Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack Review

What’s Special About the Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack?

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time in environments ranging from outdoor pursuits to workshop tinkering, I’m always on the lookout for those small, seemingly simple solutions that can dramatically improve gear management. The Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack caught my eye for precisely this reason; they promise a clever way to secure loose items to webbing. This particular pair arrived as I was struggling to keep my trekking poles from shifting around on my backpack during a particularly bumpy hike, and also finding myself with a perpetually tangled workshop apron whose tools seemed to have a mind of their own. My initial impression was one of understated utility – they felt robust, well-made from a dense polymer, and the integrated shock cord seemed appropriately sized. I briefly considered generic bungee straps, but their lack of specific form factor and adjustable tension made them less appealing for precise attachment. My first reaction was a quiet optimism that these might finally solve a persistent, albeit minor, organizational headache.

Real-World Testing: Putting Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were twofold: the aforementioned backpacking trip and my home workshop. On the trail, I attached one Elasto Gear Lock to the vertical webbing on my daypack to secure a trekking pole. The second found a home on my shop apron, holding a folding saw within easy reach. The attachment process was straightforward; feeding the 1″ webbing through the slot was snug but not difficult.

Conditions varied; the hike involved jostling and varying inclines, while the workshop saw the usual dust and occasional oil smudges. The Elasto Gear Locks performed admirably on the trail, keeping the pole securely in place with no slippage, even during rapid descents. In the workshop, the saw remained exactly where I put it, no longer flopping around and snagging on other items.

Ease of use was a definite highlight. The one-handed operation, a key selling point, proved surprisingly effective. With a simple pinch and pull, the shock cord would release, and a firm push would re-secure it. I encountered no immediate issues, though I did notice that mounting horizontally on the apron, while functional, felt less secure than the vertical mount on the pack.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, these small organizers have proven their mettle. The Elasto Gear Locks have become indispensable for keeping frequently used tools on my apron and essential hiking poles on my pack. They’ve weathered dust, some light rain exposure on the trail, and the general bumps and scrapes of daily use without complaint.

Durability seems to be a strong suit. The injection-molded polymer shows no signs of cracking or stress, even after repeated flexing of the shock cord mechanism. The shock cord itself, while a replaceable component, still feels taut and resilient, showing no signs of fraying or significant elongation. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth usually suffices, and the design doesn’t trap excessive dirt.

Compared to my past experiences with generic velcro straps or simple elastic bands, these Vanquest units offer superior retention and a much cleaner aesthetic. While perhaps not as universally adaptable as a pure bungee cord, their specific design for vertical webbing makes them far more effective for their intended purpose.

Breaking Down the Features of Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack

Specifications

The Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack are engineered with practicality and durability in mind. Each lock is constructed from injection molded nylon, a material known for its strength and resilience in demanding conditions. This material choice ensures that the locks can withstand significant stress and outdoor exposure without degrading.

The core of the retention system is a user-replaceable 3mm shock cord, measuring a generous 13.5 inches per unit. This elastic component provides the necessary tension to hold items securely. The base of each lock measures 2 1/8 inches in height and 2 inches in width, providing a stable platform for attachment.

Weighing in at a mere 0.7 ounces per piece, these gear locks add virtually no perceivable weight to your gear. This is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their loadout for comfort and efficiency. The pack application is primarily listed as Outdoor, but their utility extends well into workshop and general organizational needs.

The design emphasizes easy and quick one-handed use, a critical feature when you’re trying to manage gear while on the move or with your hands already full. They are specifically designed for use on vertical 1-inch webbing, which is a common standard on many backpacks and tactical gear. This targeted design means they excel at securing cylindrical objects in a vertical orientation, such as axe or shovel handles, trekking poles, or folding saw handles.

Combining multiple Elasto Gear Locks is also a supported method for securing longer items. The color options mentioned, Black, Coyote Tan, and Wolf Gray, are designed to aesthetically match Vanquest Gear’s existing product lines, offering a cohesive look to your kit.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack is to securely hold items attached to vertical webbing. In this regard, they perform exceptionally well. When used as intended on vertical MOLLE or webbing, they provide a surprisingly strong and reliable grip.

My testing with trekking poles and a folding saw demonstrated their effectiveness in keeping these items from shifting or falling. The shock cord provides enough tension to prevent rattling and unwanted movement without being so tight that it becomes difficult to attach or detach items. The contoured shape of the lock itself helps to cradle the object being held, further enhancing stability.

