risk damaging the machine. Inch by inch we completed the molle webbing and the end result is surprisingly good looking!

The new look…and it is still mil-spec!

And with the molle webbing done up, the side pocket can now take on additional pouches and items on itself. This is ideal for the owner who wishes to use the pack as an EDC

Added capability to the traditional side pocket.

It took us a few hours to complete this project. We are very happy with the final result and even more delighted that we had the good fortune to work on it. It is always a pleasure to work with high quality material.

If you are interested to have your pack, or nylon gear modified, repaired or customized here in Malaysia, feel free to Contact Us and LIKE us on Facebook!

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An easy modification on a Blackhawk Tactical Handbag for a friend

A friend was telling us how the wife wasn’t really happy with the straps on the Blackhawk Tactical Handbag he gave her as a gift. Turns out that the attachment point for the shoulder strap was rather too close together. This creates like a ‘choking’ effect when used. It was just uncomfortable for her. Easy fix!

At Garrison Packs, we enjoy doing any sort of modifications and repairs for gears, especially nylon gear (within our ability of course). This Blackhawk Tactical Handbag needs a new attachment point and this is something rather easy to do for us.  Having said that, it is not just a repair or modification. It is meeting our customer’s  need and in this case, probably saved the bag from being thrown away.

With mil-spec materials salvaged from retired army surplus, we got the modification done under 30 minutes

We used mil-spec parts most of the time- in this case, the thread used is mil-spec.

Overall, the Blackhawk Tactical Handbag is not a bad piece of kit. Many claim that the quality has dipped since they shifted their production house to Vietnam (originally in the USA).

The two D rings after being added to the sling bag

We will soon be posting more sample repairs and modifications online. But if you have an item you need repaired or modified, feel free to get hold of us via our Contact Us page.

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