Tents and Bags [Archive] - The Fifth Column

buglerbilly

17-07-10, 03:26 PM

ZIRO 2P SE Shelter

NEMO Equipment displayed their ZIRO 2P SE low-profile floorless bug shelter at the Warrior Expo – East. The ZIRO is a very low profile shelter (27″ of heght) featuring No-See-Um bug netting and a removable fly of 30D nylon. The lightest MultiCam tent fabric available. It is erected using three 2″ diameter AirSupported Technology beams. The mesh provides a full 360 degrees of observation so the ZIRO is great for use in hides or over the top of fighting positions to keep out pests as well as the sun. With over 28 square feet of floor space there is ample room for two occupants and the two doors at each end make ingress and egress a snap.

Air Supported Technology

Pressurized air is an integral part of structures from car tires to basketballs, from spacesuits to the massive Millennium Arches building in Stockholm. AirSupported Technology® is NEMO's unique interpretation of inflatable structures for lightweight backcountry shelters. The advantages of AST™, compared to traditional tent poles, include faster and easier setup, greater strength and wind resistance, easy and reliable repair in the field, smaller pack size, and the ability to bend without breaking.

REMARKABLE STRENGTH

When properly inflated, NEMO's airbeams can be considerably stronger than traditional aluminum tent poles. In testing, the larger Morpho airbeam withstood more than twice the downward force compared to a standard tent pole. One of the great advantages of airbeams is that even if you bend them all the way to the ground, they simply spring back into shape. Optimal air pressure for a NEMO airbeam is between 7 and 9 psi. NEMO pumps are designed to quickly deliver exactly the right amount of pressure.

EASY SETUP

In every AST™ tent, airbeams make tent setup fast and simple. Since airbeams are already connected to the tent, no extra assembly is required after the tent corners are staked. Simply attach the Quick-Disconnect valves and begin inflating the airbeam. NEMO AST™ also allows you to inflate the tent from inside during bad weather. After staking out your tent, get inside, and take your time pumping up the airbeam while staying dry.

SMALL PACK SIZE

AST™ tents can be packed into smaller and more irregularly shaped spaces than poled tents since there are no rigid elements. Leave your stuff sack at home, and stuff your AST™ tent in the empty nooks and crannies of your pack. The flexible pack size also means that more efficient packing can be possible in kayak and canoe hulls, bike panniers, or motorcycle saddle bags.

TEMPERATURE RANGE

NEMO AirSupported Technology® is capable of withstanding a wide range of conditions including a dramatic changes in temperature. At its recommended inflation pressure of 7 psi, a swing from freezing point (32 F) all the way to the most searing heat (120 F) only increases the airbeam pressure to 8.2 psi−not even close to the 20 psi minimum burst pressure of the airbeams. Starting in intense heat (120F) and dropping to the freezing point (32F) decreases the pressure to 5.9 psi−still more than enough pressure for a strong and stable shelter. The tents can withstand reasonable winds and weather with as little as 3 psi of pressure. More reasonable temperature fluctuations such as from 90F to 50F produce less than 1 psi of pressure change.

REPLACEABLE BLADDER

The shape and puncture resistance of an airbeam is provided by the outer sailcloth shell, but the polyurethane bladder inside holds the air. The airbeams should never be damaged during ordinary use, however accidents do happen. In the event of a puncture, the spare bladder can be easily repaired or replaced. Simply tie the new bladder to the damaged bladder and pull the damaged bladder out of the airbeam. The damaged bladder can then be patched with the included patch kit and kept as a spare.

buglerbilly

21-07-10, 03:10 AM

Evolution Armor’s SF 3-Day Pack

by christian on July 20, 2010

Kit Up! had a lot of help gearing up for our embed back in May, and one of our good friends for many years — and one of the world’s top hard armor innovators — provided us with some of the loadout that helped make our trip safe and mobile.

Allan Bain, the president of Evolution Armor Systems, Inc., is known in the industry as the inventor of scaled body armor– what eventually became known as “Dragonskin.” He continues to evolve the design into lighter, more durable armor systems for a variety of applications.

He may be doing this for the SWAT market in the USA and elsewhere BUT I'd be astounded if he's ever allowed anywhere near a US Forces order after the bitch-fight over his original product a year or two ago.......

But Allan also had an idea for a backpack design that met the needs of troops in places like Afghanistan well before the Army or Marine Corps put their engines in gear to outfit Joes and Grunts with a pack that spanned the capability gap of the MOLLE-Ruck or the ILBE and the assault pack.

Allan donated one of his SF 3-Day Field Packsto Kit Up! for our trip to The Stan. I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical of the design, since I come from a mountaineering background and hold panel constructed access in low regard (I prefer top-loading). But I dug the MultiCam scheme and figured I’d go light on “Bag #2″ and give Bain’s pack a whirl.

Boy was I glad…

The SF 3 worked awesome. It held enough gear and duds to last for five days at a combat outpost — which roughly equates to three days for a Joe or Grunt since they’ll be hauling ammo and food. The heavy duty zippers that open the single main compartment held up to over packing abuse and the outer pockets contorted into funky shapes without so much as a squeal from the stitching. For tactical folks, the pack sports openings in the top for radios and hydration tubes and a slip in inner panel for a hard armor plate or soft panel.

The entire pack is stiched with MOLLE webbing, so you can customize with random pockets and pouches to your heart’s content. It has a heavy-duty waist belt and sternum strap so even the heaviest loads can be hefted and allows for tons of adjustment so you can schlep it over body armor (which I did many times).

My only critique is the use of the 1,000 denier Cordura material for the buckle straps and these weird zipper pouches running down each side. The Cordura material was difficult to cinch (as opposed to nylon webbing) and the pouches were useless when the pack was jammed with gear. I’m sure some operator out there somewhere has a specific use for those side pockets, but I could never use them, and zippers = weight in my book.

But I must say, the SF 3-Day Field Pack will be the go-to load carrier for any Kit Up adventures that require gear haulage and it got tons of kudos from the Joes we covered in the zone.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2010/07/evolution-armors-sf-3-day-pack.html#more-1350#ixzz0uH574B29

buglerbilly

23-07-10, 04:23 AM

Review: Camelbak Linchpin- is it worth $25/pocket?

July 22nd, 2010 | Review | Posted by Rob Curtis

A Soldier checks his crypto after stashing his radio in the overflow pocket of a Camelbak Linchpin before a patrol in Afghanistan's Pech Valley, March, 2010.

We reported Camelbak’s announcement of the Linchpin back at the 2010 SHOT Show and since it’s making its way to retailers later month, it’s time for a review. Let’s get the ugly out of the way first: $190 (est. street price) is a lot of flow for a small pack.

But we think this pack is worth it.

Camelbak Linchpin backpack, holding an Ops-Core Ballistic FAST helmet in the overflow pocket.

The Linchpin is a raid and patrol pack that stands out for its versatility. It’s the first time an adjustable suspension system has made its way into such a small pack. At first, we were left scratching our heads when we saw the Mystery Ranch-designed Futura harness on the 1,800-cubic inch pack. It seemed overkill on a pack barely bigger than a large purse or a kid’s book bag. Really, it’s rare to find that kind of harness on a pack smaller than 3,000 cubic inches.

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- shaped straps are a feature of the Mystery Ranch Futura Harness

Then we realized: This is a real patrol pack. It’s not meant to carry snivel gear and candy bars. It’s meant to carry mags, mortar rounds, MREs, radio, batteries and extra water. That’s the kind of dense load that turns a standard assault pack into a shopping bag with straps. You can figure six loaded M4 mags weigh 6 pounds. Add another 6 pounds for 100 ounces of water, then throw in an 8-pound ASIP radio, two radio batteries at 2 pounds each and a 2-pound MRE, and you’re already up to 26 pounds. That’s well into the range where recreational backpacks come equipped with framed suspension systems to stabilize their loads.

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- Admin pocket

The Futura harness, with its sliding frame sheet system, creates a sort of limited suspension system that gives the pack more structure than most packs of this size. This lets you carry more weight with more control than a pack that just has shoulder straps with a stiffening panel. Another benefit of the Futura harness is the ability to adjust the pack’s fit to account for body armor as well as different torso heights. It’s disappointing that Camelbak didn’t include a waist belt with the pack to further stabilize the load the Linchpin is capable of carrying. However, there are lash points on the pack that suggest they may add a belt later or offer it as an accessory. Frankly, the pack is pretty geeked-out already; and the addition of a nice waistbelt might push this thing up into the $220 range.

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- NVG stowed neatly up top

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- NVG stowed neatly up top.

The rest of the pack falls in line with Camelbak’s HAWG pack with a few exceptions. The pack has plenty of pockets to keep gear organized. On the pack body, there’s the main cargo pouch that’s about 1,000 cubic centimeters with antenna ports, outboard pockets that accept three M4 mags per side, a small utility optics pocket, and the discrete hydration reservoir pocket out back with over-and-under arm hydration ports. When not hauling water, the pocket does double duty as a laptop sleeve. Out front there’s a decent-sized admin pouch with a flat map pocket.

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- Looks smaller than it is. That's a 15" Macbook Pro in there.

The bags fabric is in line with their 500d push away from heavier 1000d fabrics. The weight savings isn’t as dramatic in pack this small, but it does help to offset some of the weight gained by the Futura harness system.

In between the two sections is an open-topped overflow pocket for a helmet, rain gear or anything else you want to get at quickly. I saw guys load an ASIP radio in the overflow area and secure it with the compression straps. They were putting the radio inside the bag, but without an internal harness the radio controls disappeared into the depth of the bag. When the bag was stuffed with filler to raise the radio, the antenna ports were too small to get the base of the ASIP antenna through. When resorted to moving it to the overflow pocket up front, they realized it made the radio controls instantly available while still keeping the radio secure.

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- antenna ports are a bit too small for an ASIP antenna base to fit through.

The hydration system will get a little upgrade from the specs first announced in January. The stated 100-ounce reservoir will be replaced by baffled, low-profile 102-ounce bladders that slosh less and carry closer to the back.

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- Side pouches are sized to hold three M4 rifle mags

Lastly, by the time you read this, Camelbak will have a new lifetime warranty in place for all of its products except gloves. In the Linchpin’s case, the warranty will be good for the life of the pack. Expect a formal announcement from the company in the fall after their new products have hit stores.

Available in late July MSRP $215.

More info at Camelbak.

http://www.camelbak.com/government-military/hydration-packs/linchpin

Camelbak Linchpin backpack

buglerbilly

23-07-10, 04:24 AM

A few more shots.............

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- Velcro field for name tape

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- bottom hydration tube ports and below that are attachment ports for some kind of waist belt. Also, notice the back panel mesh was pilling from wear on body armor.

Camelbak Linchpin backpack- snug up those load lifters to get that load secure.

buglerbilly

23-07-10, 04:57 AM

Coyote Z-Lite Sleeping Pad

July 23rd, 2010

Cascade Designs has taken their popular lightweight Z-Lite folding mat and changed the color from Orange to Coyote. A simple mod but it means the world to troops who want to put the Z-lite’s egg carton-style cushioning to work in the field. It folds out to a roomy 20” wide x 72” long yet weighs in at only 15 ounces! And, unlike air mattresses, you don’t have to worry about leaks.

