High Ground Media, LLC

Released in 2022, the Tramontane Jacket (TJ) is part of the “Outback” of products by Helikon-Tex. Made from a lightweight nylon, the Tramontane epitomizes the need for the ultralight backpacker or those seeing to keep the sun and light weather a bay for a day on the range.

Made entirely out of a lightweight wind pack nylon, and treated with Durable Water Repellent, the TJ is intended to serve as a thin breathable outer layer that offers a quick-drying shell that can easily be compressed and self-packed away inside the front chest pocket for minimal storage.

At its front, the TJ has an attached hoodie (with elastic cuff but without drawstrings) that provides moderate comfort against wind, and can protect the neck from chafe caused be rifle slings or other shoulder straps. On the rear of the hoodie is a nylon band that can be used to draw the hood tighter to the head as desired.

The jacket’s front includes a full-length minimalist YKK zipper. Additionally, a drawstring at the bottom edge allows the end-user to tighten the cuff as desired and minimize any potential wind.

Both sleeves include a low-profile, elastic cuff at the wrist.

The Tramontane Jacket comes in Coyote (featured), Alpha Green, Black, Shadow Grey, and five alternative camouflage patterns – and is available in sizes Small to 3XL.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At a list price of $67.00 USD, the Tramontane Jacket (TJ) is a lightweight, outer shell jacket designed for the ultra-light outdoor industry. It is made from a breathable nylon treated for water resistance, but can easily be self-packed up into its chest pocket (about the side of a soda can) when not needed. Market alternatives to the TJ would include the Squamish Hoody ($159.00) form Arc’teryx, the Houdini Jacket ($73.00) from REI, or the Flash Challenger ($55.00) from Columbia and illustrate that the TJ is one of the more inexpensive wind shell jackets on the current market and a good overall cost for its materials and design.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): From a comfort aspect, the TJ did a appropriate (or average) job of providing that outer shell of weather protection—provided it was modest weather with little wind, and in conjunction with other outerwear. The TJ would not be ideal as a stand-alone jacket in cold or inclement weather, as cold temps easily could be felt and while wind was deflected, moisture saturation did happen after a certain time of exposure along the zip line and the material itself. But the TJ was very lightweight and easily stowable when not in use, which made it more ideal as part of a hiking loadout to defray against those early morning starts. Moreover when saturated, the fabric did dry very quickly. Perhaps one area of suggested improvement for Helikon-Tex to consider in improving the comfort of the TJ would be to reexamine the use of minimalize YKK zippers. The shuttle often became bound up and was difficult to get started, and a more robust zipper would be recommended while adding minimal weight to the overall product.
• Durability – Average (3/5): Durability of the TJ is mainly limited by the thin fabric of the overall outer shell itself. This was directly related to the overall design of the TJ to be a lightweight and compact jacket that works in conjunction with other clothing to give some measure of protection against the rain or wind. As such, the TJ with its thin 100% nylon durability would not be recommended in a dynamic environment with extensive gear, or breaking brush where trees, rocks, and other hard edges will most likely tear at the fabric. The TJ was more suited for trails, jogging, or otherwise a light athletic settings where there is a need for light weather protection. During the course of review, some minor thread pulling was noted along the seams that came into contact with hook-and-loop (male) fabric but remained nothing that couldn’t be easily trimmed or compromised the overall stitch line.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the thin material and lightweight overall design of the TJ lent itself more that the jacket was appropriately (or as averagely) suited for light athletic events rather than a field setting. There was a clear advantage to having a lightweight wind shell jacket that was easily stowed, and would be more ideal for those in temperate climates than higher elevations. The drawstrings at the hood and along bottom helped mitigate overall wind penetration, but when worn as a stand-alone jacket there was still a good deal of heat loss due to the thin fabric itself. The best results observed; while worn independently, came from wearing associated gear over the top of the TJ and utilizing the jacket more as an outer shell to clothing and provided protection against wind chill—then (if needed) to add another jacket to retain body heat. As noted in the previous comfort section, the thin nature of the YKK minimalist zipper is a recommended area of improvement for Helikon-Tex, and the shuttle itself often had problems consistently threading the zipper at the start.
• Weight – Average (3/4): The weight of the TJ came in at 4.23 ounces (or 120 grams) which is an amazingly light weight for an outer wind shell jacket. This is due in large part to the thin nylon material that, even when wet could dry quickly and did not become burdensome nor fatiguing. In contrast, the Squamish Hoody (4.1 ounces) form Arc’teryx, the Houdini Jacket (3.7 ounces) from REI, or the Flash Challenger (16 ounces) from Columbia all demonstrate that amid a market of ultra-light outer wear, the smallest of ounces does indeed separate the products, and the weight of the Tramontane Jacket was appropriately within that market of product.

