High Ground Media, LLC

Initially designed as a light day pack or assault backpack, the HANS Backpack by Trident Tactical Technical (T3) Gear was modified in 2021 into a hunter variant with high visibility orange panels. Now civilians can enjoy the same high-degree of military quality in manufacturing, for more regular hunts or outdoor outings.  

Introduced in 2014 and made from a 500D, solution-dyed Cordura, the HANS backpack was designed specifically for members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams—but the hunter variant can now be utilized for a day’s hunt outing or for day hikes.

On the front of the HANS is a top-open kangaroo pouch with mesh on three sides, and secured with two compression straps/Fastex buckle on each side (four total). On the exterior of the kangaroo flap is a 1.5” (H) x 6” (W) (female) hook-and-loop field for identification patches, and a pouch secured via zipper for smaller items.

On the exterior of the kangaroo pouch is a zipper-secured 7” (H) x 7” (W) x 2.5” (D) accessory pouch that opens 2/3’s down the sides for easy access. On its exterior is a square 4” (H) x 5” (L) (female) hook-and-loop field for identification or morale patches. The bottom of the accessory pouch has a single drainage grommet. At the top of the interior of the kangaroo pouch is a 9.5” (H) x 4.5” (W) zipper-secured accessory pouch for sunglasses, electronics, or other immediate-need items.

At the top of the HANS pack is a hook-and-loop access panel for three ports (any combination of hydration tubes or radio antennas/cables). Each as a separate pull tab for customization. Over the ports is a reinforced carrying handle with an internal rubberized tube that gives the handle its rigidity. The nylon material of the carrying handle continues down the sides and covers an access port on either side of the pack for extra communication cables.

On either side of the HANS is a 4” (W) x 8” (H) x 2” (D) vertical storage pouch designed to fit the standard C4 charge, or more practically a Nalgene water bottle. The bottom of each side pouch is a single drainage grommet.

The backpanel has a series seven MOLLE/PALS webbing panels, down two separate rows, of the back. Combined with the extra length of nylon affixed at the top of the pack, will give the HANS the ability to mount to a plate carrier or pack (not included). The 2.5” wide shoulder straps have ¼” thick contoured padding, an adjustable sternum strap, and are removable at the top and have Fastex buckles at the bottom.

On the bottom of the HANS is a drainage grommet, and two MOLLE/PALS webbing panels on each side for securing a shooter’s mat or sleeping bag.

The HANS main storage compartment is 9” (W) x 17” (H) x 6” (D) and secured via dual zipper that opens the top 1/3 of the pack. Inside is a mesh hydration sleeve almost the entire height of the pack with an anchoring strap on the top. The HANS comes with a 100-ounce hydration bladder.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 14” (W) x 17” (H) x 12” (D)
• 500D Cordura
• Fastek Buckles

The HANS Backpack is available in Hunter Orange (featured), Multicam, Black, Coyote Tan, OD Green, and Desert Digital.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At an MSRP of $282.00 the HANS Backpack incorporates many materials that allow it to double as EOD or Assaulter’s pack, or as an effective EDC or bug out bag. Other market alternatives are the Exigent Circumstance Pack ($281) by First Spear, or the Huron Assaulter’s Sustainment Pack ($299) by TYR Tactical. All options follow the same design and incorporate similar materials that make the HANS of average and equal cost to that of its competitors.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): Given the HANS had multiple means of mounting, the comfort of the pack was related to how it was carried.
  • In its stand-alone backpack configuration (the method most commonly used for hunters), the HANS was comfortable given its shoulder pads that, while contoured, only had a ¼” closed foam. When worn loaded down with items for an extended time (3+ hours), the shoulder straps did mitigate some of the weight, but was not as comfortable as other market shoulder pads utilizing thicker open-cell/air mesh padding. It was evident the principle design of carrying the HANS was for it to be on a plate carrier or pack.
  • When mounted to a plate carrier or perhaps a load-bearing vest, the weight was far more comfortable, integrating itself into the weight distribution of the carrier and over the entire upper torso. There is little risk of overloading the HANS as the size of its main storage compartment and other pockets would be well within the abrasion resistance and tensile strength of the materials and hardware.
  • A final observation noted were the zippers, although not YKK, functioned easily and did not bind or cross-feed. In the hunter’s variant the high-visibility color panels were bright and easily identifiable.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): There was extensive use of bartack/reverse stitching, as well as double and X-pattern reinforcement at all key stress points. That included added durability to; the shoulder straps, the pack’s pockets, and all MOLLE/PALS webbing. The HANS is designed for field use and the durability of its 500D Cordura and stitching helped ensure it handled a FAST helmet, ammo, hydration bladder, and gear.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): The HANS was lightweight and functional as an EOD or Assaulter’s pack, and now even moreso now as a hunter’s backpack. As such it was not intended to carry extensive amounts of gear and supplies. The external kangaroo pouch did provide immediate access to contents, although bulkier items were a bit tight with the mesh materials. User’s should note any items stored in the kangaroo pouch should be either waterproof or in a protective container/bag as the elements (specifically the rain) will penetrate the sides. The alternative was to place items in the accessory or main storage compartment because both had overlap material over the zippers to avoid moisture penetration. The three access ports on the top and two sides provided a unique means to keep communication cables and hydration tubes organized but accessible. The high-visibility safety orange panels were easily identified from significant distances and through dense brush.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 2.3 pounds the HANS Backpack was very lightweight thanks to a traditional blend of Cordura and mesh fabrics. Thus, for a light pack it was a very functional piece of gear that carried daily and mission essentials without wearing on the body. The HANS was worn for approximately three hours (completely loaded) to gage its effects on the back and shoulders, with minimal fatigue noted during stressors. In comparison, the newer ECP weighs 2.0 pounds and the Sustainment pack came in at 1.5 pounds, both of which owe their lighter weights to newer fabrics while still keeping similar designs.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com

