Before wearing “masks” was cool and going out in public without one was considered rebellious, there were plenty of professions that required protecting one’s lungs from the operating environment. While mask wearing used to suggest catastrophic disasters like nuclear fallout, or chemical warfare, things like mold, lead, and more every-day hazards have long persisted as mankind remains breathing. Just as some are interested in tactical theater, so others choose to take their training and development seriously, and where both meet might be respirators. Recent short films like SCP: Overlord or full features such as Tenet have used tactical masks as both a plot point, and a narrative tool, and for years there has been a challenge regarding wearing a mask: how are you supposed to shoulder a rifle with something attached to your face? The O2 Tactical TR2 answers the question of the tactical mask problem.

Above: Don’t be mistaken, these two are not the same. 

On a scale of a strip of cloth to full MOPP 4, the O2 Tactical TR2 fits solidly in the middle. It provides protection against airborne agents, but isn’t meant for situations involving biochemical warfare. However comparing this kind of respirator is not quite an apples-to-oranges situation, but limes-to-lemons. Though they look similar, only one should go in curry.

Fit

With all this talk of masks, one might imagine it a conspiracy against beards. Typically Respirators don’t play well with facial hair, a deal breaker against those who prefer maintaining a 5-week shadow of “operator scruff.” The O2 Tactical TR2, however, doesn’t suffer the same way. Fitting over and around the mouth and nose, with the bottom of the seal resting between the front of the chin and the bottom lip, it doesn’t require a clean shaven face to work.

Securing to the face via a 2-strap system: one behind the neck and another across the crown, the O2 Tactical TR2 integrates with ear and eye protection. Worn in conjunction with a Ballistic Helmet, Night Vision, and Peltor Comtac 3’s must be a deliberate choice, as the order of putting on the gear doesn’t happen quickly, and must follow a certain order. Mask First, everything else after. Once set and adjusted, the respirator maintains consistent but not uncomfortable pressure even when keeping that head on a swivel.

The mask remains secure even through dynamic movement, and setting the proper tension takes only a few tries to become natural. Once this is done, it’s design begins to shine. When shouldering a rifle, the mask may bump up against the stock, moreso with a loose cheek weld, but it doesn’t impede the shooter from a normal shooting posture. The combination of right-handed shooter, Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter, and a fully collapsed stock created the closest thing a possible problem, as the front of the respirator would occasionally hit the adapter hinge. Though it should be known that we were deliberately looking for ways to create issues when shooting with the mask on.

Quality of Life

For many, the quest for less gas blown back while shooting suppressed is their holy grail, for others, it’s a fact of life they’ve learned to deal with. The O2 Tactical TR2 respirator mitigated any gas from being breathed in through either the nose or mouth, effectively reducing the stinging sensation of shooting a short barreled DI gun. A single mag dump no longer left the eyes watering, but it didn’t completely negate all discomfort.

Filtering out 99% of particles greater than 0.3 microns, the mask adds noticeable drag when drawing in a breath, but not nearly as much as a common painter’s respirator, or a true gas mask. Taking the mask to the gym, the reduced air flow affected aerobic performance by about 10% on a rowing machine, and the lack of oxygen could be felt when chaining exercises together. Over time, the effect increased, so that in the end even the bench press suffered.

Above: Without a Law Tactical Folder, shouldering a rifle pushes the TR2 out of the way without “breaking the seal.”

Concerned that the filter might freeze over in cold environments, we put on full kit, with an O2 Tactical TR2, and ran 200 meter laps in the snow taking shots between each full rotation. The Mask itself didn’t make the run any more fun, but never froze over in over an hour of use in roughly 20 degree Fahrenheit conditions. The inside of the make gathered condensation, but it never froze in such a way that blocked airflow. While the mask didn’t freeze, the run felt much more difficult than

The O2 Tactical TR2 doesn’t protect someone from mustard gas, but it will defend against long term dangers. It’s meant to be worn often, specifically in environments that don’t warrant a full suit but still have airborne hazards such as mold, lead, or dust. It takes one look at shooting a suppressed rifle indoors to reconsider the effects of lead poisoning, and recognize the long-term value of a respirator. With replaceable filters, and an easy to clean design, the TR2 meets this challenge face-first, pun intended.

Loud and Clear

Giving it an edge, the O2 Tactical TR2 respirator has an optional mic kit that integrates with Peltor Com Tac series. The sound quality itself being surprisingly good, communications both transmitting and receiving are thus muffled. This creates a situationally dependent advantage, and could be very useful with more surreptitious tactical entries, where the wearer is concerned about the air quality and remaining unheard when communicating with their team.

Taken into consideration the type of mission set a unit is tasked with, or the amount of shooting a competitor does indoors during winter months, both of these scenarios make sense as something to augment an already full suite of gear. Even if one is merely LARP-ing in their basement, this will help with that cardio they hate so much. Both true operators and their mimics stand to benefit from these respirators, but it’s certainly situational. Thankfully, both shooting and generally wearing the O2 Tactical TR2 are both comfortable.

