High Ground Media, LLC

Expanding on its Laminate Carrier line, in 2023 T3 Gear introduced the Range Day Placard to bridge the function of its Range Day chest rig with its LC Plate Carrier. As such, the Range Day Placard (RDP) is ideal for cross-compatibility between the two platforms while providing a smooth, snag-free profile.

The RDP is an envelope pocket design with an overall dimension of 9” (L) X 5” (H) X 1” (W) and made predominantly of laminate (that is half the thickness of a dime with four times the abrasion resistance of 1,000D Cordura). The magazine storage pocket is fully lined with hook-and-loop (female) material for attaching various magazine inserts, flaps, or pockets using corresponding hook-and-loop (male) material.

From the front, the RDP features laser-cut MOLLE slots, with four bands of hook-and-loop (female) material, for attaching various morale or identification panels. In addition, a fifth band of Cordura nylon is stitched at the bottom of the exterior field to provide a supportive base if/when attaching further pouches.

Both sides include One-Wrap hook-and-loop straps (four total) for attaching polymer side-release buckles (not included) that can then be used to attach the associated RDP to any other associated chest harness type. Alternatively, the length of the straps can be adjusted to attach other accessories as chosen.

The rear of the RDP has sectional hook-and-loop (male) material for attaching to corresponding fields on a carrier or back panel (not included), and provides an anchor point on which the two bands of One-Wrap material can be attached to when not wanted.

The bottom of the RDP has a drainage slit between each of the three magazine slots to allot pass-through of fluid or debris.

Included with the RDP is a single magazine insert, stitched into slots for three rifle magazines. Each slot also includes added shock cord retention for added security to the magazines. The exterior of the insert is lined with hook-and-loop (male) to attach to the interior of the RDP envelope pocket.

