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Introduced in 2020, the Hydro Zip-On Panel is one of four back panels made by Whisky Two Four, specifically for Crye Precision plate carriers. The Hydro Zip-On Panel (HZOP) itself allots for utilization of Cyre-branded oversize zippers, and mounts directly to the carrier’s rear plate bag.

Made overall from a type of nylon with an abrasion rating of 500D, the HZOP has a total dimension of 12” (H) x 9” (W) and has enough material to accommodate a hydration bladder between 70-100 ounces.

At the front, the HZOP has 4” (H) x 6” (W) hook-and-loop panel for attaching identification or morale patches. Below that is a length of shock cord that is laced through nylon loops on the sides to aid in retention and compression.

The sides of the HZOP use corresponding oversized zippers that match Crye’s back panel based on the carrier’s size. At the base of the zipper line is an elastic nylon cuff to tuck the pull-tab into and further prevent any accidental separation. Pass-through slots on both sides allow for hydration tubing to be passed over either shoulder.

The back of the HZOP has four hook-and-loop tabs that work in conjunction with a similar hook-and-loop panel that connects directly to the top of the JPC rear plate bag. This affords a solid anchoring of the HZOP to the JPC. A fold-over, hook-and-loop tab at the bottom of the HZOP attaches to the interior rear plate bag to provide added stability and retention.

The interior is accessed through a three-sided zipper with nylon pull tabs, and aside from a nylon band at the top for hydration bag retention, the interior is otherwise unremarkable. A grommet is on the bottom to allow for drainage should it be necessary.

The Hydro Zip-On Panel is for Crye JPC 2.0 & SPC style plate carriers, and comes in ten different colors to include Ranger Green (featured), Multicam, and M81. The HZOP is sized to match the size of the plate carrier between small and XLarge.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): With its list price of $119.00, the Hydro Zip-On Panel is one of several back panel accessories by Whiskey Tango Four intended to supplement Crye plate carriers. Made from 500D nylon, the HZOP is a no-frills back panel that supports hydration bladders without the excessive size or bulk common in larger assault pack style back panels. In contrast, Ferro Concepts has its Back Panel Water ($105.00) panel, Velocity System offers its SCARAB Zip-On Back Panel ($120.00), and  the Antidote Hydration Carrier ($45.99) from ATS (although the carrier does not include carrier-compatible zippers). This demonstrates that while the HZOP does offer higher-end materials and more size, this comes at a corresponding cost that puts it at the higher-end of similar products and a fair price.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the HZOP (when loaded with a hydration bladder) bore most of its weight into the plate carrier, thus it became more about the carrier’s harness and how it was designed to bear weight on the upper torso. Using a JPC 2.0, the HZOP side zippers integrated with the Crye carrier smoothly, securely, and did not bind or cross-feed. Moreover, the top-access zipper (while not oversized as the side zippers) also moved smoothly around the corners. The nylon pull tabs on the top-access zipper were a little awkward given it was a linear tab of material that was somewhat odd to grab if from the sides. While this did not inhibit function, it is recommended to WTF that a paracord pull tab (with heat-shrink tubing) would have allowed for a more generalized grip.
• Durability – Average (3/5): The overall material used to make the HZOP was a textured nylon made as a style of “duck cloth” and met MIL-DTL-32439 standards, giving it an abrasion rating of approximately 500D. This is a widespread and common fabric used in many similar products on the market and within civilian backpacks, with an appropriate (or average) level of durability to resist abrasion. That said, the thickness of the material was thin, and while that granted the overall product some measure of light weight, it also had the tactile sense of something easily penetrated if pierced. More often with tactical accessories of this type, the more commonly used fabric on the market is Cordura that yields a thicker (yet heavier) fabric. Over the period of review (roughly 30 days) no wear or fraying of fabric, or the A-A-59826 bonded nylon threading was noted despite multiple donning/doffing of the HZOP to the plate carrier or during dynamic movements. The YKK Vilson zippers along the sides also held up correspondingly well, with no separation of the zipper line noted. It is important to note, the HZOP is not an assault pack and its materials (and reinforcement stitching) reflect that it is designed to provide storage for a hydration bladder (and only a hydration bladder). Storage of items heavier than that of 100 ounces of water, or items with hard/sharp edges will almost certainly press the material and threading beyond its intent. This is likely why WTF also produces the more robust 83 backpanel that is intended more as an assault pack.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the HZOP did a very good job as a hydration pouch for the plate carrier it was intended to fit (i.e. the JPC). Other market brands of carriers also do carry similar sized zippers on their back panel, but it is less of a guarantee on compatibility. As such, the HZOP easily supported the hydration bag placed inside, although the nylon loop to hang the hydration bag on was somewhat difficult to utilize based on the design of each company’s hydration bag (some utilize a G-hook, others have cordage, others nothing at all), and thickness of the HZOP’s nylon band itself. It should be noted that as all elements of the HZOP meet various governmental standards in production (i.e. the fabrics, zippers, and hook-and-loop) it is therefore BERRY compliant and available to elements of the professional fields that necessitate such items. The exterior shock cordage was intended to offer compression and retention of the hydration bag’s contents, but basically it only added reinforcement to the overall material itself and the overall pack. The more tension was applied to the shock cord, the more strain was placed on the upper two loops made from the same thin material. One recommendation for Whiskey Two Four would be to change these loops to a more robust Cordura nylon to prevent any tearing/separation from the pack if tightened excessively or over time. Perhaps one arguable element that is absent from the HZOP, as found in other hydration packs or slots, would be a layer of insulation material (typically a rubberized foam) that encloses the water source to prevent it from heating up due to direct exposure from the sun. Over the course of the day it was noticeable as the temperature of the water increased despite being inside the HZOP and correspondingly to the overall volume of water that remained (less water simply takes less heat to increase temps). This was exacerbated if the plate carrier was laid down with the back panel facing upwards.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At an overall weight of 7.1oz (empty) for a size large, the HZOP owed much of its relative light weight to the single-layer fabric used in its design. Use of Cordura in its place would have certainly resulted in a heavier product (esp. when wet). For those looking exclusively for a hydration pouch without the excess accessory pouches, panels, or webbing, then the HZOP was ideal. When filled with a hydration bladder, the HZOP was still neither unbalancing or felt as if it was weighing/pulling the plate carrier’s back panel downward. The HZOP’s ability to utilize the mounting system of the JPC ensured that most of its relative weight was transferred directly to the carrier. In contrast, Ferro Concepts has its Back Panel Water Panel (4.93 ounces), Velocity System offers its Zip-On Back Panel (13.4 ounces), and the Antidote Hydration Carrier (3.6 ounces) from ATS demonstrate that the Hydro Zip-On Panel from Whiskey Two Four is of appropriate (or of average) weight for its design and amid the current market of alternatives.

