High Ground Media, LLC

Introduced in the fall of 2019, the Johnny Combat Ops (JCO) Boot by Viktos brings a minimalist approach to tactical footwear without sacrificing any of the comfort or durability.

The upper throat of the JCO Boot is made from a nylon/synthetic combination that provides the ankle support with minimal weight over traditional materials.

The hardware includes standard pass-through metal eyelets that allow for smooth movement of the laces. The laces themselves are Dupont nylon with plastic tips.

Sidewalls on the JCO Boot are also made from a split nylon/synthetic pattern that give the boot structure and support along its sides, while allowing for flexibility over repetitive flexing of the materials.

A 6” throat on the boot provides the ideal height to support the ankle in light/moderate environments. The rear of the throat features a pass-through thumb loops for assisting in donning the boot, while the tongue also holds slim nylon loops for running laces or to aid in attaining a comfortable position for the boot.

The JCO Boot features the same sole as other Strife/Johnny Combat series footwear, drawing on its combat-focused outsole that gives the wearer a solid grip in a variety of environments. The lug design gives the sole a self-cleaning flex that helps ensure debris or rocks do not remain lodged.

The reinforced toe box to the boot is rounded rather than tapered to accommodate the natural splay of toes as the foot rolls under the body’s natural weight.

Specifications:

• 600D Nylon exterior chassis
• EVA rubberized sole with self-cleaning lugs
• Metal pass-through eyelets
• Nylon laces

The Johnny Combat Ops Boot are available in Ranger (featured), Coyote, and Nightfall with sizing that ranges from a Size 6 to 15

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): At $110 the JCOs are made of a material that is both a nylon/synthetic in design and common in most modern footwear. This allots for breathability of the foot, flexibility of the shoe, and protection where needed (both for the shoe and wearer). The most appropriate description for the JCO would be as a moderate-warm range boot that affords a lightweight yet functional use in most conditions. The closest comparator would be Salomon’s Quest ($239), or 5.11’s Taclite ($124.99), or Merrill’s Strongfield Tactical 6” ($170). It should be noted that the JCO is the predecessor to Viktos’ Johnny Combat ($95) boot, but that is being phased out in favor of the JCO which blends aspects of the Johnny Combat with their Strife ($150) boot that is also being rotated out. In all, at $110 the JCOs cost has a number of features that make it an excellent fit on the range, while keeping materials lightweight and flexible.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Much like the Strife (Mid) boot, the JCO ran true-to-fit (meaning a size 11 will fit as a US-sized 11 shoe – not based on the actual physical length of the foot). It took several weeks for the nylon and synthetic material to break and even then the boot retained a tight fit to the heel and ankle for support. The heel itself was very well supported, and the boot held strength up the Achilles line, and across to the laces. Thus, it was apparent the boot was designed to give continual support to the ankle. The sole held a shock-resistant steyr foam lining on the outer edging that helped support and pad the foot bed. The toe box did indeed feel wider and accommodated the natural splay of toes when under heavy load (using stressor drills). Traditional boots often have a tapered toe box that harken back to ancient times when boots needed points to aid in mounting horse stirrups. Even today that design can pinch your toes or jam them when under load. The JCO was very comfortable and over the course of a 30-day evaluation cycle fit comfortably. Given the testing included Jan/Feb winter temps here in Missouri, the cold (down into single digits) could be felt seeping through the nylon of the toe box because of the material’s breathability, thus why the JCO would be better suited for moderate-warm environments—and something the consumer should be aware of.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Over the course of testing; worn as EDC and as range boots, the JCO held a good level of durability given its tested environment (which included pavement, grass, loose rock, water and mud). The intent for the JCO by design was as a dedicated range/field boot, and as such the materials were intended to excel in those settings. The synthetic exterior sections took a good amount of rough edges and abrasion, with only light/moderate scarring and water/mud residue to the material itself—none of which penetrated the inner layers of the boot. The toe and heel caps did their fair share of taking the brunt of use on the range, either from dynamic movements or different firing positions. The nylon exterior and interior lining aided in breathability and flexibility to maneuver over various terrain. The double line stitching throughout provided a very good level of durability and prevented any separation of the nylon and synthetic materials.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the JCO gave a good level of support to the ankle and width in the rounded toe box. The exterior synthetic sections were in appropriate places that provided reinforcement to the boot, as well as bore the more aggressive environmental conditions (specially on rock). The nylon loops on the top of the JCO’s heel and on the tongue definitely aided in donning/removing the boot. The EVA tread was similar to other Strife/Johnny Combat boots by Viktos with its self-cleaning lug design that did keep small rocks and debris from building up. It was noted mud did cake up in the serrated toe and trusstic of the sole, likely because of the arch design, but was easily knocked out either at the range or once dried. At no point did moisture penetrate the interior when introduced (not submerged) to moisture (mud or water). Some negative aspects noted from a functional point was cold winter air did get through the nylon of the toebox, and the plastic tips on the laces were tipped in a plastic wrap but would be better served if, as a range/field boot, the laces were metal tipped. In addition,we observed uponopening that there appeared to be some type of post-manufacturing oil residue/stain on the exterior of one of the boots that had not been identified during QC. When contacted, Viktos said that under normal conditions these boots would be immediately replaced under their warranty program provided the consumer contacts Viktos upon opening the box and not prior to wear.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Each individual 6” boot weighed in at 1.3 pounds (or 2.6 pounds for the pair), which is reasonable considering the use of nylon/synthetic materials and thick lug design. The weight did not become exacerbated when mud became caked into the bottom serrations only to be shed later through use. In comparison to the market alternatives noted above; the Salomon’s Quest (2 pounds/pair), or 5.11’s Taclite (3 pounds/pair), or Merrill’s Strongfield Tactical 6” (3.7 pounds) were mostly above the weight of the JCO’s in large part to the JCO’s split materials and efficient use of nylon over heavier fabrics, such as suede or leather. Viktos has found a good balance between a lighter range/field boot using their Strife design, but in the Johnny Combat Ops Boot.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/boots/products/johnny-combat-ops?variant=30278724386912