Previously in limited production the mat was evaluated by the Marine Corps. However, Cascade Designs put them into full production based on its adoption by an element of the US military. CPGear is the first company we have seen to offer this product.

Price USD$ 39.50

http://www.cpgear.com/StoreBox/sleeping_bags/6046.htm

buglerbilly

26-07-10, 07:20 PM

Granite Tactical Gear Rock Block Solid Compression Sacks

July 26th, 2010 | Review | Posted by Rob Curtis

Granite Tactical Gear Rock Block Solid Compression Sack

Granite Gear jumped into the military market a few years back and has slowly been filling its tactical catalog with completely new equipment alongside militarized versions of commercial staples. The Block Rock Solid compression stuff sack brings the MultiCam and coyote versions of the Block Solid to the Berry Amendment clientele.

The squared-off sides of the Block Solid mean less wasted space in your bags, especially when used in pairs. To get the idea, think about packing tennis balls vs. building blocks. Available in five sizes, we used a medium to compress a bulky 20-degree sleeping bag to the size of a Nerf football. In fact, the ¾-inch compression straps and arched lids made such easy work of the downsizing that we managed to shove a warming layer, booties and rain gear in there with the sleeping bag. The wide straps made it easy to pull all the air out of the bag, and the stitching never complained with a pop or bulge of the 210-denier fabric sides.

GG chose to use the pricey double sided MultiCam webbing. And Crye chose to make sure you know it by branding the hell out of that webbing!

The sack’s compression straps can be used as lashing points if you need to carry gear on the outside of a pack. We found the sacks shed rain for many hours, but the fabric will wet-out eventually, picking up some water weight, but the interior stays bone dry if you orient the long seam against your pack.

Here's the Rock Block Solid packed with a 20 degree sleeping bag, Gore-tex jacket and an Arc'teryx Atom jacket. I could have compressed the load more, but I kept it a little loose so I could strap it to the bottom of my pack.

Granite Gear went the extra mile with these stuff sacks, and it shows in the use of impeccable stitching, double-sided multicam straps and branded hardware. Just remember: Quality isn’t cheap. On top of that, the Minnesota-based company sources and sews all its military products in the US. But, we’ve got beat-up, 15-year-old Granite Gear stuff sacks that refuse to die. So, if you hang on to your gear, the Block Rock Solids are worth the price. Available now, size medium $40 coyote, $50 MultiCam.

Here's the drawcord. Granite Gear has gone to a thinner, lighter cord since producing this early version.

Granite Tactical Gear Rock Block Solid Compression Sack before compression. That flat cord has been replaced by 2-3mm cord in the production version.

Check out that stitching. TIGHT! And, no unfinished edges.

Granite Tactical Gear Rock Block Solid Compression Sack in the Korengal outpost. Mk19 round shown for scale.

http://www.granitetaticalgear.com/

buglerbilly

30-07-10, 02:42 PM

http://www.nemoequipment.com/

EMFX Pouches from NEMO Equipment

July 30th, 2010 At the recent Warrior Expo – East NEMO Equipment had quite a few new wares on display. In addition to the ZIRO 2P SE Shelter, they also displayed the EMFX pouch. Sure, it looks like a mild mannered pouch made from 210D Ripstiop Nylon with a tough Hypalon belt loop. But don’t judge this pouch by its looks.

The real power is inside. Using a conductive textile the EMFX pouch blocks all electromagnetic signals from reaching your cell phone. This means your phone won’t be tracked or attacked by adversaries. In addition to cell phones and other personal electronics, the EMFX pouch will also keep prying signals from interrogating your passport with RF chip.

Measuring 4″ by 5.5″ it features a roll top to keep the duct and other debris out.

buglerbilly

03-08-10, 05:19 PM

What All of the Well Dressed PJs are Wearing

August 3rd, 2010

Pro Med Kits developed this CSAR ruck specifically for the Air Force PJs. For those of you who don’t know, CSAR stands for Combat Search and Rescue and that what the PJ’s life is all about, rescuing isolated personnel from certain capture at the hands of our adversaries. Since their mission is so demanding, they use very specialized equipment. Based on the popular Medium ALICE pack, the CSAR ruck is intended for down the hoist operations. It accepts MOLLE pouches and can be fitted to an ALICE frame which, as you can see leaves ample room for Hurst tools or litters. Additionally, it comes with a removable jump harness.

Berry compliant, the CSAR Ruck is available in Coyote and MultiCam. To order, visit www.promedkits.com.

buglerbilly

05-08-10, 03:03 PM

Go airborne with the CamelBak Big Jump

August 5th, 2010 | Product Preview | Posted by Rob Curtis

The new Camelbak Big Jump is a 4200 cubic inch jump certified ruck that features a fully integrated, wraparound jump harness. Some neat tricks are the snap-together zipper pulls, the internal radio harness, shoulder straps that stow in the backpanel, topside external load straps, and a reenforced handle for lowering line use. It’s made from 1000d Cordura fabric and will come in coyote tan and UCP. Camelbak is putting the final tweaks in place and is working out the pricing. We’ll let you know when they let us know.

buglerbilly

06-08-10, 04:39 AM

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

August 5th, 2010

We recently learned about Hyperlite Mountain Gear which manufacturers ultra lightweight shelters made from Cuben fiber, a non-woven material used as sail cloth. They offer packs as well as one and two-man shelters and tarps including their flagship ECHO I Ultralight Shelter System. Consisting of a Cuben fiber tarp, a detachable mesh tent insert for insect and ground water protection, and a detachable vestibule for wind and storm protection, the ECHO I weighs a scant 1.36 lbs (21.8 oz) with guy lines. Don’t let the photo with the white color turn you off. Cuben fiber can be dyed virtually any color. In fact, Hyperlite Mountain Gear has a digital camo version.

Great for solo adventuring, distance hiking, lightweight backpacking, climbing, camping, cycling, kayaking or canoeing, the Echo I is a 1.24 lb (19.8 oz) one-man tent system.

This ultralight shelter consists of three modular components: a durable Cuben fiber tarp, a detachable mesh tent insert for 100% insect and ground water protection, and a detachable vestibule for wind and storm protection. Using all components together, the Echo I works like a traditional one-man tent at approximately half the weight.

The Echo I Tarp, the system’s main component, is constructed with a cantenary cut sealed ridgeline, double reinforced tie-outs and the necessary hardware for component attachment. The Echo I Insert is constructed with a mesh ceiling, cuben fiber side panels, a full-length zipped front entry, and an extra-strength cuben fiber bathtub floor. The vestibule, called the Echo I Beak, is made from Cuben fiber and provides full protection against high winds and driving rain. With hiking poles, tent poles or a sturdy stick, the Echo I components can be pitched together or individually, providing the user with ultimate versatility. Set-up time is three to five minutes depending on ground conditions.

1.24 lbs (19.8 oz)
1.36 lbs (21.8 oz) with guy lines

RRP: USD$490.00

www.hyperlitemountaingear.com

buglerbilly

10-08-10, 06:35 PM

Kifaru Releases OTW Bag

August 10th, 2010

During SHOT Show we wrote about the new Outside The Wire Bag from Kifaru Tactical. It is an excellent flat bottomed design with ample room to see the contents when open. Additionally, the OTW Bag features PALS webbing on the exterior and loop as well as elastic on the inside to accommodate the user’s needs. You can see all of the bag’s salient characteristics in this graphic provided by Kifaru. Available now in Black, Coyote, Foliage, OD, MultiCam and UCP. Camo patterns are the same price as monotones until 10 November.

http://www.kifaru.net/otw.html

shown on a 5ft. 9 in. man ( long torso)

Price: $198.00, any color!

After November 10, add 10% for specialty colors

buglerbilly

11-08-10, 06:49 PM

Army Now Issuing Medium Ruck for Afghan Ops

by christian on August 11, 2010

You’ll remember Kit Up! broke the news in May about the Army’s selection of the Medium Ruck — a middle-road backpack that allows troopers to carry enough gear for a couple nights at a remote firebase or COP.

The Army selected an external frame design along the lines of the current MOLLE Ruck, with a 3,000 cube+ capacity.

“It’s going to the capability for Soldiers to carry equipment between that 24 and 72 hours,” said Lt. Col. Mike Sloane, a top PEO Soldier official. “The intent is to have everything they need but not too much, because when you’re climbing up and down the mountains of Afghanistan, every ounce counts.”

“We’re trying to right-size the Soldier for a specific mission and tailor his equipment to do that.”

The Medium Ruck is now being issued to Soldiers kitting up for deployment to Afghanistan in their new (now it’s called OEF Camouflage Pattern) MultiCam. And the airborne center is in the process to get the same pack certified for airborne ops.

For right now the Army is issuing this in OCP for troops heading to Afghanistan, but it will become part of the service’s inventory of issued equipment and will be available in UCP (or whatever else the Army settles on for its camo evaluation), Sloane told Kit Up!

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz0wJhjkrfb

buglerbilly

17-08-10, 02:36 PM

Digi-Camo pic of the Hyperlite tent............

buglerbilly

19-08-10, 03:24 AM

E&E Bags

August 19th, 2010

Call them what you will, E&E bags, bug out bags, or satchels, they are a long way from the salvaged Claymore bag you used back in the 80s. In fact, the modern E&E Bag was first developed for Diamondback Tactical by the founder of Mayflower Research & Consulting in 2003 based on his military experience. Over the past few years, the original design has been copied and modified by a slew of manufacturers, even morphing into the Courier Bag requirement for USSOCOM. The item is far from static and even Mayflower has improved on that first design.

The latest bag to hit the market is the Terrorist Interdiction Bag (TIB) from One Source Tactical’s Technical Services Division. It is the first bag of its kind designed to accommodate AK magazines. As you can see in the photo below, the retention tabs have been specially designed to secure the AK30 magazine from US PALM. Naturally, it will also carry other similar sized including M4 magazines.

Available in Black, Coyote, and MultiCam.

MSRP: $69.99
OneSource Price: $54.99
You Save: $15.00 (21 %)

http://www.onesourcetactical.com/terroristinterdictionbagtib.aspx

buglerbilly

01-09-10, 07:50 PM

GTG Chief Flatbed gets the nod from the Air Force

September 1st, 2010 | Product Announcement | Posted by Rob Curtis

Granite Tactical Gear Chief Flatbed, PHOTO: Courtesy Granite Tactical Gear

The Air Force must have had a good meeting with Granite Gear at Outdoor Retailer last month becuase they just dropped an RFQ for 20 Chief Flatbeds (or equivalent). The Flatbed uses the C.H.I.E.F. frame (or “Cheif”, if you’re running without speel check enabled) as found on SOCOMs current patrol pack and hangs a giant beaver-tail on it to carry awkwardly shaped loads. Think humping a set of Jaws of Life and you’ve got it. It’s also set up to carry a Watershed Amphibious Cargo Carrier to make a sweet over-the-beach bag.

