REVIEW: Tasmanian Tiger MK II Chestrig M4 in night vision test

We love green, that's why this article is very, very green. We received the TASMANIAN TIGER MK II Chest Rig M4 in the new IR-safe version directly from RECON COMPANY for testing and immediately inspected it through a night vision device.

The MKII is the flagship of a whole range of TT products available through RECON, where special attention has been paid to ensuring that they do not stand out when observed through night vision devices. Or to put it technically in German: The Cordura material and straps are manufactured in the EU and equipped with TL8305-0278/I1 and TL8305-0281 IRR specifications (IRR 650 - 1250nm/10 - 42%). The Mil-Spec buckles are also IRR equipped (IRR 650 - 1250nm/13 - 36%). Gray is all theory, green is the eye of the night vision...

Before we dive into the exciting part, let's take a brief overview of the MK II Chestrig. Five magazine pockets for M4 magazines adorn the front, hence the name (the G36 version has one less slot). HERE the product information fresh from the headquarters. And here are the quick facts about the rig, directly from RECON:

- Adjustable, padded straps.

- All pockets with zipper or velcro systems (adjustable).

- Two multipurpose pockets on the side (suitable for US 1 liter water bottle).

- Foldable insert for protective plates (not included).

- 5 magazine pockets for M4/AR magazines.

- MOLLE system for attaching additional equipment.

- Velcro strips for name tapes.

- IRR coating to reduce IR signature.

On the side, there is a multipurpose pocket for carrying small items. Here, the M4 variant looks just as good as the regular one. Both are and remain big classics from TT, popular with the troops.

There are no differences on the back. The color of the new IR line is RAL 7013, no longer olive green.

Now to the most exciting part, we are going underground to observe everything through the night vision device. We used a PVS 14 with a Photonis Echo+ tube (Gen2) for this. In the image, you can see the natural light source at our shooting location.

But since that would be too bright, we chose the side passage to the left...

... in which it looks very dark for the naked eye: Very, very dark.

But thanks to technology, we can see everything - and in green. So to speak, green technology... Here is the MK II Chestrig M4 without additional (IR) light. Everything appears somehow bright, but foliage looks the same in nature. So far, so good.

We take note of the view. The backpack itself is not IR-safe, but the new Chestrig is.

Here is the view from earlier only through the PVS14. It still looks normal and within range, although the backpack seems brighter.

When the built-in IR emitter on the night vision device is activated, you can see the difference. The MK II Chest Rig M4 remains almost color-matched and thus camouflaged, but the backpack literally begins to glow. The brightly glowing thing on the vest is an IR reflector patch. So better not plaster your equipment with such patches if you don't want to be exposed. It is also interesting to see how black the black spots of Woodland appear.

At a greater distance, about 10 meters, the patch still stands out clearly. The backpack is slightly brighter, but the Chest Rig does what it's supposed to do, it blends in with the surroundings.

At 5m and in full IR light, the backpack becomes very bright again.

And it doesn't get better when an IR flashlight is used instead of the built-in IR LED in the PVS14, you will have this alarming result even at greater distances. This means that an opponent with night vision device and IR lights will spot you immediately.

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
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