Personally, I think the small ARB recovery bag is excellent, but there is still room for improvement. First, the quality of the ARB is superb, except that the handle isn't quite up to the weight the bag can hold. A more durable handle, even a wooden or PVC dowel would be more stout.
Second, the bag should be about 4" longer. It's hard to stuff a larger stiffer, newer strap into the main pocket.
Their large bag, conversely, is too large. I'm looking for a happy medium!
Third, some external pockets, with snap loops to secure up to four 3/4" clevis's would be great.
Fourth, the bottom material should be Delrin reinforced to maintain shape and rigidity.
What I really like about the ARB bag currently is the versatility. It's got a huge top flap with very robust snap clips, and works great as a drag weight over the middle of a taught recovery strap. Also love the reflective material, the "wash it with a hose" material, and general construction quality.
Nwoods-
Great suggestions! Thanks!
Generally speaking, rectangular gear bags with a large main pocket, external pockets, accessory loops, carrying handle and a strap are relatively easy to manufacture. The fabric, materials and hidden design features (Delrin base plate, heavy duty handles, etc.) is where complexity and cost add up.
I have the large ARB Recovery Kit bag and I second your opinion on its build design. I like some of its features. Where I have reservations about the bag is it's made in China. It appears to use Chinese manufactured: 12oz(?)cotton duct canvas (possible mold and mildew issues if not treated), polypropylene webbing (loose knit/snag issues), nylon side release buckles (possible design/strength issues), generic hook and loop fasteners (Chinese Velcro/longevity issues), unknown poly/nylon thread and binding tape (could be an issue if not UV resistant). Chinese made bags are kinda like "Monday/Friday built cars" their quality, durability and longevity are a luck of the draw kinda thing. Now, my ARB bag is about 5 years old and is holding up well, so it must have been built on a Wednesday...lol...
What does all this mean. Well, the materials used in a simple gear bag are kinda like wether you use OEM parts on your truck or Chinese knock offs ...you get what you pay for. That doesn't mean the Chinese parts won't last as long as the OEM part, but you just never know and that's the gamble you take to save some money. Then there's the esthetic, source of pride, intangible issues with OEM versus Import.....
How do I know all this girlie fabric and bag stuff? Well, I spent over two decades in the SpecOps/tactical community and used every kind of cheap import gear to crazy expensive USA gear and learned that when your mission relied on getting your team and gear in and out you always went with the best you could buy, get issued or like I did, modify the expensive gear or make your own gear to fit the op. A lot of trial and error went into the gear I made/modified and now that experience and knowledge goes into all my ATC gear.
Again, thanks for the suggestions and I'd love to hear more about what kind of gear and features you'd like to have for your adventures!
Paul