We had our own meeting with GTG and they told us they’re already looking at a few improvements for Flatbed v2. One change they plan is making the beaver-tail flap removable. This will let you strap gear directly to the back using the straps and PALS webbing on the back panel and run without the interference of the flap; handy if you’re carrying something long. They are also looking at adding a PALS field on the inside of the flap to accommodate their modular pockets. The CHIEF Flatbed is $500 in tan, $590 in MultiCam. More info at Granite Tactical Gear or their distributor Outdoor Tactical.

http://granitegear.com/store/aboutusgtg.html

http://www.outdoortactical.com/Granite_Tactical_Gear.html

Granite Tactical Gear Chief Flatbed, shown holding a Watershed ACC (Amphibious Cargo Carrier) fully submersible dry bag.PHOTO: Courtesy Granite Tactical Gear

buglerbilly

17-09-10, 12:22 PM

From Soldier Systems..........

Vehicle Upright Storage Bag

September 17th, 2010 No, you can’t store a vehicle in it, but it looks like you can keep your ammo from rolling around in your trunk. Simple and functional. Since it’s called a Medium storage bag on the web site we expect to see more of these in other sizes. Berry compliant and available in Coyote and MultiCam.

As shown USD$ 59.95

www.tyrtactical.com

buglerbilly

29-09-10, 01:05 AM

Army Going Nemo on Personal Shelters

by christian on September 28, 2010

Kit Up! was introduced to Nashua, NH-based Nemo Equipment from our friend Rob Curtis at the Gear Scout blog when he spied some Nemo Go-Go shelters on his embed in The Stan.

Not afraid to ride the coattails of their competition, the Kit Up! team of yours truly and Military.com Editor Ward Carroll were afforded the opportunity to haul over a couple Nemo shelters on our own trek to Afghanistan in anticipation of some extended times under the stars.

Alas, that was not to be, but it looks like that despite that (or perhaps because of it) Nemo has made great inroads into the Army’s Natick Research Development and Engineering Command who are in the midst of a major look at Soldier individual shelter systems...........................

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz10rtQSwWB

buglerbilly

12-10-10, 05:11 AM

From Soldier Systems..........

Klymit Inertia X Frame

October 11th, 2010

Looking for an ultralightweight sleeping pad? Then check out the Inertia X Frame sleeping pad from Klymit which weighs in at a scant 9.1 ounces. We’ve written about Klymit before, innovators in the use of Argon gas as insulation. The secret to the pad’s weight is that it is a frame design. Klymit used body mapping to arrive at the unique shape which puts padding and insulation where it’s needed. Additionally, it rolls up to the size of a soda can so it won’t take up much room in a pack. While typically, Klymit uses Argon gas to inflate their products, the X Frame relies on good old breath, but the innovative design only requires 2-4 breaths.

buglerbilly

25-10-10, 06:27 AM

Via the ever-interesting Soldier Systems....................

Spanish Airborne Brigade Adopts Eberlestock Pack

October 25th, 2010 The Spanish Army adopted the Eberlestock Phantom for their Airborne Brigade and so can you. For a slight upcharge you can purchase the Phantom in the new Spanish Desert pattern.

This mid-sized pack features removable shoulder straps and bag from the patented Backscabbard™, which can then be combined with the top-cover to make a drag bag. The Phantom is a front-loader, with two rings of various-sized tuck-pockets lining its interior, MOLLE racks inside and out, and a fold-down shelf that can be used to divide the main compartment into upper and lower chambers. It will carry two 3-liter hydration kits, mounted in side pockets, and/or two 2-liter bladders in sleeves between the side pockets and the main pack. Includes the pack and scabbard combination, removable butt-cover, and pull-out G1RC rain cover.

www.eberlestock.com

buglerbilly

09-11-10, 05:04 AM

From US Army's PEO's Flickr stream.................the new Medium ruck...........

PEOSoldier's photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peosoldier/

buglerbilly

12-11-10, 02:07 PM

From Soldier Systems.........

Marines Looking for a Few Good ‘MOLLE-Type’ Packs

November 12th, 2010

According to a Sources Sought Notice released in November, it appears as if the Marine Corps has decided on a way ahead for a replacement for the Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE) pack.

From the Notice:

The Program Manager Individual Combat and Equipment (PM ICE), Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), is seeking industry input that identifies potential sources and best practice information regarding the manufacturing of a government-designed USMC Pack System. The USMC Pack System is similar to the US Army’s MOLLE Large and Assault Packs. The resultant System must be Berry Amendment compliant and as well as be produced at a rate which will result in a total of 108,000 Systems being delivered within 12 months of contract awards. It is anticipated that production would be satisfied through multiple contract awards.

Ironically, Marine Corps dissatisfaction with MOLLE spawned the ILBE program in the first place. Based on commercial backpacking technology, ILBE was developed by Arc’teryx and manufactured under license by Propper. The system includes a large internal frame pack, assault pack, hydration system, and waterproof liners. Issues with the design began to arise after the Marines began to use body armor with integral rear plates as standard issue. The internal frame ILBE was not designed to accommodate the added bulk of the plates and the Marines chose not to undertake a Product Improvement Program. The Marines Corps has looked at dozens of designs over the last two years including a proposal called the ‘WELBE‘ that would have modified their existing packs to accept the Mystery Ranch NICE frame.

Over the summer they announced they were going to conduct a limited test of “five Government owned pack designs”. This is a natural step in the development of a new material solution to avoid starting a new program when there is already a product that satisfies the requirement. If this Sources Sought Notice is any indication, they found their solution with MOLLE, or at least something similar.

buglerbilly

19-11-10, 01:54 PM

From Soldier Systems............

The Arc’teryx Antaeus – SSD Exclusive

November 19th, 2010

Ten years ago, Arc’teryx developed the Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE) pack for the Marine Corps. Based on their award winning Bora technology, ILBE was a monumental leap forward in load carrying capability for the military. Over the ensuing years not only did Arc’teryx continue to lead the way as a commercial pack innovator, but the Marines adapted how they fight and consequently, how they use load bearing systems. Loads changed radically including the adoption of armor vests with bulky armor plates as standard fair. In particular, rear plates play havoc with the balanced carrying of a load on the back. Unfortunately, ILBE was not updated so early this year Arc’teryx took it upon themselves to “redo” ILBE as an internal project. Now in its fifth version, this pack, named the Antaeus is the most technically advanced military pack we have seen. Unlike ILBE it is not a modified civilian pack but rather leverages technologies developed for the commercial market, but applies them in ways more appropriate for a tactical pack. However, when you look at the Antaeus, you can see that it has a similar pedigree to the ILBE.

The portage handles are still there as well as the articulated waist belt. While they are improved, the Antaeus also features quick release sternum, should and waist straps. And, like ILBE Antaeus is a system. It is made up of three components that can be used alone of in concert with one another. The core of the system is the 3967 cu in main pack. Designed as a top loader it features a simple lid and lower side pockets designed for water bottles or other items requiring quick access. Additionally, the assault pack is a 2135 cu in beast that most will find sufficient for short duration missions. It can be attached piggy back style to the main pack or strapped down under the lid depending on the load configuration. Finally, a 730 cu in lid can be used as a waist pack or attached in a more traditional role on either the main or assault packs. It features multiple pockets in order to help compartmentalize items such as medical supplies or communications devices.

The differences are numerous as well. This pack has been designed specifically to accommodate someone wearing body armor with a rear plate. New foam has been integrated into the shoulder straps. Conventional wisdom would tell you that you don’t need padding if you are wearing an armor vest but unfortunately, a heavy pack with narrow shoulder straps still digs into the shoulder despite the layers of ballistic material. Arc’teryx has dealt with this by relying on dual density foam and a unique should strap shape which spreads the load across the shoulder. Additionally, the concave, non-slip back pad will stabilize the load so that it does not teeter on an armor plate yet still provides ample lumbar support for those not wearing armor. Also, a heavy-duty ‘U’ shaped zipper facilitates easy access to sleeping gear or other bulky items located at the bottom of the main pack. This design reduces stress on the zipper and does not compromise the integrity of the pack’s ability to carry a load if the zipper fails. Finally, the pack is not slathered in PALS webbing but rather features limited amounts where additional load carrying capacity would be most effective. This helps mitigate both weight and cost.

While it appears that the Marine Corps is adopting an externally framed pack similar the Army-issue MOLLE, Arc’teryx plans on continuing refinement of the Antaeus for those that require an internal frame military pack. The Arc’teryx LEAF (Law Enforcement Armed Forces) program is also developing an entire new family of packs based on the latest in commercial pack technology. They will be unlike anything you have ever seen.

http://leaf.arcteryx.com/

buglerbilly

30-11-10, 03:33 PM

From Soldier Systems.............

Mountain Rucks from Mystery Ranch

November 30th, 2010

There are a lot of folks who still prefer ALICE over any of the new stuff. As we all know, the weakest link in the big green tick was the frame. On top of that, ALICE was designed in the late 60s of state of the art materials for the time, which is essentially parapack and so is prone to developing holes in high wear areas. Well, Mystery Ranch has ALICE beat in both areas and has taken inspiration from the classic design but developed an entirely new pack from the ground up. Naturally, like ALICE, the Mountain Ruck is available in two sizes, Medium and Large. The Large came first, but immediately they had customers come back and tell them that they needed a smaller pack with the same features.

The Mountain Ruck sits atop the highly popular NICE frame which can be used with a variety of Mystery Ranch bags as well as to transport awkward loads like the old issue packboard. They also made the Mountain Ruck backward compatible with the ALICE frame for you diehards. The Large pack offers 5300 cu in of cargo capacity but PALS webbing is available for those who need additional space. The pack also features three external Rip-Zip pockets that are a cinch to open in a hurry.

Available in Coyote and MultiCam. Be sure to inquire about the medium size of it fits your needs.

www.MysteryRanch.com

RRP for Pack inclusive of Bolters, Multicam and standard Waistbelt.........USD$650.00

buglerbilly

10-12-10, 03:49 AM

From Soldier Systems..........

First-Light USA’s AMP Admin/Medical Pouch

December 9th, 2010

First-Light USA’s AMP (Admin/Medical Pouch) increases lighting versatility for Combat Medics and other soldiers who are currently using their Tomahawk Tactical Light in conjunction with their MOLLE vest. The pouch allows the Tomahawk to be positioned on the Soldier’s chest by providing a mounting surface for First-Light’s MOLLE Tactical Retention System (TRS). This eliminates the need to wear body armor in training scenarios, as well as a myriad of other scenarios, in order to utilize the hands free functionality of the Tomahawk. When body armor is required, the straps on the AMP can removed and it can be attached directly to the PALS webbing, and used as a standard admin pouch. In addition to providing a mounting surface for the Tomahawk with TRS, essential equipment, such as writing tools, notepads, bandages, medications, etc. can be stowed within the pouch for easy access. The AMP is made in the USA by Tyr Tactical and constructed of 500D Cordura Nylon with ample exposed loop Velcro on the flap and front surface for attaching identification patches. Fully adjustable and fast-connecting straps and buckles allow for quick fitting of the pouch for all sized Soldiers.

http://www.tyrtactical.com/

The AMP and other First-Light products can be seen next at the SOMA (Special Operations Medical Association) Conference in Tampa, December 10 – 12. They’ll also be at the SMA Nominative Conference at Ft Bliss, January 10 – 12 and SHOT Show in Vegas, January 18 – 21. Additionally, the entire First-Light line is available for agency purchase from ADS.

http://www.adsinc.com/first-light

buglerbilly

16-12-10, 02:33 AM

Kifaru’s new UltraLight series packs hit today!

