High Ground Media, LLC

Debuted in 2012, Crye Precision released its Adaptive Vest System, or AVS, to offer the military a scalable system that could range from low-profile carrier to full assault configurations. Eventually, the AVS would go on to replace the Modular Body Armor Vest system and become the premiere armor system for military special forces. Sold as individual components, the AVS enables the end-user a broad array of configurations that best suit their mission or individual needs. Because of its longevity and popularity, an extensive aftermarket has also developed around the AVS.

Made from dominantly 500D Cordura nylon, the AVS is offered in a base configuration (used for this review), a two or three band skeletal cummerbund configuration, and the full assault configuration (which includes multiple pouches for magazines and side armor). While each configuration is different and for different mission needs, the base configuration consists of (1) the AVS Harness (which comes from Crye with a single-band, adjustable retention strap), and (2) the AVS Plate Bags (which will include Crye’s shoulder covers, and the Tweave shoulder strap sleeves).

AVS Harness

The AVS Harness is a patterned unique back panel that integrates both rear shoulder strap, and side cummerbunds. Inside the harness, is a semi-rigid sheet of 1/8” thick polymer that gives the AVS both structure and support under heavy load, in much the same method as a supportive exoskeleton.

The shoulder element of the harness includes steel cinch D-rings and hook-and-loop (female) material to allow adjustment in the length of shoulder strap.

The back panel of the AVS Harness itself includes various attachment points for mounting the rear plate bag, optional cummerbunds, and the elastic shock cord. This partitioned design allows the AVS Harness to flex to a minor degree and enable a more comfortable range in motion.

Each cummerbund wing of the AVS Harness includes two bands of MOLLE-spaced nylon on each side for attaching various side panels, pouches, or other accessories.

The forward tabs of the cummerbund insert into the corresponding slots on the interior of the front plate bag to give added support and transfer that load across both the plate bag and harness. The adjustable single strap that comes with the base configuration is secured to the front plate bag, then cinched. ***Editor’s Note: For the purposes of this review, the adjustable single strap cummerbund that comes included with the AVS harness was replaced with a skeletonized QD cummerbund from MOS Tactical, and thus will not be included in review.

The interior of the AVS Harness has a full-length soft, one-wrap hook-and-loop material that can be used for protecting exposed skin or attaching Crye’s AVS Harness Pad Set (sold separately).

Product Link: https://www.cryeprecision.com/AVS-Harness

AVS Plate Bags

Crye has developed three different AVS plate bags, which are based around the cut-type of the ballistic plate worn. These three plate bags are SAPI, MBAV, and Swimmer (for the purposes of this review, SAPI was selected). The front AVS Plate Bag features a hook-and-loop secured admin pouch at the top for flat items, pens, or smaller field items. On the admin pouch’s exterior is a 3” x 4” hook-and-loop (female) field for attaching identification or morale patches. The hook-and-loop is also slotted for MOLLE compatibility and attach items as needed. The bottom half of the front plate bag is double pocketed and dedicated to a 6” x 10” hook-and-loop (female) field used for attaching various AVS placards or other aftermarket items.

The rear AVS Plate Bag has a full-field of MOLLE-slotted nylon bands for attaching any matching back panel or pack. Additionally, a 3” x 4” hook-and-loop (female) field is on the upper quarter for attaching identification or morale patches. A simple nylon drag handle is at the top of the rear plate bag, and secured to the carrier via hook-and-loop. Along both sides of the rear plate bag are Crye’s YKK-patterned #10 oversized zippers, used to secure any associated back panel or accessory with matching zipper spacing.

The interior of both the front and back carrier bag include slots and webbing for attaching the various elements of the bags to the AVS Harness, or hook-and-loop panels for adjusting the shoulder straps.

Plates are inserted into both the front and rear plate bags through hook-and-loop envelope enclosures that are secured via hook-and-loop.