The Range Day Placard is available in Multicam (featured), Ranger Green, Coyote Brown, and Black.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): Priced at an MSRP of $49.99, the Range Day Placard is a multi-use chest placard intended to be scalable by the end-user (through other add-on items from T3 or other manufacturers) and used either on a plate carrier, or as part of a chest rig. Made almost entirely from laminate nylon, with a hook-and-loop (female) lined pocket and backing of hook-and-loop (male), the RDP comes with two adjustable slide-release buckles at the top (for attaching to a carrier or chest rig). Addittionally, there are two bands on each side of One-Wrap hook-and-loop material to use in conjunction with optional shoulder straps (sold separately) of a chest rig. In contrast, the Micro Fight Chassis Mk5 ($49.95) by Spiritus Systems, the Maximus Placard ($119) from HRT Tactical, or the Adaptive Placard ($79.99) from Wilde Custom Gear are the closest comparator. As a complete placard design, for both plate carrier and chest rig usage (and made of laminate nylon), the T3 RDP is at an excellent price point compared to other stand-alone placards.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The choice of the laminate nylon throughout the placard ensured the RDP maintained enough abrasion resistance (despite its reduced fabric thickness). It also allowed for the material to still be flexible enough to contour to the curvature of the carrier or upper torso while worn, or manipulated for magazine insertion/removal. Thus, the corners and reinforced stitching neither scratched nor gouged the wearer during dynamic movements, and allowed the RDP to be used as intended. The full-pocket hook-and-loop (female) pocket inside the RDP allowed for easy application, removal, and customization of the depth to the magazine insert based on individual needs. The One-Wrap material did consistently retain hold regardless if worn behind the placard or threaded through the side slots, and no slippage in fabric was noted when properly applied. Given that the RDP is intended to dual-use as a plate carrier placard and as a chest rig placard, it is recommended to T3 that they consider including a padded backer to the RDP so the hook-and-loop material on the back does not become abrasive to exposed skin or fabrics. As is, the RDP does not come with one and the consumer will be left to either provide one or take from a different placard that has a corresponding dimension.
• Durability – Average (3/5): The durability of laminate nylon as one of the latest fabrics, often places the fabric with an abrasion rating at/above 1000D and greater than many other of the more traditional nylons. This translated to a placard that was lighter, durable, and more pliable than traditional nylon products of similar denier. Extensive bartack reinforcement stitching was noted throughout the RDP, especially at high-stress corners and reinforcing the hook-and-loop panel inside and on the back of the placard. Perhaps the only aspect from a durability concern was unrelated to the RDP, but rather the elastic nylon magazine insert that went inside the placard and sometimes folded over or caught on the magazine’s hard point corners. The edges of this insert could wear prematurely over time. Otherwise, the RDP’s hook-and-loop (female) panels remained in good use throughout and despite continual readjustments, and the edges did not curl nor experience any threading issues/failures. The One-Wrap hook fabric did take on some wear while threading through buckles to convert it to a chest rig, and it is recommended to end-users to fully thread the One-Wrap fabric through the buckle rather than folding it.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, as a single pocket placard, the RDP performed appropriately (or of average use) during range evaluations. The adjustable upper slide-release buckles (which were used to adjust the height of the overall placard in relation to the carrier), combined with the rear hook-and-loop (male) panel, ensured it remained secured and did not shift unnecessarily during use or dynamic movements. The laser-cut MOLLE slots on the front-facing exterior allowed the end-user to add additional pouches as desired, while keeping the main rifle pouch available as needed. The shock cord retention bands and nylon insert retained positive control of the magazines, though the flexible nylon pull tabs and the edges of the insert occasionally folded over/closed and made tactile control or rehoming magazines somewhat difficult (typical for that type of design). The One-Wrap straps on both sides leave open the option for converting the placard from use as a plate carrier placard into a micro chest rig placard by attaching slide-release buckles (not included) or attaching accessories like chemlights, carabiners, etc. A recommendation for T3 would be to add four slide-release (female) buckles with the RDP so the end user would have the necessitating hardware to convert the RDP to a chest rig placard, and not need to search the internet for it. End-users should note the RDP also does not come with a padded back panel or fabric cover, so if converting it to chest rig they will need to find an alternative cover to prevent the back hook-and-loop (male) material from being abrasive. For this review, the harness of a T3 Spear Chest Rig V2 was used to convert the RDP to a chest rig, and the buckles and padded back panel fit the RDP correctly. A second recommendation to T3 would be to make the back hook-and-loop field one contiguous piece (like what Spiritus or HRT does with their placards), including to the extent of the upper corners and to the edges where there was currently no coverage. It was noted that while worn with a carrier, these upper corners/edges did not secure to the carrier (but not to the point as to compromise the security of the placard’s connection to the carrier).
• Weight – Average (3/5): As a complete placard setup (with magazine insert), the RDP weighed in at 6.4 ounces. This total weight was directly attributed to the relative light weight of the laminate nylon itself as a fabric (which can be a fraction of traditional nylon but have the abrasion resistance equal to 1000D nylon), and still retained a good level of reinforcement stitching as needed. This light weight made the RDP (unloaded) neither awkward nor distracting off the front of a plate carrier or as part of a chest rig. In contrast, the Mk5 Micro Fight (10 ounces) by Spiritus, the Maximus Placard (16 ounces), the Adaptive Placard (10 ounces) from Wilde Custom Gear all illustrate that the Range Day Placard was among other lighter dedicated placards on the market and appropriate (or average) for its use.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com/t3-range-day-placard-lc/

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 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.

One overlooked aspect of tactical training or operations on the objective is the respiratory health of those in harms way. Yet with the dust, carbonized metal and lead, smoke and more—those individuals can inhale a lot of harmful particulates (even in well ventilated training houses). Over time this can translate to harmful health risks. The TR2 by O2 Tactical is one of only a few to consider these risks and works to minimize its exposure to those who work in harm’s way.

Introduced in 2020, the TR2 is the second generation of tactical respirators by O2 Tactical and is made from a combination of formed soft-touch, medical grade silicone, shaped ABS plastic, and a central raspatory filter.

The harnessing system consists of a continuous two-part head band that has a lower elastic nylon material for support and comfort, and the upper rubberized head band for retention. As the lower is expanded, the upper is cinched and vice versa. Overall length for the head band is adjusted via slide buckles on the upper band near the front face mask.

The front face of the TR2 features a base, contoured layer of medical grade silicone that is designed to fit around the mouth and nose during dynamic movement, while still maintaining a low enough profile to accommodate eyewear. There is even sufficient material to accommodate a proper seal with facial hair.

As part of the front face is a clip-on attachment that houses the principal air filter. The main intent for this filter is to prevent the inhalation of aerosolized lead from discharged ammunition. The filter itself is made from a material that is effective up to 98.8% at 0.3 microns. This means it will stop any airborne particulates found in the lead from gunfire discharge or suppressor use, asbestos, lubricant mist, dust, dirt, carbon from wildfires, and some airborne pathogens. In late 2020, O2 Tactical submitted for certification of its TR2 filter as N95 rated. Editor’s Note: It is important to note to the reader, the TR2 filter is not currently rated to filter out the COVID-19 virus, which is 0.125 microns but still offers comparable protections as N95 or other face masks.