December 15th, 2010 | Product Announcement | Posted by Rob Curtis

UPDATE: Kifaru KU site is live. Click here.

https://kifaru.net/KU.html

Kifaru’s new UL series of packs have landed. The series will consist of three packs to start; 2200,3700 and 5200 (shown above) cubic inches. To give an idea what ultra light means, their 5200 cubic inch pack weighs 2lbs 13 oz. They are using all kinds of high techness and plain ingenuity to wring the ounces out of the new bags while retaining the load bearing capacity you’d expect from the equivalent sized pack.

Composite frame stays made from Carbon fiber and exotic wood, double layered, micro-weight fabrics, zipperless access are features used to save weight on the new packs. All of Kifau’s packs are made in the US, so don’t be shocked when you see the price tags.

Kifaru is putting the finishing touches on their KU website and as soon as we have the URL we’ll post it. We were able to score some product photos and specs to tide you over till their site goes live! Thanks to Elk Reaper for the photo of the KU5200 in use.

Size Weight Capacity Price
KU5200 5200 cu 2lbs 13 oz 100+ lbs $558
KU3700 3700 cu 2lbs 9 0z 70 lb load $518
KU2200 2200 2lbs 7 oz 40+ lbs $448
KUKoala 800 cu 1 lb n/a $169
KUE&E 1000 cu 9.5 oz n/a $104

KU5200

KU3700

KU2200

KU KOALA

KUE&E

buglerbilly

19-01-11, 03:49 PM

Turn in your “I’m carrying a gun” waistpack for a Camelbak UA Concealed backpack

January 19th, 2011 | Product Announcement | Posted by Rob Curtis

Camelbak UA Concealed, photographed during the first day of SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada Tuesday, January 18, 2011.

When you need to carry, the Urban Assault Concealed gives you a few places to stash your pistol. Put it in the hidden lumber zip-pocket, the front, pile-lined vertical pocket or hang it with some mags on the stiffened belt in the main cargo compartment.

No matter how you carry, the bag has all the same features as the original Urban Assault but removes all the white screen-printed markings and Camelbak skull logos (all except one on the back). To make the bag a little more cityflaged, you can choose from black, gray/black or red/black, blue/black options. It will retail for under $200 when it hits in mid-March 2011.

Read more and more pics: http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2011/01/19/turn-in-your-im-carrying-a-gun-waistpack-for-a-camelbak-ua-concealed-backpack/

buglerbilly

15-02-11, 02:01 PM

From Soldier Systems.............new version Klymit Pad in black

Klymit Inertia XL Sleeping Pad

February 15th, 2011

It’s amazing how far this company has come in just a few years. It was scarcely two-and-a-half years ago that we had first met with Klymit in a side corner during OR. They pulled their first vest out of a pack and immediately sparked our interest. Last year we mentioned their Inertia X frame sleeping pad which combines a skeletonized design with Klymit’s signature NobleTek insulation which uses Argon gas.

While everyone loves the Inertia’s compact design and light weight, there were immediately two concerns. First, the color. No one in the military wanted to run around bad guy territory with a 6 foot long bright yellow signal panel. Second, the guys wanted something a little bigger. This is particularly an issue with side sleepers or those who must assume odd sleeping positions.

Based on this feedback along with some from the outdoor market, Klymit developed the Inertia XL. Here you can compare the size of the original model with the new Inertia XL which is a generous 76 inches long and over 24 inches wide. And, in spite of the significant increase in surface area, it still weighs in at less than 17 ounces. Additionally, you can see that Klymit offers it in Black which is better than Yellow but still, for tactical use, not quite as good as a Tan or light Green. Hopefully, we will see additional colors before it rolls out. If not, there’s always spray paint. Finally, Klymit has developed a dry air pump (not shown) that is a compact foot or hand operated bellows and makes it a bit easier to inflate the Inertia XL than oral inflation.

www.klymit.com

buglerbilly

22-02-11, 11:14 AM

A couple of interesting videos by SO Technical on their various Bags and Carry Systems...........worth a look for the knowledge and possible comparison with what you have or own now.............

BLOCS - Battle Load Carriage System
A modular and interoperable system designed by S.O.TECH, versatile and extremely durable.
MADE IN THE USA
Los Angeles, CA

Mission Pack System designed by S.O.TECH
One pack, many options, many features, extremely adaptable and versatile.

More should follow.................

buglerbilly

28-02-11, 10:58 PM

From Soldier Systems..............

TacPad from c2rfast

February 28th, 2011 Late last year, Level Peaks Associates was gracious enough to let us check out a couple of products from c2rfast.

We shot this quick look video of the TacPad Chest in order to give you an idea of how the technology works. We’ve seen other products in the past that rely on chemlights or even powered light but they don’t illuminate the entire surface like this. Powered by a CR123 battery, it provides a back lit writing surface for tactical applications. c2rfast has taken great care to develop multiple products to accommodate various applications of the technology.

Read more: http://soldiersystems.net/2011/02/28/tacpad-from-c2rfast/#more-20457

buglerbilly

10-03-11, 01:30 PM

From Soldier Systems..................

TYR Assaulters Sustainment Pack

March 8th, 2011

TYR Tactical just released their new low profile Assaulters Sustainment Pack which can be worn with its integral shoulder straps or attached directly to the back of an armor vest. Take a good look at the photo below. You can see that the “comfort panel” consisting of the shoulder straps and padding can be removed and this is how it attaches to the armor.

It’s a pretty streamlined design with a 360 cubic inch main compartment and additional 680 cubic inches in the expandable, mesh beavertail. The ASP is manufactured from the patent pending PV material in 500D. Overall it is pretty versatile with three hydration ports in addition to the requisite internal hydration reservoir pocket as well as an internal storage zipper pocket.

For more info visit www.tyrtactical.com.

buglerbilly

11-03-11, 01:37 AM

From Soldier Systems...............

TYR HALO Navigation Board with Chest Harness

March 10th, 2011

HALO nav boards are pretty specialized pieces of kit and they aren’t something you run across very often. In fact, we can think of only a few companies making them. Unlike some other designs the TYR model is semi-rigid to prevent injuries in the event of a hard landing and does not need to be mounted to a parachute harness. It can be positioned on the front of the jumper in four different configurations and is adjustable for jumpers from 5’0″ through 6’10”. One of the cool features is that the jumper can configure the compass and GPS modules for easy commercial replacement of items and equipment upgrades.

For more info visit www.tyrtactical.com.

buglerbilly

28-03-11, 07:32 AM

From Soldier Systems............

Yato Technology from UTE

March 26th, 2011

Unleashed Tactical Equipment revealed their new Yato thermal management technology at the recent IWA in Germany. Essentially, Yato reflects thermal energy with the added benefit of anti-microbial and anti-static properties. It can be added as a third layer in laminated fabric solutions.

Yato can be built in to a variety of products. For example, the hooped bivy was manufactured with Yato. During testing in a -4 deg C environment, the ambient air temperature within the bivy remained significantly higher than in a bivy without Yato thermal management.

The thermal management properties go both ways. If you are in a hot environment, Yato will reflect heat away from the fabric and help keep the inside cooler. It also offers some RF suppression properties as well. This brochure from UTE tells a little more of the Yato story..............

http://www.unleashed-tactical.com/yato.html

buglerbilly

01-04-11, 04:24 PM

Mayflower’s 24 Hour Assault Pack

April 1st, 2011 | Product Announcement | Posted by Rob Curtis

Here’s a sneak peak of a prototype of Mayflower Research and Consulting’s new 24 Hr. Assault Pack. This is Mayflower’s first push into the pack market. Based on their other products, it’ll be bomber tough, light and free of useless features. It has a 100 oz. hydration reservoir sleeve, removable shoulder straps and can be mounted directly to your armor carrier or via the SwiftClip system. It will be available in the next 60-90 days. Mayflower says the production version won’t have black zippers. No word on price, yet.

buglerbilly

05-04-11, 01:27 AM

From Soldier Systems.............

Not Your Typical Kit Bag

April 4th, 2011

The new Kit Bag from Hill People Gear is something a little different that what you might expect. Rather than a big, lumbering holdall, it is a compact Admin-style pouch that fits right up front where you can access it. Designed primarily for civilian applications, it interfaces well with a pack and surprise!, includes a pistol pouch. The 7.5” x 2” x 11” sized pouch is designed to carry a pistol with a weapon light mounted and a few other essentials without interfering with a hip belt. It can be worn attached to a pack’s shoulders traps or with its included H harness making it very stable, even when running. This can be a great piece of kit for someone who doesn’t want to carry in a holster or fanny pack and can also use the convenience of a fold open admin pouch to access items such as maps as well as other gear.

You will notice that they are partial to Kifaru (as are we). In fact, you may also notice some similarities with the Koala and that is because it was initially designed by the folks at Hill People Gear.

The Kit Bag is manufactured for Hill People Gear by First Spear meaning it is made from mil-spec materials and is Berry compliant. Available in Ranger Green, Foliage, and Coyote, to order yours, visit www.hillpeoplegear.com.

buglerbilly

09-04-11, 03:01 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

Breaking News – USMC to Buy New Pack

April 8th, 2011

The USMC has just released a presolicitation notice for a new pack system to replace the current ILBE. This will be a full and open competition with no set asides. The Marines have been looking for some time for a new pack and there have been quite a few rumblings in industry that it would be a government owned design rather than a competition for a completely new, commercially derived design. Expect it to resemble MOLLE more than ILBE.

According to the solicitation, “The USMC Pack system is specifically intended to provide the Marine with a load carriage system that fully integrates with currently fielded body armor systems. The estimated maximum quantity is 245,721 USMC Pack systems in addition to associated sustainment components.”

Furthermore, the actual solicitation is expected to be released in the next 60 days and “The Government anticipates awarding Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts to no more than two (2) offerors that are each capable of producing at least 123,000 Pack systems within twelve (12) months of contract award. Each ID/IQ contract will cover a five (5) year ordering period. Evaluation factors will be set forth in the forthcoming solicitation. Potential offerors are advised that Evaluation will require offerors to submit a minimum of (2) product demonstration models for compliance to a USMC Pack system drawing package and product description (PD).”