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Designed to serve as an advanced 72-hour bag, the Tour of Duty by TRU-SPEC® is a variant to the original “Gunny Approved” pack. It provides an alternative to the Pathfinder 2.5 Backpack by providing a more durable internal frame, compartmentalization, and a removable waist belt for hours of wear, while minimizing stress to the upper torso.

Introduced in 2018, the Tour of Duty is made from either 500D Cordura (Multicam Black) or 1050D polyester (Olive Drab, Black, or Coyote) that offers mid- or high-end abrasion resistance. At 18” (H) x 10” (W) x 10” (D) its overall carrying capacity is approximately 37 liters of cubic space and features an included internal frame to maintain its structure.

Exterior

On the exterior of the main compartment, is a 5” (H) x 8” (L) document pocket (with a hook-and-loop/MOLLE compatible exterior) that includes; a key lanyard and ID card window.  Below that is a larger 9” (H) x 9” (L) storage pocket that has a zippered accessory pocket. Both exterior pockets are secured by dual zipper drawstrings.

The center compartment is secured via dual zippered drawstrings and has a hook-and-loop secured pocket, a MOLLE field for mounting accessories or pouches, and a mesh pocket on the internal side of the opening.

Around the exterior are four 5” (H) x 3” (L) accessory pockets (one with a bonus 3.5” (H) x 2.5” (L) accessory pocket riding sidecar) secured via drawstring zipper for immediate access to essential items. Additionally, there are two hydration/communication cable access tabs secured via hook-and-loop that give allow passage into the main storage compartment.

Around the exterior of the Tour of Duty are three integrated nylon carrying handles to maximize handling in an aircraft, bus, or transport.

The adjustable, contoured, dual harness retention system features a dual shoulder strap design with integrated accessory pockets and adjustable sternum strap. Air mesh padding is segmented throughout the pack’s rigid back panel, and both sides have zippered access behind the support frame.

The 4” waist strap is padded on all sides and secured with a large 2.25” wide slide-release buckle. The waist strap can be removed and because of MOLLE fields on both sides can serve as a stand-alone impromptu utility or range belt.

Throughout the exterior of the Tour of Duty are multiple MOLLE straps for added compatibility.

Internal

The internal storage compartment to the Tour of Duty is reinforced on either side of the exterior with side cinch straps to ensure the stored items remain secure. The main storage space includes a laptop sleeve and internal administrative organizer that includes; three zipper-secured pockets, a hook-and-loop pocket flap, a business card window, and three pen sleeves.

