In various dimensions for use as backpack inserts, back panel frames, or seat organizers the Rigid MOLLE Panel Series by Grey Man Tactical allows you to customize your pouches, panels, and weapons for easy and immediate access. The ability to tame otherwise unruly piles of gear lives up to the motto of Grey Man Tactical to “Conquer Your Gear”.
Each Rigid MOLLE Panel (RMP) is made from a single sheet of black, 0.188” (3/16 inch) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a type of thermoplastic polymer known for its increased strength and rigidity. The HDPE material is weather resistant; however, care should be exercised if the panel is exposed to continual UV (sun) light as over time the wavelength of light will cause the molecular bond to become brittle and risk breakage.
The RMP uses 0.25″ (1/4 inch) holes around its outter edge that can facilitate use of paracord, shock cord, Chicago bolts, or other types of mounting screws.
Some variants of the RMPs also have 0.125″ (1/8 inch) holes at specific points to line up for use in specific Pelican cases and their associated lid mounting points.
Some of the larger backpack-sized RMPs can be converted to a standalone carry by utilizing two of Grey Man Tactical’s QD Push Button Mounting Straps (shoulder pads not included).
- Pelican Lid Organizer, Rigid MOLLE Panel (RMP) – 34.75” (L) x 13” (H); Weight: 29.5 ounces.
- Designed to fit the interior lid of a Pelican 1700 or larger case, this RMP variant allots for various pouches and accessories to be mounted and organized separate from the primary storage space of the Pelican case, thus alleviating some storage constraints. This RMP version can also be mounted to the interior of vehicle walls or doors using the necessary hardware (sold separately).
- Product Link: https://greyman-tactical.com/collections/rigid-molle-panels-rip-m-1/products/rigid-insert-panel-molle-rip-m-for-pelican-case-1700-lid-13in-x-34-75in
- Rigid MOLLE Panel – Heavy Duty – 15.25” (L) x 25” (H); Weight: 34.5 ounces.
- An updated version of the original, the Heavy-Duty RMP is the classic Grey Man Tactical vehicle-seat organizer that has found popularity among law enforcement, ranchers, and hunters. Now with Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP), this RMP maintains its rigidity when fully loaded, and will not sag.
- Product Link: https://greyman-tactical.com/collections/rigid-molle-panels-rip-m-1/products/copy-of-rigid-insert-panel-molle-rip-m-15-25in-x-25in
- Rigid MOLLE Panel – 10.75” (L) x 17” (H); Weight: 12.5 ounces
- Designed as an insert to a moderate/large sized backpack, the RMP can be easily added and removed thus allowing users to mount and organize immediate essentials. The RMP also provides the added benefit of increasing the backpack’s backpanel rigidity as an impromptu frame.
- Product Link: https://greyman-tactical.com/collections/rigid-molle-panels-rip-m-1/products/rigid-insert-panel-molle-rip-m-for-5-11-tactical-rush-24-10-75in-x-17in
- Rigid MOLLE Panel for Haley Strategic Flatpack Plus – 10” (L) x 14” (H); Weight: 8 ounces.
- Made specifically to fit into the Flatpack Plus by Haley Strategic, this RMP version is similar to other patrol or moderate-sized backpack panels, and can be easily added and removed thus allowing users to mount and organize immediate essentials. The RMP also provides the added benefit of increasing the backpack’s backpanel rigidity as an impromptu frame.
- Product Link: https://greyman-tactical.com/collections/rigid-molle-panels-rip-m-1/products/rigid-insert-panel-molle-rip-m-for-haley-strategic-flatpack-plus-10in-x-14in
- Rigid MOLLE Panel – 9.25” (L) x 17” (H); Weight: 10.75 ounces.
- Intended to fit smaller, 12-24 hour response bags, this RMP version is similar to other patrol or moderate-sized backpack panels, and can be easily added and removed thus allowing users to mount and organize immediate essentials. The RMP also provides the added benefit of increasing the backpack’s backpanel rigidity as an impromptu frame. Please note, for this part of the review we paired the featured RMP with another panel to demonstrate dual useage.
- Product Link: https://greyman-tactical.com/collections/rigid-molle-panels-rip-m-1/products/rigid-insert-panel-molle-rip-m-9-25in-x-17in
Weapons can be mounted using various Grey Man Tactical clamps, buttstock racks, and retention/security devices – all depending on your intended purpose and function.