Interestingly, the Purchase Description also speaks of a “Family of Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE)” that will be available in the following patterns and colors:

Class 1 – Coyote Brown 498
Class 2 – Woodland MARPAT
Class 3 – Desert MARPAT
Class 4 – Snow MARPAT
Class 5 – OCP
Class 6 – Tan 499

Details of the pack’s design are still a mystery but we expect it to include the following features/components:

A) USMC Pack
a. Main Pack
(1) Frame
(2) Shoulder Harness Assembly
(3) Hip Belt
(4) Main Bag
b. Assault Pack
c. Assault Pouch
d. Sustainment Pouch (Qty. 2)
e. Hydration Pouch (Qty. 2)
f. Hydration Carrier
g. Hydration Bladder System
(1) Hydration Bladder
(2) Hydration Tube with cover
(3) Hydration Bite Valve with cover
h. Sternum Cinch
i. Sub-Belt (also known as “Girth Hip Belt”)
j. Repair Kit
k. Care and Use Manual

FILBE will also include the following components:

B) Chest Rig
a. USMC Chest Rig
C) USMC Equipment Pouches
D) USMC Holster
E) USMC Corpsman Assault Pack
F) Individual Water Purification System

Based on information we received from multiple sources we believe the frame to be the Down East 1606 frame first developed for the Army’s airborne community but as of yet still unfielded by that service. Additionally, the sternum cinch sounds mysteriously like the Mystery Ranch, Mystery Cinch.

buglerbilly

25-04-11, 04:19 AM

Via Soldier Systems............

Mayflower Unveils First Photo of Assaulter Panel

April 24th, 2011

You’ve heard rumors of it and now here it is. This is the first photo of Mayflower Research and Consulting LLC’s Assaulter Panel. Designed around a 50 oz water bladder, it is designed to carry necessary short duration mission essential items; NODs, medical kit, and water. Look for it in two to three months.

www.mayflower-rc.org

buglerbilly

25-04-11, 03:46 PM

Via Soldier Systems..................

Agilite and Source Team Up to Produce New Tactical Hydration System

April 25th, 2011

Israeli firms Agilite and Source Vagabond Systems Ltd makers of Source hydration systems have teamed up to produce a new tactical hydration system. It is compatible with Agilite’s The new Source Diamond is a super-low profile hydration system featuring a contoured design allowing it to sit flatter on the wearer’s back than other systems.

The Agilite-Source joint project involves a new version of the Diamond that is compatible with Agilite’s Modular Assault Suspension System (M.A.S.S.) load bearing system so that the Diamond can be worn independently of the Agilite Modular Assault Pack that is included with every Agilite Vest like the one above.

“With Agilite gear being used more and more by US and other forces in Afghanistan, it is important that we have the perfect integrative hydration system that suits our high-speed, no-bulk style,” said Dror Lefler, Agilite’s Chief Designer; “Our assault pack already works with hydration systems but we wanted an alternative for when the assault pack is detached. Many soldiers prefer our M.A.S.S. (Modular Attachment Suspension System) over M.O.L.L.E or other systems as, using less material and much less webbing, it is much lighter.”

“We are pleased to be working with Agilite on this project, they are known for their innovative high-speed tactical designs and the inclusion of a high-speed system like the Diamond into their load-bearing system is a logical progression.” Said Meni Keinan, Head of military design at Source.

Look for exclusive photos of this new system here soon.

www.agilitegear.comwww.source-military.com

buglerbilly

26-04-11, 04:02 AM

Via Soldier Systems.............

ARES Armor Combat XII Pack

April 25th, 2011

PredatorBDU is now offering the ARES Armor Combat XII Pack. Originally designed for a Marine Sniper Platoon, the Combat XII Pack offers a lightweight solution for short duration patrols. Despite being constructed of 1000D Cordura, it weighs in at a scant 25.9 ounces. It has special pockets along the top to hold six extra 5.56 magazines or four 7.62 NATO SASS magazines. Additionally, it features two GP pouches on the rear of the pack that are accessible from either side while the pack is worn facilitating “fighting off your buddy’s back”.

In interior is equally well laid out with the main compartment adequate to hold several field stripped MREs as well as either two 100 oz hydration reservoirs or a single reservoir and a 117G radio.

For lightweight loads (25 lbs and under) the Combat XII Pack features a unique direct to body armor wear system that allows the wearer’s arms full range of motion. For heavier loads, the Combat XII comes with shoulder straps so the pack can be worn by itself.

Uploaded by aresarmor on Apr 24, 2011
http://www.aresarmor.com/install/ecom-prodshow/AA-CXIIP.html

Available in A-TACS, MultiCam, OD, Black, Coyote for $135.99. Additionally, PredatorBDU exclusively offers matching A-TACS or MultiCam Webbing as an option for $15 more. Free Shipping in the Continental US, APO, FPO.

www.predatorbdu.com

buglerbilly

28-04-11, 02:15 AM

REVIEW: Blue Force Gear Micro Pack

by christian on April 27, 2011

In a Kit Up! first, we’ve made a video review of a piece of kit sent to us for a look see.

The Blue Force Gear Micro Pack uses the Denied Area Pattern component system to customize the pack for a specific loadout. We took a look at the “Wall Street Warrior” DAPPER (surprise, surprise) and really liked it.

One thing that is a bit concerning (other than the tight compartment) is that the setup is pretty expensive — $275 for the pack and DAPPER combo is pretty steep for a bag of this size and material.

Enjoy the video and draw your own conclusions…

http://www.military.com/video/logistics-and-supplies/backpacks/kit-up-blue-force-gear-micropack-product-review/921278137001/

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz1Klw8MFnV
Kit Up!

buglerbilly

02-05-11, 02:42 PM

HSGI War Belt – comfort brings old school back in style

May 1st, 2011 | Photo Recon Review | Posted by Stickman

Over the past few months we have had a chance to test out the new HSGI War Belt, and found a lot to like. The war belt idea goes back as far as our own military, though its more often been referred to as a cartridge belt until the later half of the last century. Guys who’ve been in for 15 or so years no doubt remember wearing LBEs before the LBV, IBA, and later gear came into fashion. I’ve heard the comment many times that there are no new ideas, and the resurgence of the war belt certainly gives credibility to that statement. Personally speaking, I don’t care how new or old an idea is, all I care about is that it works for me. Depending on what unit you are in, you’ve probably already seen guys wearing dedicated plate carriers with some form of padded belt for their first line gear.

The guys from High Speed Gear Inc (HSGI) followed on the war belt concept by doing something a little different. Sure its setup to allow for suspenders, of course its padded, obviously its got molle wrapping it like a Christmas present, but HSGI went a step farther, and that is what makes it stand out from all the rest.

The part of the HSGI belt that makes all the difference is hidden from the outside, but when you flip the belt to see the inner portion, it is immediately evident. In the below pictures you can see the textured neoprene gel like cushion. The cushion is very comfortable for extended wear, and the texture keeps the belt in place without shifting. The texture might not be as big of a deal for guys who wear suspenders, but for someone like me who wears a gunbelt without suspenders for 11 or 12 hours a day, every day, this becomes a big deal.

In the series of shots below you can see that the HSGI belt goes over an inner belt, or to be more detailed, the inner belt rides inside. You can tell thought has gone into this, as there is a wide polymer stiffener that runs the length to keep the belt from sagging or creating pinch points in your back. This feature becomes a God send for guys who have damaged their lower back. Even if you are injury free, this helps keep you that way.

The three strips of Molle webbing give ample room to attach most realistic equipment, and the suspender attachments are spaced in a manner that works well for me, though I typically don’t wear them. However, its nice to know that if I choose to later, these aren’t going to get in the way of where I wear my gear. The 3/4″ thickness is deceptive as to some people that may seem excessive, while to others it might not seem enough. Numbers aside, the belt is comfortable, and that is what is counts to me.

There are lots of war belts available, and almost every manufacturer is making one. The extra thought that goes into the HSGI model translates into a product that works very well. In fact it works well enough that I’ll be switching my gear over to one.

Video...........

HSGI (High Speed Gear) Sure-Grip Padded Belt/ Bridge Mounting Platform

Uploaded by labzeroproductions on Mar 28, 2011

A closer look at HSGI's Sure-Grip Padded Belt (SGPB) and the Modular Bridge Platform. The SGPB is an upgrade to the battle-proven Modular Padded Belt.
It features 3 Continuous rows of webbing, HDPE Stiffener, 3 Access Ports for mounting Subloads, as well as Neoprene Padding (as seen on WAWEE Shoulder pads)
The Bridge Mounting Platform consists of 2 R.A.M.P's (Right Angle Modular Platform) and the Bridge-Mounting Panel. This unique combination of accessories allows the user to mount pouches on an angle to clear the bottom of Chest-Harnesses and Vests, allowing for a smooth, uninterrupted draw.

Brought to you by Labzero Productions

buglerbilly

04-05-11, 02:28 PM

Via Soldier Systems..............

Guardian Sleep System

May 4th, 2011

ADS unveiled the new Guardian Sleep System today at the Warrior Expo West at the San Diego Convention Center. Manufactured by Bluewater Defense the Guardian was developed after consultation with focus groups consisting of serving military personnel. Consisting of five components it incorporates several interesting design features.

The lightweight (30 deg) and heavyweight (0 deg) bags can be used alone or in tandem will accommodate temperatures down to -30 deg. Both bags have traditional top-mounted mummy-style zippers that are compatible with both righties and lefties and extend all the way from the chin to the top of the tapered foot box.

They both feature armholes allowing the user to conduct tasks from inside the bag. The bags also have pockets in the head area so that the user can stuff in padding for a makeshift pillow.

Insulated with Climashield, the bags feature a double layer offset quilting construction that eliminates cold spots. Additionally, they are treated with an antimicrobial to inhibit growth of the heebie jeebies keeping down on odor as well as bacteria.

The shelter bivy cover is manufactured from a 70D coated fabric keep down weight and bulk and features fully taped seams. While the shelter bivy cover comes with a single aluminum pole, there are ample tie down points so that it can be erected by attaching it to a stable object. The design integrates dual side vents which include no-see-um netting or can be fully opened for warm weather use and to help dissipate condensation caused by respiration and perspiration. What’s more, there is also a window to maintain situational awareness. Don’t let the black color fool you, production models will be available in a variety of colors.

The final two components are a mesh storage bag for admin storage to maintain loft when not in use as well as a compression stuffsack for field use.

To learn more visit www.adsinc.com/bluewater-defense

http://www.adsinc.com/bluewater-defense

buglerbilly

10-05-11, 05:43 AM

Interesting little bit of kit...............

Nemo OGA Cell phone jammer pouch by former Navy SEAL Brandon Webb

buglerbilly

13-05-11, 02:22 AM

Here's another one..............via Soldier Systems

Secure Comms Bag from Supply Captain

May 12th, 2011

Originally developed for an FBI requirement, the Secure Comms Bag from Supply Captain is based on the venerable Claymore bag. Under the front flap that doubles as a map case are 3 double M4/M16 mag pockets. Additionally, one end of the bag contains 2 pistol mag pockets and the other contains a GP pocket. Available in any color so long as it’s Black, it fits an iPad pretty well in the main pocket. The main pocket also features a Velcro panel as well as a section that contains webbing to hold 8 x 12 gauge shotgun rounds. The Secure Comms Bag also comes with a detachable pistol mag pouch and holster as well as a hideaway waiststrap.

To order visit www.supplycaptain.com. If you are looking for something like this, the price is pretty good.

