High Ground Media, LLC

Building off the success of its Gunfighter Jeans; at SHOT Show in 2020 Viktos unveiled its Operatus Demin Pant, which is intended to provide a low-profile tactical jean with all the functionality to carry your EDC.

Made completely from 12oz. stretch denim, the Operatus has all the external appearance of the everyday jeans, but a number of features specific for those of the tactical mindset. The overall cut of the jeans includes a slightly oversized thigh to meet the need for more dynamic movements. The Operatus also includes Viktos’ Attackposture™ design, a four-way, flexible panel that provides maximum flexibility to accommodate a variety of shooting stances.

At the waist, seven 2.25” belt loops (four in the front and three in the back) with extensive bartack maintain the durability of the material while supporting the beltline. The traditional four-pocket layout (two in the front, two in the back) have an additional watch pocket inside the front right. An additional, 4” wide low-profile thigh accessory pocket is on the top of each side (and remains accessible even when seated in a car), while an additional 3” wide low-profile, angled accessory pocket is behind both sides of the hip (between the front and rear pockets). Under the left rear pocket is a stylized stitch representing the Viktos “Sword & Shield”. The Viktos “Unconquered” branding appears on the interior of the front right pocket.

The Operatus features a four-shank button fly that gives a comfortable and secure hold.

A gusseted crotch adds flexibility and movement, while maintaining breathability for the wearer.

Available in Indigo (featured) or Nightfall (coming soon) the Operatus Demin Pant comes in sizes that range from 28” to 44” waist, and 30” to 36” length.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At a starting price of $99, the Operatus is made completely from 12oz. stretch denim that gives it a comfortable and low-profile appearance intended for every day wear. Similar to a pair of Levis without all the hipster scuffs and skinny leg cuts, the Operatus will give the wearer access to wide pockets for magazines and EDC items, at a comfortable cut. Similar comparisons would be in 5.11’s Defender-Flex Jean ($69.99), or Kuhl’s Ryder Jean ($89), or Triple Aught Design Intercept PD Jean ($145). Obviously there is a dearth market for tactical trousers with designer-quality “tactical” clothing lines at the top of the cost range, and more inexpensive manufacturers that utilize cheaper quality materials on the bottom. The Operatus is priced appropriately (or average) within this market.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): Interestingly, the 12oz. denim of the Operatus was surprisingly softer than most “tactical” denim trousers. Something attributed to the fabric’s mid-weight rating, and gave it a balance in abrasion resistance that was not excessively stiff. Generally, denim that is lightweight (below 12 oz.) may be softer and the most comfortable, but fray easily. The heavy-weight (16oz. and above) will be stiff because of the increased abrasion resistance, but will slowly soften over time. The Operatus struck the near perfect balance of being at the top of the of the 12-15oz, mid-weight range of fabrics with all its advantages, and yet had the softness and flexibility of lighter denim. The gusset in the crotch helped ensure there was plenty of flexibility and room for more dynamic movements. Worn for approximately a 30-day cycle, the Operatus went through several laundry cycles and care should be exercised to follow the care and handling instructions lest the denim shrinks unintentionally.
• Durability – Good (4/5): As denim goes, the Operatus had a good level of durability for every day wear. The material did not fray throughout wear of an IWB holster for daily use, nor from an OWB holster and belt on the range. On closer inspection the Operatus had bartack stitching on the belt loops, and as reinforcement to the shank button fly loops. Double line stitching reinforced the pockets and overall fly itself for added reinforcement to ensure they weren’t over stretched. The special elastic aspect of the material was most notable around the waistline and in the back yolk of the jeans.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Operatus jean fit and performed much like any other pair of jeans, with a few exceptions. First, the Operatus had wide front and rear pockets that could accommodate a rifle magazine or other EDC items, this made it a good fit for either daily wear, or were comfortably fitted for the range. Second, the added front thigh and back hip pockets made it easier to distribute smaller EDC items (such as a pocket torch, knuckle duster, etc.). These additional pockets allowed the wearer to expand on what could be carried while still having them accessible as they were sitting. The cut of the jeans was slightly tapered to the bottom with plenty of room in the upper thigh and gusset for movement. All of these gave the Operatus a low-visibility profile, with a good ability to fit any need of the wearer.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): With its 12oz denim weighing in at 1.13 pounds, the Operatus has roughly the amount of fabric as you would expect for any other quality jean. There wasn’t a lot of over-material, and what excess there was assisted in the upper thigh and crotch with more room for dynamic movements. In comparison with other tactical jeans, where the weight of the denim was more the unit of measure than weight of the overall garment, the 5.11’s Defender-Flex Jean (with 10oz. denim), or Kuhl’s Ryder Jean (with 10oz. denim), or Triple Aught Design Intercept PD Jean (with 11.75oz. denim) all leave the Operatus at the top of the competition with near the same denim quality—but not quite.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/pants/products/operatus-denim?variant=31736896651360

