Introduced in late 2023, the Tactical Buttpack, Gen 2 by T3 Gear was released as the next change to its secondary pack design, and includes larger storage and improved hardware.
Made overall from 500D Cordura, the Tactical Buttpack, Gen 2 (TB2) has an overall dimension of 18” (W) x 12” (H) x 8” (D), is an approximate 20% increase in size from its predecessor, with multiple exterior pockets and a singular interior storage space (with rolling enclosure).
Exterior
At the front, the TB2 has a 6” (W) x 10” (H) x 4” (D) storage pocket that includes an elastic nylon band at the top of the pocket to assist it in maintaining a lowered profile, and is secured via over-the-top flap using a slide-release buckle. This pocket is designed to store and make accessible a full-sized MRE.
Both sides of the TB2 have a single 8” (H) x 3.5” (W) x 4” (D) pocket, suitable for the standard 16oz. Nalgene bottle, and secured by an over-the-top flap using a slide-release buckle.
The top has an over-flap that is secured with two adjustable slide-release buckles, and includes a 5.5” x 8” accessory pocket secured via zipper.
The underside of the over-flap includes an elastic nylon sleeve for securing flat items, a zipper-secured 8” wide pocket, and a 2” wide nylon cinch strap (secured via hook-and-loop) to secure excess bulk.
On the bottom of the TB2 are five metal grommets for drainage (one per support pocket, and two for the larger primary storage compartment). Additionally, three nylon bands are stitched across the length of the bottom for attaching additional accessories, clips, or other items.
The rear of the TB2 has an extensive, six-band configuration of nylon webbing that is spaced to be MOLLE-compatible. At the top of this configuration are four nylon attachment bands used to interlace and lock the TB2 into place on any MOLLE-compatible surface.
Interior
The primary storage compartment is accessed under the over-flap to the top of the TB2, and is otherwise a single, undivided space. The top of the primary storage compartment is secured via a dry-bag style enclosure whereby the opening is rolled and then secured via two slide-release buckles. The edge of this material is reinforced with folded nylon for added durability and structure.
The Tactical Buttpack, Gen 2 is currently featured in a Ranger Green and Coyote color, with the intent to add Multicam (featured) later.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): With a list price of $199.00, the T3 Gear Tactical Buttpack, Gen 2 is both larger, and utilizes more material, than the previous version while adding additional storage and organization. At 18” across, the TB2 can hold a significant day’s worth of support items needed in the field or on the range. Buttpacks as kit faded from industry following the 1990s and the first Gulf War, as emphasis was placed less on load-bearing kit, and more on plate carriers or waist packs. But recently (post-GWOT), with the advent of recce designs in the civilian market, companies have re-invested some effort back into those deigns. Other alternatives include Spiritus Systems recent LBV Expander Kit ($184.95), the Infantry Buttpack ($134.13) by Tardigrade Tactical, the (now discontinued) General Purpose Butt Pack ($65) by Eagle Industries, the Recon Buttpack ($59.95) by Fox Tactical, or the general GI Issued Enhanced Buttpack ($30.99) by Rothco. In many of these alternatives they are neither the size nor have the quality materials as in the T3 Gear TB2, and while its price is at the top of the market – this is directly related to those factors. For its size and use of 500D Cordura, the TB2 has an appropriate (or average) balance in cost.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): From a comfort aspect, the TB2 was worn in three configurations to gage comfort and function; off belt (in a gun belt configuration), off belt (with suspenders in a “reccee” (or jungle) configuration), and off carrier. The latter configuration of off a plate carrier (in lieu of an assault pack) was the least ideal, with most of the pouches inaccessible unless removing the carrier itself. The more comfortable configuration was off belt with suspenders, as the weight of the contents in the largeness of the TB2 pulled down on the lesser stand-alone belt configuration, thus caused the rear of the belt to sag unnecessarily. The suspender option also allowed most of the increased weight to the TB2’s contents to also be transferred to the shoulders and upper torso, rather than riding exclusively on the hips. The extensive MOLLE connection panel on the rear of the TB2 did allow some adjustment in ride height when attached to the belt, and avoided most of the “flop” in the TB2 while running. However, when worn low on the belt (and thus riding on the buttocks or below, that “flop” when running became exacerbated. A lot of these factors were attributed directly to the sheer size of the TB2 and how it was worn/used. This is something the end-user would need to consider in how they intend to utilize the TB2 to maximize its designed comfort. Otherwise, the slide release buckles and zipper moved easily, and did not experience any issues in usage. One recommendation to improve some aspect of comfort to T3 would be to add a high visibility material to the interior of the primary storage compartment as its sheer depth made looking at its contents in the lower area difficult due to shadows.