Overall Rating – Average (16/25)

Product Link: https://www.helikon-tex.com/en_usd/ku-tmt-nl-tramontane-jacket-windpack-nylon.html

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.

Introduced in 2017 as a complete system, the Assaulter’s Belt by G-Code includes all the components necessary for ready-use professional or practical use.

The Assaulter’s Belt includes; the two-part Contact Series Operator belt, two softshell Scorpion pistol magazine carriers and two rifle. In addition, the system has an RTI rotating belt mount and drop platform that can integrate to any G-Code RTI holster. The G-Code Contact Med Pouch on an RTI mount backs up the user, while all Scorpion pouches are anchored to the belt using G-Code’s new R2/P2 mounting clips.

• The Contact Series Belt – A two-part system that uses an inner belt with outward-facing (female) hook-and-loop material that goes through the trousers’ belt loops, and secured via a low-profile belt buckle stitched into the inner belt. The outer belt is a 1.75” duty belt made of 500D Cordura with mating (male) hook-and-loop on the inside, that when combined with the inner belt, makes for an overall secure platform. The outer side of the duty belt is stitched in MOLLE-compatible sections and has the option to be made with or without a Cordura wrap for added comfort. The duty belt is secured using an AustriAlpin D-Ring Cobra Buckle.

• Scorpion Softshell Magazine Holsters – Using G-Code’s molded exoskeleton design, and soft-shell interior, the Scorpion line represents G-Code’s hybrid approach of providing shock/impact resistance and longevity to magazine holsters. The elastic shock cordage binds the sides of each holster together, and is channeled to give the Scorpion line universal compatibility. Each Scorpion holster accommodates all types of pistol and rifle magazines. The opening of the Scorpion holsters is flared to allow easy insertion/access.

• Contact Med Pouch – A general purpose 5” (H) x 6” (W) x 2” (D) medical pouch made of 1000D Cordura uses G-Code’s optional RTI mounting system, and is secured by zipper-pill strings. Inside it features four elastic bands with 14 slots for essential medial items. On the exterior is a field of (female) hook-and-loop for medical or morale patches.

Also provided (but not included in the Assaulter’s Belt System) for review is a standard G-Code OSH holster. It is a folded/wrap kydex design machined formed for maximum retention. It features Pro-Safe tensioning and is compatible to all G-Code mounting platforms.

The Assaulter’s Belt System comes in Tan/Green on Multicam (featured), Black, OD Green, Coyote, Wolf Gray, and Black/Green on Multicam Black. Measurements for the system goes from Small (28”-32”) to 4XL (52”-56”), and for an additional $15 they will assemble it for you (highly recommended).

