Custom Gear Report

Essential Tactical aka ESSTAC is a small to medium sized equipment manufacturer owned and operated by Stu Wilson and based out of Washington state. Stu employees several sewers and focuses on production for dealers in the US, Canada and Europe.

Although ESSTAC has a formal product line they can, on a case by case basis, do custom work. Keep in mind that as with most custom shops there are usually significant lead times. If you don’t have the patience for custom work might want to consider somthing off the shelf.

About a year an a half ago Stu sent us a goodies box. He threw in a Bush Boar Chest Rig, a few pistol mag pouches, some Toaster rifle mag pouches, GP pouches, and a Metro Bag. We won’t review each item in this article, We’ll save that for later, but as a general overview Stu builds his gear tough some might call it overbuilt. Most items are made from double layer, laminated 1000D Cordura. Exposed seams are bound and double and triple stitched where necessary. Unusual for a relatively small production shop Stu bartacks all PALS webbing. Overall construction techniques are sound and ESSTACS Products are well made.

Along with being well made their designs are pretty unique and versatile as well. For example the Bush Boar has removable magazine panels. So you can swap 5.56 for 7.62 while maintains the same platform and not having to buy an entirely new rig.

As mentioned most items are double layered Cordura so if you are someone who likes to travel light ESSTAC’s off the shelf items might not be what your looking for and you might need to contact them for some custom work.

However if you are the type that likes bomb proof gear, that will last multiple deployments, and don’t mind the extra weight then ESSTAC is what you are looking for.