Combat Shirt Comparison 2019 (Arc'Teryx, Crye, Patagonia, First Spear, Beyond Clothing)

This guide synthesizes expert analysis from Garand Thumb on selecting combat shirts, comparing top brands like Crye Precision, Patagonia, First Spear, and 5.11 Tactical. It emphasizes functional benefits such as breathability, collar design for comfort, and the critical importance of flame-resistant materials for operational safety, differentiating between high-tier, mid-tier, and lower-quality options.

This video provides a detailed comparison between Crye Precision's G3 and G4 combat pants, focusing on their features, comfort, and practicality for tactical use and everyday wear. The presenter, Jake Dwyer, an admitted 'crye ho-bag,' offers insights from years of personal experience, highlighting the G4's superior comfort and breathability due to its mesh lining and zipper vents, while acknowledging the G3's durability and traditional velcro closures. The review covers pocket configurations, knee pad integration, material feel, and overall value, concluding that the G4 is a significant upgrade for comfort and wearability.

This guide, informed by Adam from Spiritus Systems, compares the utility of Combat Shirts, Smocks, and Field Tops for tactical operations. It highlights the combat shirt's specific use case with body armor, the smock's heavy-duty sustainment capacity, and the Field Top's versatility, especially when modified ('Raid Mod') and loaded with essential gear. The recommendation leans towards cost-effective, adaptable surplus Field Tops for general utility.

This video provides a review of the Tru-Spec TRU XTREME Combat Shirt. While the video focuses on apparel, the description includes links to various firearms and gear-related channels and sponsors such as Werkz Holster and Gatorz Glasses, indicating a strong connection to the firearms and tactical community. The content is educational in nature, with the creator emphasizing that reviews are based on personal experience and conducted in a controlled environment.

This video demonstrates an experimental technique for improvised thermal camouflage using a cardboard box. An individual equipped with tactical gear and an AR-15 style rifle is concealed within a box, and its effectiveness against thermal detection is tested. The results show significant heat signature masking, with only minor heat leakage detected from the feet and face opening, highlighting potential applications for tactical scenarios.

This video provides advanced instruction on Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and room clearing techniques from instructors at Orion Training Group, including Garand Thumb. Key takeaways include deliberate clearance, precise footwork ('panning'), multi-man entry strategies, effective weapon manipulation in tight spaces, and the use of white light and night vision for low-light operations. The emphasis is on team-based survival tactics requiring extensive practice.

This guide details the proper technique for safely loading the M1 Garand, specifically addressing the common 'Garand Thumb' phenomenon. It emphasizes maintaining downward pressure on the en-bloc clip during loading to prevent the bolt from slamming forward prematurely. Expert instruction from Garand Thumb highlights this as a key safety measure for new shooters.

This comprehensive review of the Russian Altyn helmet, presented by Garand Thumb, details its construction and ballistic performance. The helmet features a 3mm titanium shell with an aramid liner, rated for pistol and fragmentation threats. Testing reveals it stops 9mm and .44 Magnum rounds but fails against rifle calibers like 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm. Despite its robust construction for its intended role, its significant weight and lack of rifle protection are noted as drawbacks compared to modern alternatives.

Garand Thumb, a recognized subject matter expert in tactical equipment, critically assesses the effectiveness of ballistic face masks. The video details rigorous testing using realistic ballistic dummies and various firearms, from handguns to rifles, to measure projectile stopping power and backface deformation. The conclusion highlights significant risks associated with these masks, primarily due to severe deformation, suggesting they are often 'gimmicky' and less effective than traditional head protection.

This guide details the correct technique for loading the M1 Garand rifle, specifically addressing how to avoid 'Garand Thumb.' It emphasizes the 'bladed hand' method, a crucial technique for safe and efficient loading demonstrated by the speaker. Proper execution involves a swift, decisive motion to seat the en-bloc clip while protecting the thumb from the forward-moving bolt.