Product Link: https://www.cryeprecision.com/AVS-Standard-Plate-Pouch-Set

Placards

Crye does offer rifle placards specific to mounting on the AVS, while other companies also offer conversion kits, such as the Adaptive Vest Placard by AXL Advanced, that can adapt most slide-release buckle placards to the AVS as well. It should be noted that in either case, any hook-and-loop (male) backed placard will secure to the front plate bag through its corresponding fabric. The Crye Detachable Flap, M4 allots for the standard three-magazine pouch, with over-the-top flap to each pouch that secures it in place.

Product Link: https://www.cryeprecision.com/AVS-Detachable-Flap-M4

The Crye AVS is available in Multicam (featured), Black, Coyote, and OD Green, whereas it ranges in size between Small to XLarge.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): The cost of Crye’s AVS is not cheap by any stretch. Even with the base configuration (with modified cummerbund for this review), the cost of the AVS harness ($291) and AVS plate bags (sold as a front/back set) in either the Standard ($383), MBAV ($387), or Swimmer Cut ($355) are still very steep in terms of the current market. Add into that, accessories like the skeletal cummerbund ($50-$65) and Detachable M4 Flap ($113) to that total investment. Given the time the platform has been on the market, there are extensive third-party accessories for the AVS, but those are separate to the core function of the base configuration. Thus, even the base configuration of the AVS can run north of $1,100 with other setups costing more. Consumers must remember the AVS, as developed by Crye, was to meet a specific military need, and thus has a price point consummate with federal coffers that have no bottom. Crye set the price point for the AVS so high specifically to tailor to one client, and exclude others. In relationship between function and cost, the AVS does provide an almost unrivaled level of support and structure for a plate carrier, even after 12 years in production. But to reiterate, the level of weight the AVS can support is designed to address what soldiers must bear, not civilians. So a majority of the AVS’s functional design is unnecessary for most who are not in a professional capacity to warrant this level of load-bearing support. In contrast, complete carrier setups from Shaw Concepts Arc Carrier ($545), Ferro Concepts FCPC V5 ($385), T3 Gear G2 ($415), or Grey Ghost Gear’s SMU ($324) all illustrate the departure in cost between a carrier intended for the Department of Defense, as opposed to those from commercial companies. For its design, materials, and function to support large amounts of weight, the AVS still makes for a fair price point considering what the end-user gains (if used to its full abilities).  
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The real comfort aspect of the AVS comes with the harness, which is key in mitigating the load bearing weight around the torso evenly. The semi-rigid polymer material inside it adds to that support and makes the overall carrier extremely comfortable regardless of the weight attached to it. There was also some ability to adjust plate height and circumference of the outer cummerbund to find a preferred fit using the multiple hook-and-loop adjustments. The included shoulder padding did anchor into the harness via hook-and-loop in the shoulder straps that prevented slippage, but the ones that come with the harness were lacking in thickness given how much weight the AVS can support. Aftermarket pads (such as the Structured Shoulder Pads by AXL Advanced sold separately) do address that need. When assembled, it did take a little getting used to having both the inner harness tabs to insert to the front carrier, in addition to the cummerbund (basically there were two cummerbunds), but that was what aided in structural support. Again, the polymer inserts to the harness and plate bags created the structure necessary that allowed the AVS to sit around the torso, rather than bearing all that weight down exclusively from the shoulder straps. There were additional Crye accessories, such as the AVS Harness Pads, that could be attached to the interior of the AVS and increase the level of comfort, but really they serve to address airflow behind the carrier and mitigate heat that becomes trapped against the torso (which was notable during the review). The AVS was designed in a time where these were not factors when designing the plate bag interiors like seen commonly on the market of today. One thing observed was also how the dimensions of the harness made stowing the AVS slightly difficult as the semi-rigid structure prevented the carrier from being folded up. Perhaps the only negative observation made in terms of comfort was that as more items/weight were added to the AVS, and accessories added to increase padding or comfort, the bulkier the carrier’s profile became. This could become problematic in narrow doorways or hallways. End-users may experience that as they shift their AVS into heavier setups, the shoulder covers that come with the AVS are not padded sufficiently, so Crye does offer the AVS Padded Shoulder Cover (purchased separately but included with this review). Over the AVS’ 12-year tenure, other companies, like AXL Advanced have offered their Structural Shoulder Pads, to improve the AVS shoulder straps with added rigidity/padding. Despite that, no impacts to shouldering a rifle or limitations in range of motion via arms or torso were experienced regardless of which shoulder padding type was utilized. One common issue noted in research was from those within the Medium size range reported the AVS harness was excessively large, resulting in overlap of the harness’s cummerbund tabs and causing a pressure point against the chest. In these instances, the resolution was to simply step-down to a Small sized harness. Crye does post an AVS sizing chart, but this is also relative to the individual’s torso dimensions as well.