Below the filter clip-on is a removable tube that allows the TR2 to be compatible with various Invisio® headsets for microphone integration and team communications using the associated O2 Tactical accessory (sold separately).

The TR2 is only available in Black (featured), and is a one-size-fits-most.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At a list price of $225 the TR2 is the latest rendition of tactical respirators from O2 Tactical, and involves an air filtration system that provides freedom of airflow and respiratory safety to those training or operating in enclosed areas. While the focus of the TR2 is for those in a tactical setting, the product also has potential applicability for civilians amid the ongoing COVID era. The only market alternative to the TR2 would be the Special Operations Tactical Respirator – SOTR ($300) by OpsCore/Gentex. Thus from a price point; and for its more minimalist design, the TR2 is at a good value for its functionality.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): It took a little time to find the appropriate balance between expanding/cinching the TR2’s harness system that allowed for a good seal, and was still comfortable. The sliding buckles did provide a solid adjustment to the overall length of the harness without any slippage. The TR2 silicone had a comfortable contour around the mouth and nose, although felt unstable as the lower portion of the TR2’s design rests on the Mentolabial Crease (that spot between your lower lip and the chin) rather than extending down to enclose the entire chin. The result was a secure seal only as long as the wearer was not extending the jaw (such as to opening the mouth to talk or shout), but when maximum range of motion was applied, the mask would lose some of its seal and stability. It is recommended to O2 Tactical to address this in subsequent future designs so that the chin is enclosed and the overall mask maintains its seal for all range of motion. Airflow through the filter was easy and uninterrupted, even when conducting dynamic movements (sprints).
• Durability – Good (4/5): From a durability aspect, the main material in the TR2 was the medical grade silicone, which was both flexible and resistant to abrasion. This is the same material that is in military NBC masks and known for its resistance to oil, solvents, corrosion, and puncture. And similarly, the silicone material in the TR2 heavily attracted lint and other particulates, but that didn’t affect fit or seal. Separately, O2 Tactical detailed that the TR2’s filter was only good for an estimated 40hr of wear time. This was dependent on the atmosphere involved with dust and larger particulates obviously clogging the filter material quicker. A recent study of the TR2 also revealed that the respirator did survive drop testing of 120 times from a height of 1m without any damage to the unit, and the multi-fabric head harness had a lateral sheer strength between 20 and 30 pounds depending on the material tested. All of this far exceeds what the casual user would experience in training or in the field.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the TR2 provided an overall good flow of oxygen to the user, despite the intake passing through a filter and in an enclosed seal. Some minimal beading of moisture on the interior of the unit, and around the filer, was noted after an hour of continual and dynamic wear, but was to be expected and common with this type of device. Removal of the clip-on attachment at the face of the respirator, and replacing the filter was easy to do. However, re-attaching the filter/clip while wearing the mask was somewhat challenging as it relied on alignment of the retention clips that cannot be observed nor felt while wearing the mask. This resulted in several instances where it did not fully seat. This problem was easily resolved by simply removing the mask to remove/replace/reattach the components prior to time on the range or in operation (something that each filter’s 40 hour lifespan could easily handle). The minimalist profile of the mask did allow for comfortable wear of eyewear without fogging as well as shouldering a rifle, all while maintaining a proper seal. The one aspect of function that was concerning was the rigid plastic tab supporting the area of material over the bridge of the nose. This rigid piece did not contour/flex to the nose very well, and could potentially jab the wearer in the soft tissue of the face or around the eye if a frontal impact was experienced. It is recommended to O2 Tactical that if the overall area of silicone material were expanded, as discussed in the Comfort section above, this area of the nose could be thickened and not rely on a rigid plastic spur for structure. Other areas of recommended improvement would be alternative harness/mounting designs to allot for quick attach/detach and/or direct attachment to hook-and-loop panels of a helmet. As is, in its current design the TR2 can only be worn under a helmet or headwear, and can only be removed by first removing the headgear.
• Weight – Good (4/5): With an overall weight of 5.1 ounces (the filter alone accounting for 0.5 ounces) the TR2 was very lightweight and did not detract from the front of the face, nor pull excessively on the neck or muscles over time. Indeed, properly fitted the TR2 hung effortlessly. In contrast, the SOTR (16 ounces) is more than double the weight, but is due to the fact it is more encompassing of the face with a much larger air filer. Thus for its minimalist design and overall function, the TR2 has a good level of light overall weight for the consumer and within the market.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.o2tactical.com/products/tr2-tactical-respirator-ii

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.