Got a new piece of kit in this week; the First Spear Strandhogg plate carrier.


After unboxing it, the first thing I noticed is the weight or lack there of. First Spear did away with the traditional molle and pals webbing which cuts the overall weight of the carrier significantly. With a "pounds equal pain" mentality you'll certainly notice the reduction in weight the longer you wear it.

Replacing the external webbing on the outside of the carrier, are precision laser cut slots. These slots are designed to accept both the FS 6/12 system as well as traditional malice clips. This is a great feature, you can choose to utilize FS pouches and keep weight to a minimum or use your old pouches, that you already have, and attach them as you normally would. No matter which option you choose, pouches mount solidly and stay in position with no sagging or moving around. This is the way in which the 6/12 system attaches their various pouches -


Of note; the 6/12 pouches were exponentially easier to attach to the carrier than weaving malice clips through molle webbing, any molle webbing.

Another difference from my other carriers is in the way you donn and doff the carrier. I can't speak highly enough about the Tubes that FS uses to accomplish this.

Instead of pulling up on a front mounted flap (typically where you have mags mounted) then stripping off one side of the cummberbund to doff the carrier, all you need to do is pull away from your body on the paracord attached to any of the Tubes and slide it up or down. It's quick, effective and only requires one hand to remove the carrier.

The Tubes are molded from high strength GhillieTEX material provided by ITW Military Products and they feel indestructible in the hand. At no point did they ever become unsecured without intentionally removing the carrier.



Here's a link to First Spear testing the Tubes -
YouTube test
If that doesn't destroy them, then nothing I ever do will.

The inside of the carrier has areas of padding sewn in creating a channel, lined with mesh to help with airflow.  I found it very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.




The shoulder straps are padded and very comfortable. They have a good range of adjustment and kept the carrier solidly in place.


Overall the carrier is very well made and thought out. It's rugged, fits well and feels streamlined instead of giving you that feeling of excessive bulk. I couldn't be happier with it.

As far as the company goes; they couldn't be more helpful responding promptly to multiple emails from me. They were quick and courteous.

Let me end by saying I have no affiliation with First Spear, just thoroughly impressed with the Strandhogg.

thank you for this review

My pleasure I like doing them.

Looks good, I've been considering the very same PC.

This is my favorite PC that I've run out of a few over the years

Is there a reason why you went with CB over multicam? Environment since you are in Texas, or just less tacticool/ mall ninja?

If you're asking me im not in TX

Sorry I looked at the wrong post. yes i meant you

I've been looking at the same carrier for a while.  Where did you order it and what do those run now?

I chose CB purely based on aesthetics. Also all my other gear is already in CB.

I ordered mine directly from First Spear, it goes for 411.98 on their Web site.

How is the sizing on this? I heard it runs a bit small.

I've been making do with a medium JPC with my 44" chest just fine but I'm wondering if this will be possible with the strandhogg. Thanks for the review, great job.

Love mine! IMHO it's the most comfortable PC on the market. They do run a bit small. Order the PC to the size of the plate then the cummerbund to size of shirt you wear.

Is ordering different cummerbund sizes possible? Do I need to call FS when ordering? Thanks! I'm really leaning towards the Strandhogg now.

I just got this exact PC (literally the one in the pics) from the OP in a trade. The cummerbund on this one is L/XL, and is a good size for anyone who even has a little bit of chub on them. Just got it today in the mail, and it fits almost perfect (I'm 5'11" and 220). From my research there is ONE size for the carrier it's self and either s/m or L/XL for the cummerbund.

There are different sizes for the carrier and they are spec'd for esapis.  If you want a 10x12 the medium will work for most plates such as the AR500 ceramics, however if you have a velocity or PPI triple curve, order a large. (My PPI plates don't fit quite right in the medium, super super tight)


Again, if you're looking for the most comfortable way to carry armor, this is hands down the PC for you