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.

Debuted at SHOT 2020, the MOLLEminus Belt by Blue Force Gear made waves for its new design and blend of new, lightweight materials. Today BFG offers the MOLLEminus belt in two different configurations; the CHLK (designed with retention for air assault missions), and the GRID (designed for traditional ground forces) belt. Both offer the continuing legacy of BFG’s minimalist and extremely lightweight tactical gear, although as of this review only the CHLK has been released.

Made from laser-cut, composite laminate nylon, the Combat Helo Load-Rated Kit (CHLK) belt is a two-part system that utilizes the inner/outer belt approach to give the wearer a comfortable EDC or daily-wear belt, but when the situation demands it a tactical battle belt that is quickly and easily donned. As such the CHLK (and soon to be released GRID) belt is rated to a tensile strength of 3,500 pounds under static load.

What differentiates the two configurations is the CHLK belt offers a Hybrid AustriAplin COBRA Buckle, and two reinforced “clip-in” retention points (one in front and one at the rear) with rubberized coating. Anchoring both the buckle and retention points is a continual, uncut band of Type 13 webbing inside the CHLK outer belt that gives added strength and support.

The inner 2” belt is made from a blend of smooth, inner-facing laminate nylon with an exterior-facing band of hook-and-loop (female). The inner belt is multi-angle, intended to contour to the wearer’s hip and worn threaded through the trousers’ belt loops—then secured by a pass-through, cinch strap. There is some overlap in the inner belt at the front for added protection, with any excess in the cinch strap secured against the outward-facing hook-and-loop.

As noted above, the CHLK outer belt is a multi-angular, low-profile platform that is intended to prevent potential snagging and contour to the wearer’s hips for maximum comfort and prevent “ride up”. The outer belt secures to the inner with the associated inward-facing hook-and-loop (male) band.

The outer belts are made from a combination of composite and ULTRAcomp nylon laminate with three rows of laser-cut MOLLEminus sections for mounting any Helium Whisper Attachment System, or associated MOLLE-mounting pouches and/or accessories. Holding it all together BFG uses TEX 70 bonded nylon thread to draw multiple lines, bartack, and other reinforcement stitches to maximize tensile strength.

When available to the public, the MOLLEminus belt will be in a variety of colors to include; Multicam (featured), Black, OD/Ranger Green, and Coyote Brown and be in sizes 30” – 44” physical waist size.