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At $295 the Assaulter’s Belt System is on the higher-end of other war belts, but that is offset by the overall value of extra equipment you receive. Considering you could spend $180 on any number of similar high-quality stand-alone belts, then the cost of the Contact Belt with the included G-Code Scorpion pouches and interchangeable holster/mounting system isn’t as traumatic as it would appear. In comparison to the rest of the market where all accessories are sold separately, then the Assaulter system is well priced for all its included components. The OSH holster is also very well priced at $49.50 and below that of its competitors.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): With the inner and outer belt fully adjustable, it is still important to follow sizing instructions on the website, as there will only be enough excess material cut for both belts to adjust up/down four waist sizes max. Otherwise, the Contact Series Belt made for a solid performing platform with no shifts in weight or setup despite stressor drills (lunges & burpees). The weight of loaded magazines had no negative effect to the Scorpion holsters or shock cord, and the rigidity of the Contact Series Belt helped mitigate weight around the shooter’s hip and waist. The optional Contact shoulder harness will further aid in mitigating the weight of a fully loaded belt on the body. Despite the optional outer Cordura wrap, there is no real significant padding between the belt and the body (if you are of a “husky” body type, you could run the risk of it pinching).
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The Assaulter’s Belt System lends itself to long-term durability thanks to its solid components and integrated design. A key to this durability is the R2/P2 mounting system that ensures positive and secure retention between the belt and all accessories. Thus, these accessories are locked into place and will be around for a very long time. Also, the Contact Belt is comprised of bartac, X-type, and reinforced stitching throughout that adds to the durability of the system. The AustriAlpin D-Ring Cobra Buckle helped ensure the belt stayed secure.  Separately, the OSH holster is made from .125” kydex and thicker than most holsters currently on the market. This translated to greater rigidity and durability against hard use. The OSH holster also has rolled and polished edges for added comfort. The leg drop feature of the RTI mounting system (which also comes in a variety of other configurations) drew a median between a belt-mounted holster and a thigh-mounted one. As with all things G-Code, the Assaulter’s system is covered with their lifetime guarantee should something untoward happen.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): There is a lot to unpack with the Assaulter’s system. In essence, if you are looking for a complete or immediate one-time-buy war belt system, then this would do extremely well. With G-Code’s renowned functionality to integrate different aspects of its product line with other accessories, then the ability of the Assaulter system to grow and evolve with the shooter as they progress is immeasurable. As it stands, the current configuration could be augmented with an upgrade package (sold separately) that adds more Scorpion magazine carriers, tourniquet pouch, and holster. But the ability of the two-belt system to remain fixed at the hip, to provide a sound foundation for your choice of firearm and other accessories was excellent, with no notable shifts despite stressor drills (lunges and burpees). The Scorpion and OSH holsters provided a smooth draw, and were extremely solid when re-holstering, with an audible click as the kydex locked.
• Weight – Good (4/5): As a whole, the Assaulter’s Belt System weighs 2.15 pounds (without OTC holster, which weighs an additional 4.6 ounces), and that was due to the amount and type of nylon material and hardware involved with the belt and mounting systems. While the Assaulter system is a bit on the heavier end of war belts currently on the market, in comparison to lighter systems that have the same type of buckle and belt material, the hardware and accessories of the G-Code system is far more likely to outlast any sustained hard use over its competitors.

Overall Rating – Very Good (22/25)

Product Link: https://www.tacticalholsters.com/product/the-assaulters-system/

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.

Sound mitigation is essential when it comes to a shooting environment. However, not all ear protection offers the best possible coverage as their foam or design does not fully encase around the ear, or buffer the decibel level down to safe levels. Noisefighter (formerly Sightlines) gel ear pads offer direct replacement of manufacturer ear pads to offer improved protection over-ear and increased comfort. 

Made in a variety of dimensions to accommodate the most popular brands of electronic hearing protection, the Noisefighter gel earcups have an outer skin made of polyurethane that is UV-resistant and waterproof. The insides are made from a proprietary silicone gel mixture that contours against the head to fully seal the ear from the outside environment. 

The top of the gel ear pads features relief cuts for glasses or eye protection to pass over and still maintain a complete seal. By placing the legs of the eyewear in this relief cut, it also defrays the pressure point caused by otherwise wearing it under traditional hard foam earcups.

The bottom half of the earcup features a unique “horseshoe” design that creates a double-bevel of sound protection, as well as with a ¼” thickness in both that improves the level of contact and padding with against the head.

The back of the Noisefighter has an adhesive backing that bonds to the mounting surface of the electronic hearing protection. Noisefighter also has installation instructions and how-to videos on attaching/trimming the gel earcups.

