This is a sponsored text. As always, we have made every effort to ensure that the article below presents reliable information, however, it presents the author's assessment and does not close the discussion, to which we invite you in the comments.
The TMP-02 Plate Carrier by MASKPOL, as the name suggests, is used to carry hard ballistic protection inserts, hereinafter referred to with the colloquial term: plates. The design has been adjusted to be compatible with the SAPI (Small Arms Protective Insert) standard in sizes from S to L and it is worth remembering this. The TMP-02 is sold as a set consisting of:
- a front section
- a back section
- a cummerbund divided into left and right parts
- two comfort pads
- a backpack
After assembling, the whole weighs less than 1500 grams (without plates), which may seem a bit much considering current minimalist trends. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning here that not everyone is in favor of maximum weight loss due to the potential proportional reduction in durability. In this case, we are dealing with a traditional, slightly "clumsy" sewing. At first glance this product seems to be durable and well made. One of the factors influencing this notion is the use of sewn-on tapes, which are currently being abandoned in favor of laser-cut fabrics. Both options have their pros and cons. However, in my opinion, a traditional tape sewn onto the fabric with reinforcements is second to none when it comes to durability. Next, it is worth highlighting the fabric from which the majority of the vest is made. It is Cordura with a density of 770, which is something between the light 560 and the heavy 1100. It is a good compromise between lightweight and durability. It is covered with the MAPA B camouflage, which dominates the entire design, including tapes and elastic elements.
The front panel
On the front of the TMP-02 there are find 4 rows of MOLLE/PALS compatible tapes providing a mounting space of six columns. This gives the possibility of installing three pouches for STANAG or AK magazines next to each other. The cummerbund buckle is eye catching as it the recently very popular ROC 80 mm model to which we will come back later. It is worth noting here that, although it was not necessary at all a top opening flap was used. This allows for possible future adaptation to another cummerbund.
More importantly, the buckles themselves are not sewn in, but they are held on with Velcros under the flap, so they can be easily detached. On the sides there are also rubber loops that can be used to put a cable a radio station or a loop of a lightstick. Above the tapes made in camouflage, there is a section with Velcro loops and two additional tapes with the same Velcro, providing four mounting columns. They are perfect for pistol magazine pouches or recently popular administration panels for electronics. Unfortunately, the Velcro loop used here is green with a hint of brown and has not been colored in camouflage.
Next, there is a flat inner pocket with a splash-proof zipper. It is worth noting that it is one-directional, which may not appeal to everyone. The capacity is also not outstanding, but it will fit an ID card without fear of losing it. Above we get to the shoulder straps. The part that overlaps the collarbone has been slimmed down by cutting a large hole in them. This element is not made of hypalon or other PVC known from other designs of this type. The Cordura fabric is used here, from which most of the vest is made. One shoulder strap has a regulator through which the tape from the back section passes. This gives us the ability to adjust the position of the vest.
On the other hand, instead of a regulator, a ROC 40 buckle was used. Thanks to this, we have the option of detaching the strap in an emergency, in order to facilitate quick removal of the vest. Unfortunately, this solution allows only one-sided unfastening. Statistically, most shooters are right-handed, so by limiting this single buckle to just the left side, it's a nod to them. The protruding plastic element of the fastener could interfere with a buttstock of a carbine. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage for some. The sheathing from the back side, adjacent to the body, is entirely made of spacer mesh.
It seems to be of good quality with enough abrasion resistance. Initial, short damage tests made using a Velcro hook fastener showed no signs of wear. Inside, a tape is sewn in to lift the plate as high as possible in the sheathing. A simple and effective solution, at the same time it stabilizes and limits unnecessary movement inside the vest.
The Back panel - the back of the vest
Looking from the bottom, there are four rows of MOLLE/PALS compatible tapes, except that between the first and second one there is a Velcro loop surface. It performs quite an important function in stabilizing the backpack and we will come back to this in the paragraph devoted to it. Just like on the front, we have six MOLLE/PALS columns at our disposal. Above, however, we have only four columns on two additional tapes sewn with Velcro loops. At the very top there is a Grab-Drag handle with a 5 mm round plastic element sewn in for easy grip. Thanks to this, the tape does not cut into one's hand, which positively affects the grip in situations requiring its use. The shoulder straps are sewn in and made in the same way as at the front, except that both the left and right ones have a frame through which the adjusting tape is threaded. On the sides, a very important element are, of course, molded tooth zippers that allow to fasten the backpack quickly and easily. Unfortunately, I had no opportunity to compare the compatibility of this solution with ones by other manufacturers (let us know in the comments if you have already had the opportunity). The rear sheathing has a half-length flap. Underneath there is a Velcro to which the cummerbund is attached, which is held by an additional flap. It is an outgoing element sewn on both sides with Velcro, which, by bending inwards and overlapping is designed to hold the aforementioned cummerbund. Personally, I don't know why this solution was chosen. It is an additional element that needs to be hemmed, and it does not seem to have a special function. In my opinion, it could have been skip and the hatch could have been left opened. The large area of the Velcro would still connect to the one on the cummerbund, providing exactly the same amount of force holding the two pieces together.