Specifications:

• Available in 500D Cordura or 1050D polyester (color dependent)
• 37 liters of combined storage space
• Heavy, reverse coil zippers throughout

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): Priced between $145.95 (for polyester colors) and $177.95 (for the Multicam Black in 500D Cordura) the Tour of Duty Backpack (TDB) has a significant amount of material and hardware for its price, which is reflected somewhat high. For this review, the 500D Cordura version was tested. In comparison, popular alternative versions of backpacks with a similar storage volume include Tru-Spec’s Pathfinder 2.5 Backpack ($119 @ 39L of storage) or 5.11’s Rush24 Backpack ($129.99 @ 37L storage space). These alternative backpacks, while having comparable storage capacity, lack the compartmentalized design (externally and internally) of the TDB which may explain its somewhat higher price. Ultimately that is a decision the consumer must make.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): As with most packs, their comfort level is best determined by how the design was able to distribute the weight across the upper torso and waist (if including a waist belt). When attached, the width of the TDB’s waist belt was very comfortable against the hips, but lacked means of stowing the belt when not in use (so it was an all or nothing use) other than complete removal. For its design the TDB used both shoulder straps and the removable waist strap to effectively distribute the weight out across the upper shoulders and waist. And while not as thickly padded as the Pathfinder 2.5 backpack in the shoulders and backpanel, the TDB foam padding did allow for some heat dissipation and airflow. The compression straps helped keep the weight of the pack close into the body, and during stressor drills the TDB shoulder and waist straps kept the pack tight.
• Durability – Good (4/5): In the variant tested, the 500D Cordura material gave the TDB a good level of abrasion resistance despite being thrown around in a truckbed to/from the range. Significant levels of bartack, X-pattern, and double-line stitching was noted throughout the pack at stress points, MOLLE fields, and over the internal frame. All of which gave the TDB good marks in durability for testing, and over the long-term. As like the Pathfinder 2.5, the hardware is more likely to wear out before the pack’s material will.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): The TDB is clearly designed for those on the move, with significant compartmentalization and readily accessible pouches. The multiple storage compartments made it a good fit for EDC use, air travel, or use in the field. All zippers had weatherized overlap material to limit moisture penetration, with cord pull tabs (would have preferred to see rubberized tubing or something a little more durable). The bottom compression straps didn’t fit completely between the side accessory pouches so when cinched, it did pinch the top of the pouches slightly and inhibited immediate access. The padding material to the backpanel and shoulder straps was notably thinner than other backpacks on the market, which did inhibit wear on the user over an extended duration (2+ hours).
• Weight – Average (3/5): At approximately 5 pounds for 37L of combined storage space, the Tour of Duty Backpack made for a good-sized 36-hour backpack, more than capable of storing items for a day travel or hike. In comparison, Tru-Spec’s Pathfinder Backpack (3.35 pounds @ 39L of storage) or 5.11’s Rush24 Backpack (3.79 pounds @ 37L storage space) reflect the differences in design and materials, with the Tour of Duty having more pouches and compartmentalization—and thus weighing slightly more.

Overall Rating – Above Average (17/25)

Product Link: https://www.truspec.com/backpacks/double-strap/tour-of-duty-backpack

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

The ‘Fight Light’ line of tactical products are among the most eminent being offered by Tactical Tailor. The Fight Light blends the unique designs based on the diverse experience of Tactical Tailor’s staff; from their years of overseas deployments to ongoing enforcement efforts by today’s law enforcement—gear that is 30% lighter than traditional designs. From the Fight Light line is its battle belt setup, which comprises of the Battle Belt, a Triple Mag Panel, three Magna Mag Single Pistol Mag Pouch, and a Roll-Up Dump Pouch.

Cobra Riggers Belt

As a foundation for its battle belt, Tactical Tailor offers a Cobra Riggers Belt that is made from two layers of 1 ¾” wide, mil-spec nylon webbing with parachute-grate hardware. Securing the Cobra Riggers Belt is a AustriAlpin Cobra buckle made from 7075 aluminum alloy with solid brass and stainless steel internals for maximum strength.

The Cobra Riggers Belt is available in Multicam (featured), Black, and Coyote Brown.

Product Link: https://www.tacticaltailor.com/cobrariggersbelt.aspx

Fight Light Battle Belt

Designed as a universal platform for any type of foundational belt, the Flight Light Battle Belt gives the user a wide, comfortable, and modular belt pad to hang any MOLLE pouch or holster necessary for the mission.

