High Ground Media, LLC

Introduced in fall of 2025, the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Bib is intended to be a full-coverage counterpart to Viktos’ upgraded outerwear line, and provide a rugged, weatherproof over-pant system designed for demanding range environments and harsh outdoor conditions. The Waterproof Bib builds on Viktos’ proven design philosophy, enhancing durability, weather protection, and tactical function for wet-weather performance.

The Range Trainer XD Waterproof Bib is constructed using a 10k/10k waterproof-and-breathable four-way stretch chassis. Its 100% polyester outer shell features a PFAS-free StormStrike™ Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, bonded mesh lining, and fully taped seams on the interior, ensure resistance to rain, mud, and wind while maintaining breathability to mitigate heat and perspiration during active movement.

Designed as an outer shell layer, the Bib accommodates being worn over other garments, and integrates with belts, range gear, and other load-bearing equipment. The upper portion includes low-profile adjustable elastic suspenders paired with a stretch rear bib panel that flexes through movement, kneeling, or unconventional shooting positions.

Storage and load-carrying capability are built directly into the Bib. Each leg includes spacious cargo pockets with integrated rifle magazine sleeves behind the pocket, allowing secure and accessible carriage of additional magazines or tools. Internal cargo pockets at the chest provide expanded storage capacity for accessories or mission-essential items. The knees feature reinforced overlays with pockets sized for knee-pad inserts (not included), offering improved comfort during kneeling or prone shooting.

For ease of access and use, the Bib is equipped with extended-length side leg zippers that allow rapid donning and doffing over boots. Adjustable ankle closures help to add to a weather-resistant closure at the lower leg, preventing intrusion from water, mud, or debris kicked up during movement.

The overall fit of the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Bib is designed as an over-pant, providing enough room for layering without adding any unnecessary bulk. The four-way stretch chassis is intended to maintain mobility, while the Bib’s durable construction ensures reliable performance in wet and unpredictable environments.