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 First Responder Bag by Tactical Tailor gives the user a flexible, easy-to-access medical response bag that organizes and secures its life saving medical items and/or contents. The bag’s design lends its functionality to be carried in a variety of configurations that meet an array of missions.

Exterior

Made from 1000D Cordura, the First Responder is designed as a D-shaped, top-opening medic bag and offers a high degree of abrasion resistance. Along the exterior, extensive MOLLE webbing around its circumference provides ample anchoring points for attachments, pouches, rings, or other items.

On the top-opening “lid” an accessory pouch, secured by two YKK zippers with paracord pull strings, gives immediate access to smaller, high-necessity items. On top of the accessory pouch is a sheath for medical shears, that is secured by an adjustable slide-release buckle.

The backpanel of the First Responder bag includes a removable strap with slide-release buckle that allows the medical bag to be worn around the waist, cross body, around a vehicle headrest, or removed and mount the bag to a pack/belt via malice clips (not included). The bottom of the bag has a single drainage grommet.

Interior

The interior of the First Responder features a variety of elastic cuff material with different widths to secure and organize different-sized medical items. These cuffs run along the interior of the backpanel (varying in size), along the internal divider, and along the interior of the “lid”.

There is a flexible divider, towards the front interior, that gives an internal compartment to lose items that can also be stored in the enclosed space.

The bottom of the First Responder has a high-visibility orange panel sewn into it that assists in visual recognition and eliminates any “shadow” at the bottom of the bag.

Specifications:

• 12″ (L) x 6.5″ (H) x 5.25″ (W)
• 1000D Cordura
• YKK Zipper

The First Responder comes in OD Green (featured), Black, Multicam, Ranger Green, and Coyote.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): For $106.65, the First Responder bag provides a solid medium between an Individual First Aid Kit, and larger dedicated medic bags. This gives the user the ability to pack medical items (or whatever you put in it) at an acceptable level to address multiple injuries or casualties. Comparable medical bags include the TSSi TACOPS Tactical EMS Bag ($89), S.O. Tec Go Bag, Mini A1 ($125), and TYR Tactical Huron Medical Waist Pack ($179) which would place Tactical Tailor’s variant at the better price point/value—although each offers something slightly different that may appeal to the wearer.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): As a whole, when fully loaded, the First Responder was amazingly comfortable (when worn around the waist) thanks in part to its D-shape design that placed the flat, soft backpanel of the bag against the flat of the lower back. Given that the bag is 1000D Cordura, it was flexible enough to contour to the body, and had sufficient rigidity to keep its shape and maintain the compartmentalization of the items inside. The only suggestion to Tactical Tailor would be to add a set of elastic belt keepers to the removable strap as when it was worn around the waist or mounted to a vehicle’s headrest, there was an excessive amount of material left dangling that proved distracting and/or snagged on items. With the addition of belt keepers, the material would be secured and kept clear of the workspace.
• Durability – Good (4/5): As stated, the First Responder is made from 1000D Cordura that gave it a high-degree of abrasion resistance. All MOLLE webbing on the exterior, and elastic bands in the interior, were reinforced with bartack stitching and gave the bag an added level of reinforcement. It should be noted that while there are two rows of MOLLE on the front to hang accessories, the backpanel has five MOLLE rows to add strength to the bag when mounting it on other packs or panels. Research of customer feedback denoted that the most common failure of the First Responder bag was in the YKK zipper, but these were from individuals who were dedicated Pararescue or EMS and used the bag extensively. It should be noted that in each stated case Tactical Tailor did honor their warrantee and replaced the bag.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional standpoint, the First Responder met the requirement of between an IFAK and dedicated medical bag. It allowed the user to store the equivalent of two+ standard IFAKs inside, with room and elastic sleeves to spare. It did however, not accommodate a full-sized Combat Life Saver bag with two IV bags and corresponding tubing/needles. This confirms the premise of design that the First Responder was one intended for immediate aid, and not advanced care. The top-opening “lid” and corresponding high-vis bottom made for very nice features that kept the contents compartmentalized and easily identifiable. The only noted suggestion here for Tactical Tailor would be to adjust the spacing of the elastic cuff material on the inside of the lid and along the divider, just as it did along the interior of the backpanel. This would improve the functionality of being able to secure different sized items in these areas rather than all similar sized ones.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 1 pound (empty), the amount of items added to the First Responder directly affected the overall weight born by the user. However, the bag easily held two standard IFAKs with still room, none of which made for an excessive weight around the waist nor became tiresome. The bag was worn for an average timeframe (4+ hours) and remained comfortable throughout and did not pull the waist nor body over during movement. The comparable market alternatives listed above averaged between 1 pound and 1.5 pounds (depending on Denier rating of the nylon and associated hardware), putting the First Responder bag as one of the lighter alternatives available.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.tacticaltailor.com/firstresponderbag.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.