For the purposes of this evaluation, other BFG pouches were added to evaluate how the belt performed under conditions as close as intended. They are however, not part of the belt’s scoring.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): With an MSRP of $199.99, the CHLK Belt brings together tested hardware with proprietary Blue Force Gear laminate nylon for immense strength and abrasion resistance. This is in comparison to other market belts with similar design and materials, such as the Task Force Belt ($192) by Ronin, the SET Warbelt ($183) by Snake Eater Tactical, the Contact Series Belt w/Inner Belt ($135) by G-Code Holsters, or the Trident Operator’s Belt ($159) by T3 Gear. This all puts the CHLK belt in the upper tier of the market of options, reflecting its newer design and materials. Thus, the CHLK Belt, at its current price point, is fair considering what is included. 
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The sizing to the CHLK Belt was very specific, and was based on the physical circumference of the user’s waist, and not trouser size. With the proper sizing, the belt was very lightweight, and its multi-angular cut hugged the waistline giving the belt a proper and ergonomic feel. As items/pouches were added, the weight was distributed throughout the belt preventing it from pulling or rolling on any specific side of the body. When seated in a vehicle or chair, the rear retention point did collapse and allowed for comfortable positioning. One observed aspect of concern was that it was a little difficult to manipulate the Hybrid COBRA buckle due to its smaller profile in the larger hands of the user. While it did consistently function, it was not as easy to grab as perhaps a full-sized COBRA buckle. While this is merely a weight-saving option on the part of Blue Force Gear and the overall belt’s design, it is something the consumer should be aware of. It may be of interest to Blue Force Gear to make the buckle of the CHLK Belt an optional upgrade to have the full-sized buckle included.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): From a durability aspect the CHLK Belt did an amazing job of not only retaining its profile, but showing very little wear to key stress points or fraying. This included swapping out pouches and accessories a number of times to try different configurations, and brands of pouches. With a majority of the CHLK Belt made from ULTRAcomp and composite laminate nylon, its various layers held up remarkably well despite and flexing or dynamic movements. Extensive bartack and reinforced TEX 70 bonded stitching was noted throughout the belt, particularly at the tie-in points and for securing the buckle to the belt’s reinforcement. The Hybrid COBRA Buckle itself was composed of 7075 aluminum alloy and provided great strength in retention and locking. The buckle itself was rated, per the manufacturer, for a variety of safety standards and load tested to 11,000 pounds while BFG rated the overall belt at 3,500—all of which are well above what the average user would need in load capacity for airborne operations on an individual’s belt.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): The key aspect to the CHLK Belt’s function is its multi- angular cut, so that as the belt wrapped around the waist it actually contoured to the body vice being a linear belt and bowing. This made the CHLK Belt far more comfortable then its contemporaries simply on that feature alone. Other aspects, such as the tie-in points and buckle consistently functioned when appropriate—with the tie-in points appropriately collapsing flat as needed (such as sitting in a chair or vehicle, or to mount a pouch over it). These elements all added to the overall function and strength for those who necessitate airborne operations, hunting, or for other uses.  One area of recommended improvement for Blue Force Gear would be to develop a small hook-and-loop field to bond/secure the excess adjustment strap for the buckle. There are several loops to aid in this, but the material tended to creep and flop around if there was an excess. A side note as well, when passing the Helium Whisper tabs through the laser cut MOLLE field on the CHLK Belt, the inner liner hook-and-loop (male) material often snagged/pulled on the hook-and-loop (female) on the tabs – often causing strain on the associated threading and folding the material. Not a negative against the belt, but the pouches – particularly the mounting tabs were a little problematic that worsened the more times a pouch was mounted/removed.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): As always, the weight of an item also correlates to its overall size. In this evaluation, a size 40 belt was used and weighed in at approximately 13 ounces (or 3.4 ounces for the inner belt and 9.6 ounces for the outer). This reflects the weight-saving use of the ULTRAcomp and composite laminate nylon throughout the design while it sacrificed none of the function or strength. Over time while worn, this lightweight belt was very noticeable in the hips not only in improved comfort, but fatigue in the hip joints and legs where heavier belts often pull on. In contrast, the Task Force Belt (1.2 pounds), the SET Warbelt (1.7 pounds), the Contact Series Belt w/Inner Belt (1.5 pounds) by G-Code Holsters, or the Trident Operator’s Belt (1.27 pounds) all illustrate that while material does split the hair in terms of mere ounces, the lightweight materials of Blue Force Gear’s ULTRAcomp makes it an amazingly lighter and minimalist option for those considering such an excellent option.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/molleminus-belt

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 carry large quantities of equipment while maintaining equal weight distribution, the Pathfinder 2.5 by TRU-SPEC® is an evolution over its predecessor by offering improved compartmentalization of essential items and features for expanded capability.

Introduced in 2015, the Pathfinder 2.5 is made from 1050D nylon that offers mid- or high-end abrasion resistance. At approximately 19” (H) x 13” (W) x 7” (D) its overall carrying capacity is approximately 39 liters of cubic space.