Price: $52.95 as shown RRP: $79.95 (Only Government Agents pay RRP! :loser)

buglerbilly

20-05-11, 03:37 AM

Via Soldier Systems................

Kelty MAP 3500 MultiCam Available for Preorder

May 20th, 2011

Almost a decade ago, the Special Operations (SOF) community requested a new and improved assault pack prompting Amron International to approach pack manufacturer Kelty. Designed and engineered with the help of direct military end-user input and feedback, the MAP 3500 was born becoming a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution for a sturdy and functional Military Assault Pack (MAP).

Based on customer feedback Amron is introducing the popular MAP3500 in MultiCam® to accompany the six standard solid colors (Anaconda Green, Black, Coyote Tan, Desert Tan, Foliage Green, and Ocean Grey). Preorders are being accepted now with deliveries beginning in August 2010.

I can tell you that I purchased mine in 2002 and used it for many years as a my day to day pack. In fact, it was later passed down to one of my kids and has been used for a wide variety of duties. It’s still a great pack to this day despite a little wear and tear around the edges. It will serve you for years to come.

To Preorder the new MultiCam® pack for only $119.95 with free UPS ground freight within the continental US from now through 31 July at tactical.amronintl.com. Regular price is $159.00.

buglerbilly

23-05-11, 06:54 AM

HSGI Pistol Tacos

May 20th, 2011 | Photo Recon Photo Recon Photo Recon Product Announcement Product Preview Review | Posted by Stickman

High Speed Gear Inc (HSGI) has had a unique pouch series out for awhile, but a recent upgrade let us spend a little more time with them, and we’ve found the good old “Taco” continues to work well for a variety of tasks. Shown below is the pistol Taco, and as you can see, it fits more than just a pistol magazine. The elastic shock cord weaves together to interlock with the polymer sides creating a platform which swallows and retains just about anything that is roughly the same size as the pouch. The shock cord can be tightened or loosened to lock in the retention feel you desire. Items which fit include various Multi-Tools, Flashlights, 37 & 40mm grenades, single- and double-stack pistol magazines, slim-bodied smoke or similar hand-thrown grenades, suppressors (before they get hot), folding knives as well as other generic, less tactical items.

The HSGI Tacos are available as single Tacos, or double-decker Tacos built onto the rifle magazine sized models. If you look at the below image, you will see where HSGI placed angled polymer tabs on the top of the Taco to assist in guiding items in. This means you don’t have to worry about snagging the shock cord, and you can ram things into the pouch without concern. This also makes sticking items one handed into the pouch a bit easier.

Read more: http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2011/05/20/hsgi-pistol-tacos/

buglerbilly

25-05-11, 02:57 AM

Via Soldier Systems......................

High Ground PRC-152 Pouch

May 24th, 2011

Officially named the Single-Hand, Drop-Down PRC-152 Pouch this new radio pocket from relative newcomer High Ground offers some innovation not found anywhere else. We say relative newcomer as they have been flying below the radar for about a year now and really concentrating on the JTAC community. We mentioned them last year in our piece on their Instant-Access Frag Grenade Pouch which is cool as hell but we haven’t heard much since then, until recently.

High Ground’s version is unlike any other handheld radio pouch we have seen. The point of the design is to stay “head up, eyes on the enemy”. It does this in several ways. For example, it can be opened and closed with only one hand. Additionally, you have unfettered access to the radio screen, buttons, and battery. Finally, the battery can be changed without removing the radio completely from the pouch.

www.highgroundgear.com
http://www.highgroundgear.com/products/single-hand-drop-down-prc-152-pouch

buglerbilly

07-06-11, 05:45 PM

Review: TAD Gear’s Litespeed Pack

by Matthew Cox on June 7, 2011

Packed Internal.........

I recently got the chance to play with Triple Aught Design’s FAST Pack Litespeed. This little gear hauler has been around awhile, but like other gear fanatics, I find it very hard to buy something off the web unless I can get my hands on every strap and buckle.

The guys at TAD Gear are known for putting a lot of thought into their kit, and the Litespeed is no different. Its sleek, technical design is loaded with features — some good and a few that disappoint. After putting a review sample sent to us from TAD through its paces, here’s what you need to know.

The Litespeed’s main compartment takes up most of its 1,300 cubic inches of space. Its clam-shell design opens wide for easy packing. Unlike the old ALICE ruck — which always had a little more space if you crammed hard enough — the Litespeed is designed for the bare essentials. Like all technical packs, it forces you to trim your kit down and leave the extras in your duffle, monster pack or truck.

This is a daypack, but if you load it right, the main compartment will hold enough for a spartan overnight in late spring until early fall – poncho, poncho liner, food, a small stove, water, soft shell jacket, extra socks, etc.

The inside flap has two zippered, mesh pockets for small, occasional items such as a first-aid kit, 550 cord, a fleece cap, bug juice, foot powder and wipes. There is a sleeve for a hydration bladder, but I prefer bottles.

The outside of the Litespeed features a small, zippered pocket near the top of the flap for quick access to items such as snacks, a multitool, pen and paper, a white light, and extra batteries. There is also a detachable, beaver-tail flap on the front of the pack, which is useful for carrying rain gear or a wet shelter tarp. Tad Gear calls this its Transporter Tail because it features a small pocket on the inside. When hung upside down, it can be used to carry long items such as snow boards or breaching shotguns. One end of the item goes into the pocket and the rest is secured against the pack by the two horizontal straps. Nice idea but awkward. I think I’d just opt for a larger pack.

The Litespeed’s exterior is covered with PALS webbing for mounting small pouches. Two-inch webbing underneath the PALS lets you attach Tek-Lok mounted sheaths. Built-in cargo straps underneath the pack work nicely for mounting an air mattress.

The shoulder straps and padding on the back panel are comfortable enough, but I have not worn the Litespeed with body armor. I was disappointed with the skinny waist belt, though. I understand this is daypack and not intended for heavy loads. But wide, padded waist belts are standard on high-performance technical packs made by popular gear companies such as Black Diamond. A technical pack is supposed to hold the load securely against your body for scrambling, climbing and other strenuous activities. A narrow belt is just going to dig into to your side. It’s not the worst design I have ever worn, but it could be better.

Another gripe I have for TAD Gear designers is that this pack is a little overbuilt. I’m a big fan of 1000 Denier Cordura, but 500 Denier would probably do the job. I like the strong, heavy-duty zipper, but the MIL-SPEC NM DuraFlex Auto-Lok buckles are overkill. I have seen lighter-weight buckles on expedition packs designed to carry 6,000 to 7,000 cubic inches of gear. Rugged is great but not at the cost of 56 ounces for a daypack.

I have never found the perfect pack. For me it comes down to whether the features I like on the pack outnumber the things that bug me. Overall, I think the Litespeed is a good pack for short treks or strapping it to the top of a vehicle. The price is not bad, but for $239.00 it ought to include a hydration bladder.

Stash Panel...........

Internal Pocket..........

Top Pocket............

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/06/review-tad-gears-litespeed-pack.html#ixzz1Oba6OBTw
Kit Up!

buglerbilly

20-06-11, 06:04 PM

Via Soldier Systems..............

First Look at FirstSpear

June 20th, 2011

FirstSpear is poised to launch their new line soon and has released the Exigent Circumstances Pack as an exclusive to Triad Tactical until the formal launch 14 July.

Versatility is key with the ECP. It can be attached to a vest or worn in a stand-alone mode with one or two of the included shoulder straps. As you can see, the removable beavertail will accommodate a helmet or other equipment. Next comes a pocket that will hold the Avon M53 Series Protective Mask. It also has an elastic daisy chain sized to hold flash-bang and smoke grenades. The pocket closest to the wearer’s back will hold a 3 liter hydration reservoir or the included comfort pad.

Expect to see at least one more product to hit the streets with another vendor before the line’s formal launch. The ECP is available now for pre-order. It will be offered in Black, Ranger Green, Khaki, Coyote, and MultiCam.

www.triadtactical.com

buglerbilly

22-06-11, 04:06 AM

Tyr’s Jumpable Assault Pack

June 20th, 2011 | Product Preview | Posted by Rob Curtis

Tyr TYR-LAP018-J, TYR-LAP018-J "Jumpable" Pack. Approx.. 3000 cubic inches, weight 4.25 lbs.PHOTO: Courtesy Tyr

Here’s a look at Tyr Tactical’s upcoming TYR-LAP018-J Jumpable pack. It’s about 3000 cubic inches and weighs in at 4.25 pounds, which is about 10-20% lighter than a lot of 3k cube packs out there. Tyr’s using their proprietary PV500, Kevlar reenforced fabric alloy to keep weight down but still provide strength and abrasion resistance in key wear areas. The pack, which is $390, was released today, so head over to Tyr Tactical’s site for more details.

ADMk2

24-06-11, 06:15 AM

I'm looking for a day pack that is suitable for no more than 6-7hr hikes, can carry a laptop computer, is suitable for semi-tac policing operations and so on. I was thinking about the Oakley "kitchen sink" pack if anyone has heard or has any personal experience with that pack or recommendations for similar types?

Wouldn't mind an internal hydration capability either if possible...

Regards

AD

buglerbilly

24-06-11, 06:57 AM

Take a look here mate...........

http://www.urbanconquest.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=10

A knife buddy callled Ron Slater runs this website store and he sells far more cheaply than anyone else I know or have seen. He's also a good guy, tell him I forwarded your query to his site, won't get you any more discount but he likes to know people are looking out for him.

He runs his store via this forum: -

http://www.urbanconquest.com.au/forum/index.php

Ordering details are there as are details of what else is in stock. IF its not in stock then ask him and tell him what you want and he'll get it from one of his dealers usually in the USA. I've got one of the 5.11 packs that I use as my general purpose, carry-all very suitable for 24-48 hour trips as well................got a hydration bladder pocket as well..................

ADMk2

24-06-11, 08:02 AM

Thanks, the 5.11 series looks exactly what I am after. Do they have an internal divider/pouch for a laptop?

buglerbilly

24-06-11, 08:21 AM

Depends on the model mate, if in doubt ask Ron........most seem to have pockets you can use, mine does.

It also depends on whether you are using your I-pad or some other mini.............?

ADMk2

24-06-11, 12:00 PM

I was thinking my full size 15.3 inch laptop but I'll go to the source...

Cheers

AD

buglerbilly

24-06-11, 12:42 PM

I've got a 17inch Dell Laptop that I've put in mine as well as my Daughter's ditto MacLight.............

buglerbilly

29-06-11, 03:18 AM

PIG Hydration Carrier (30% off intro pricing until July 3rd)

June 28th, 2011 | Photo Recon Product Announcement Product Preview | Posted by Stickman

SKD Tactical has a new PIG Hydration Carrier out, and as an introductory price, they are marking it 30% off until July3rd.

http://www.skdtac.com/PIG_Hydration_Carrier_p/pig.503.htm

Highlights for the Patrol Incident gear (PIG) Hydration Carrier include a wide mouth that tapers at the top of the carrier for easier loading of bloated bladders. A mesh panel on the lower back side allows for quick drain of fluids for those times you aren’t able to pull the bladder and be neat and tidy. The PIG Hydration Carrier also incorporates an elastic strap which aids in keeping water from bloating the bottom of the bladder.

