PLATATAC SMAC with cummerbund review

Platypus Outdoors Group, also known as Platatac, is a well established Australian Military equipment manufacturer with roots as a humble militaria store to now becoming a well known name in the tactical gear industry. they produce all manner of equipment from uniforms to pouches and packs, but when I first found out about the SMAC being developed and released, it immediately caught my attention, and the purchase of one soon followed. I am yet to be let down with anything produced by Platatac, and having high hopes for the SMAC I was really impressed with the design. The version being reviewed will be the NON-RELEASABLE version.

Key features

• Full molle exterior with matching multicam webbing
• ability to accept soft and hard armour
• integral hydration/MOE tool pocket on rear
• Front Kangaroo pouch
• Removable cummerbund with capacity to hold magazines or radios
• 3D airmesh to facilitate cooling whilst worn
• No metal components, avoiding corrosion problems
• Velcro routing for hydration tubes and communication cables
• MADE IN AUSTALIA

When I first received the SMAC, I was immediately impressed with the build quality of the plate carrier itself. The stitching used is of a very high quality that you would expect from a high end manufacturer of Platatac's Calibre, I was immediately impressed with Platatac's effort in using matching multicam webbing as it just makes it that much more appealing visually.
The sizing is somewhat in between a minimalist plate carrier such as the Crye JPC, and a larger Assaulter types such as the LBT6094 series.
The SMAC is constructed with licensed multicam 500 denier Cordura, keeping the rig both lightweight yet strong and robust. Having put the SMAC through some tests in the time period I've had it, it has not failed me once.

THE FRONT
The front of the SMAC is similar in design to most modern day plate carriers such as the LBT6094, Eagle Industries DPC/MMAC variants. IT features 6 rows of molle webbing to accommodate for most needs and has the facility to mount most molle compatible pouches. One feature I found lacking with the SMAC was a section of Velcro most plate carriers produced currently have to enable the user to mount Infra Red or other patches, although this feature doesn't worry me due to my personal preference of minimal patches.
The SMAC has the capacity to accept most M4 carbine styled internal shingles in the kangaroo pouch, with Platatac now producing shingles for this, and can make the vest very low profile whilst carrying needed ammunition.

THE CUMMERBUND
The cummerbund included with the SMAC is of the typical cummerbund system of having the  two parts of the cummerbund attaching via lifting up a Velcro panel on the front of the plate carrier and then attaching and covering back up. There is a lot of Velcro, some may say too much, but I find it well placed and very handy to have.
The cummerbund has the ability to facilitate up to 3 magazines per side or carry radios such as the PRC148 series internally, reducing the need to have it mounted via another pouch.

THE SHOULDER STRAPS
The shoulder straps are of a very low profile design making the carrying of packs easier, when I purchased the SMAC, there were no shoulder pads included which was available as an additional accessory and were out of stock at the time, leading to myself purchasing First Spear Pads. I think these should be included as a standard part for every SMAC purchase.

THE REAR
The rear of the SMAC is constructed with much of the same materials that the front is, utilising the same 500d Cordura and licensed multicam webbing. one key feature included is the integrated hydration pouch which allows the user to store hydration bladders or method of entry tools such as bolt cutters or a halligan tool. I personally have utilised the rear molle to attach a bullock echo hydration pack (available separately from Platatac).


Pros

• matching multicam webbing
• integrated kangaroo pouch for shingles
• comms and hydration cable management
• superbly crafted, high quality
• Australian made

Cons

• Shoulder pads are a separate item
• hydration pouch tends to sag with any weight

Overall I am thoroughly impressed with the effort and the quality of workmanship by Platatac, and am impressed with the SMAC as a whole. I rate it a solid 9/10.

-Odin