Grey Man Tactical also offers a variety of accessory mounting options to include handles, hook-and-loop straps, bungie/shock cords, and backer plates in various configurations to accommodate popular brand holsters.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): The price for each RMP varies both on dimension, and overall HDPE material needed to mold the product. Smaller panels, such as the 10” (L) x 7” (H) cost as little as $40, while the larger panels (for vehicles) are $590 and include all mounting hardware. A plethora of backpack-sized panels are available and average approximately $60 per unit, while several Pelican lid organizers are available in several different dimensions (the largest costing $230). Market alternatives to the RMP would be 5.11s HEXGRID insert ($29) and EOD Gear’s Kydex MOLLE Panel ($45) however neither company has the extensive variety in sizes, nor are their panels as thick in material. Really the only detracting aspect to cost is some of the larger panels are expensive—but again this is due to the amount of material and hardware involved.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): While the weight of each panel is determined by its size, the weight of a backpack insert by itself was neither uncomfortable nor tiring on the wearer during stressor drills. The added handle strap (sold separately) made inserting/removing/carrying the RMP panel easier and more balanced than without. The larger the panel, the more items were added, and thus the more weight was borne by the user. The use of a rigid panel in a backpack gave the pack a solid structure, and an informal internal frame that could be also used hang handguns, IFAKs, loaded magazines, emergency essentials, tools, or anything else the user wants. The comfort aspect of the larger Pelican lid or vehicle panels was not evaluated as the weight was borne by the case or vehicle.
- Durability – Good (4/5): At the core of the HDPE material is a type of polymer strain that is uniquely resistant to deflections caused by pressure or stress. What that translated to was a good degree of rigidity in the RMP panels, with a minor degree of flexibility. You don’t want it to be completely rigid as that would run risk of shattering, too much flex and it would sag unnecessarily under attached accessories. Thus, the HDPE was a good balance to bear weight of accessories, with minimal flex to distribute the weight. The only variant to the HDPE material was in the Heavy-Duty vehicle RMP that had the GRP additive—this gave the panel observable strength to hang more weighty accessories common to law enforcement or military applications (to including a full-sized rifle and loaded magazines). It should be noted this is the second rendition of the Heavy-Duty RMP, as internet research showed the first version had just the HDPE. But because of the heavier load with rifle attachments, combined with the suspended angle of the vehicle seat, there was some observable sag. Grey Man Tactical resolved this by first offering a straightening rod, then arrived at adding the GRP to resolve the issue entirely. Through all the testing done, the mounting plates/hardware for holsters and magazines provided a solid anchoring point with zero flex or movement. It should be noted to users that prolonged direct exposure to UV light (sunlight) will have a detrimental impact to the polymer over time, making the material brittle—this is common to almost all known strains of polymer.
- Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionally, the RMPs by Grey Man Tactical come in a variety of dimensions that accommodate varying designs in backpacks, wall panels, vehicle mounts, or case inserts. Really the only limitation to the RMP was how the user wanted to apply it for their use, and this gives the RMPs an excellent level of adaptability and function.
- Backpack inserts were tested by hanging pouches, ammo, magazines, upper/lower receivers, IFAKs, holsters and more. All demonstrated good rigidity and provided good organization of MOLLE-compatible systems. For long distance hikes or wear, these panels provided a good level of easy-in/easy-out organization of items needed.
- The Heavy-Duty RMP was loaded down and tested as a vehicle mount specifically with a Patrolman’s long-rifle application, fully loaded magazines, and an IFAK. The Heavy-Duty RMP showed minimal sag, but this was an acceptable amount of flex given the overall weight held by it and angle of the seat (in straighter vehicle chairs it would be less notable).
- Other evaluated panels included configurations in several range backpacks, and an administrative/support panel. All of them easily fit inside bags with accommodating dimensions, and gave some improvement not only to their wear but organization.
- Some recommendations to Grey Man Tactical would be to consider running a band of (female) hook-and-loop across the top of the RMP (or just below the brand logo) to allow mounting unit/identification/morale patches. With its Pelican RMPs, Grey Man Tactical may want to consider including the 3M Primer 94 pens with the package, as we were unable to locate that product at either our local Home Depot or Lowes to mount the anchoring hook-and-loop panels.
- Weight – Good (4/5): The weight to each RMP panel was determined by its overall mass (given that the HDPE has a set molecular mass to its material), thus the larger panels were correspondingly heavier. The overall weight of each RMP however was still minimal as even the largest panel evaluated (for a vehicle) only weighed 34 ounces, making them am ideal balance of weight and function. The smaller backpack RMPs weighed less than most equipment added, and indeed the heavier aspect of the RMP was what the user choose to mount to it. When worn in packs, the weight of the RMP neither was distracting nor fatigued the wearer. It should be noted to the user that as more items were added to the vehicle panel, the more reinforcement/anchoring was needed to ensure the panel stayed mounted. Grey Man Tactical offers a variety of anchoring methods for its RMP products to include straps, hook-and-loop, and bolt mounting points.
Overall Rating – Good (21/25)
Product Link: https://greyman-tactical.com
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.