The Noisefighter earcups are only available in black, and shaped specific to the type of electronic earpro used. There is also a generic-shaped version available that offers the broadest range of applicability.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): Priced at $60.00, the Noisefighter gel earcups include both a soft polyurethane outer layer that contours easily, and a silicone gel mixture inside that provides a soft, supply texture to contort to the side of the head and establish a positive seal over the ear. Alternatively, the open-cell foam padding that is typically associated with 3M brand hearing protection can be easily found on third-party websites, like Amazon, for $12-$15 based on count and configuration. Walker does provide gel replacements pads ($24), and 3M also has a gel replacement cushions ($98). So the most plausible explanation for the difference in price would be the materials, wherein the Noisefighter uses a patent-approved proprietary blend of gel for extended longevity, and a relief cut for eyewear. Considering these aspects, the Noisefighter gel earcups are at the upper end of gel replacement pads for hearing protection, but fair considering what is gained in design and materials used.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Noisefighter gel earcups contoured easily and felt almost “squishy” when pressed with the finger or against the head. But the point being that it easily pressed around the ear and maintained a good seal apart from outside noise or changes in air pressure. Of note, that level of seal also had a detrimental effect (commonly associated to over-ear heading protection) in that it retained heat and over durations would cause sweat around the ear to collect. The exterior polyurethane layer of the gel earcups were also non-porous, meaning that sweat and oils had no place to go, so the cups will need regular cleaning to prevent buildup over time. There are hygiene cleaning kits available, however simple soap and a moist cloth will work just as well.
• Durability – Average (3/5): The durability of the polyurethane outer later was appropriate (or of average) for what one would expect of gel earcups. Many other market alternatives for gel cups were comprised of the same type of outer material. Yet these were still more durable than the typical open-cell foam alternatives, and did not crack with wear or over time. Of course you’ll still want to keep them away from high-heat sources (looking at you, suppressor boys grabbing the forbidden popsicle), and the polyurethane means avoid exposing the surface of the gel earcups to chemicals such as DEET. Perhaps the bigger factor to long-term durability of the Noisefighter gel earcups was from incidental puncture or cutting of the outer layer from hard-edges commonly associated to range use. If this happens, then the inner semi-liquid gel would easily ooze out necessitating immediate repair. Additionally, you will want to avoid storing the  Noisefighter gel earcups where they are compressed flat for long periods, such as resting the ear protection on the outside of the helmet in “Princess Leia” fashion. Long-term usage of gel earcups will eventually still end up needing replacement as the gel inside does degrade over time and can appear to be “flattened” or “deflated” as the gel looses its elasticity.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Noisefighter gel earcups were extremely straightforward. Post application, they were done with any type of hardware installation. If any trimming was needed, ensure it is done just to the excess edge/trim and not to cut into the gel cup itself or risk damaging the product. Perhaps the biggest functional improvement over traditional foam earcups was the feeling of prolonged comfort whereas there was less experienced pressure on the head due to the smaller surface contact area. The gel easily contoured to the pressure and the double-bevel design added good improvement at sound reduction that was notable. Overall, this translated to less tension headache while worn, and no pinching due to the relief cuts for eye protection.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 3.17 ounces (for the pair), the Noisefighter gel earcups were an appropriate (or average) weight when put in contrast to the overall weight of the ear protection, or perhaps the helmet it was mounted to. Once mounted, the Noisefighter gel earcups neither off-balanced the hearing protection, nor was a notable burden around the ear or head to warrant a change in neck fatigue. In truth, the overall weight of any gel earcup is roughly equal to difference in weight to open-cell foam earcups (that weighed approximately 0.8 ounces for the pair) to the weight of a single No. 2 pencil. So there is seldom justification to keep with factory padding when better after-market options are available and will improve an end-user’s hearing protection.

Overall Rating – Average (16/25)

Product Link: https://noisefighters.com/collections/hearing/products/sightlines1

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.