*** The below information is taken from the SKD Tactical Website ***

PIG Hydration Carrier

***From now to July 3rd, we are offering a one-time introductory special of 30% off of the PIG Hydration Carrier. Just enter “aquapig” in the discount code box at checkout to take advantage of this special pricing. This code cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount code. Promo ends at midnight (CST) on July 3rd. Do not be that one guy who missed out on this deal!***

Designed for the Source WXP 2L Hydration Bladder, the PIG Hydration Carrier offers innovations that will increase performance while minimizing bulk and weight. The wide-profile mouth offers easy access to your hydration bladder for refilling and maintenance. A 4″ elastic band adds compression to the bottom of the bladder which serves to counteract the “fat belly” effect as the bladder empties. The bottom of the back panel is made of mesh, to aid in drainage and evaporation of condensation. Hydration ports are in the top corners, allowing directional routing to either shoulder.

8.4 grams of sex-appeal have been added to each carrier, making this one of the best looking pieces of kit you will attach to your host molle platform. Attaches via 2 Long and 2 Short Malice Clips, which are included. Source bladder pictured is NOT included with this carrier and must be purchased separately. Made in the U-S of A, biyatch.

buglerbilly

13-07-11, 07:28 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog............

CamoRigs Is Now Live

July 13th, 2011

The much anticipated website CamoRigs.com is now live. An offshoot of SKD Tactical, was born out of a dirty back-seat union between the Tactical and Skydiving communities. They offer sport containers in Genuine Crye MultiCam, Desert and Temperate MARPAT (Commercial), Woodland, Army Universal Camo and Tri-Color Desert, as well as other patterns. They also have in-house products, such as the Magnetic Slider Keeper, Packing Mat and Canopy Bag, all designed and made right here in the USA.

Keep an eye peeled for 2012, when they will be launching a new line of skydiving gloves called Valkyrie, a purpose-made glove for jumping that actually fits like a glove.

www.camorigs.com

buglerbilly

14-07-11, 09:11 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog................

Project Helium Whisper Pics

July 13th, 2011

Here are a few pics from Blue Force Gear’s new Helium Whisper technology.

The advantages are numerous. The process offers lower weight and increased abrasion resistance. Additionally, as it is laser cut from a single piece, there are fewer assembly errors and any markings are etched directly onto the material. Additionally, any product information including part number, title and manufacturer can also be applied prior to assembly. Finally, manufacturing costs are lower due to the reduced number of processes required for assembly. However, it is important to note that the entire pouch is not made from the material, but rather, certain areas are targeted based on individual designs.

Here you can see a comparison between BFG’s standard 10-Speed pouch construction and the new Helium Whisper.

Helium Whisper technology accounts for a 25% weight reduction over BFG’s pouches. For more conventional designs the savings could be as much as 40 – 50%.

www.BlueForceGear.com

buglerbilly

15-07-11, 05:27 PM

A bit more on Helium Whisper..........via Kit-Up blog

Blue Force Gear Sheds Ounces With Pouches

by Christian on July 15, 2011

We all hear about how the services want to lighten the load on their troops — particularly with the mountainous fight they’re in trudging the Afghan hills.

Well Blue Force Gear has developed a formula to shed as much as 50 percent of the weight off of magazine pouches and other MOLLE accessories using a new blend of materials.

Called the Helium Whisper, Blue Force Gear has essentially taken its Ten-Speed line and hybridized the construction to eliminate the webbing MOLLE attachments and replace them with a one-piece High Abrasion Resistant Neoprene.

The new technology fuzes the printed elastic material on the front of a Ten-Speed M4 mag pouch, for example, with the HAN backing. Officials from Blue Force Gear who briefed us on this say the neoprene material (which is the same type of tough fabric used in Blue Force Gear’s pack bottoms as well as the material that makes up Zodiac boats) has several manufacturing advantages — which cuts down in cost and sewing errors — but it also makes it easier for troops to attach the packs to gear that has mis-aligned MOLLE rows.

Blue Force Gear raised a couple good points about the advantages of their new pouches, including how the overall weight savings could mean more troops on an assault helo and less trips to the FOB for fuel. But one of the most compelling factors to the Ten-Speed design overall is that when the pouches are empty, the elastic material forces them to lay flat, keeping a low profile and guarding against snags.

One of the things that concerned us when we handled the new pouches was the durability — they seem a bit too flimsy to hold up to the rigors of operations in the combat zone. But Blue Force Gear assured us that the Ten-Speed line is battle proven and that the new HAN backing is stronger than 1,000 Cordura.

This product is so new that Blue Force Gear only has hand-made prototypes to show off right now and it’s unclear yet how much they’ll cost. We’ll be anxious to hear how these things perform in the field once they’re pushed to units for T&E.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/07/blue-force-gear-sheds-ounces-with-pouches.html#ixzz1SBhkXc00
Kit Up!

buglerbilly

04-08-11, 05:07 PM

Via Tactical Fanboy blog..........

Operation Irene Assault Backpack

August 4th, 2011

Uploaded by JTECHGEAR on Jun 29, 2011
The Operation Irene Assault Backpack, is a medium sized backpack designed for short range reconnaissance patrol. The Irene Assault Pack supports hydration bladders up to 3L and is also compatible with the J-TECH compression stuff sack.
Features:
1. Holds up to 13L in main pouch
2. Made of 1000D Nylon
3. YKK Buckle
Model: PA01-2200-00
www.jtechgear.com

Named after “Operation Gothic Serpent”, Codenamed “Irene”, hence the pack’s name, the Operation Irene Assault Backpack is a medium sized backpack designed for short range reconnaissance patrol. Features include a main pouch which can hold up to 13L, 1000D Nylon construction and YKK buckles. The pack also supports hydration bladders up to 3L and is compatible with the J-TECH compression stuff sack.

J-TECH Operation Irene Assault Backpack
http://www.jtechgear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=61&products_id=96

buglerbilly

08-08-11, 04:52 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

OR – Mojo Tents

August 6th, 2011

Available 1 January in both 2 and 3 man versions, the Mojo series of tents from Sierra Designs is very lightweight. The 2 man variant weighs in at a scant 2 lbs 11oz trail weight. To realize weight savings they have used some interesting design features such as integrated fly, half seam tape and a new pole design.

www.sierradesigns.com

buglerbilly

08-08-11, 04:53 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

OR – NEMO Frontier

August 7th, 2011

The NEMO Frontier is a tipi-style five sided tent with ample vestibule space. Available in February, 2012 it is Made in the USA. Both Coyote and Tan are being added as standard colors so it will be easier to source NEMO shelters appropriate for tactical applications.

www.nemoequipment.com

buglerbilly

09-08-11, 01:12 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog................

OR – Ergo Hammock Combi from Exped

August 8th, 2011

Exped makes some really cool outdoor kit but their new Ergo Hammock Combi seems to take the cake. Designed For true horizontal sleep, it won a OutDoor Industry Award at the OutDoor show in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Above, you can see it at the OR Summer Market last week.

Coming soon from Exped

http://www.exped.com/

buglerbilly

11-08-11, 02:35 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

OR – Klymit’s Inertia X Frame Recon

August 11th, 2011

After seeing Klymit’s new sleeping pads last year, military personnel called out for a new version specifically for their needs and Klymit listened. They have introduced the new Recon model in Coyote Sand. While you’d probably consider these more for cold weather use, at OR a Klymit rep related to us that troops have been using the Inertia XL in the heat as well. It seems that the air gaps help with the circulation.

Here you can see the new Recon bracketed by the new Inertia X-Lite, a half pad for the ultra-minimalist (6.1 oz!) and the Inertia XL which first caught our eye last year. Additionally, these other currently available models will be offered in Coyote Sand as well, and designated as Recon to differentiate them from the standard models. We are told that Extreme Outfitters has an initial stocking order in for the new X Frame Recon and we hope to update you soon on its availability.

www.klymit.com

buglerbilly

12-08-11, 04:17 AM

Granite Gear’s new MPS bags

August 11th, 2011 | Photo Recon Product Preview | Posted by Rob Curtis

Granite Gear's newest bags with their working names, the MPS Ultralight, left, and MPS 36.

Granite Gear gave us a look at two of their latest designs last week at Outdoor Retailer. They haven’t been priced yet, and they haven’t really even been given names. The MPS 36, right, is a jungle pack based on the Chief Patrol design. It’s a smaller, 3-day-assault size (36 liters/2200 CI) that has a roll top opening while keeping the front access panel found on its bigger brothers. The frame is slimmed down a bit, and allows only vertical adjustment of the shoulder straps.

Granite Gear MPS 36, is a new design adapted from the Chief Patrol. It's smaller, uses a new frame and has a roll-top opening.

The other new pack, the MPS BDM, pushes the limits and blurs the lines between milspec and lightweight. As our nation’s operators become more athletic, they are pushing out further on recce missions than ever before. They are looking for gear that will get them to the objective without holding them up. The MPS Utralight looks like one of the answers.

buglerbilly

12-08-11, 11:55 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...................

OR – CiloGear, The Coolest Thing at OR

August 12th, 2011

At OR everyone asked me about the coolest thing I saw. Granted, I’m a bit jaded, being exposed to new stuff all of the time. I’ve always maintained that the coolest stuff at OR can be found on the fringes and CiloGear is no exception. Well, no exception to that rule, because everything they do is exceptional. Well known within the climbing community Cilo caught the eye of a couple of military climbers. The rest is history being written.

These aren’t mainstream packs that a Grunt is going to use. They are way too specialized for that. For example, you aren’t going to see a pack covered in PALS webbing. If it’s there, it’s there for a reason. These are very specialized tools for a specialized community. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, CiloGear was started by climbers, for climbers. They build to order and keep waste to an absolute minimum.

Taking this whole philosophy into account, as you can imagine they use some exotic materials to create their packs. Early on I talked about the advantages of Cuben fabric. They’ve embraced the technology and also run with a couple of forms of Spectra.

Take for example this 75L WorkSack. That is a 75 liter beast but when you consider the weight, you ask yourself, “How?” It weighs in at just over 2 lbs.

If you are the right customer, then CiloGear has the right gear for you.

buglerbilly

13-08-11, 05:34 AM

NEMO Equipment is looking for some help …

August 12th, 2011 | Industry News Product Preview | Posted by Rob Curtis

On paper the sleeping bag is just a zippered blanket.

Bring it out into the field, though, and it becomes way more. It’s your retreat, your comfort, your black hole of respite. Most of us have been out on movements so long and so arduous that sliding into a dirty old fart sack was like checking into a Marriott.

NEMO Equipment has been working on a project to design sleeping bags that conform more to what we want to sleep in vs. the ultralight, alpine-inspired, performance-driven designs that have led to the mummy bag and other devices of sleep deprivation.

