I stumbled across a very cool Kickstarter project, which marries three of my most favourite things: Helmets, lights and preparedness!
This one comes from a Firefighting crew, rather than my more usual geeky or tacticool sources, and I have to hand it to them, when it comes to getting it done, on very little, our First Responders are often at the pointy end of state and federal budgets. I'm very happy to promote this really cool idea, and hopefully get a very cool looking tool into their hands (and mine). Or rather, our of their heads, and hands, and ONTO their heads!
This is the GUTS HM1 fully adjustable helmet mount for lights and tools, by Kris Nagy, Ed Machen & 3LS
It is a bolt on bracket, that non-invasively mounts to the side or front, above or below the rim, of standard fire helmets as well as hard-hats, but probably also to bump helmets without rails, or even sporting helmets....
The GUTS HM1 is designed to accommodate AA, AAA or CR-123, sized flashlights, small tools or video cameras. Essentially any item that that range in size from ¼ to 1 ½ inches in diameter. and allows the easy fitting and removal without tools, in the field.The body of the bracket is made from aircraft grade aluminum, with two stainless steel ¼ inch set screws to secure
the platform to the helmets front or side brim. The strapping is the really exciting part.
The QuickStrap™ is made from ARA- Shield and fire retardant Hook & Loop both are NFPA rated
materials. These are the same NFPA fire
retardant materials used in firefighting bunker gear. The rubbery property of
ARA-shield® grips and keeps your equipment secure even when it gets wet. The strap anchor point is reversible. This feature allows the user decide the
best way for them how to tighten the strap, by pulling up, or downwards, whichever suits the user.
3LS are offering the GUTS HM1 in either "clear" silver or anodized in red or black. The
entire system weighs 70g (2.5oz) so would be no burden to most helmets, especially if you're already used to fitting lights or cameras to your head.
I really hope these guys make their funding goal, and perhaps some of YOU out there can help ...