Continuing to advance its line of minimalist and durable tactical pouches, Blue Force Gear (BFG) recently released its Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Mag Pouch. This “stackable” pouch includes an outer band of laser-cut MOLLE material that allows for adding pouches, such as BFG’s Ten-Speed Single/Double Pistol Pouches. Combined with BFG’s newest PlateMINUS V4 plate carrier, the overall system is an extremely lightweight and functional option.

Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Mag Pouch

Introduced in late 2019, the Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Mag Pouch builds on BFG’s line of minimalist Ten-Speed Pouches and includes a single row of MOLLE on the front to stack additional pouches.  Made from the same Ten-Speed 500D military-grade elastic as other Blue Force Gear products, Stackable Ten-Speed pouch is made to hold three M4 style magazines (or other similar sized items). It provides a secure and weight efficient pouch, that has a minimal cross-section when empty. It uses TEX 70 bonded nylon thread throughout to ensure all stress points maintain their durability.

The rear of the Stackable Ten-Speed pouch has BFG’s proprietary Helium Whisper MOLLE mounting system made from ULTRAcomp laminate, giving it a threaded strength greater than 1000D nylon while reducing overall weight by up to 60%. The ULTRAcomp from the back of pouch is extended around to the front of the pouch, and forms a single column of laser-cut MOLLE compatible to all MOLLEminus™ slots.  This feature adds one MOLLE column per magazine pocket, and increases the abrasion resistance of the pouch’s bottom edge.

The Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Mag Pouch is available in several size and color options; for single, double, or triple (featured) magazine configuration and in either Multicam (featured), Coyote, or Black.

Specifications:

• Dimension, Single Mag: 5.5” (H) x 3.5” (W)
• Dimension, Double Mag: 5.5” (H) x 6.5” (W)
• Dimension, Triple Mag: 5.5” (H) x 9.5” (W)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/stackable-ten-speed-m4-mag-pouch

Ten-Speed Single Pistol Mag Pouch

The Ten-Speed Pistol Mag Pouch was introduced circa 2017 and is intended to hold either a single or double stack pistol magazine. Much like other Ten-Speed Pouches, the Pistol Mag Pouch use military grade elastic combined with ULTRAcomp to create a minimalist pouch that is lightweight and lays flat when not in use.

The rear of the Pistol Mag Pouch features BFG’s Helium Whisper attachment system that is compatible with any MOLLE platform.

