REVIEW: OSO Gear Salamandra Plate Carrier

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PenCott GreenZone camouflage works well and in the mountains he likes it: Eli from Project Gecko airing out his gear in the Alps. UF-PRO can be seen as pants and a plate carrier on the upper body, which has a unique appearance. The Salamandra from OSO Gear comes from an area where we have rarely seen equipment before, it is an Israeli plate carrier. It is available through the Project Gecko Superior Shop, which allows us to present the Salamandra here.

Here, the entire system is laid out in a different color, Ranger Green, which has less contrast, making the details more visible. The Salamandra consists of front and back plate pockets and a detachable storm pack. When fully packed and worn, it reminds us, discreetly speaking, of the snake in "The Little Prince" that has eaten an elephant.

What is important is what is in the front. The Salamandra is a non-modular system. MOLLE is nowhere to be found. Why would you need it when you know from experience what to bring, you can fix the layout on the armor. And not everyone needs the option to put their pouch here or there.

The most important row is the bottom one: in the middle, three magazine pockets, each holding two magazines. And they are generously sized. Magazines can be inserted both sideways and with the narrow side facing inwards. To the right, two stacked hand grenade pockets, to the left a pocket for a larger grenade (about the size of a cola can) or a radio. The black stretch material holds batteries or short glow sticks. The pouches close traditionally with Velcro.

The row above consists of three smaller pockets. The 40mm grenade and the flash bang, which we have stored here, are not ideally placed. Also interesting here is an intelligent configuration: the pockets on the right and left are Velcroed and therefore "loud", the one in the middle has a clip closure, allowing it to be opened very quietly. Someone really thought about the details here.

On the shoulder, you can also see a very nice solution: the padded flaps of the front and back plate pockets overlap and are Velcroed. The strap goes over them, also Velcroed, and is additionally secured with a buckle. The shoulder area is important because it carries the entire weight of the equipment. American models usually have extra padding on top, but the Israeli design is so ideal here that no improvement is needed.

The inside is completely made of soft mesh and lightly padded. No pseudo-air channels or anything, but functional, good, and comfortable to wear.

On the underside, the plate pockets can be opened. They are Velcroed and additionally secured by a flap that is divided into two parts. This helps with opening, as you don't have to pull open the entire length at once. In addition, you can Velcro the flap inside to prevent the pocket from accidentally closing while inserting soft armor and plates. Here in the picture are the Team Wendy Sapi Dummies, available at HCS Soldatenausrüstung. But it also fits SK4 plates, available at Best Protection.

The Salamandra is closed on the side with two straps. The plate pockets do not overlap, meaning there is enough ventilation on the sides.

The back is a plate pocket without attached pockets, but with Velcro strips and straps with buckles, making the plate carrier ready to carry a backpack, which lies beside it with the back facing up. Velcro waits for Velcro.

And the straps also secure the storm pack, which is securely and without play attached at the back. At the same time, it can be quickly removed: clip, clip, snap...

The backpack alone is not enough. Here is also the helmet included. Outside there is a cover, which is rolled up in the previous picture, here it accommodates a MICH 2000. Fits perfectly, but creates a huge hump. The backpack itself can be opened on three sides with a sturdy zipper. Inside, it is well compartmentalized, holds the hydration bladder, has a radio compartment, and is a fully functional daypack. Additionally, there is a side pocket for a magazine, as you can never have enough.

CONCLUSION: The Salamandra from OSO Gear - by the way, Oso is the Spanish name for "bear" - is a convincing plate carrier. Many pockets are where they belong, and a storm pack as part of the whole package make it an excellent complete set. It was made of solid 1,000D Cordura in excellent sewing work. But let's be honest: it would have been surprising if the Israeli Defence Forces had used anything other than excellent gear. The special thing about the Salamandra is also that it is available in PenCott Greenzone.

The OSO Gear Salamandra Plate Carrier is available directly from Project Gecko for 310 euros.

The OSO Gear Salamandra in use with Israeli soldiers.