The Loadout Room
Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • 1A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686
        • The Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventuresThe Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventures
        • maxim defense cqb stock (8)The Maxim Defense CQB Stock: Short and Sweet
        • Perfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG wayPerfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG way
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • RIP-MVehicle Preparedness: Fast access to essential items | Grey Man Tactical RIP-M
        • Midland radioOverland Essential | Midland Radio MXT275 | GXT1000
        • ppGrab your gear and go | Here’s everything you’d need to build an adventure go bag
        • Scrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the fieldScrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the field
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stingerThe Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger
        • How to determine how long you have before the sun setsHow to determine how long you have before the sun sets
        • fireWilderness survival expert breaks down how to build a fire
        • 5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt, SWAT Tested and Approved
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Shop

Massif Advanced Quarter Zip Combat Shirt

Massif Advanced Quarter Zip Combat Shirt

July 16, 2018 by Isaiah Burkhart Leave a Comment

I’ve previously covered the importance of FR (flame resistant) clothing in hazardous environments. The protection provided is paramount, and to date has saved countless lives on the battlefield. Massif is a continuous industry leader in the field of FR clothing for soldiers, independent contractors, LE, and wildland firefighters. The evolution of the combat shirt has been long and often controversial since its early distribution to SMU (special mission units).

The early designs provided flame resistance and added breathability, but lacked certain comfort features and durability. The early shirts were “more” breathable, but still left a sweaty and smelly mess reminiscent of old style Nomex clothing. The new Massif Advanced 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt takes some steps in the right direction to fix previous issues and gripes from the soldiers wearing the uniform. I’ve worn this new FR shirt for about a month and coupled with the abnormally warm weather on the west coast, it’s given me a good look at the Combat Shirt’s hot weather performance.

Although different compositions throughout, the entire shirt has a four-way stretch that improves maneuverability compared to previous combat shirts I’ve worn. The 1/4 zip adds extra ventilation, but doesn’t go down so far that it gets stuck between body armor and the sternum. The material on the torso is extremely thin and stretchy. This is very helpful in keeping body temperature regulated while wearing body armor. I have yet to see any issues with durability of this fabric and will give updates if there are any future issues.

Massif Advanced Quarter Zip Combat Shirt

The Massif Advanced 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt still has the standard set of features found on the ACS (Army Combat Shirt) – Zip shoulder pockets with outer attachment points for call sign and unit patches, left forearm pen pocket, and Velcro wrist closures.

Flame resistance aside, for me, the standout features of the Combat Shirt is the lack of shoulder seams and elbow reinforcements. While wearing armor or a pack, the lack of seams has really cut down on any possible chaffing. The elbow portion is made from SuperFabric and has small textured dots to add durability and friction. When laying in the prone on a slick surface, the fabric grips the ground and allows for a better and more stable shooting platform. As well, the elbows have an inner pockets for the placement of padding.

Massif Advanced Quarter Zip Combat Shirt

The shoulder, side, collar, and sleeves are a thicker material, but add increased FR to areas that lack the protection of body armor.

Specs

  • Sizes: xs – xxxl
  • Colors: Black, OD Green, MultiCam
  • MSRP — $199.99

Pros

  • Made in the USA
  • Berry Compliant
  • Fabric passes the stringent ASTM D6413/F2302 performance specification for flame resistance
  • Breathable
  • Zip ventilation
  • Seamless shoulders

Cons

  • Pen pocket (personal preference, but think it’s completely unnecessary)
  • Color options (explain below)
  • Circumference of the collar seems a bit large. If feels like the size is better suited for someone with a very large neck.
  • Price

After chatting with a LEO friend who works for the State Police, they’ve started to transition from under the shirt vests to over the shirt. He stated his interest in the shirt and is hoping they will offer it in navy as well to expand the range of option for LEOs in the field.

Massif Advanced Quarter Zip Combat Shirt

Overall, the Massif Advance 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt has performed very well in hot weather. Even after hours of range time in the direct sunlight the shirt wicked moisture as advertised. In the winter, the Combat Shirt could easily be paired with the Massif Base-layer collection for added warmth, protection, and breathability in the event of “high exertion” activities. The price it up there, but inline with other FR clothing on the market. If you are looking for a new, top of the line, breathable, and versatile FR combat shirt, this is worth checking out.


Share This

Filed Under: Mission Gear Tagged With: base layer, combat shirt, flame resistant, massif, SMU, special missions unit

About the Author

Avatar

Isaiah Burkhart served in 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. Almost four years of my time in 3/75 was spent in the sniper section. In all, I spent over 11 years in military service. I am a firefighter/paramedic and hold a Bachelors of Science in Biology from Oregon State University. When not working, I spend most of my time rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, trail running, and occasionally picking up heavy objects.

See All Isaiah Burkhart Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

What’s Hot

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review
Featured

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review

Why .45ACP is an outdated caliber
Ammunition

Why 45 ACP is an outdated caliber

Featured

Stories from Delta Force Selection: When not to dance

Dogs

Tactipup Extreme Collar and Leash: Tactical dog gear, Perfected

A Navy SEALs EDC Gear Recommendations
EDC

A Navy SEALs EDC Gear Recommendations

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates daily and to hear what's going on with us!

In Case You Missed It

Gear Reviews

A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686

October 9, 2019 Leave a Comment

Camping Gear

The MSR Pocket Rocket | Your little camp dragon

October 8, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger
EDC

The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger

October 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

Gear Reviews

A plate carrier for the big boys: AR500’s Testudo Gen 2 is a good pick for large frames

October 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

Get it on Google Play

© Copyright 2021 Crate Club Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers