Dump Pouch Breakdown: Answering FAQs

Today we’re breaking down the dump pouch. So, what is a dump pouch and why do you need one? Dump pouches are bags worn somewhere on an operator’s kit as a convenient way to temporarily store empty magazines or other items that need to be quickly retained during an engagement. These drop pouches should be readily accessible but out of the way when not in use.

During intense firefights or combat situations, soldiers and police officers often need to quickly reload their firearms. Dump pouches allow them to remove empty magazines from their weapons and store them temporarily without having to worry about properly stowing them or creating a potential hazard on the ground.

Example Video Use of Dump Pouch - Reload and Mag Drop

Why not put empty magazines back in the mag pouches?

It’s not a good idea to place empty magazines back in a mag pouch. The last thing you want is to instinctively load an empty magazine into your firearm. This is why the dump pouch is essential. Empty magazines go in a dump pouch, loaded mags go in mag pouches (and firearms, of course).  

What is the best dump pouch design?

A good dump pouch should have a few key features. First, it should be easily opened with one hand. Dump pouches are worn closed and usually only opened when needed. This likely means that they will be accessed during a firefight using the support hand to open the pouch and store a magazine while the gun remains ready in the other hand.

Second, they should be made from durable materials. Dump pouches are frequently used pieces of kit during training and in the field, so they must stand up to extreme abuse. Third, dump pouches should maintain a low profile when not in use. Warfighters are required to wear a tremendous amount of gear so being lightweight and not taking up much room on a belt or MOLLE platform is paramount.

Where is the best place to wear a dump pouch?

Where a dump pouch is worn depends on the operator, but a dump pouch is typically located on the front or side of a plate carrier, vest, or chest rig or on the back non-dominant side of a battle belt. This allows you to quickly and efficiently dump items without breaking a firing stance or losing situational awareness.

Other than magazines, what else can be stored in dump pouches?

Most dump pouches have quite a bit of real estate. For example: The Ten-Speed Ultralight Dump Pouch from Blue Force Gear can hold up to ten M4 magazines! So really, a dump pouch is there for whatever you might need it to hold. In military or law enforcement operations, this may look like prisoner search items, spent casings, breaching charges, or SSE items. They could be used for extra water, snacks, or even foraging.  

Why does Blue Force Gear offer three different dump pouch styles?

BFG crafted various dump pouch designs to accommodate an array of scenarios, gear set ups, and preferences. The Ten-Speed Ultralight Dump Pouch and the Belt Mounted Dump Pouch have the same basic function. Both take up minimal space when mounted, utilize BFG’s proprietary Ten-Speed Mil grade elastic, and feature a Ripstop nylon bag that holds up to ten M4 magazines. The bag portion stays folded under Ten-Speed elastic when not in use. This revolutionary design eliminates bulky bags flopping around posing as a snag hazard.

Like the Ten-Speed Ultralight Dump Pouch, the Medium Dump Pouch also features the patented Helium Whisper attachment system that is fully MOLLE compatible and only takes a 3 x 2 section on a battle belt, vest, or other MOLLE compatible platform. The main bag is built from ULTRAcomp, a hard-use high performance fabric facing laminate that is pattern-matched to the pouch. Unlike other models on the market that are over-sized “trash bag” snag hazards, the Medium Dump Pouch securely holds up to five M4 magazines.

The pouch rolls up and is held by a hook and loop tab when not in use. The tab features our Ball Loaded Index Point, or BLIP for short. BLIP is a proprietary trait found on all our lidded pouches as well as the Medium Dump Pouch. BLIP was born in the freezing rain on a Blackwater range. It was there we realized that when you can’t feel your fingers, it’s very difficult to get a grasp on a flat piece of webbing and distinguish a pull tab. The ball doesn’t rely on friction; the bones in your fingers positively engage it. BLIP’s form is both easy to pull and impossible to miss.

As with all Blue Force Gear products, these three dump pouches are made with excellence in the USA, are Berry Compliant, and carry a limited lifetime warranty. Which one will you choose?