• Durability – Average (3/5): From a standpoint of durability, the AVS is made from the same 500D Cordura nylon as commonly found in most tactical products 12 years ago and today (although newer materials like laminate nylon are quickly gaining popularity), and gives the overall carrier an appropriate (or average) level of durability to resist friction. Extensive bartack stitching, box and X-pattern reinforcement, were noted at key stress points, all of which reflected the carrier’s added intent to address the needs of the military. The AVS was designed from the start to survive harsh battlefield abuse. However, these high levels of durability add to manufacturing cost, and likely play a role into why AVS components have such a high price tag. At no point in evaluations were any threading, seams, or fabric observed to be fraying or presented signs of premature wear. Hook-and-loop panels functioned correctly, and did not wear excessively. The semi-rigid polymer inserts in the harness and carrier bags did gradually take on a more curved profile as the AVS was worn in. However, the polymer inserts were also what provided the structural support and did not split, crack, or otherwise fail to maintain resilience over usage.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionally, the AVS was (back when it came out, and now) one of the most complex plate carrier systems to setup and adjust, due to its purpose as a scalable system. So end-users should take note to follow the directions included in the manual as it includes setup for all variations of the AVS, as well as setup of the emergency doffing cable. The alternative configurations of the AVS gave it one of the larger ranges in diversity between light(er) needs, to fully armored—yet regardless still maintained its weight distribution. A majority of the AVS’ functional design was for distributing high levels of worn weight on the soldier to around their torso, which directly plays into comfort and preventing fatigue. The one caveat was if the AVS was configured and worn without the harness—in which case the functional aspect of the carrier’s design for weight distribution (especially for heavier loads) was lost. Another aspect to be aware of, if end-users opt for cummerbund upgrades that are not from Crye (such as in this review opting for a three-band style with First Spear tubes from MOS Tactical) be sure to check if it does/doesn’t come with the necessitating tri-glide buckles as some aftermarket companies do not provide those and they are needed to attach the cummerbund to the harness. Perhaps one challenge end-users will find is as they add more items between the base configuration and assault, is the bulker (and heavier) the AVS obviously becomes. The split between the two halves of the harness (once assembled) did provide minimal articulation and ventilation while the AVS was worn, but only in relation to the rear carrier bag (which remains fixed). Adjusting the various hook-and-loop panels to find an ideal fit between the harness and shoulder straps did take time, but paid dividends in the end. Still, other MOLLE fields on the cummerbund, rear plate bag, and aftermarket accessories gave the AVS extensive room to be configured beyond the manufacture’s setting by adding additional pouches or accessories to meet the end-users specific mission needs. Some elements of the AVS however, did reflect its age—with elements like magazine retention (via only the detachable M4 flap with over-the-top flaps rather than open-top), or dedicated heat mitigation channels on the plate bag interiors not included in the design, whereas these are features are dominantly industry standards now. As stated previously, there are a large variety of aftermarket products to support the AVS, and with enough dedicated searching end-users can find something to meet their individual needs. Civilians should consider if the AVS is truly something they need (balancing that with the AVS’ cost), as their requirements for training and personal safety differ vastly from professionals/MIL/LEO.
• Weight – Fair (2/5): Weight of a plate carrier is always a concern. In the case of the AVS, it is among the heaviest on the market with a complete base configuration (determinate by sizeing) weighing in at approximately 50 ounces (or 3.13 pounds) without plates. As individual components, the AVS plate bags (both front/rear) measured 24.6 ounces, the harness (with single band cummerbund) itself was 23.6 ounces, and the M4 detachable flap was a lighter 4.0 ounces. Not included to that total would be other accessories added, like side armor, pack, or other pouches. Obviously, not only did material play a part in this weight, but also the added polymer inserts inside the plate bags and harness (which is something most carriers do not have) that gave those pieces structure and support. If the AVS becomes saturated (i.e. through rain or sweat) it can gain almost as much as 40% more weight. However, because of its stability as a carrier, the AVS was neither off-balancing nor fatiguing on the shoulders during dynamic movements. This illustrated why so much of the AVS’ design is around weight mitigation/distribution, as not only does the end-user have to contend with the carrier itself, but what is added to it in gear or accessories. In contrast, the complete Arc V2 Carrier (39.75 ounces) from Shaw Concepts, Ferro’s FCPC V5 (23.8 ounces), T3 Gear’s G2 (48 ounces), or Grey Ghost Gear’s SMU (24 ounces) all illustrate how Crye’s AVS is at the upper end of the current market in carriers. But that weight comes with added functional reinforcement and structural support that almost no other carriers have. So it becomes an appropriate (or averaged) draw, whereby the consumer will need to carefully consider their intended use, budget, and weight if thinking of upgrading to Crye Precision’s AVS.