Exterior

The adjustable, contoured, dual shoulder straps featurean over-the-shoulder design with sternum strap and padded air mesh for increased comfort when the pack is fully loaded. The air mesh padding is extended throughout the pack’s back panel and weapon concealment pouch as well. On either side is an 8” (H) x 6” (W) accessory pocket secured via drawstring zipper for immediate access to essential items.

On the exterior of the main compartment, is a 10” (H) x 12” (W) admin pocket that includes; a retention lanyard for keys, one 7” (H) x 10” (W) zippered pocket behind a 6” (H) x 10” (W) sleeve, a small hook-and-loop secured accessory pocket, two card sleeves, and two pen sleeves. Above the admin pocket is a 5” (H) x 7” (W) accessory pocket with mesh lining/pocket on the interior side of the access flap. On the external side of the access flap is a 3” (H) x 5” (W) hook-and-loop field for identification patches.

The kidney pad of the pack’s back panel doubles a weapon concealment pocket and is secured via a curved pull-string zipper. On the bottom of the pack are two drainage grommets and four MOLLE panels.

On the pack’s right side is a concealed laptop pouch designed to accommodate most 15” laptops that is protected by the air mesh padding on the back panel and interior compartment, then secured via pull-string zipper.

Throughout the exterior of the Pathfinder 2.5 are multiple MOLLE straps for added compatibility

At the top of the pack is a padded drag handle that is reinforced via bartac stitching, and on either side are hook-and-loop access panels to the interior storage compartment for headphones or hydration tubes. Between the drag handle and shoulder straps is a 4” (H) x 6” (W) fleece-lined sunglasses pouch secured with another pull-string zipper.

Internal

The internal storage compartment to the Pathfinder 2.5 is reinforced on either side of the exterior with side cinch straps and slide-release buckles to ensure the stored items remain secure. The main storage space includes a rigid backboard for stability and support, a hydration sleeve with MOLLE straps on the exterior, and two mesh lining/pockets on the interior side of the access flap.

The Pathfinder 2.5 Backpack comes in Black (featured) and is made of 1050D nylon. While the website still lists Coyote and Multicam as alternatives, those options have been discontinued.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At the time of this writing, the cost of the Pathfinder 2.5 is $119.95 and comparatively priced within the market for similar-sized (approx. 39 cubic liters of storage space), dual-strap backpacks. This is due mainly to the amount of nylon used that ensures long-lasting abrasion resistance.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): With regards to comfort in packs, really it comes down to how the design in the shoulder straps mitigate the weight and strain of the pack on/against the body. In the case of the Pathfinder 2.5, the padded air mesh carrying straps have a unique over-the-shoulder design that ensures the weight of the pack remains close and high to the shoulders. Furthermore, the carrying straps have offset seams so to avoid pressing that up against the neck/spine. Add in the thickness of the overall shoulder strap pads and the padded panels on the back of the pack, the end result is an almost pillow-like feel that helps mitigate carrying a large amount of weight for extended time/distance. By design, there is no waist strap to help further balance the weight of the pack, so the entire load will be on the upper torso.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The Pathfinder 2.5 comes in 1050D nylon that will be stiffer and have a tighter weave than lesser denier rated packs and play into the overall increased abrasion resistance. With reinforced stitching and bartac at all key stress points and MOLLE straps, it will have a significant amount of durability regardless of how the user employs it. Likely the hardware will wear out long before the pack does.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): A significant amount of functionality went into the design of the Pathfinder 2.5. The side accessory and eyeglass pockets give you immediate-ready access to essential items, while the MOLLE straps throughout give you added capability for expansion to other accessories with similar mounting devices. Even the side cinch straps have hook-and-loop retainers to keep the excess under control (though it would have been nice if such feature had been extended to the shoulder and sternum straps). The hidden compartment for a laptop is an added bonus for any field researcher or traveler. The firearm pocket is somewhat awkward to access unless you have the pack off, so there is no immediate-access while wearing it (somewhat defeating the purpose of it as a concealed carry pocket). One noted design aspect was when accessing the main compartment, and placed on the straps, the zipper to the main compartment is at the top—thus negating the risk of smaller items spilling out.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At approximately 3.35 pounds (empty) the Pathfinder 2.5 is comparable in weight to other packs of similar size, this is due to the amount of nylon and other materials that go into making it.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.truspec.com/backpacks/double-strap/pathfinder-25-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.