With a height of up to 6” to accommodate a variety of waistlines, the Battle Belt has external MOLLE panels and segmented slots on which to hang either a leg-drop platform or pouch directly to the foundational belt rather than the webbing. The Battle Belt includes integrated hardware to work in conjunction with Tactical Tailor’s Fight Light 4-Point Harness to help distribute the overall load to the upper torso rather than exclusively on the hip. At the rear panel, the battle belt has a semi-rigid insert panel to aid in stability and weight distribution.

The Fight Light Battle Belt is available in Multicam (featured), Black, Coyote Brown, Ranger Green and Wolf Grey.

Specifications:

• Small-Medium – Approximately 29″ to 32″
• Large – Approximately 32″ to 38″
• X-Large – Approximately 38″ to 48″

Product Link: https://www.tacticaltailor.com/fightlightbattlebelt.aspx

Fight Light Triple Mag Panel

The Flight Light Triple Mag Panel is a singular 6” (H) x 9” (L) x 1” (W) pouch that holds three, 30 round 5.56 magazines in flat configuration. Each open-top magazine pouch uses shock-cord retention to secure the magazines, and attaches to MOLLE webbing via three MALICE clips (included).

The Fight Light Triple Mag Panel is available in Multicam (featured), Black, Coyote Brown, and Ranger Green.

Product Link: https://www.tacticaltailor.com/fightlight556triplemagpanel30rd.aspx

Fight Light Magna Mag Single Pistol Mag Pouch

The Magna Mag Single Pistol Mag Pouch is Tactical Tailor’s unique offering to the world of 5.5″ (H) x 1″ (L) x 1″ (W) pistol pouches by including a rare-earth magnet sewn into the front to enhance retention. Each pouch has a top-over flap that is secured via hook-and-loop and can be used to secure the tops of the magazines or tucked behind for more direct access. Each pistol pouch attaches to MOLLE webbing via an included short MALICE clip.

The Magna Mag Single Pistol Mag Pouch is available in Multi-Cam (featured), and Coyote Brown.

Product Link: https://www.tacticaltailor.com/fightlightmagnamagsinglepistolmagpouch.aspx

Fight Light Roll Up Dump Pouch

The Roll Up Dump Pouch in the Fight Light line offers an easy way to carry an expandable pouch for when real estate is limited on your belt. It includes a slide-release buckle to keep the pouch secure until needed; and when deployed the opening uses a slip-lock cinch to keep things secure. The dump pouch attaches to MOLLE webbing via two included short MALICE clips.

The Fight Light Roll Up Dump Pouch is available in Multicam (featured), ATACS, and Coyote Brown.

Specifications:

• Open: 9″ (H) x 6.5″ (L) x 3″ (W)
• Folded: 3.5″ (H) x 5″ (L) x 1.5″ (W)

Product Link: https://www.tacticaltailor.com/fightlightrollupdumppouch.aspx

Fight Light Multi-Purpose Pouch

The Multi-Mission Pouch is intended to hold a variety of medium-sized items, or a single .50cal rifle magazine. The Multi-Mission Pouch is 7″ (H) x 7″ (L) x 1.5″ (W) and has two internal compartments divided by an internal flap that allows for one compartment to be secured while accessing the other. The pouch itself is secured via a single slide-release buckle and attaches to MOLLE webbing via two included MALICE clips.

The inner compartment has two dividers and allows for direct access to items.

The outer compartment features three elastic nylon bands to secure smaller items, and is secured via an inner hook-and-loop flap.

The Fight Light Multi-Purpose Pouch Available in Multicam (featured), Coyote Brown, and Ranger Green.