Overall Rating – Average (16/25)

Product Link: https://www.wtfidea.com/wtf-hydro-zip-on-panel-jpc-2-0-spc-crye-precision-back-panel-91/

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Product Evaluation Scores:

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

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

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

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Intended as a simple and unobtrusive means to carry a handgun or accessories, the Multi-Pistol Carrier (MPC) by Hazard 4 combines all-around padding with a low-profile appearance. Available in either Black, Coyote, or Grayman, the MPC can be ideal for those wanting an exclusive carrier for their pistols.

Made from either 1000D Cordura (Coyote or Black) or Polyester nylon (Grayman), the overall size of the carrier is based on which version chosen, and presents either the tactical or low-profile appearance. For this review, the Grayman version was submitted which measures 13.5″ (L) x 9.5″ (W) x 7″ (H).

Exterior

At the front, the MPC has a simple face, with a band of laser cut (female) hook-and-loop for adding MOLLE pouches or identification patches. In the Grayman edition, this band of material comes with a corresponding cover to further reduce any tactical signature. Between the front and rear sides, the carrying handles are anchored by X-pattern and bartack stitching for maximum strength.

The MPC’s left and right sides features four bands of nylon webbing for accommodating additional pouches or accessories. In the Grayman edition, this webbing is replaced with a non-descript side pouch on one end, and a sleeve pocket on the opposite. Both sides include metal hardware points for a removable shoulder strap with corresponding plastic carabiners.

The lid of the MPC features an additional accessory or storage pocket with a velour and nylon lining that allow for mounting of corresponding (male) hook-and-loop items such as holsters or pouches. The accessory pocket and lid to the MPC are secured via dual TSA-compliant, YKK travel zippers.

The rear and bottom of the MPC have a clean face, with the back having a single plastic D-ring for attaching the MPC to other points of contact.

Interior

Padded on all sides, the MPC has 360-degree protection for the enclosed handguns. The interior is lined in velour to enable customization of the included five padded dividers.

