The announcement that a German manufacturer has licensed the Helium Whisper (HW) technology has sparked debates. How much weight can actually be saved on equipment? SPARTANAT asked Markus Jahn from STRATAGEM to explain why he chooses the ultralight solution from Blue Force Gear. Here is his answer to the question:

How much does a MALICE Clip weigh?

For a long time, we used an alternative attachment system to secure our bags to modular systems. We have been following the Helium Whisper (HW) Technology since its introduction, and were initially skeptical, which led us to critically examine both the technology and the material itself.

So the question arises, how much does a MALICE Clip weigh and does it make a difference. A long Malice Clip weighs 14 g, and I need 2 clips per bag. In most cases, I carry at least 6 large bags, which require 12 clips for attachment. (Totaling 168 grams).

If we now add the different bags for attaching equipment such as HG, pistol magazines, strobe, admin, etc., we need at least 6 additional short Malice Clips (10 g each).

So the weight of the MALICE Clips alone adds up to 228g.

And that's it, is that the difference? 228 grams, if I just use a different attachment system, the user may think. The clear answer to this is: No!

Helium Whisper is not just an alternative attachment system; one of the advantages of the HW system is that it allows us to completely redesign the construction of a bag. The attachment and bag elements are constructed from a complete piece of high-performance laminate. This gives us entirely new design possibilities, which contribute to the actual significant weight savings.

If we compare one of our current models with our new HW model, there is a weight difference of 74 grams per bag without MALICE Clips (102 grams per bag with MALICE Clips, our new HW system weighs around 70 grams) without having to compromise on durability, usability, or performance.

The laminate used here is more abrasion- and tear-resistant than 1000D Cordura, inherently flame-resistant, IR safe, and hydrophobic. (Especially when in contact with water, the weight of the bag increases due to water absorption, but not or only minimally)

When comparing alternative bags available on the market from other manufacturers, there is still a saving of 60 to 80 grams per bag (weight calculated with attachment system included), or to put it visually, two HW bags could replace a conventional bag without adding extra weight.

The result lies in the sum of the parts. By adding up the grams per bag and considering the weight savings of other bags that could be replaced by HW bags, there is a saving of at least 500g for the entire bag setup alone (without compromising on performance).

If we follow this thought process and use carriers and ballistic similar to modern systems, there are significant additional savings that can quickly amount to several kilos.

Ultimately, each user must ask themselves whether they want to carry an extra 1, 2, or 3 kilos of weight (without causing any performance-enhancing or mission-relevant effects) in the long run or not.

Comparing this is especially clear, what is a kilo on paper. In reality, it means 1 liter of water, 2 loaded magazines, more equipment or supplies, or simply a light equipment.

Following the motto: Ounces equal pounds, Pounds equal pain.

Markus Jahn, STRATAGEM