Overall Rating – Average (16/25)

Product Link: https://www.cryeprecision.com/vests/avs

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.

Released in early 2022, the XR is one of the latest iterations in the FAST series of Ops-Core protective helmets. Intended to address the specific threats faced by overseas service members, the XR is tested extensively to defeat threats up NIJ IIIA profiles and 7.62×39 lead core ammunition. Made in a two-stage, non-split design, the XR has a 0.290” outer shell that incorporates a proprietary blend of carbon (for the ceramic protection), unidirectional polyethylene (a type of plastic formed in a specific pattern for distributing load), and Aramid (short for aromatic polyamide the material is a type of synthetic nylon known for its strength and overall resistance to heat).

Exterior

On the exterior, the XR incorporates a high-cut approach that utilizes the skeletonized Arc rail system for accessory mounting. This rail also integrates with Ops-Core’s other headborne solutions (sold separately) that expand on the functionality of the helmet to include other protective systems.

The XR shell dimensions extend protection to the rear occipital lobe (i.e. the back of your skull) without interfering in full range of motion, or contacting the end-user’s neck.

A modular bungee shroud at the front of the helmet is made from polymer, and provides an anchoring point and shock cord retention for various night vision devices. Set inside is a strengthened, CNC-machined, aluminum frame that is removable to account for different night vision mounting solutions without necessitating removal of the overall shroud.

Six hook-and-loop panels are positioned around the crown and rear of the XR for attaching various accessories with supportive mounting material.

Interior

The interior of the XR uses Ops-Core’s Lux Liner with low-profile OCC dial-adjustment framework for sizing. As the OCC dial turns, the suspension system either draws in or extends to the desired head circumference. This suspension system includes 10, ½” thick, open-cell foam pads throughout the interior for maximum protection. Each pad is held in place by hook-and-loop material. Included with the XR are two sets of pads (one for ¼” thickness, and another for ¾” thickness) for the end-user to adjust the interior’s comfort.

Included in the design of the interior shell is a channel that runs across the midsection of the helmet and (with the removal of three associated pad sections) accommodates for headbands while wearing hearing protection under the helmet.

The harness system of the XR features a four-point Head-Loc chinstrap with slide-adjustment buckles, and a leather-lined chin cup.

Performance

During development, the XR was tested at Chesapeake Testing (a division of NTS located in Belcamp, MD) to meet NIJ 0101.06 standards for IIIA ballistic threats in body armor. The XR was also developed to meet the threat profile most likely to be experienced overseas. Included in this protective value, the XR was also found to defeat associated blunt force and fragmentary impacts. Using Ops Core performance data for the XR (via the Ballistic Limit (BL) test specifically for helmets—which in turn is a continuation on the previous NIJ Standard 0106.01), and the velocity data of the rounds identified (blue – NIJ IIIA test caliber; red – overseas test caliber), the XR shows the following:

