G.P.S. Rapid Deployment Packs

As today was about to end on the SHOT Show floor, I was perusing the “New in 2015” section when I came across the G.P.S. Wild About Shooting Rapid Deployment Packs (RDP), and I was very glad I found them. I had not seen these bags before, but I was immediately impressed with the design, material, and carrying capacity of each pack.

There are many bail out bags on the market, but this one seems tailored specifically to the law enforcement officer responding to a critical incident. In fact, this appears to be ideally suited to be an active shooter bag if you elect to use a sling pouch instead of a plate carrier.

There does not appear to be any wasteful areas that are too big to provide realistic storage for critical items, and there are plenty of magazine pouches easily accessed on the outside of the bag. What I mean by “realistic storage” is that the pockets are small enough that an officer fighting the adrenaline dump, doesn’t have to rely on fine motor skills to fish a critical item out of a gigantic pocket. Yet, the pockets are sized well to fit several key items like flashlights, water bottles, tourniquets (you better be carrying one), door jams, etc.

There are two sizes of the G.P.S. RDP – Medium and Large. The medium-sized RDP is, in my opinion, ideally sized for an individual officer. The Medium RDP has enough ammo and extra storage to satisfy an individual officer’s needs, while not being too bulky. An officer should be able to maintain fast response and movements despite the Medium RDP being slung.

The Key Features of the Medium G.P.S. RDP:

• (2) Double AR-15 magazine pouches on the front
• (1) Pistol magazine pouch
• (1) Hook and loop backed shotgun shell pod with (4) shell capacity
• (1) Larger internal storage compartment – for ammo boxes, first aid kits, water bottles, etc.
• (1) Medium internal storage compartment – for door jams, paracord, etc.
• Removable handgun holster that can be configured for RH or LH draw
• MSRP – $69.99

The Key Features of the Large G.P.S. RPD

• Larger sized to allow for carrying more equipment and ammunition
• Variety of external hook and loop and MOLLE webbing attachments
• Removable AR magazine weather cover
• (6) Single AR-15 magazine pouches, with magazines stacked perpendicular to officer’s body
• (2) Pistol magazine pouches
• (2) Hook and loop backed shotgun shell pods – (4) shell capacity each
• (1) Nalgene sized water bottle pouch
• Internal storage compartments that allow (3) more pistol magazine pouches
• Internal storage capable of holding additional ammunition boxes, batteries, first aid, etc.
• Small storage compartment on top for critical items – tourniquet, map, etc. (opens toward officer)
• MSRP – $79.99

The large-sized RDP could be used by an individual officer, but in my opinion, is too bulky for rapid response during critical incidents. If loaded down as designed, the Large RDP will quickly expend precious energy and stamina of a responding officer carrying the pack. However, I think the Large RDP is ideally suited for a response to known or unexpected potential critical incidents – such as large sporting events, parades, protests, civil unrest, etc. In those situations, the Large RDP could be staged in a key area, or with a supervisor on scene, in the event that resupply is needed.

The G.P.S. Rapid Deployment Packs have a single, cross-over style shoulder strap that allows hands-free carrying while at the same time providing easy access to items while the bag rests on the officer’s side. The strap has extra padding on an adjustable sleeve to prevent the nylon strap from biting into the officer’s shoulder during use.

I plan on ordering one of the Medium GPS RDP’s when I get home from the SHOT Show.

Make sure you take a look at our Best Bail Out Bag for Police article. It offers numerous action steps you can implement today to be prepared for dangerous calls.