July 16, 2025
Spiritus Systems strives every day to design and manufacture equipment that exceeds its users’ – primarily military and law enforcement teams – expectations and pushes past the industry status quo. All its equipment is designed with an end state in mind, that often goes way beyond. The company spends time with users of various walks of life to form an educated and accurate picture of their needs. Spiritus Systems’ design philosophy calls on the founders’ military service, user feedback and experience, as well as its advanced United States based manufacturing techniques to bring quality equipment to the marketplace.
We were fortunate to speak with Matt Hawes, Spiritus Systems Lead Designer, who was kind to answer a few questions about the company and what’s on the horizon.
What do you believe makes Spiritus Systems unique and stand out among other tactical gear brands?
That’s a bit tricky to answer. If I had to explain it, I’d say we’re good at solving end user niche problems while making the solution both manufactureable and applicable to a wider consumer base. We focus on specialized applications in advance of the product development and manufacturing process, and then design pouches, carriers, and gear that solve more than just the original solution.
A friend once said we make ‘omnivorous’ pouches – meaning they’re versatile in both what they hold and how they’re used. So, while a pouch might be designed for a specific item, it ends up being useful for all kinds of things. That versatility is important, especially for our core users who are military and law enforcement professionals, who are often spending their own money on gear. They want a product that works across a wide range of tasks.
So rather than designing for one specific use, we aim to create gear that adapts – something that still functions well if your role changes or you need it for something else.
Who are your primary customers?
I would say our primary market is military, but we have also have quite a few law enforcement consumers, mostly SWAT, and more.
It’s understood that all Spiritus Systems products are made in the USA. Are all your materials USA-sourced as well to align with being Berry compliant?
Yes. Even when we’re not pursuing government contracts, we still follow the Berry Amendment because we strongly believe in supporting American manufacturing – and if we can source a material domestically, we will.
In fact, we’ve done several projects where we took non-Berry-compliant materials and worked with U.S. manufacturers to bring that production stateside. Some of these materials originally involved foreign processes such as weaving, finishing, or dyeing, but we were able to facilitate U.S.-based runs to introduce those materials here. We’ve also introduced new colorways and other custom options through this process. It’s a significant effort for us, but one we’re committed to doing regularly.
How did Spiritus Systems come across Dimension-Polyant’s X-Pac® fabrics?
When with a company prior to Spiritus Systems, I got some samples of X-Pac® VX21, X33, and X50 fabrics and started testing them. Whenever I get a new material – especially one with unique features – I like to throw it at different problems or use it in my usual construction techniques to see where it fits and what I can get away with.
X-Pac® really stood out. I could pre-process it, like turning edges or doing specific treatments on our Pattern Tacker/Shape Tacker sewing machines, without the dimensional changes you often see in other materials. A lot of fabrics tend to shrink or distort once sewn, which is a problem when using Shape Tackers as they are not skilled sewers who can adapt to those changes – they’re just robots. They don’t account for stretch variations, and that unpredictability can cause issues. X-Pac® fabrics, on the other hand, which were originally intended a replacement for another fabric we were using, turned out to be something much more versatile. These special materials opened design possibilities that reduce complexity and increase options of products I can build.
From the end-user side, X-Pac® fabrics provide more comfort, especially when worn close to the body, Traditional carriers absorb sweat and hold onto it, but X-Pac® fabrics’ waterproof properties help prevent that. If someone opens their carrier to vent heat, then closes it again, their shirt might be damp, but the carrier stays dry. That’s a big advantage in terms of comfort and quick turnaround in the field.
What X-Pac® Fabrics is Spiritus Systems using and in what products?
We primarily use X-Pac® X50 fabric now, and it’s what we’re leaning into from a market perspective. Our new sling, plate carrier system, and a range of accessories, including lots of new pouches, are made with the fabric. It’s incredibly versatile and offers big advantages in manufacturing as mentioned. It saves time, and saving time means lower labor costs and increased production capacity. If I can gain back that capacity and build more gear, that’s a win every time.
I’m also really excited about X-Pac® MANTA and all the innovation happening around it. I’m still exploring what wild things I can do with it as it’s hilariously light. I laugh when I weigh it because it’s so unexpectedly minimal. I haven’t yet found the one application that makes me say, “This is the only material that can make this with”, but I feel like I’m close!
One of the big things I’m looking into is how thin I can make gear while keeping it structurally sound, especially for things like attachment points and clips. If I can make something super thin and super light without sacrificing durability, I’m going to go for that. With X-Pac® MANTA, it seems possible.
Do you have a favorite Spiritus Systems product, and if so, what is it and why?
One of my favorite products is a pouch called the Jsta Pouch. It was originally designed to carry bundles of chem lights—but it does so much more.
For example, in competition shooting, you need to paste over bullet holes between each run. We use an applicator that dispenses one-by-one-inch brown adhesive squares for this purpose. That applicator is awkward to carry, but with the Jsta Pouch, you can fold down the flap, and it fits perfectly. It also holds a spare magazine to load into my pistol, so I’m always ready with a full mag at the start.
I’ve seen people use it in all kinds of unconventional ways – even to carry explosive charges. It’s incredibly versatile. We try to highlight all the creative, unexpected ways people use it. It’s truly omnivorous!
What’s new and exciting on the horizon for Spiritus Systems?
Our big focus right now is getting the new LV-120 plate carrier to market—something our customers have been eagerly waiting for. It incorporates a lot of X-Pac® fabric and is part of a really cool, thoughtfully designed system. Honestly, there’s enough depth there for an entire hour-long conversation!
It’s coming soon – we’re in the final stages, and I’m heading back to work on it right after this. The LV-120 suite, along with all the updates to our plate carrier line, are the next major milestones for us.
Thanks so much to Matt for his time and engaging conversation! For more information on Spiritus Systems, please visit https://www.spiritussystems.com/.