Projectile	Minimum V50* BL(P) at 0°(±5°) Obliquity (ft/s)	Projectile** Max. Velocity at Bore (ft/s)	Projectile** Max. Velocity at 50yd (ft/s)	Projectile **Max. Velocity at 100yd (ft/s)
9mm FMJ RN, 124gr	1400	1200	1095	1018
9mm x 18mm SJLC, 105 gr	1017	1048	913	846
.44 Mag SWCGC, 240gr	1430	1455	1312	1178
.44 Mag JHP, 240 gr	1430	1210	1102	1024
7.62mm x 25mm SJLC, 86gr	1475	1450	/	/
7.62mm x 39mm LC, 123gr	2400	2349	2175	2008
.40S&W GDHP, 180 gr	1025	1025	988	928

The FAST XR is available in 499 Tan (featured), Ranger Green, Urban Grey, Black and Multicam. It is also available in sizes between Medium and 2XL.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): The FAST XR has an MSRP of $2,100 which makes it one of the newest and most expensive helmets on the market (second only to Ops Core’s RF1 helmet at $3,249) The FAST series of helmets are specifically designed for Special Operations and incorporate the latest materials (polyethylene and Aramid) and technology to offer protection tested to IIIA NIJ standards, as well as protection against additional rifle threats commonly faced overseas. In comparison, the EXFIL ($1205.08) by Team Wendy, and the ATE ($699) from Hard Headed Veterans are designed for law enforcement or civilian use, and use more traditional materials tested only to NIJ IIIA standards. To date, neither EXFIL or ATE are rated against rifle threats and only Ops Core offers this capability. Thus, for the everyday civilian consumer, the XR offers a fair market value for its cutting edge materials and advanced protection—however professionals or units needing it for more direct purposes may find it as a good value that addresses more advanced threats commonly found overseas and in duty. Thus as a balance for evaluation, the XR in this review is given a score between the two (average) whereby the specific end-user can determine if the cost in performance for the XR matches their mission needs.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From the comfort perspective, the XR incorporates two design aspects that gave it a good level of comfort with minimal excess bulk or material. The first being the open-cell foam padding segments inside the liner of the XR that did a very good job at padding the interior of the helmet and giving the wearer a soft degree of comfort. The ability to swap out padded segments for thinner or thicker padding segments also meant that the wearer was able to find a customized solution that fits them best. The second element was the low-profile OCC dial that adjusted the interior retention band to find a solid hold on the head. The OCC dial itself did not have a tactile or audible click to it, but simply slid smoothly and adjusted the band as desired with no modification needed. The OCC dial was an improvement over other brands that have a ratcheting dial design and necessitates resetting the dial to loosen. Other aspects like the ventilation holes did provide some mitigation of heat (though sweating during extended wear and dynamic movement was still experienced), and the sliding buckles for the chin strap did retain a solid hold and did not slip or fail to keep its position.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The durability of the XR really came down to the excellent performance characteristics of the Aramid material inside the helmet. This material has been known by its more common name of Kevlar from the DuPont company, and that material has been in production for decades with a proven track record for long-term and stable durability. It also gives the overall helmet a high degree of heat resistance and the obvious ballistic characteristics. Throughout evaluation and dynamic movements, the helmet’s seams/edges/stress points showed zero signs of wear, nor did the suspension/retention system show any signs of fraying or slippage. The exterior of the XR shell was sprayed in a textured matte paint to maintain its low visibility and negate any reflective aspect of light off the helmet itself. Some minimal surface marring on the exterior was noted from contact to the ground and other hard surfaces, but nothing that penetrated to the underlying material and well within the expected level of wear.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the FAST XR was a helmet that did what was intended, it provided the head with sufficient surface area to protect the end-user. But the XR had a padding and suspension system that also provided a good level of flexibility for the wearer to find a comfortable and tailored level of retention and wear. Additionally, the integrated channel inside the Lux Liner was appropriately sized for most common over-the-head hearing protection, such as the AMP, and allowed the wearer to comfortably wear hearing protection without the assistance of rail mounts. The other aspect that set the XR above other helmets was its added protection value for 7.62×39 threats and other calibers commonly threatening service members overseas. These threats are not part of the official NIJ IIIA profile, nor has the XR been tested against ballistic threats found domestically (such as the 5.56 or .223 with a velocity of between 3,200 ft/s (at bore) to 2,800 ft/s at 100 yards), but Ops Core has conducted testing on those overseas ballistic characteristics and passed DoD testing against them. Lastly, while the hook-and-loop panels on the exterior are smaller than other helmet brands, the greater number of them around the crown gave the end-user more options for locations on which to attach accessories and other items. It should be noted that in its description of the XR, at the time of this review, Ops Core has a typo in its listed ballistic profile for the XR whereby it states the helmet has been tested against 7.62×23 (an exceedingly rare caliber) and 7.62×39, when in fact this ballistic chart should read like other FAST helmets tested to the 7.62×25 and 7.62×39 caliber projectiles.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in between 2.68 pounds (Medium) and 3.11 pounds (2XL), the evaluated XR was a size Large and weighed in at 2.81 pounds. This weight accounted for both the ballistic exterior shell, the shock absorbing liner, and the comfort padding with chin strap on the interior. In contrast, the Team Wendy EXFIL (size large at 2.6 pounds), and the ATE (size large at 3.0 pounds) by HHV demonstrate that while various companies differ in materials and design, the XR has a difference in terms of ounces to the market and has an appropriate (or of average) weight. It should be noted that, as before, while the XR is able to keep its weight within an appropriate range to its competitors—it does offer an increased threat protection profile that, as of this review, others do not.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://shop.gentexcorp.com/ops-core-fast-xr-high-cut-helmet-system/