The Comfort pads
They are thick and lined with a spacer mesh. The size is sufficient and they improve the distribution of weight on the shoulders quite well. They cover the adjustment straps, which are sewn with Velcro, just like the comfort pads. Thanks to this, they are stabilized, preventing them from moving, which significantly improves the comfort of use. Although the judgment of aesthetics is an individual matter, in our opinion it was possible to profile them. Rectangular stitching saves time (and costs), but a nice rounding at least in the front part of these elements would improve both ergonomics and appearance.
The comfort pads work well and do their job. On the sides, they have opening loops that can be used to put a hose from a camelbak or a radio cable through. It is worth noting, however, that if we drag them on the left side, it may be a conflict with the quick release system, which is only available from one side. From the side of the user's body, the same solutions were used as in the case of the front section.
The Cummerbund
It is made of two separate elements that connect to the front section with ROC 80 mm Rapid Open Connector buckles, made by the Italian 2M company. It is impossible not to notice that they are currently a standard in modern designs. This is due to the ease of use and durability of these elements. They have a very high resistance to loads of up to 110 kg and bravely endure various weather conditions.
While fastening them requires a certain amount of experience, unfastening is quick and easy. Of course, here it is also due to the use of comfortable long tapes additionally stiffened with a heat-shrinkable tube, a very convenient solution. I would like to remind that the buckle of the same type, only smaller, was used on the strap. The back, on the other hand, is connected to the sheathing with a Velcro, from which a flat rubber comes out. A nice touch that adds to the aesthetics is the coloration of the elastic element in the MAPA camouflage. Thanks to the use of easy-release elements, we also have the possibility of some adjustment of the circumference. We have three rows and seven columns of camouflage tape at our assembly disposal. This element is made of Cordura, and from the side touching the body, a spacer mesh was used.
The Backpack
A fairly large backpack measuring 36 by 24 cm has a pocket on the front that takes up half of the front part. It is closed with a two-way splash-proof zipper. On its front, there is a soft velcro fastener for moral patches. Inside, from the side of the surface adjacent to the main compartment, a Valour lining is used. This solution allows to attach various types of binders or other elements with a hook Velcro fastener inside. Above the pocket there is another panel made of Velcro loop surface, to which various types of patches can be attach. The main compartment is fastened with a two-way splash-proof zipper as well as the pocket. The zippers have comfortable ribbons with a heat-shrinkable tube that make it easy to open them even when wearing thick gloves.
The lid of the backpack opens practically to the angle of 180 degrees. A shock cord with an adjustable stopper protects against its excessive opening. It is a simple yet convenient solution. Both walls are lined with Velour, which, as in the case of the previously mentioned pocket, can act as a surface to which binders with Velcro hooks can be attached. In addition, two D-rings were sewn on the back. They'll come in handy, if only to secure a camelbak reservoir. Anyway, in the middle of the back of the backpack there is a hole for the hydration hose. While the functionality of the rubber sewn on the outside cannot be faulted, the opening is poorly protected against possible rain. I also know cases of kneading and stretching of such elastic elements. The hole itself is also too close to the back panel, so the rubber does not cover it well. The rear outer part has a molded tooth zipper sewn on its outer part, which is compatible with the one on the rear cover of the Plate Carrier. A cool solution, because it is quick and it will allow to conveniently disconnect the backpack from the vest. Additionally, there are mounting tapes with a spacing of four MOLLE/PALS columns. On the strapping tapes, an additional element are press studs that secure the straps against shifting. This is an additional element dedicated to a vest, as stiffeners have been used, to be able to use this backpack with other elements compatible with this mounting system. It is a pity that we only have two rows in this standard available. It was designed as that the Velcro hook sewn in between will serve as a pressure for the backpack to the vest, also stabilizing its movement. The same is also present at the very bottom of the rear part discussed above. The solution seems good, but it means that the the backpack can be used comfortably only with the MASKPOL vest. Interestingly, there is no drainage hole in the backpack.
Conclusion
The TMP-02 is a high quality vest. It is boldly classified among the leading Polish producers of tactical equipment. In addition, the fact that it is available in the MAPA camouflage, where fabrics in this camouflage are is not widely available, gives it a certain elite status. Despite some disadvantages, the product is technologically refined and, considering this, will ensure durable and long use. Prices currently fluctuate strongly, but as a whole set it is still not the most expensive option for similar plate carriers from leading manufacturers. Personally, I think that in this case it is adequately priced. The practical backpack included in the set deserves recognition, which will sooner or later be bought anyway.
We are slowly coming to the conclusion that taking photos of equipment in MAPA against the background of a MAPA uniform doesn't really make sense...