The Range Trainer XD Waterproof Bib is available in Murkwood (featured), Nightfall Black (their version of MC Black), and Black, and comes in sizes Small through 3XL.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At a list price of $180, the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Bib stood unique in the tactical apparel market, as it had no direct competitor at the time of this review that offered a waterproof tactical over-pant built in the style of overalls. Made from a 100% polyester chassis with four-way stretch paneling, the XD Bib ensured its user stayed dry and mobile across a wide range of field environments. Comparable current products included the Helly Hansen Oxford Shell Cargo Bib ($200), Patagonia’s Iron Forge Bib Work Overalls ($130), TrueWerk’s T1 Overalls ($149), and the S2 Stormshell WerkBib ($219); however, while each offered its own strengths in durability or weather protection, all lacked the dedicated magazine pockets, tactical access, and range-focused features that distinguished the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Bib from conventional work or outdoor bibs. Although there were numerous lower-priced hunting and general-purpose outdoor bibs available, they similarly lacked the tactical design elements that defined the XD’s feature set.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): From a comfort perspective, the XD Bib excelled in both sizing and accessibility, providing ample room that made it straightforward to don and remove, while also incorporating additional access points that allowed selective removal or adjustment of individual sections when needed. The 10k/10k fabric maintained a remarkable balance of durability and flexibility, ensuring it did not feel abrasive against the skin and could naturally conform to the body during dynamic movements or positions, including prone, kneeling, and crouching. Even during early winter conditions, with temperatures ranging in the 30s, 40s and 50s, the XD Bib delivered an unexpected level of warmth while still offering substantial ventilation. This demonstrated that the bib was fully capable of maintaining thermal comfort even as temperatures dropped further. The inclusion of four-way stretch segments enhanced mobility, ensuring a full range of motion at the joints despite the additional bulk inherent in over-pants. All zippers and snaps operated reliably, performing their intended functions without issue. An additional advantage noted was the Bib’s design of the shoulder straps, which utilized hook-and-loop adjustments rather than traditional metal clasp hardware. This kept the straps flat and prevented acute points from pressing into bone or skin—a particularly valuable feature when wearing a plate carrier or backpack, which can otherwise exacerbate shoulder discomfort. All pockets were strategically positioned for easy access, allowing hands to remain warm and shielded from wind and cold while not performing tasks. The thoughtful combination of flexibility, warmth, and practical accessibility underscored the XD Bib’s overall design, demonstrating a balance of comfort, functionality, and adaptability suitable for a wide range of conditions and active use.
• Durability – Average (3/5): The 100% polyester construction used in the XD Bib proved to be a practical and durable foundation for sustained field use, one frequently found in industry, offering a reliable balance between abrasion resistance, weather protection, and long-term usability. During regular wear—such as moving through brush, kneeling on abrasive surfaces, or transitioning into prone positions—the fabric (specifically the reinforced knee panels) notably resisted scuffing and showed no premature signs of wear in high-contact areas. Viktos further reinforced this baseline performance through its proprietary StormStrike™ finish (basically the company’s personal method in which the material sheds water), which consistently caused moisture to bead and shed during wet conditions. This non-fluorinated, PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment maintained effective water resistance without introducing stiffness or reducing flexibility, even after repeated exposure to rain, snow, and damp terrain. Construction details (such as zipper covers) and hardware further supported the bib’s durability during active use. Snap-button pocket closures maintained secure retention of contents while remaining easy to operate with gloved or cold hands, striking a functional balance between security and accessibility. Bartack stitching was clearly visible at key high-stress points—including the knees, pocket edges and bellows, and the chest bib and magazine pouch attachment areas—where repeated movement and load typically cause early failure. Even with frequent use, the extended zippered leg and foot access openings continued to operate smoothly without binding or separation, to include when worn over boots or under tension. The textured tactical pull tabs provided a positive tactile reference that made them easy to locate and manipulate in low-light or cold conditions with gloves, reinforcing the impression that the XD Bib was designed for sustained, real-world field use rather than occasional wear. One observation (and not necessarily a negative) for Viktos would be to consider adding reinforcement to the point where the shoulder straps connect into the four-way stretch material on the back as this is the point of greatest stress during dynamic movements and it remains in question how long the elastic material itself will last as the only point of anchoring.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a purely functional standpoint, the features of the XD Bib were designed by intent to reduce the friction between the end-user and the task, making movement, access, and environmental management on the range, in the field, or just daily life more efficient. The bib-style over-pant construction allowed it to be donned over existing clothing without the need for removing footwear, aided by the extended side and leg zippers, which reduced transition time when conditions changed or when moving between vehicles and the range. Once worn, the suspender-supported design distributed weight across the shoulders rather than concentrating it at the waist, helping prevent sagging and reducing pressure points during extended periods of wear. The four-way stretch construction and articulated patterning preserved mobility at the hips and knees, allowing kneeling, climbing, and dynamic movement without the restrictive feel often associated with other over-pants. Ease of use was further improved through practical access and environmental control features (such as vent zippering). Chest-mounted magazine and utility pockets kept frequently used items accessible and always within reach, minimizing the need to reach around belts, armor, or outer layers. The side access zippers allowed the end- user to reach underlying pant pockets or belt-mounted gear without removing the bib, maintaining continuity of movement and workflow. On the interior, the taped seams also added to the bib’s moisture resistance by sealing the first part that could become compromised by prolonged exposure to rain, snow, or fog. The 10k/10k waterproof-breathable fabric, paired with the StormStrike™ DWR finish, helped prevent environmental moisture saturation while still allowing heat and perspiration to escape, reducing discomfort during periods of movement. One functional drawback observed with the XD Bib was the design of its slotted knee panels, which featured an outward-facing opening at the bottom for inserting knee pads, but lacked any means of securing that opening. This allowed loose debris and/or detritus to enter the panel during kneeling or prone positions and made it easy for aftermarket neoprene knee pads (not included) to shift or slip out; relocating the opening to the interior with a smaller slot or adding a hook-and-loop closure to the existing exterior opening would significantly improve this aspect of the design.
• Weight – Average (3/5): For the evaluated Range Trainer XD Waterproof Bib in size 2XL, the measured weight was 37.4 ounces, reflecting its combined use of 10k/10k waterproof polyester panels and four-way stretch fabrics. While necessarily bulkier/heavier than standard pants due to its role as an outer over-garment with the purpose of thermal regulation, the bib did not feel excessively heavy or fatiguing during extended periods of wear. The StormStrike™ water-resistant treatment further helped prevent rain or melting snow from saturating the fabric, mitigating the risk of added water weight over time. In comparison, similarly purposed garments include the Helly Hansen Oxford Shell Cargo Bib (approximately 30 ounces), Patagonia’s Iron Forge Bib Work Overalls (approximately 45 ounces), TrueWerk’s T1 Overalls (approximately 40 ounces), and the S2 StormShell WerkBib (approximately 28 ounces). While each of these alternatives offers its own balance of durability and weather protection, overall garment weight is heavily influenced by both material selection and sizing, as larger sizes inherently require more fabric and therefore result in increased weight regardless of design intent. Thus the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Bib was of an appropriate (or average) weight for its materials, added reinforcement, and design.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://viktos.com/bibs/range-trainer-xd-waterproof-bib/

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, 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 by the folks over at VIKTOS, the Counteract CCW Messenger Bag is intended to blend the utility of Every Day Carry (EDC) for the armed citizen, with the low-profile exterior and function of a civilian messenger bag.

