The TAPR or Tactical Air-Purifying Respirator, from MIRA Safety is a flexible, half-face respirator with tactical operations in mind. The TAPR was originally developed to meet the needs of the Czech Special Forces to provide a flexible and versatile protection option. The kit comes in a structured case and foam to protect the mask and filters. Its precut for the pouch, filters and mask for proper storage. The kit includes the center port TAPR mask, both a compact P3 particulate filter (for viral and biological threats) and a P-Can filter (with carbon for gases, including CS/CN/OC), storage pouch with molle attachment capability, mesh head harness and replaceable low profile exhalation cap. I ordered the optional ARC Rail Fidlock Connectors for use with my Ops-Core helmet.

The obvious elephant in the room is the idea that it is only half a mask. True, but coupled with a large variety of goggles and eye protection with good seals this mask is much easier to carry and use in conjunction with your other tactical gear, i.e. your helmet and ear protection/comms sets. When using the ARC Rail Fidlock Connectors you can easily connect the mask to the exterior of your helmet and don over your ear pro. Quickly protecting your air supply, while adjusting your eye pro or transitioning to goggles. If running this mask using the supplied mesh head harness, you will have to remove your helmet to don it like you would with a full mask. Because of its low-profile it stores in the 8”x3”x4.5” pouch with filter attached and either harness system. There is a mesh pocket in the pouch to store small maintenance items like wipes or the caps to the filters. The pouch does come with a molle attachment and is small enough to fit on a dangler or ab panel. The mask and filter would fit in any similar shaped GP pouch that matched your kit for other storage options.

The TAPR mask body is designed in conjunction with the harness to provide one-size-fits-all protection. The harnesses have four points of adjustment on the cage to better fit. The mesh harness is a low-profile fit to be comfortable under any protective helmet. The mesh harness and the ARC Rail Fidlock connectors are attached to a plastic cage that is easy to switch between the two wear methods. The cage is secured to the mask body by a rubber ridge that the cage presses over above the center filter connection. The kit comes with a low-profile exhalation cap designed for a closer check weld when employing a rifle, it replaces the standard exhalation caps. The filter connection is a standard Nato 40mm threaded connection allowing for the use of a large variety of available filters and the PAPR. If you are not familiar with Fidlock buckles, they are magnet assisted and self-securing. A perfect choice for the rails of a tactical helmet for buckling up the TAPR while still wearing the helmet. Easy to release with a pull on the release tab. When not in use the Fidlock V buckles stow flat and secured by the magnet.

Some other options available for use with the TAPR include: a DotPro 320 filter (combined P3 and charcoal filter at a reduced cost), NBC-17 SOF filter Gas Mask Microphone compatible with Peltor and Ops-Core headsets, left or right handed shooter configuration with the filter on opposite cheek, PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) for extended use and MLOK rail adapters (also compatible with Team Wendy helmets). The mask body (if properly stored) has a shelf life of up to 20 years, harness of 10 years and valves up to 5 years. The harness and valves can be replaced with a replacement parts kit to extend the life of the mask.

Final Thoughts: This is a versatile option for the tactical officer, crowd management team or the prepared citizen. It packs down small for ease of carry and storage in a go-bag but provides enough protection to complete the mission.

By the numbers:

Comfort – 4/5 The mesh harness and multi adjustment points allows for a comfortable fit. It’s a protective mask so at some point during use or length of use it will no longer be comfortable, hopefully we are clear of the threat that requires it before that happens. 

Durability – 4.5/5 As stated by MIRA Safety, if maintained and stored properly the mask body has a 20 year shelf life, harness (made of elastic) a 10 year shelf life and the valves will need to be replaced every 5 years. There is a kit for that. I do believe because of the silicon rubber the body is made of for short periods (length of a shift maybe) the mask could still function properly after being squished in a pouch or pack.

Functionality – 4/5 Very versatile system allowing the use of common tactical gear (helmets, ear pro/comms sets etc) but some environments may still require a full face mask for protection. The Fidlock connectors are very helpful for use on a helmet with the magnets to engage and drawcords to release. Compatibility with any 40mm Nato filter is a plus.

Weight – 5/5 It comes in at 4oz before the filters, making the entire kit under a pound including the pouch. 

Value – 5/5 It is cheaper than the full face protective masks. Depending on the filter and shelf life should provide protection over a long period of time for the price. 

Overall rating – 4.5/5 This mask is a versatile option for tactical officers and the prepared citizen for protection during contaminated environments, if used properly.

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product.

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