Often storage of your helmet is one of the last things considered when packing away your lid. But when you consider the cost of the helmet, hearing protection, and night vision—the dollar amount represented in such a small number of items can get exponential pretty quick. Enter the Padded Helmet Case by T3 Gear that can be used independently or in conjunction with the Gen 3 Kit Bag or other similar gear storage containers.
Introduced in August 2021, the Padded Helmet Case (PHC) is a structured 14” (L) x 10” (W) x 7” (H) equipment bag made from 500D Cordura fabric, and completely padded on all sides.
Exterior
On the exterior of the PHC, the bag has a minimalist structured that is rectangular in design, with a flip-top lid secured by a dual-shuttle oversized zipper. All sides of the PHC are sleek and free of features to avoid accidentally snagging the PHC on gear while being stored, or transported.
At the top, the PHC is designed to be stored vertically and has 1.5” wide dual nylon carrying handles (one anchored into the lid and the other anchored into base) that are folded at the top for grip.
Interior
The interior of the PHC is accessed via oversized zipper (with dual paracord pull-tab shuttles) and opens along three sides to allow for the flip-top to open completely flat. On the innermost side of the flip-top lid is a 13” long, zippered secured cable or small accessory pouch made from nylon mesh. Elsewhere on the lid’s interior is a 13.5” x 6” field of hook-and-loop (female) fabric for attaching various morale, unit, or identification patches.
On the bottom of the PHB’s main storage area is an adjustable two-point strap with slide-release buckle for securing a helmet to the bag.
On the left and right side of the interior are hook-and-loop (female) fields to attaching helmet accessories or other items using similar hook-and-loop (male) attachments.
At the rear of the PHB is a second 13” long, zipper secured accessory pouch made from nylon mesh for the end-user’s larger accessories.
The Padded Helmet Case is available in Multicam (featured), Coyote, and Black.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Excellent (5/5): With its list price of $97.95, the PHC is comprised of fully-padded Cordura nylon and YKK zipper to give a robust and minimalist helmet bag to protect high-dollar lids, night vision, and other accessories during transport. In contrast, other market alternatives for helmet bags include the Helmet Bag ($199.00) by Otte Gear, the Helmet Hut ($178.10) by First Spear, or the Combat Helmet Bag ($149.99) by Hard Headed Veterans. All these alternatives are above the cost of the PHC, however are larger than the PHC to allot for storage for night vision in the same bag. Yet for its size and functionality of the PHC, this puts it at an excellent price point amid the market and for its design as a dedicated helmet bag.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the PHC (empty) was of a good light weight (empty) design and didn’t include excess frills or bulk on the exterior that otherwise made the bag off-balance or unwieldy. The placement of the dual nylon carrying handles at the top of the PHC were wide enough in material, and anchored to the sides. This allowed for the PHC be sturdy enough to allow the case to slide easily in/out of storage cases from a vertical position, but there was no corresponding front handle for those who would prefer to store the case horizontally (perhaps having a smaller overall kit storage case). Either relocating the handle of having a collapsible one on the opposing side of the main nylon handles would be a recommendation for T3 to consider improving in later versions of its helmet bag. The zipper shuttles, though not YKK branded, were over-sized and moved smoothly and around corners without any hang-ups.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of the PHC lent itself to T3 Gear’s choice of using 500D Cordura nylon as the principle material throughout the entire bag. This material choice is common amid the tactical market, and gave the PHC itself an appropriate (or average) level of abrasion resistance against gear or other hard-edge items that were otherwise thrown into the storage container with it. The paracord pull-tabs ensured a smooth pull on the dual shuttles and that the zipper line itself wasn’t over-strained. There was extensive bartack, X-pattern, and double-line stitching noted throughout the bag at all stress points along the zipper, anchoring the carrying handles, and securing the internal pockets/hook-and-loop.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the PHC did a good job of doing as intended, meaning it was an 360-degree padded bag that was dedicated to holding a helmet safely and securely. The two-point cinch strap did an good job at securing a Large TW EXFIL helmet to the base of the interior; but with securing a rounded item, a three-point strap would have further added to that stability while the helmet was inside the case. Perhaps one notable aspect of the PHC end-users should be aware of is in the overall design of the featureless exterior, and how the wedge-type opening presents the contents readily for the end-user. Without any type of external que (hook-and-loop panel, identification card sleeve, etc.), there was no way to visually and easily recognize when picking up the PHC (stored vertically or horizontally) as to which end is the top or bottom. Likewise, when opening zipper-enclosures, we generally do so with the zipper closest to the eye to visually follow the zipper around and with the opening immediately there. However, to properly open the PHC and fold out the wedge with the smallest portion forward and larger (with the helmet) in the rear, the zipper has to be facing away from the eye with the PHC opening from back-to-front. This is a little off-setting and could be considered a point of recommended improvement for T3 at a later time.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 19 ounces (empty), the PHC did well to keep its weight to a minimal level while still keeping all sides padded to provide maximum soft-case protection. As noted above, this gave the bag a slim and minimalist profile that was neither off-balance nor unwieldy as it was transported to/from the range. Alternatively, other market options like the Helmet Bag (18.8 ounces) by Otte Gear, the Helmet Hut (31 ounces) by First Spear, or the Combat Helmet Bag (16 ounces) by Hard Headed Veterans demonstrate that the PHC is appropriately (or of average) for its weight and design amid the market of alternatives available.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com/t3-gear-padded-helmet-case/
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.
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