Reviews

Ed’s Kit Picks: Leupold Binoculars & Performance Eyewear

November 6, 2025

By Ed H, Special Projects Lead, Viking Arms Defence

Welcome back to my regular kit round-up, where I share the gear I’m actually using on the range and in the field. This time, we’re talking Leupold—a name most professionals associate with rugged, combat-proven weapon optics. What’s less widely known is just how strong Leupold’s binocular and performance eyewear lines have become. If you need dependable glass and eye protection for policing, military, or demanding outdoor use, read on.

Beyond rifle scopes: Leupold’s other optics you should know

Leupold has a long heritage in precision optics and reticle innovation, building products that handle weather, recoil, and hard knocks. Alongside riflescopes, the brand offers an extensive binocular range—from compact field units to premium models—and a serious portfolio of ballistic-rated sunglasses designed for law enforcement and military environments.

Binoculars: range overview

Leupold’s bino line runs from compact, packable models up to premium performance glass tailored to long observation sessions.

• Rogue (compact class): Small, handy, ideal for go-bag or vehicle.

• BX series (workhorse to premium): Clear, bright image quality, robust build, and smart ergonomics across the family.

• Rangefinding options: Premium models with integrated laser ranging are available for teams who need distance data on the glass.

My current pick: BX-1 McKenzie HD 10×42

I’ve run the BX-1 McKenzie HD (10×42) for the past six months. Built around Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, they deliver:

• Reliable light transmission for extended glassing

• Best-in-class glare reduction in harsh light

• Crisp resolution and colour fidelity

I’ve used them morning, noon, and dusk in mixed weather—the image stays crystal clear. They’re lightweight, robust, and genuinely versatile for anything from rural patrol work to hunting and birding. For the performance, the value is hard to beat.

Performance eyewear: ballistic protection that’s comfortable to wear

Leupold’s eyewear line splits neatly into tactical and lifestyle styles, all built tough.

Tracer: the shooter’s set

• Interchangeable lenses for varied light conditions

• ANSI Z87.1+ impact protection

• Secure wrap-around fit

These are spot-on for Law Enforcement and military range days, or any range safety kit where durability and clarity matter.

Katmai: my everyday, mission-capable sunglasses

For a lifestyle silhouette that still takes a beating, I’ve gone with Katmai fitted with dark grey polarised lenses. As a keen fisherman, the polarisation kills surface glare and lets me see what’s happening below the waterline. They’re comfortable for all-day wear, impact-resistant, and—importantly—don’t look out of place when you’re off duty.

Why this kit makes my list

• Proven durability: Built to shrug off weather and rough handling

• Optical clarity: Sharp, bright, low-glare images when you need them most

• Real-world versatility: From range to rural deployments to weekends outdoors

• Value: You’re paying for performance that lasts

Talk to the Viking Arms Defence team

If your unit or organisation is reviewing bino options or upgrading eye protection, we can help you match the right Leupold model to your tasking, budget, and environment.

Get in touch with Viking Arms Defence to discuss specifications, demonstrations, and procurement routes.

Like everything Leupold, these products are designed to take a beating—and keep working.

Mission First ACHRO™ EDC Packs: Low-Vis Tactical Bags & Covert Carry

October 16, 2025

Everyday carry (EDC) solutions are a cornerstone of modern tactical operations, yet finding a system that combines functionality, discretion, and reliability has always been a challenge.

In this article, Viking Arms’ Special Projects lead Ed H explains why Mission First ACHRO™ EDC Packs can be game-changing.

Whether it’s a car-ready grab bag for rapid deployment or a shoulder-sling solution for surveillance, operatives need kit that can carry mission-essential gear, provide rapid access to a firearm, and still blend seamlessly into civilian environments.

That’s where Mission First Tactical’s ACHRO™ series comes in. Based in Philadelphia, USA, Mission First Tactical (MFT) has engineered a new generation of low-visibility EDC bags and packs designed for the modern operator — providing professional-grade functionality without compromising on discretion.

The Art of the “Grey Man”: Introducing the ACHRO™ Series

The name Achro™ derives from “achromatic,” meaning “without colour”, a direct nod to the Grey Man principle: the art of disappearing in plain sight. ACHRO™ bags embody this philosophy, offering low-profile, everyday-carry solutions that house a dedicated, discreet firearm storage system while looking indistinguishable from standard urban luggage.

From compact sling bags for covert surveillance to full-size backpacks for travel and deployment, the range is purpose-built for those who operate where discretion is as important as capability.

“The trick to not being discovered until it is too late is to become part of the expected surroundings. Stealth is more the art of blending in with the background than sneaking through dark shadows.”

— Raymond E. Feist

ACHRO™ 5L Sling Bag: Compact Covert Capability

The 5L Sling Bag is the smallest and most discreet of the ACHRO™ line — an ideal choice for low-visibility operations where blending in is paramount. With small shoulder bags now common in urban settings, this model attracts no unwanted attention while providing enough space for:

• High-value documents

• Essential electronics and cables

• Spare pistol magazines

It’s built from weather and abrasion resistant materials and features a cooling mesh-padded back panel for comfort during extended use. Inside, a light-coloured water-resistant ripstop liner improves visibility, allowing operators to locate contents quickly in low-light conditions.

The standout feature is the discreet firearm compartment, which is ambidextrous and rapid-access. Inside, an MFT Multi-Mount Platform allows a holstered firearm or other 1.5” belt-clip accessories to be mounted at a custom angle using a hook-and-loop system.

For those who need more capacity, the ACHRO™ sling bag is also available in a 10L configuration, with the option of a slick exterior or laser-cut MOLLE panel for attaching additional gear.