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of the TB2 continued to lend itself to T3’s choice of using 500D, solution-dyed Cordura nylon as the principle material throughout the entire pack. The use of this material is common amid the tactical market, and gave the TB2 itself an appropriate level of abrasion resistance against the ground, gear, or other hard-edge items that were otherwise thrown into the accessory pockets or primary storage compartment. Adding to the overall durability, there was extensive bartack, X-pattern, and double-line stitching noted throughout the pack at all stress points along the zipper, pockets, and securing the internal seams and nylon edges. This gave the TB2 an overall good level of durability for any intended field use.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): As stated, the function of the TB2 was evaluated in three separate configurations, with the most positive being in a “reccee” (or jungle) configuration combining the TB2 with a wide belt and shoulder suspenders. This allowed for comfortable, yet functional usage of the TB2 while still being able to reasonably access most of the pockets directly behind the torso. There was some difficulty at directly accessing the most outward and topmost accessory pockets, but again that was due to the bulk of the TB2 and reach of the evaluator’s arm. The design of the TB2 lent itself as a sustainment pack that could be accessed when other items on the belt were not immediately needed, thus allowing the end-user to remove the belt and access the pack’s contents. It should be noted that while worn in either of the belt configurations, the side water bottle pockets were still the most accessible, and this supported lengthy time on the range or in the field with direct access to hydration sources. The storage capacity of the TB2 alone was extremely large (an approximate 15% increase over the original T3 buttpack) and more than capable of holding three MREs, a full-size roll of toilet paper, magazines, note pad, or other large items. The dry-bag style enclosure did an excellent job at keeping those contents dust-free and dry. It was noted in the other configurations (directly off belt or off carrier), the weight of the contents caused several less than desirable effects to include sagging and flopping on the belt, made some pockets inaccessible, or conflicted with spacing between the top of the TB2 and any assault pack attached to the back of a plate carrier. Those in reconnaissance units, sniper units, or law enforcement may find the functional design of the TB2 to more appropriately (or of average use) meet their needs—which should be considered looking at the TB2.
- Weight – Average (3/5): The TB2 weighed in at 26 ounces (1.10 pounds) when empty, and that that was directly attributable to the volume of Cordura nylon needed to make the TB2 and its associated pockets, hardware, MOLLE webbing, and reinforcement. All of this added to the durability and function of the pack for use. However when fully encumbered, the size of the TB2 became problematic if worn lowest on a belt, with the pack “flopping” against the legs. Again this brings up the points identified in function category. In contrast, the smaller Infantry Buttpack (9.8 ounces) by Tardigrade Tactical, the (now discontinued) General Purpose Butt Pack (29 ounces) by Eagle Industries, the Recon Buttpack (9.6 ounces) by Fox Tactical, or the general GI Issued Enhanced Buttpack (10.5 ounces) by Rothco all illustrate the variance in weight per product and due to the overall design (larger packs weigh obviously more). For the volume and material, yet with the sheer size, the Tactical Buttpack, Gen 2 represented an appropriate (or average) weight amid the limited market of alternatives.
Overall Rating – Average (16/25)
Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com/t3-tactical-buttpack-gen-2/
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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