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.

Taking the concept of its Range Bag, and extending it into a “Go-Bag” for the discriminating professional, the Transport Bag by Grey Ghost Gear allows the end-user to pack a variety of field equipment, firearms, and other accessories.

Introduced in 2019, the Transport Bag expands on previous GGG designs to bring together some common and unique features that shooters often find the most needed in their gear. Made from 500D Cordura nylon, the bag has an overall dimension of 17” (H) x 26” (L) x 8” (D) and consists of a main storage compartment, a front envelope pocket, and two side accessory pockets that yield approximately 1210 in² of storage space.

Exterior

On the front, the Transport Bag is a 17” hook-and-loop secured envelope pocket that runs nearly the length of the bag and opens to reveal six elastic nylon cuffs for rifle magazine storage.

On each side (for two total) is a 6” (H) x 4” (L) accessory pocket that is both hook-and-loop secured, with the added security and reinforcement of a sliding release buckle. On the bottom of both pockets is a pass-through notch in the material to allow for passage of communication cables if a radio is secured to either side.

Both the rear and bottom of the Transport Bag are sleek and otherwise unremarkable.

The top of the Transport Bag has dual nylon handles stitched into the sides that allow for hand carry, while plastic D-rings on both ends enable for anchoring of the removable padded shoulder strap. Access into the main storage compartment is via dual YKK zippers with paracord pull tabs along a single zipper line down the length of the bag.

Interior

The main storage compartment of the Transport Bag measures 11” (H) x 22” (L) x 5” (D) is accessible from the top, and runs the entire length of the bag. The interior has a 8” (L) x 3” (H) hook-and-loop (female) panel on one side, with six elastic nylon cuffs for pistol magazine storage.

Oppositely, two mesh pockets run the length of the interior and are secured by YKK zippers with paracord pull tabs.