Combining a beard-accepting fitment, both durable and lightweight construction, and it’s longevity, this respirator tackles a specific challenge with finesse, protecting the wearer without inhibiting them from using a firearm. For those seriously concerned with reducing lead levels, this mask accomplishes the task with finesse.

Website: https://www.o2tactical.com/products/tr2-tactical-respirator-ii

More on Masks and Respirators

• Masks and Respirators for COVID-19.
• Gas Masks 101.
• What If We Are Hit By Another Pandemic? Planning Ahead.
• Vaporwear: Gas Mask Buyer’s Guide.

The post O2 Tactical TR2 Tactical Mask Respirator Review appeared first on RECOIL OFFGRID.

Arc’teryx Mantis 32

CAPACITY: 32 Liters (1,963 Cubic Inches)
MSRP: $169
URL: www.arcteryx.com

We’re fond of gear that looks commonplace in an urban setting but also excels in the backwoods or when SHTF. The Mantis 32 is one such pack. It works great as a commuter bag. It has a large main compartment, an internal sleeve to carry your laptop, two external sleeves for a travel mug or beanie, an admin section for your pens, keys, phone, multi-tool, and more. But it’s also ideal as a hiking daypack. The laptop sleeve can hold a hydration bladder while its padded back, frame sheet, and aluminum stay provide a comfortable chassis for hauling gear on treks that are longer than your daily commute. It’s a versatile pack with subdued good looks.

Gerber Compleat

COLOR: Burnt Bronze, Flat Sage, Onyx, Silver
MSRP: $29
URL: www.gerbergear.com

When camping, we’ll save cargo weight and space by packing free utensils we’ve collected at various fast-food restaurants. But they’re usually flimsy plastic, so we still need to pack tongs, ladles, spatulas … especially when planning to cook anything beyond hot dogs. That’s why we’re keen on the Compleat. It’s a four-in-one utensil set that — while consisting of only a fork, spoon, spatula, and bottle-opener — can serve many more functions. It can be snapped together to form tongs, while the bottle-opener works as a veggie peeler, can opener, and package opener. It’s made of high-temperature nylon with silicone overmold. The parts nest together to stow as a single, 7.75-inch-long piece that weighs no more than 2.3 ounces.

Nutrient Survival Creamy Chocolate Shake

WEIGHT: 2 pounds, 7 ounces
MSRP: $55
URL: www.nutrientsurvival.com

Why does postapocalyptic food have to be so boring and bland? Nutrient Survival certainly doesn’t think it should be. That’s why this Nevada-based company is producing food and beverages that aren’t just long-lasting but also taste good and are good for you. Take for example its Creamy Chocolate Shake. It’s packed with goodness: 14 vitamins, 14 minerals, 9 amino acids, Omega-3, Omega-6, and fiber. Plus, it doesn’t contain soy, gluten, or artificial colors. To make a shake for yourself, just blend two scoops of it with milk or water. This 2-pound can contains 15 servings and has a 25-year shelf life.

Nutrient Survival is a fresh take on survival food, Read the Review Here.

Gear Aid Reflective Guyline Kit

WEIGHT: 2.44 ounces
MSRP: $13 / $12.95 on Amazon Here.
URL: www.gearaid.com

Whether you’re on uneven terrain or the wind is starting to kick up, it’s essential to be able to secure your tents and tarps. After all, when the weather’s not your friend, the last thing you want to be doing is setting up your shelter … again. That’s dangerous in frigid temps and demoralizing. This kit can help prevent that. Its 50-foot guyline is bright orange and comes with reflective accents so you won’t trip over them, even in low-light conditions. The four Mini Line Tensioners help you adjust the cord to make sure your lines don’t sag or loosen. Plus, the 2mm line can be used in other creative ways — as a clothesline, bear bag hanger, or a replacement bootlace.

Element Case Black Ops X3

COMPATIBLE WITH: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro MaX
MSRP: $250
URL: www.elementcase.com

No, that price tag isn’t a typo. Yes, this phone case costs two and a half C-notes. But if you’ve just spent a grand on an iPhone 12 Pro, you can probably afford to invest in an overbuilt case. The Black Ops X3 has a sliding lens cover to protect your camera. Its four-layer armor features G10, polycarbonate, hard-anodized aluminum, and thermoplastic polyurethane to absorb impact and dissipate energy. It has convenient features like a kickstand for easy video viewing and a removable wallet that holds up to three credit cards — with the deep pocket clip also serving as a money clip. On top of all that, it has a built-in glass breaker for emergencies.