Introduced in mid-2024, the Counteract is a moderate-sized, satchel-style bag with an exterior made from a water-resistant, rip-stop 500D polyester, with a multi-compartmented interior that is comprised of padded dividers and hook-and-loop (female) fabric. Its overall dimensions are 16.0” (H) x 12.0” (W) x 6.0” (D), and the bag’s 1.5” removable shoulder strap is made from nylon webbing (with a padded segment) and allows it to be configured for across body or over the shoulder carry. All YKK exterior zippers are over-molded with paracord pull tabs, and weatherized to prevent against moisture saturation along the zipper line.

Exterior

The front of the Counteract has a fold-over protective flap that connects from the top of the bag and is secured to the outward-facing exterior via two magnetic-release buckles. On the flap is a single, 13” wide zipper-secured pocket includes a mesh pocket for storage of immediate-need items like sunglasses, keys or smartphone. Above the protective flap is a rolled nylon hand-carry strap used for when the shoulder strap is not utilized.

Under the protective flap, along the front exterior are two 7.5” wide envelope-style accessory pocket for storing flat electronics or other items. These two pockets also include a retention lanyard, and an exterior of laser-cut spacing for attaching any MOLLE-capable pouch or other item.

The left side of the Counteract feature a 10” tall zipper-secured collapsible pocket for a water bottle or other item.

On the rear of the Counteract is a padded piggyback sleeve for attaching the Counteract to luggage carry handles, vehicle belts, or other contact points.

The bottom of the Counteract is unremarkable with no added features to aid the bag’s ability to sit flat when placed down. Several nylon loops are provided for attaching other items, carabiners, or other items.

Internal

The interior of the Counteract is divided into two primary storage compartments that separate the functional space. The first storage compartment is under the protective flap and has two 16” wide envelope-style sleeves (one padded and lined with hook-and-loop (female) fabric for laptops up to 17” in width, another unpadded for notebooks).

The second storage compartment is a CCW space and is zipper-secured along three sides, has a full-length zipper pocket for Level IIIA ballistic soft armor (sold separately), and positioned closest to the body side of the Counteract. It includes a completely removable, semi-rigid panel on which Viktos “Hookie” firearm accessories (nylon holster band and two magazine retention bands) are attached. The panel also includes two rows of laser cut slotting, and a 1.5” wide nylon band, which can be used for attaching MOLLE-capable pouches or other items.

The Counteract is available in Coyote (featured) and Black.

 Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): At $180.00 for a moderate-sized, over-the-shoulder satchel bag, the Counteract had a balanced blend of genuine 500d polyester ripstop chassis, smooth interior fabrics, and minimal hardware to maintain a low-profile appearance that worked to balance abrasion resistance and comfort. In comparison, market alternatives to the Counteract would be the Dead Letter Sling Bag ($212.99) from Vertx, the Parallax Messenger Bag ($225) from Triple Aught Design, the Huron Rifle Bag – Short Barrel ($299.00) from TYR Tactical, or the Gofer 15 Messenger Bag ($209) From Vanquest Gear. The important thing to remember is that while many other tactical or messenger bags are more inexpensive – they look like tactical bags and obviously don’t attempt to conceal that the end-user is likely armed. Amid the market of alternatives that fit the same low-visibility role as the Counteract, the bag from VIKTOS is at an excellent price point for its materials, function, and design.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the exterior polyester rip-stop materials of the Counteract were both flexible and comfortable, and was still soft and discrete enough to serve as an EDC bag or daily messenger bag. The YKK zippers moved smoothly and did not bind or cross-feed. The shoulder strap had texturized padding on the inward side and mitigated accidental slippage, but the nylon webbing material of the strap was soft and flexible enough to not significantly chafe when worn around the neck for extended periods (1hr+). The nylon carry handle tube was ideal for short carrying, but if used for excessive time the small diameter of the carrying handle became uncomfortable in the hand as the bags entire weight is concentrated to that small band of material. VIKTOS could improve on that by widening the carrying handle to something flat that fits in the hand appropriately. The interior’s smooth nylon material was pliable and soft enough to remain functional and did not burn nor cut the knuckles while rummaging around for the desired item. It was somewhat dark in the further recesses of the interior and VIKTOS may want to consider lining the bottom portion of the Counteract’s interior with some high visibility material to help make it easier to see inside the storage compartments.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The blended polyester rip-stop fabric exterior and smooth nylon interior offered the Counteract a good amount of abrasion resistance and durability despite daily carry to the office or on the range. Additionally, the polyester material exterior was similar in texture to a military poncho, and was good for repelling water and resisting stains. It also allowed potential moisture to bead off quickly. There was extensive bartack/reverse stitching noted throughout the bag, as well as X-stitching at key stress points for added reinforcement. The supporting material for the shoulder strap was incorporated into QD-release hooks on the sides of the bag, and gave it an overall good degree of reinforcement against pulling/tearing from the weight of items placed inside the bag. The only notable aspect from durability was the occasional odd creaking noise while walking with a fully laden bag from the shoulder strap’s polymer hardware and pivot point that was due to the surfaces contacting each other. At no point was there any cracking or breakage, it just took about two weeks for the surfaces to wear in sufficiently for the frequency of the noise to diminish.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Counteract did an excellent job of keeping a low-profile exterior like that of other civilian messenger bags, while still providing immediate access to a stored off-body firearm inside the EDC pocket if needed. The various pockets and storage compartments allowed easy access to any contents, including the pistol and magazine holsters, while the YKK zippers helped to ensure no moisture saturation was experienced as moisture rolled off the polyester fabrics. However, one exclusion to this was the left side 10” exterior accessory pocket, which could only hold small water bottles (approx.10fl oz) or the standard soda can. It would not fit taller cans of energy drinks, soda bottles or even a collapsible umbrella due to the pocket’s curvature at the top which diminished the volume of storage. It would be recommended to Viktos to make this pocket an open-top style and/or large enough to fit the standard 1L Nalgene bottle. The main fold-over flap did a good job to protect the interior pouches and contents, although there was no separate internal securing flap to keep the laptop itself safely secured (something Viktos may want to note for improvement). One definite point of improvement for Viktos would be changing the magnetic QD release buckles for the front flap to larger magnetic snap buttons placed under the flap to give a clean appearance. It was difficult at times to align the buckle ends up to secure together in the early morning darkness. If placed closer to the corners of the fold-over flap, rather than their current location inward, those magnetic snap buttons would naturally fall into place or be easier to secure.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 3.14 pounds (empty) the Counteract owed a good portion of its overall weight to the polyester rip-stop fabric of its exterior and the padding of the interior. While slightly heavier than other nylon-only messenger bags, this CCW messenger bag added to the functionality of the overall bag to keep its contents safe and dry while maintaining that low-visibility profile. In comparison, market alternatives such as the Dead Letter Sling Bag (3.36 pounds) from Vertx, the Parallax Messenger Bag (1.81 pounds) from Triple Aught Design, the Huron Rifle Bag – Short Barrel (1.85 pounds) from TYR Tactical, or the Gofer 15 Messenger Bag (3.15 pounds) From Vanquest Gear all illustrate that amid the market of alternatives the Counteract is appropriately sized for its weight in design and materials.

 Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/bags/products/counteract-ccw-messenger

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, 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 transport your valuable gear, firearms, or anything that needs to be protected – the 1740 Case is part of Pelican’s Protector series that provides significant storage and maximum padding. Pelican has long-established itself as the leader in protective hard cases that come in varying dimensions to meet any mission need.

As with all Pelican cases, the Protector 1740 Long Gun Case is made from Polypropylene to deliver a watertight, crushproof, and dustproof case that provides a significant amount of external protection and stackabiliy. The 1740 itself has four locking cleats designed from lid to base to reinforce its stacking strength.

Exterior

With an overall exterior dimension of 44.16” (L) x 16.09” (H) x 14.00” (W), the 1740’s exterior is comprised of Pelican’s traditional open-cell polymer construction for maximum strength and an impact resistant shell.

The 1740 includes six C-clamp throw latches that secure the lid to the bottom. In addition, there are two double-wide, foldable handles on either end to aid in picking up and stacking.

