Who are you?

How to start? You'll see us say it over and over; Here at Trash panda, or, at TPMFG we... What does that really mean? marketing standards would tell us to 'describe ourselves and who we are.' This method helps the customer relate to the seller. It helps all of us feel like we're not giving our dollar to some nameless corporation. In short, it makes us relatable. How do we do that, though, and what are we doing here?

Now we find ourselves in the position of many a scholar and philosopher; Who are we? Well, we're just some guys making cool stuff. No, that's not enough. We need buzz words. We live in a digital age and the algorithm must be appeased. We make items to order so; custom, made-to-order, hand crafted, good, good.

That's one part of the equation. The rest is what are we doing here? We're making cool stuff, wait-not enough again! All of these products arent just for us, so who are they for? Well, you. Who are you? Are you a minute man? Grey man? high-speed, light fighter? Are you serving? LEO? hunter, hiker? airsofter? More importantly, what do you need - what are you looking for? You know your needs better than anyone.

Through the years we've been asked to modify our designs - Extra tabs for harnesses, custom colors, modern ammo pouches for vintage arms. All the time, we've grown. Most importantly, we've enjoyed it. We've enjoyed it because we aren't hampered and constricted by contracts or design specs. Constantly evolving our lineup for our customers has been challenging in the best of ways.

Experimenting and learning have always been our passion. Bags got extra pouches. Chest rigs got wider, split, came back together. Wides, Slims, longs. The panels got a pouch. Harnesses got reinforced, machines got upgraded. We looked to our own experiences, to other manufacturers, to surplus gear, and to you for inspiration. We learned, we grew. We listened.

All things are cyclical and we've kept our heads above water long enough to revisit some ideas as our needs and desires have changed. In our latest design, the chest rig has split again and become modular. The Bandit Rig Allows you to adapt and overcome away from the laser cutter and sewing machines. Each piece is swapable by you. Need LBE? wear it low, add the back piece. Need a chest rig? run it high. Carrying a ruck? remove the back panel and there's plenty of room. Mag inserts are easily changed. molle inside, outside, hang a dangler. it's really all up to you. It always has been.

Gallery above contains the modular Bandit Rig in M05, new for '25. also shown, the author's own M81 experimental split rig circa Sept '22. Split rig developed from the single rig shown in ranger green on AOR2 top (also circa '22).

In the end, call yourself what you will. Here at TPMFG, We just want to call you satisfied. Who are you? Only you can answer that. What do you need? Just let us know.