Halfbreed Blades LBK-01

WEIGHT: 1 pound, 1 once
MSRP: $300
URL: www.halfbreedblades.com.au

One look at this bad boy and you just can’t help but say the iconic line, “That’s not a knife. That’s a knife.” Made in Australia from D2 tool steel and ergonomic Micarta handle scales, the LBK-01 is a beast. While D2 isn’t our favorite blade steel and isn’t quite stainless, it does offer outstanding strength, hardness, and wear resistance — attributes you need for a large bush knife. Plus, the LBK-01 does come out of the box razor sharp, and its modified drop-point blade is great for a variety of tasks, from slicing and thrusting to chopping and carving. It comes with an excellent Kydex sheath, which includes a fire steel and integrated holder. The LBK-01 would make Crocodile Dundee proud.

Knog Bilby

COLORS: Black, Fluro Orange, Putty Grey, Violet Blue
MSRP: $60
URL: www.knog.com

The Knog Bilby is a fresh take on the headlamp genre. Its body and strap are medical-grade silicone that’s comfortable, easy to clean, and adjustable using a simple toggle. Next is its USB-
integrated lighting pod that can be removed from the silicone body. There are no cables to untangle or break. Just detach the pod and plug it into a USB-A port to get a full charge in four hours. Lastly, with a max output of 400 lumens, the pod’s five LEDs each serve a purpose: one for high beam, one for reading, two for mid and wide angles, and a red light for maintaining night vision. If you download Knog’s mobile app, you can increase the modes from six to eight, further customizing it for your needs.

Superesse Illumination Patch Kit

DIMENSIONS: 3 by 2 inches
MSRP: $26
URL: www.superessestraps.com

This innovative kit’s centerpiece is the morale patch, which glows in the dark and has a Velcro backing for easy attachment to your hat or pack’s loop panel. Next is the Brite-Strike APALS, which inserts into the patch and produces a 25-lumen white light that can be seen up to a mile away. It has three modes: constant-on (35 hours max), fast strobe (100 hours max), and slow strobe (200 hours max). The weatherproof and shockproof APALS’ LED shines through a window in the patch and can be activated with a “power button” graphic on the patch. Rounding out the kit are two micro chem sticks, which have a two-year shelf life and can be used for low-light tasks, signaling, or marking a trail.

Good To-Go Chicken Pho and Cuban Rice Bowl

WEIGHT: 3.4 ounces per package
MSRP: $8 each
URL: www.goodto-go.com

In a world of constipation-inducing MREs, Good To-Go is one of the few companies producing quality backpacking foods that have long shelf lives and are easy to make in the field. So, we were jazzed to try its latest meals: Chicken Pho and Cuban Rice Bowl. Do they taste like the real deals? Nope. But, hey, the good news is that they’re better than eating cardboard-like ration bars or hardtack. The best part is they last for two years unopened, and they’re convenient to cook — you just need boiling water and about 10 minutes. Each serving comes packed with a good number of calories, carbs, and protein — all of which you’ll need in a survival situation.

Hults Bruk Agdor 28

WEIGHT: 3.8 pounds
MSRP: $108
URL: www.hultsbruk1697.se

Like many Scandinavian companies that make edged tools, Hults Bruk produces axes that meld Nordic traditions with modern sensibilities. The Agdor 28 features a handle that’s, well, 28 inches long and made of American hickory. Though it doesn’t have the smoothest finish, the classic handle provides good balance and ergonomics for two-handed swings. Up top, the 2.5-pound hand-forged head is hard, durable, and (most importantly) sharp. At 4 pounds with an old-school leather sheath, the Agdor is not a bug-out tool by any means. But if you’ve got room, you won’t regret packing it in your RV, off-road rig, or garage because it makes for an affordable camp ax or backyard tool.

Rite in the Rain Land Nav Kit

DIMENSIONS: 8.375 by 6.5 by 1 inches
MSRP: $100
URL: www.riteintherain.com

Teaming up with Battle Board, Rite in the Rain recently released the Land Nav Kit. It comes with a Tactical Field Book that has 160 weatherproof pages, which includes reference materials like rulers, charts, and map scales. Next up is the All-Weather Metal Pen, which has a pressurized black-ink cartridge that can write underwater, upside down, and in extreme temperatures (from -30 degrees F to 250 degrees F). Both paper and pen come in a zippered book cover, which is made from Cordura fabric and has a polycarbonate display on the front cover so you can insert maps and write on them with grease pencils or map markers. It also has internal storage, including a large pocket and four slots for writing instruments.

First Lite Fuse Zip Off Boot Top

COLORS: Various, including Ash Grey, Black, and Dry Earth
MSRP: $95
URL: www.firstlite.com

Wool is Mother Nature’s super fabric. In the summer, it is quick drying and moisture wicking. In the winter, it provides superior insulation, even when wet. And regardless of the climate, wool is breathable and odor-resistant. So, it makes perfect sense to make a pair of long johns out of sheep’s clothing. But when a chilly morning gives way to milder afternoons — especially a long hike through the backcountry — sometimes you’ll want to shed some layers. The Fuse Zip Off Boot Top lets you take off your base layer without having to take off your boots and hop out of your pants. Thanks to integrated zippers, you can remove these long johns easily in the field while keeping your boots on.

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