Let me premise this by saying I’ve tried a lot of the stuff folks around here like; TAD, Eagle, Maxpedition, 5.11, etc. The one piece I’ve used for about ten years now has always worked and has been out of production for awhile, is an Eagle Creek Sidekick and now the manufacturer has brought it back!

It’s now called the Side Trek. It’s small enough to feel good about putting it inside a larger pack, yet big enough to use on its own if need be. They have gone back to a well made Cordura version, just like my old one (that’s still going strong). Just picked up the new version and its black cordura with a tan lining, has a removable shoulder strap (which I never use) and a tuck away waist strap which lets it be worn as a butt pack or slung over a shoulder. There’s enoug room for a folder, multi, Surefire Lumamax and St. Minimus, Steri Pen, spare CR 123’s, Zeiss Miniquick, compass, Rite in Rain pen and pad, fire starters, sharpener, Paracord, duct tape, Krazy glue, zip ties and a sil poncho. Room left over for a point and shoot or mini FAK as well.

I know that this company is probably off of most folks Tacticool radar, but I’ve had fantastic luck with their stuff and its good to have this piece available again.