However, the product description rightly notes their limitations. Attempting to mount these locks horizontally, or using them to secure items that are not primarily cylindrical and vertically oriented, leads to reduced performance. In a horizontal orientation, the held object can feel unbalanced and prone to sliding out. For example, trying to secure a flat tool horizontally proved much less effective than a round-handled saw.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks is a testament to thoughtful engineering focused on user experience. The injection molded nylon feels substantial and well-finished, suggesting a high degree of manufacturing quality. There are no sharp edges or obvious molding imperfections, contributing to a premium feel.

Ergonomically, the one-handed operation is the standout feature. The intuitive design allows you to easily grasp the lock, pinch the shock cord loop, and slide it off or onto the attachment point. This process is smooth and requires minimal effort, even with gloves on in cooler conditions.

The contoured shape isn’t just for aesthetics; it conforms well to the curve of items like trekking pole shafts. This, combined with the tension from the shock cord, creates a secure pocket that holds the item snugly. The base is designed to sit flush against the webbing, preventing any awkward protrusions or snags.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use, the Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks appear to be built for longevity. The robust injection molded nylon construction is inherently resistant to abrasion and impact. I haven’t observed any signs of cracking, bending, or degradation after several weeks of regular use.

The 3mm shock cord is a wear item, as all elastic materials are, but its quality suggests a decent lifespan. The length of the cord provides ample stretch for various diameters of items without being over-stretched, which would hasten its demise. If the shock cord does eventually wear out, the fact that it’s user-replaceable is a significant advantage, allowing the locks to be revitalized rather than discarded.

Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. The simple design means there are no intricate mechanisms to clean or lubricate. The key maintenance consideration is to avoid over-stressing the shock cord by attempting to secure items that are excessively large or by forcing the lock closed when it’s under too much strain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack come as a self-contained solution, meaning there are no additional accessories included in the package. The primary customization comes in the form of color choice – available in Black, Coyote Tan, and Wolf Gray – allowing for aesthetic matching with other gear.

The most significant form of “customization” is the user-replaceable 3mm shock cord. Should the original cord lose its elasticity or become damaged, it can be easily swapped out for new cordage. This extends the lifespan of the Elasto Gear Locks considerably and allows for potential personalization with different colored shock cords if desired.

While not a direct customization of the lock itself, the product is designed to work with standard 1-inch webbing, a ubiquitous feature on most tactical and outdoor packs. This compatibility means they can be integrated into a wide array of existing gear without modification.

Pros and Cons of Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack

Who Should Buy Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack?

The Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack are an excellent choice for anyone who utilizes backpacks or gear with 1-inch vertical webbing and needs a reliable way to secure cylindrical items. Outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers, trekkers, and campers who frequently carry items like trekking poles, camping axes, or folding saws, will find these incredibly useful for keeping their gear accessible and secure.

They are also a fantastic option for workshop professionals or DIYers who want to organize tools on aprons, tool bags, or utility vests. If you’re tired of your favorite folding saw rattling around your tool bag or your measuring tape constantly falling off your belt, these locks offer a neat solution. Anyone prioritizing gear management, ease of access, and a clean, organized aesthetic should consider these.

However, individuals who require universal attachment solutions for varying webbing widths, or those who need to secure non-cylindrical items, might need to look elsewhere. Those who primarily need to attach items horizontally or require absolute rigidity without any give might also find these less suitable than traditional strap or buckle systems. For users focused on extreme minimalist packing, the slight bulk of the lock itself might also be a consideration.

Conclusion on Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack

The Vanquest Gear Elasto Gear Locks, 2 Pack are a prime example of intelligent design meeting practical application. For their price point of $10.00 for two units, they offer exceptional value and a tangible improvement in gear management. The robust construction, user-friendly one-handed operation, and effective retention on vertical webbing make them a standout product.

While they are not a universal solution and perform best within their intended parameters, they excel at their primary task. The ability to easily replace the shock cord ensures a long service life, further justifying the modest investment. I would absolutely recommend these locks to any outdoor enthusiast or workshop user who can leverage their design on 1-inch vertical webbing. They are a simple, effective, and well-built solution that solves a common gear-carrying problem with a satisfying degree of ingenuity.