The Transport Bag is available in Wolf Grey (featured), Black, Ranger Green and Coyote Brown.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): With an MSRP of $83.99, the cost of the Transport Bag is attributed to its overall size, as it relates to volume of overall quality Cordura nylon needed to ensure the bag’s durability. The YKK zippers and other hardware add minimal cost, but are an improvement over other manufacturers. Other comparisons to the Transport Bag are the ASO Bag ($275.99) by RE Factor, the Range Ready Bag ($110) by 5.11, and the Elite Range Bag ($118) by Shadow/The Requirements Group. Other smaller range bags, such as the Range Bag ($170) by GGG or the Pistol Bag ($129) by Lynx Defense support mostly pistol training, their smaller sizes often allot for more inexpensive options. While these competitors all have variance in design, volume, and materials, they still retain the same approximate function and demonstrate the Transport Bag is an excellent cost for what it offers to the consumer as a range or “Go Bag” and amid the current market of options.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Transport is a frameless bag that expands on the intent of a typical range bag and is more suited as a hand/shoulder-carried “Go Bag” or Vehicle Carry Bag. As such, the use of 500D Cordura added to the overall abrasion resistance of the bag itself without any loss of flexibility in the fabric, even when under a full load of rifle, handgun, ammo and other items. The YKK zipper moved smoothly and did not bind or catch. As it was, when fully loaded with disassembled AR, pistol, and loaded magazines, the removable shoulder strap helped defray some of the heft in transporting the bag. However, the dual handle straps were a single band of unfolded/supported nylon, and the edges of which were somewhat uncomfortable/cutting into the hand when the bag was fully loaded and carried for longer distances. Moreover, there was no means to join the dual handle straps (such as with a hook-and-loop cuff) so sometimes one strap would slide in the hand making transport off-balance until corrected. These would be areas of recommended improved for GGG with minimal effect on cost to the consumer.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The principle material in the Transport was 500D Cordura, which is common use for bags and packs of similar type. It allowed the Transport to be both flexible (because of its frameless design) and resist abrasion from contact against hard edged items or equipment. As with all GGG products, extensive bartack and double-line stitching was noted throughout all key stress points and zipper line that ensured no fraying or stitching was compromised, despite the fully loaded weight. As often the case, more inexpensive range bags are intended to only carry a single pistol and limited ammunition. Anything more risks compromising the stitching. But with the Transport, we were able to test its load-bearing capacity by using multiple loaded magazines for both rifle and pistol (with range accessories) that far exceeded other competitor’s ability to carry in a typical range bag. The only minimal point of improvement from a durability aspect would be for GGG to swap out the plastic hardware with metal for improved strength/durability.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the Transport did a good job of performing as its namesake entails, transporting a AR (broken down into two receivers) with room for accompanying sidearm, magazines, and various accessories. The elastic bands themselves (for both rifle and pistol) did an appropriate (or average) job of magazine retention during transport, although the front envelope pocket for rifle magazines had a bit of excess slack in the hook-and-loop support bands when the pocket was empty. One solution for GGG would be to include a band or central hook-and-loop segment in the middle of the envelope pocket to keep the material flush to the side of the bag when not in use. Otherwise, the internal mesh pockets did a good job for sidearm and accessory storage and the side pockets were of excellent size for shot timer or electronic hearing protection. Perhaps the most significant issue with the Transport was its frameless/shapeless design (which was by intent so the bag could be easily stowed flat or rolled up). With fully loaded contents, the Transport itself would roll-over itself, and slide around when looking around inside for items. This made it somewhat difficult and necessitated the Transport either to be supported against something, or held open with one hand to resolve. Several recommendations for GGG to solve this issue would be to (1) include a removable high-density polyethylene or a perhaps a high-visibility padded foam panel on the bottom of the bag to give it support and structure, or (2) to modify the base to a hardened polymer that would allow the Transport to be placed on wet surfaces without risk of saturation. Of course both of these would negate the collapsible/stowable aspect of the current Transport design.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): With its overall weight of 25 ounces (empty), the Transport was an excellent lightweight range or utility bag, which easily folded or rolled up to be stowed away when not needed. Likewise, there was sufficient reinforcement throughout the bag to ensure longevity, but not an excessive amount so as to make the overall bag bulky or heavy. In contrast the ASO Bag (86.4 ounces), the Range Ready Bag (99.2 ounces), or the Elite Range Bag (75.2 ounces) may have added features (such as internal frame or hardened base material) but those also added to the overall weight of the products. In contrast to market alternatives, the Transport illustrated how GGG kept the functionality of the bag to a minimum, while retaining the most amount of functionality as possible.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://greyghostgear.com/collections/bags/products/rrs-transport-bag

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.