Product Link: https://www.tacticaltailor.com/fightlightmulti-purposepouch.aspx

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): Made from a variety of individual components (each sold separately) the cost of the Fight Light Battle Belt is determined by the color selected. In the instance of the belt evaluated, all elements were Multicam and for a size 38” waist when sizing was applicable:
  • Cobra Belt:     $106.25
  • Battle Belt:      $154.00
  • Mag Panel:      $35.50
  • Pistol Pouch:   $30.50/per, three provided
  • Dump Pouch: $28.50
  • Multi-Mission Pouch: $44.50

As a whole, the entire Light Fighter battle belt system costs roughly $460 for the components listed. In comparison, other competitors with similar complete nylon-based battle belt systems would be by HSGI ($500 approx.), ATS ($350 approx.), or Velocity Systems ($400 approx.) wherein the variance in price over other vendors is how much stitching, reinforcement, and type/quality of materials is used. Tactical Tailor uses 500D Cordura, similar to the other vendors listed, and invests a significant amount of attention to ensure durability and that the system will last. Tactical Tailor also offers a lifetime warranty for the life of the product. This makes the overall Fight Light battle belt system good from a cost aspect, and well placed within the market of competitors, given its high quality and attention to detail.

• Comfort – Good (4/5): While the configuration of a battle belt is entirely left to the user, its comfort is based on how it feels when worn, and if each component does what it needs to do without being cumbersome. The 1.5” thick closed-cell padding of the Fight Light Battle Belt, thicker than most on the market, wrapped the waist completely and ensured no pressure or edges from magazines or pouches pressed excessivly into the hip. The Battle Belt also ensured the overall system didn’t move regardless of stressors or bending at the waist because of the belt’s segmented design that allowed the sides to flex almost independently from the back. The back segment of the Battle Belt held a semi-rigid plastic insert that provided some support to the lower lumbar area of the back, while reinforcing the overall belt. Elsewhere, both the magazine pouches (pistol and rifle) drew well, although re-holstering the rifle magazines into the mag panel sometimes got hung up on the soft nylon openings. Once clear, the magazine pressed into the rest of the mag panel easily.
• Durability– Excellent (5/5): One of the things that sets the entire Flight Light line apart from the rest of Tactical Tailor’s products is that they are made entirely from 500D Cordura, compared to the 1000D material of other Tactical Tailor products. This makes components up to 30% lighter while sacrificing little in terms of the material’s abrasion resistance (what people commonly think of as the material’s ‘strength’). Throughout the battle belt system, all components held extensive bartack, X-pattern, and double-line reinforcement stitching that strengthened stress points—making the overall battle belt very well constructed. No loose threads or excess material were noted.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Each component of the battle belt system held its own functionality, but together they all achieved the desired end-state of providing a stable, robust range belt that held added items (magazines, holsters, etc.) well. The Fight Light Battle Belt itself held a notch on either side that allowed for leg-drop style holsters to be alternatively connected to the foundational Cobra Belt rather than the outer padding. The inclusion of mounting hardware for use of the optional shoulder harness (sold separately and not evaluated) gave the user the option of further offsetting the weight from the hips to the upper torso. The rifle/pistol magazine pouches did a good job of retaining magazines, with the rare-earth magnet providing notable retention to the pistol magazines. There was however, a little side-to-side play in the pistol magazine pouches when mounted on the mag shingle’s MOLLE webbing. The Multi-Mission and Dump Pouch were readily accessible, but it would have been nice if there were a way to keep the excess material to the retention strap tucked up when the pouch was compressed—the excess just dangled.
• Weight – Average (3/5): The weight of Flight Light products was comparable to a majority of other market vendors, most of which use 500D nylon as their base material. The step down from 1000D nylon puts the overall product line more in sync with the civilian market. Each component held its own weight, and indeed the overall weight of the system depends on the configuration chosen by the user, but in the evaluated system the overall weight of the battle belt was 2.78 pounds, whereas each component was:

• • Cobra Belt:      10 ounces
  • Battle Belt:      16.96 ounces
  • Mag Panel:      3.9 ounces
  • Pistol Pouch:   1.7 ounces
  • Dump Pouch: 4 ounces
  • Multi-Mission Pouch: 4.5 ounces

It would be difficult to compare the Fight Light battle belt system to the alternatives vendors noted above, simply because of the diversity in materials and design. Instead, users should compare the differences in individual components. This includes examples in HSGI’s Suregrip Battle Belt pad (1 pound) which was on par with Tactical Tailor’s, or Velocity System’s Helium Whisper Triple Magazine Pouch (5.25 ounces) which weighed more. The result being that most of Tactical Tailor’s Fight Light line was on-par with, or slightly above, the weight of its competitors and it is left to the user to evaluate if its adequate (or average) weight is appropriately for their needs and the mission at hand.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.tacticaltailor.com/fightlight.aspx

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.