DarkVault® 2.0 Critical Gear Case

Description

While the original DarkVault® remains our generalist critical gear case, the DarkVault 2.0 Critical Gear Case is purpose-built for smartphone use in austere environments. Attach the DarkVault 2.0 to plate-carriers or chest rigs and you can quickly dock and use your phone for navigation, ballistics info, ad-hoc mesh comms, or any other use. Built to work with normal phone cases, you no longer need to run a bulky, conspicuous case just to have a tactical mounting solution. Choose our upgraded Blocking Versions to reduce electromagnetic signature up to 110dB**, significantly reducing susceptibility to geolocation or data access.

The DarkVault 2.0 Critical Gear Case Features:

• Fully enclosed smartphone protection
• Waterproof, dustproof Poron® sealing gasket
• Integrated phone clamp
• MOLLE/PALS attachment system with full mechanical interlocks
• Lockable case latch and attachment latches
• Regular and Large sizes for most 6.1” and 6.7” phones* in slim cases (*diagonal screen dimension)
• Designed and Made in the USA
• Comms Version Only: Adhesive window overlay can be removed for phone camera use
• Blocking Version Only: Proprietary polymer construction reduces signal transmission up to 110dB**; see details below
• Optional: Custom-cut adhesive Velcro loop panels for ID/patches/accessories

DarkVault 2.0 Critical Gear Cases come in the following color ways:

• Comms Versions: Black, Ranger Green / OD, Tan / FDE, MultiCam / FDE
• Blocking: MultiCam, MultiCam Black

Phone & Phone Case Compatibility

Thyrm designed the DarkVault 2.0’s phone holder and viewing window to work with most smartphones in the market including those by Samsung, Apple and Google. We also tested dozens of phone cases. While your particular case and phone may not be listed, we have provided dimensions and guidance to help assess your equipment’s compatibility.

Most phone cases marketed as “slim”, “sleek” or “minimalist” will work and even some that are “drop-proof” or “military-grade” are compatible.  Cases that include two piece top/bottom designs, extended bumpers, kickstands or rings, and sliding camera covers are too large.

When in doubt, check the dimensions of the case compared to the dimensions here.  If you were running a larger case to protect your phone during times when you are wearing a plate carrier, chest rig, or similar, you might be able to go to a smaller case for day-to-day use and then add the protection of the DarkVault 2.0 during missions, call-outs, and training.

Compatible case examples include the UAG Pathfinder, Apple Brand cases, Crave Dual Guard, and OtterBox Symmetry. Non-compatible case examples include the Unicorn Beetle by SupCase and the OtterBox Defender series.

Maximum dimensions for a phone case, in each DarkVault 2.0 size are: Regular DarkVault 2.0: 6.1 x 3.1 x 0.46 in³.  Large DarkVault 2.0: 6.7 x 3.3 x 0.46 in³.

 

If you would like to use a DarkVault, but your phone is too bulky for the DarkVault 2.0, consider the original DarkVault model.

**READ BEFORE BUYING A BLOCKING VERSION:

The concept behind the DarkVault Blocking version is to make your phone significantly harder to detect and/or access without having to completely stow it in a faraday bag or power it off. Thyrm’s proprietary polymer construction reduces signal transmission by up to 110dB.

You may notice that your phone can still connect to networks if you are close to strong WIFI routers and/or 5G/Cell antennas. When a phone is in a DarkVault Blocking case, this typically changes dramatically as you move away from those sources.

Bluetooth devices will reach through the DarkVault case because of Bluetooth’s higher frequency (but limited range). This allows for the use of Mesh antenna systems such as goTenna Pro and Otto Lynq Pro in addition to most headphones.

While there are significant OPSEC advantages to the DarkVault Blocking cases, please keep this in mind when selecting one for your specific application.

DarkVault Accessories: Velcro Accessory Paks

Velcro Accessory Paks each contain two precut loop Velcro pieces to help users attach ID, patches or name tape to their DarkVault 2.0. The small Velcro piece can be cut to keep a portion of the window on the DarkVault Comms 2.0 clear (as shown). If you choose “With Velcro” when you order your DarkVault 2.0 Case, the correct size Velcro and color will be chosen for you.  For instance, large FDE cases get large beige Velcro.  Ranger green cases get black Velcro.  Velcro Accessory Paks can also be bought separately at the Velcro Accessory Pak page.