Several protective features built into the 1740 are its stainless-steel padlock protectors, and its two automatic pressure equalization valves.

On the exterior is a 1630DC document protector placard.

The 1740 has two polyurethane wheels to aid in rolling and transport of the case and its fully packed weight.

Interior

With an interior space of 40.98” (L) x 12.92” (H) x 12.13” (W), the 1740 has an overall internal storage capacity of 3.72 ft³.

A one-piece, rubberized O-ring provides a watertight seal to the interior storage space.

The 1740 comes with six layers of open-cell pick-n-pluck foam that is customizable to meet storage needs.

Specifications:

• The Protector series comes with Pelican’s Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence

The 1740 Protector Long Case comes in Black (featured), Desert Tan, and OD Green.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At $405 the 1740 is one of the larger (and more expensive) firearm hard cases offered by Pelican, shy of its multi-gun weapon lockers. As such it is one of the larger legacy consumer cases within the Pelican line. Pelican recently acquired its closest competitor Hardigg in 2017, and as such many of its mid/larger products don’t have direct peers with the same attention to strength, reinforcing Pelican as a world leader in hard polymer cases. The 1740’s closest peer would be the 3514 R-Series case ($559.99) by SKB, or Nanuk’s 975 case ($249.99) but neither are exact comparisons in dimensions, design or features. Given the legacy of Pelican’s performance, the lifetime warranty of its Protector series, and the cost to storage volume ratio – then the 1740 is a very good quality product for its cost.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): At just over 44” in length across, the 1740 was a bit awkward to pick up, even with the two side handles extended out (adding more length). A third handle in the middle would have made picking it up from two points of contact more comfortable, but perhaps its length or “top-up” intended design prohibited that aspect. As is, once fully loaded with gear or firearms, the 1740 was much heavier than its initial 22-27 pounds and thus necessitated either being carried by two people, or being loaded up at the vehicle or wherever it was being transported. The deep locking cleats provided a secure anchoring point for stacking and gave the overall shell a good amount of added rigidity.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Made from Polyethylene a type of high-density plastic similar to high-density polyethylene, the principle material of the 1740 (and indeed almost all of Pelican’s hard cases) was amazingly durable and resistant to shock. The open-cell foam inserts provided added protection to the equipment and firearms contained inside (more so if the user takes the time to cut specific patterns into the one-piece foam for a specific item), but the foam (by design) tore somewhat easily. The case was dragged over rocks, thrown into a truckbed a number of times, and left out in inclement weather (cold/rain) with no detrimental effect to the foam, stored contents (although some surface marring was noted), or moisture penetration.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect, the 1740 is like all Pelican hard cases – a protective box. Pelican has a large array of products for the consumer, military/LEOs, first responders and more to choose one that best fits their specific needs. While the 1740 was a pretty straight-forward case (it’s a box – it opens, it closes, it has foam for add padding), it really is more left to the imagination of the user for use and to expand on the functionality of the case. Features like the rolling wheels and pressurization valves were essential as part of the design for long-term use or carrying. The stainless-steel protectors and hinge pins likewise fill an essential aspect of design as it ensured forced entry (shy of cutting) wasn’t possible. Users could custom cut a pattern or design into the foam to add protection of the specific contents. The downside is then it had to be specific to that item (unless you make the cut pattern very generalized). Alternatively, users can invest in a rigid backpanel (similar to what Grey Man Tactical offers) that could go inside the lid and expand its storage capabilities in lieu of excess foam. So, while Pelican cases have a fixed level of functionality, the user’s applicability and aftermarket options are available to expand on its use.
• Weight – Average (3/5): For its size and the volume of Polypropylene material, the 1740 weighed 27 pounds with foam (or 22 pounds w/o foam). This added to its almost cumbersome length and the negative fact it only had two handles by which to pick it up. Definitely a third handle would be of benefit to moving the case as the weight of the 1740 increased dramatically when contents were added. In comparison to the market alternatives noted above, the SKB case weighed 27.20 pounds (with an interior storage volume of 5.14 ft³) and the Nanuk 975 did have a slightly larger dimension, but not a listed weight by the manufacturer (its calculated volume was 6.56 ft³). Thus, the 1740 has a slightly smaller internal storage space as other vendors for near equal weight, but their designs did not reflect the reinforcement cleats, polymer, and hardware attributed to Pelican’s longstanding Protector product line.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/long-case/protector/1740

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.