ACHRO™ 22L EDC Backpack: Operational Durability Meets Everyday Function

For larger loadouts or longer missions, the ACHRO™ 22L EDC Backpack offers the perfect balance of covert profile and operational capability.

This pack has been my personal choice for nearly a year, and for good reason. It’s the ideal size for air travel hand luggage while still accommodating all mission-critical items. Dedicated organisational compartments make storing travel documents, laptops, cables, and other equipment simple and efficient.

But this isn’t just a travel pack. Built to withstand operational abuse, the 22L model features a concealed firearm compartment positioned between the back panel and the laptop sleeve. Equipped with the same MFT Multi-Mount Platform, it allows a holstered firearm to be secured at any angle and accessed quickly when needed.

The bag’s three discreet colour options further enhance its low-visibility profile. Surveillance teams, for example, can mix colours and alternate between slick and MOLLE versions to break up their appearance and reduce pattern recognition.

Designed for the Modern Operator

Mission First Tactical’s ACHRO™ series addresses the fundamental challenge of covert EDC carry: how to remain undetected, prepared, and mission-ready in any environment. These packs combine everyday practicality with tactical functionality, offering:

• ✅ Discreet firearm storage with rapid access

• ✅ Low-profile designs that blend into civilian surroundings

• ✅ Durable, weather-resistant construction built for operational use

• ✅ Modular loadout options with MOLLE and Multi-Mount platforms

Whether you’re conducting surveillance, operating in hostile environments, or simply need a dependable grab-and-go solution, the ACHRO™ range offers a trusted solution without compromising concealment.

Explore the ACHRO™ Range with Viking Arms Defence

At Viking Arms Defence, we supply mission-ready solutions to defence, law enforcement, and specialist security teams across the UK and beyond. The Mission First Tactical ACHRO™ EDC series represents the next generation of low-visibility carry systems designed for the realities of modern operations.

👉 Explore the full range of Mission First Tactical ACHRO™ bags and packs at cc1-development.co.uk/viking-arms/.

The Evolution of Combat Clothing
Military and police clothing has come a long way since I first joined the British Army in 2002. Back then, we relied on the Soldier 95 system, which offered minimal enhancements for comfort in the field. The best we could do was invest in a good civilian warm jacket and, if fortunate, an issued windproof smockthough in my unit, even that was a private purchase.

Despite its simplicity, the windproof smock was a timeless design. With four large front pockets and a small sleeve pocket (typically for a field dressing), it proved its reliability in every environment I operated infrom the harsh winters of the Falklands to the cold desert nights of Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, the windproof smock is still widely available, with the Ministry of Defence issuing a Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) version to most units.

Advancements in Combat Clothing

By 2010, issued military clothing had seen a dramatic improvement, largely due to lessons learned from concurrent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dismounted close combat required soldiers to spend a significant amount of time on one knee, often carrying heavy loads, which placed immense strain on the joints. Initially, soldiers had to improvise padding by inserting cut-down roll mats into their trousers, but eventually, Velcro-on knee pads were introduced.
The real game-changer, however, was the development of under-body armour shirts with built-in elbow pads and combat trousers featuring integral knee pads. This shift significantly improved comfort, mobility, and overall performance in the field.

Viking Arms Partners with UF PRO

Viking Arms is committed to providing the best equipment to those who need it most. With that mission in mind, we are proud to announce our partnership with UF PRO, a brand renowned for its cutting-edge combat clothing. UF PRO designs are meticulously crafted to meet the demands of modern military, security, and tactical operators.

Standout Products from the UF PRO Range

Delta Compac Tactical Winter Jacket

For those operating in cold environments, the Delta Compac Tactical Winter Jacket is an essential piece of kit. This lightweight yet warm jacket features G-Loft thermal insulation and can be folded into itself for compact storagedoubling as a pillow for long-haul C-17 flights. Its practicality and efficiency make it an excellent choice for military professionals.

Urban Pro Polo Shirt

The Urban Pro Polo Shirt is an excellent option for Everyday Carry (EDC) needs. Made from a cotton and polyester blend, it balances smart appearance with tactical functionality. This shirt is particularly suited for discreet operations in hot climates, offering comfort and ease of movement while ensuring a professional look. The regular fit also facilitates the concealed carriage of a sidearm.

Striker TT Combat Pants

Designed specifically for tropical environments, the Striker TT Combat Pants are a standout in UF PROs extensive range. Having spent considerable time in Southeast Asia and Central America, I can confidently say that the jungle is one of the toughest places to operate, where gear failure is not an option. These combat trousers are made from a super-lightweight yet robust polyamide fabric. The built-in Schoeller stretch panels provide flexibility and help prevent chafinga critical feature in high-humidity environments. They also feature moisture-wicking knee pad compartments for added comfort.

Two standout design elements set the Striker TT Combat Pants apart:

A rubberised inner waistband Prevents shirts from untucking, an often-overlooked but persistent issue when carrying a Bergen.
Internal gaiters Protect against unwanted critters crawling up your legsa common and unpleasant jungle experience.

Final Thoughts

UF PRO has redefined what combat clothing can offer, blending functionality, comfort, and durability into every design. Whether you need dependable cold-weather gear, discreet operational attire, or rugged tropical combat trousers, UF PRO delivers exceptional quality.

Viking Arms is proud to bring this top-tier tactical clothing to the UK market, ensuring that military and police personnel have access to the best gear available.

For more information about UF PRO products and how to equip yourself with the best tactical clothing, visit cc1-development.co.uk/viking-arms/.

Category: Reviews

Ed’s Kit Picks: Leupold Binoculars & Performance Eyewear

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