Specifications:

• Dimension, Single Mag: 4″ (H) x 2” (W)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/ten-speed-single-pistol-mag-pouch.html

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): Price for the Stackable Ten-Speed pouch varies based on configuration ($34.95 – Single Magazine, $44.95 – Double Magazine, or $54.95 – Triple Magazine), with a minimal cost offset based on thread color. Likewise, the Ten-Speed Single Pistol Mag Pouch (sold separately) is $22.95 regardless of color. Considering the unique ULTRAcomp and military-grade elastic, with the adaptive MOLLE’s ability to expand its functionality, the cost is appropriate for the materials used. In comparison to other market alternatives for AR magazine pouches; such as Esstac’s M4 Triple Wedge ($65), Ferro Concepts ADAPT KTAR pouch ($90), or HSGI’s Triple Taco Shingle ($102) they all demonstrate BFG’s Stackable Ten-Speed Pouch is well below the market average thanks to its minimalist design while keeping magazine retention. The same was demonstrated for single pistol magazine pouches; such as First Spear’s Pistol Magazine Pocket ($37.81) or HSGI’s Single Pistol Taco ($27.00). While the list of market alternatives did list cheaper pouches for both triple rifle and single pistol, they were often of lesser quality with lower denier nylon, excess material, or of overseas manufacturing.
• Comfort – Excellent (4/5): The Stackable and Single Pistol pouches were made to the same minimalist standards as other Ten-Speed products by Blue Force Gear, and held the same level of comfort. When empty, the pouches kept a low, collapsed profile and expanded to accommodate magazines when necessary. Attaching the Stackable Ten-Speed pouch and the Single Pistol pouch via the Helium Whisper system was relatively easy and maintained almost no excessive movement. The elastic nylon material retained all magazines through the drills and movement and at no point loosened or stretched. The band of MOLLE material on the Stackable Ten-Speed pouch did aid in re-holstering, as it gave the opening some structure against the magazine. The only negative was on the Single Pistol pouches as the elastic material did hang up some on magazines when re-holstering and is a consistent issue noted to other soft Ten-Speed pouches.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The Stackable Ten-Speed and Single Pistol pouches were made dominantly from BFG’s proprietary ULTRAcomp™ laminate, which has an amazingly high degree of abrasion resistance (stronger than 1000D nylon), minimizes materials needed, and maximizes flexibility. During evaluation the Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Pouch was attached to a PlateMINUS V4 plate carrier, and used during rifle drills and stressors (pushups & burpees). In addition, the Single Pistol Pouches were attached to the band of MOLLE material (appears to be the same ULTRAcomp material from the rear) to expand functionality and the evaluation. These pistol pouches were then pulled on a number of times to evaluate the strength of the MOLLE and mounting systems. The bartack stitching was noted at key stress points to prevent separation between materials or tear. At no point did the pouches tear or fail to retain the magazines, and the Helium Whisper system maintained a secure connection to the carrier. Some minimal fraying along the opening edges of the pistol pouches was observed, but not the rifle pouches. This most was likely attributed to the Stackable Ten-Speed’s band of MOLLE material which gave those pouches added reinforcement along the outer edge.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Stackable Ten-Speed and Single Pistol pouches accomplished its intended means of securing magazines by being reliant on the full-pouch, elastic 500D Cordura material. While other vendors often supplement rifle pouches by including shock cord or hook-and-loop over the top of the magazine, the Ten-Speed material retained its elasticity over the entire height of the pouch despite continued holstering/drawing of magazines. However, on the pistol pouches and because of the soft, elastic Ten-Speed material, it was sometimes difficult to drive the magazines home with the edges getting hung up. As noted in Durability this was notably less of a problem with the Stackable Ten-Speed M4 Pouches because of the band of MOLLE material. The top tab of the band of MOLLE material also served as an impromptu point of positive control when holding the pouch open as well. Over time, some minimal fraying was noted along the edging of the magazine pouches, but that was comparable to other Ten-Speed items through persistent use.
• Weight – Excellent (4/5): For this evaluation, the triple magazine configuration for the Stackable Ten-Speed was used and weighed 3.6 ounces (without magazines), while the Single Pistol Mag weighed 0.6 ounces each (again without magazines). This felt amazingly light for a minimalist setup in comparison to more traditional and bulkier variants of the magazine pouches. For example, the HSGI’s Triple Taco Shingle (9.5 ounces) and its Single Pistol Taco (1.28 ounces) were both well above the weight of BFG’s products. But this disparity again came down to differences in design, amount of materials (i.e. nylon) involved, and overall design. Blue Force Gear’s Ten-Speed products are intended to provide the end-user with a minimalist approach, while sacrificing little in the product’s function or durability.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

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.