The divider’s themselves include an elastic cuff for an additional magazine to be stored with the handgun. One of the five dividers include six elastic cuffs for securing cleaning accessories or other items. Another divider includes a top flap for enclosing contents to the storage area between dividers. Depending on the size/barrel length of handgun, or configuration of the dividers, the MPC can accommodate between 6 and 14 handguns, and eliminates the problem of bringing multiple firearms to the range.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): Priced at $115.99, the Grayman MPC evaluated was made from a polyester nylon that gave the MPC’s outward appearance a smoother, urban profile. While Black and Coyote are also available, those colors are in a Cordura nylon, and have a more tactical profile at the same cost. In comparison, most traditional range bags do accommodate for multiple pistols and accessories, but are either bulkier or more expensive due to a larger volume of material. While few pistol cases for the size allot for between 6 and 14 handguns to be stored, some comparable market alternatives would be Elite Survival’s Four Gun Pistol Pack ($89.95), or Propper’s Range Bag ($59.99). Additionally, for the number of handguns carried, most cases carrying that number of handguns are hard cases such as by the 15 Pistol Case ($210) by Caseclub. So, for its functionality and size, the MPC is one of the few nylon cases on the market that allots for such versatility and is lightweight enough for transporting handguns.
• Comfort – Average (3/5): While the MPC measures the approximate size of a medium flat-rate shipping box, when empty it was very lightweight and easy to carry/store. Depending on the configuration of the internal dividers, when loaded with handguns, ammo, or accessories the weight was notable but not uncomfortable. The metal hardware/anchoring points validated the MPC’s ability to carry the added weight securely. The removable shoulder strap made carrying a fully-loaded MPC easy, but could have used a padded sleeve (which Hazard does sell a Delux Pad or 2″ Shoulder Strap with Pad separately) to help pad the strap against the shoulder. Similarly, the carrying handles were stitched to form a rounded handle, but it would have been an improvement had a padded cuff been stitched to one that enabled both carrying handles to be joined when transporting.
• Durability – Good (4/5): With its very clean appearance, the Grayman MPC had a majority of its stitching on the interior lining of the materials, with the only exception being visible X-type stitching on the exterior that reinforced the carrying handles and shoulder strap hardware. The YKK zipper pull tabs felt a little thin, but did not bend or flex. Perhaps the only notable negative to durability was given the color of the interior’s velour, as any carbon and lubricant transferred from after the handguns were fired was easily visible and unavoidable. Over time this transference of debris will become more noticeable. A suggestion for Hazard 4 would be a darker color velour with a high-visibility orange on the bottom would help not make post-range stains as noticeable.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the MPC did a very good job of squeezing all available interior space into the storage of handguns, ammo, or accessories. The bag’s main internal storage compartment, and hook-and-loop dividers were easily configured during evaluation to store; three full-sized handguns, a weapon light, and ten magazines with still space to spare. The MPC’s padded interior and dividers allowed for complete 360-degree protection and ensured each handgun remained separated, and the handguns did not risk contact during transport. The lid storage pocket could ideally fit two compact-sized handguns or accessories, but anything added in it would increase the bulk on the top of the MPC, and crowded the carrying handles. The MPC would be ideal for trainers, or those who want to carry their handguns separate from a range supply bag.
• Weight – Excellent (5/5): At 2.3 pounds (empty) the MPC is very lightweight given its carrying capacity, and even when loaded with associated handguns and accessories was still not uncomfortable either by shoulder strap or carrying handle. Again, as the weight increased, the metal hardware for the shoulder strap proved critical in bearing that weight, as any overloading of the MPC (say loading exclusively ammunition in it) will undoubtedly put pressure at these points. It would have been preferred had the plastic carabiners been the same metal as the anchoring points on the MPC for added strength in carrying the potential weight. In comparison, the weight to other market alternatives included Elite Survival’s Four Gun Pistol Pack (1.6 pounds), or Propper’s Range Bag 3.55 pounds) and the 15 Pistol Case (26 pounds) by Caseclub. However, these alternatives all have different approaches in materials and design, and the differences in weight reflect that. With regards to the MPC, given it has the ability to store up to 14 semi-auto handguns like as in the Caseclub case, its 2.3 pounds is a fraction of the weight but provides an excellent, lightweight case by which to safely transport your handguns.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

Product Link: https://www.hazard4.com/mpc.html

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.