Introduction
I first became aware of Microbat Systems’ versatile Candy pouch line through a friend’s blog, and was suitably intrigued. Since then I’ve noticed how popular they’ve become – particularly as part of the burgeoning Spiritus Systems Micro Fight (REVIEW) extended ecosystem.
In this review I’ll be looking at:
- Candy Pouch v3
- 8″ x 4″ pouch
- 7″ x 2″ loop velcro on the front
- 7″ x 4″ hook velcro on rear
- Candy Micro Pouch v3
- 4″ x 4″ pouch
- 4″ x 2″ loop velcro on the front
- 4″ x 4″ hook velcro on rear
Form Factor
The larger Candy Pouch reminds me of a pencil case, whereas the Candy Micro Pouch reminds me of a smaller Ritter Sport. Let’s hope Microbat doesn’t get sued by the litigious German confectioner.
The denier of cordura used appears to be 500D, which is appropriate in this application because it adds structure. This means the pouches hold shape really well.
Both pouches are plain inside, with no additional organisation or hard points. They lie flat when unladen, with no depth worked into the design aside from that bestowed by the envelope-like form factor.
Both feature a zip on their face, along with a colour matched loop velcro swatch.
The zips are sheathed in what looks like heat shrink which cuts rattle, although for a super quiet take the user may wish to remove the zip pulls altogether, and knot some paracord in there.
Something else to note is that while the smaller of the two pouches has end to end hook velcro on its reverse, the larger has cordura overhang; presumably designed to maximise depth, while fitting neatly on standard plate carrier admin loop.
When a larger item is inserted, the ends of the pouch are free to change shape and become more three dimensional. If the hook was more expansive, the pouch would be pinned to the host surface at its edges, thus resisting significant change in depth.
Additionally, it means you can grip a corner in lieu of the pouch being flanked by tabs.
Platform Applications
Because these pouches standardise on velcro and velcro is ubiquitous to tactical platforms, their applications are limited only by the user’s imagination.
They can be used, for example, on plate carriers, chest rigs and even apparel. Here I’ve mounted them on my Crye Airlite Convertible Chest Rig (REVIEW) and Crye G4 Combat Shirt (REVIEW):
Pouches are not immune to the lure of additional organisation, either. Here the Candy Micro is held internal to a loop lined pouch – a Crye 6x6x3 (REVIEW):
Quality
Both pouches are extremely well made, with free-running zips. My assumption is that this is no industrialised, mass production operation. The attention to detail is stunning. It’s the kind of artisan quality I’d only expect from a bespoke atelier.
I always turn items inside out to properly scrutinise stitching – even shirts in shops. It’s here that the maker can hide their untidiness. I’m happy to report that all is as it should be with Microbat, who even include a cool little label to let you know you’re not being ripped off by a clone brand.
What Would I change?
These pouches are pretty much perfect. However, I think the larger of the two would benefit from pull tabs at the zip ends, for ease of opening when irregular items are in situ. You can, of course, grip the pouch corners as mentioned earlier. However, for those of us with large hands, tabs would be optimal.
Conclusion
Simple yet impressive, these pouches enhance modularity and thus optionality. Even if the user can’t think of a specific use off hand, it’s worth getting into these pouches simply because they take up so little space and are great general purpose items.
As for availability, the pouches are easy enough to source; although the international shipping route direct from the manufacturer was prohibitively priced. That made things a bit more complicated, including a group purchase and proxy mailing address – although to be fair to Microbat, they shipped fast.
I gather that Tactical Kit is due Microbat stock, which will make life a hell of a lot easier, but they’re not there yet.
The Reptile House 