They’ve embarked on a project to make sleep systems that bring the needle back toward comfort and convenience while still keeping the throttle in the performance zone. The first bags in the line, Cannon, Pulse and Stratoloft, encompass this design philosophy by including features like dual-side zippers, removable hoods, sleeping pad slots, spoon shapes that split the performance difference between mummy and rectangular shapes, and waterproof/breathable bootboxes. The bags are shown above and are all subject to change and contain patent pending features.

The bags are slated to hit store shelves in a year or two, after they’ve undergone rigorous design and testing, which is where you come in: NEMO is looking to bring aboard a group of gear testers to help in the next round of the sleeping bag designs. If you want to join NEMO’s Adventure Product Testing Team, head over to the Facebook page and post a 3-minute video that explains why you’d make a great gear tester and includes a review of any product they choose. If you’re chosen, you’ll work directly with the NEMO design team on the upcoming sleeping bags.

My request? A leak-proof, integral urinal. Did I make the cut?

News release after the break.

NEMO Equipment, Inc., a leader in designing innovative tents, sleeping pads and backcountry accessories, is currently working on its next line of products, sleeping bags. In staying true to its mission of producing ground-breaking new designs, NEMO is offering shop employees and customers the opportunity to work alongside its design team and ambassadors to test its latest endeavor.

“Sleeping bags are a natural next step for us, and we saw a lot of room for new thinking,” said NEMO president and lead designer, Cam Brensinger. We started by looking at the way people sleep at home; needless to say, very few people choose to sleep in a mummy position. Along with a new shape, we’ve incorporated many great design elements into the bags and we’re excited to get our customers and retail partners more involved with the process. The testers we choose will be working directly with me and the design team. “

The Adventure Products Testing Team contest will be run through NEMO’s Facebook page. Here, candidates can submit an online application and a <3 minute video stating why they would make a great gear tester, as well as giving a gear review of a product of their choice. Rules and application can also be found on the Facebook page. Submissions are due by 9/4/11. Winners will be selected on 9/13/11 based on a combination of input from NEMO’s selection committee and the number of ‘Likes’ each video has.

NEMO was founded in 2002 by Cam Brensinger with the commitment to bringing the highest level of design and engineering to the world of outdoor adventure sports. In addition to its AirSupported Technology®, NEMO has patents pending for many of its products’ features and accessories. NEMO tents can be found at local, national and international retailers, including Eastern Mountain Sports, REI, and Campsaver.

buglerbilly

15-08-11, 05:25 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...............

Tarahumara Pack Preview

August 14th, 2011

The upcoming Tarahumara pack from Hill People Gear started out as a hydration pack concept for their Kit Bag. Then, it morphed into something more.

It can be docked to Kit Bag for those times when you want some water and a coat in addition to your possibles or used with the integrated runner’s harness with the Kit Bag, or as a stand alone pack.

Additionally, it has a padded back panel and a slot pocket between the back panel and the main compartment. Inside, there is a hang loop for a hydration bladder. The two slightly dimensional side pockets will each take a USGI 1qt canteen. The removable compression straps will cinch the bag down to nothing, but also allow you to put quite a bit under them — like a carbine or pair of snowshoes. Dimensions on the pack are a somewhat contoured 17″x9″x4″. All of this at 1lb without shoulder straps.

www.hillpeoplegear.com

buglerbilly

22-08-11, 12:27 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

Tennier Industries

August 22nd, 2011

Tennier Industries Inc specializes in the manufacturing of extreme cold weather systems and other life support systems, including moisture-vapor-permeable waterproof seam sealed uniforms and sleep systems. For over 30 years Tennier has provided Berry Amendment compliant tactical items to all four Department of Defense armed services, as well as the Coast Guard and Forest Service.

Tennier manufactures APECS, Gen II and III ECWCS, The Four and Five Part Modular Sleep System, the 3 Season Sleep System and the Rapid Fielding Modular Initiative Sleep System as well as the Forest Service Sleeping System. In fact, they have been so successful, they have become the de facto sole source provider for military sleep systems. Furthermore, they were the first company in the textile and clothing supply sector for DoD to receive the ISO 9001:2000 Quality certification. You could say, Tennier Industries exists specifically to support the US military and US Military exclusively.

You want Authentic military gear. All Tennier products are available via GSA. In some cases, their products are also available for sale through select military outfitters such as US Cav.

www.tennierindustries.com

buglerbilly

25-08-11, 02:26 PM

Via Tactical Fanboys blog.....

Swag Backpack Bed

August 25th, 2011

Uploaded by SwagsForHomeless on Jan 16, 2010
Backpack Bed given to street sleeping homeless. Founder of Swags for Homeless Tony Clark - discusses how easy it is to setup and pack-up. www.swags.org.au

Gee! The guy's accent sounds familiar.............:rofl

The Swag is a lightweight backpack that turns into a single-person shelter with a 6’2″ EVA insulated foam mattress and a top cover fabric made from UltTrex Lite™, a material 7 times more waterproof than canvas. Besides this, the Swag is anti-mildew treated, windproof, and features steam-sealed seams, zippered mosquito mesh, four zippered external pockets, an internal waterproof pocket, a lockable internal pocket (brass lock included), Velcro front pocket, Kevlar security loop, 2 wind clips, two carabiners, and three built-in ropes, among other features. Plus, every Swag purchased buys another for a homeless individual.

You can buy it here.

http://www.charity.org.au/p/1020084/sale---buy-for-me---backpack-bed-swag---up-to-7-x-more-waterproof-than-canvas.html

buglerbilly

27-08-11, 02:51 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

Slider from TMS

August 26th, 2011

The Slider is an innovative load carrying solution from Tactical Medical Solutions. While TMS specializes in medical gear, their personnel were 18D SF Medics. Consequently, they are no strangers to wearing body armor and the challenges of effectively using the available load carrying real estate on a vest.

The Slider attaches to the side of an armor vest and offers what is essentially a PALS panel that “slides” along a webbing track from rear to front. You store your extra kit in the rear and pull it forward when needed. It’s important to note that it will sit in front of your pouches so it isn’t necessarily something you are going to want to leave there depending on the mission. It was actually originally envisioned for 40mm grenades but works just as well for anything. Medical gear, extra magazines, etc.

Uploaded by SolSysLLC on Aug 26, 2011

The Slider as well as all TMS products are available for agency purchase from www.adsinc.com/tactical-medical-solutions.

buglerbilly

01-09-11, 02:33 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog..........

Australians Issue Mystery Ranch 3-Day Pack

September 1st, 2011

As part of the new Soldier Combat Ensemble, the Australian Army is issuing the Mystery Ranch 3-Day Assault Pack as their Medium pack. The pack’s bolsters make it compatible with the Tiered Body Armor System. The pack was selected for issue after a competitive trial conducted by 8/9 RAR and the 2nd Cdo Regt’s Development Cell. Although Australian Army officials say there is need for at least 6 separate packs, they feel they may be able to get along with just one frame system.

www.MysteryRanch.com

buglerbilly

01-09-11, 02:40 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog.........

Soldier Equipment & Technology – OP Tactical

August 31st, 2011

In addition to the full line of Crye Precision products, OP Tactical displayed the HSGI Taco. It’s been getting rave reviews for it’s versatility. Available in three models, the rifle, pistol and double decker, the Taco will accommodate a wide variety of magazines. As you can see, the rifle Taco will accept, 5.56 magazines, 7.62 NATO, as well as 7.62 x 39 by adjusting the bungie. A molded plastic insert helps with rigidity.

www.OPTactical.com

Raven22

01-09-11, 08:42 PM

^^ That Mystery Ranch pack rocks

Gubler, A.

02-09-11, 03:31 AM

^^ That Mystery Ranch pack rocks

Yeah but still only for issue to deployed forces the rest of the army has to make do with DMO designed crap.

JimWH

02-09-11, 04:09 AM

buglerbilly

02-09-11, 04:31 AM

Our current bags really do leave something to be desired. The stipulation that we only use issued pouches also doesn't help one iota either (still trying to scrounge more Minmi pouches in order that I can get rid of my especially useless Steyre pouches, be so much easier if I could just go out and get pouches appropriate to what I need to carry in my webbing).

The only way that is ging to change is if a Directive comes down from the top and a bunch of Nana's get retired.............there are heaps of great designs around for pouches, you can see most of them in this and other threads here......

JimWH

02-09-11, 04:54 AM

Exactly. In an ideal world I'd rug my webbing for carrying a combination of medical gear and jack-rats, with a couple of taco pouches on the outside to carry a couple of magazines. Because realistically speaking, even if I get sent beyond the wire, medical equipment is going to be far more useful to me than ammunition. But instead I have to make do with webbing which is optimized for ammo carrying to the exclusion of just about everything else. As I'm a big guy I ought to be able to rig 4 Minmi pouches in addition to a couple of canteens, but it's still less than ideal.

Raven22

02-09-11, 05:12 AM

The only way that is ging to change is if a Directive comes down from the top and a bunch of Nana's get retired.............there are heaps of great designs around for pouches, you can see most of them in this and other threads here......

You can still use any pouch you like as long as it is not for the carriage of ammunition, EO or weapons. Then they have to be issued.

The plan is though for a list of approved ammunition pouches you can buy and use, similar to the current policy for boots. The ammunition pouches being issued are excellent as well (mainly because they are off the shelf SORD), but as Abe said only those at the pointy end get them.

However, the new Diggerworks organisation is actually pretty bloody good at supporting and equipping the soldier. We now just need enough money to roll the improvements out to everyone. (When one of those mystery ranch packs retails for $450, you know its not cheap).

buglerbilly

02-09-11, 05:51 AM

You can still use any pouch you like as long as it is not for the carriage of ammunition, EO or weapons. Then they have to be issued.

The plan is though for a list of approved ammunition pouches you can buy and use, similar to the current policy for boots. The ammunition pouches being issued are excellent as well (mainly because they are off the shelf SORD), but as Abe said only those at the pointy end get them.

However, the new Diggerworks organisation is actually pretty bloody good at supporting and equipping the soldier. We now just need enough money to roll the improvements out to everyone. (When one of those mystery ranch packs retails for $450, you know its not cheap).

Understood and I share the view of the potential of Diggerworks.

The cost of the Mystery Ranch pack may be $450.00 BUT thats $450 taking into account the store's Profit and the limited quantities it can sell. IF we go in and buy blocks of 5,000-10,000 then the unit cost drops dramatically.............sadly we all also may be surprised at how much we pay for our current, sometimes, crap.

Raven22

02-09-11, 08:33 PM

sadly we all also may be surprised at how much we pay for our current, sometimes, crap.

You're not wrong there. It has always amazed me that a pair of terrible looking, terrible fitting, impossible to iron, shrink if you wash them, stain if you get them wet poly pants bought at cost price from the clothing store go for $90.

I can go down to the local Myer and buy a pair of pure wool, well fitting, fully lined, easy to iron trousers for $60.

There's a disconnect there.

buglerbilly

09-09-11, 05:14 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog............

NBOW – TYR Tactical

September 9th, 2011

TYR Tactical recently unveiled their new E&E Bag. Designed to carry the basic equipment needed to get out of Dodge.

Manufactured from TYR’s signature PV material in the gusset, it will hold up to a lot of abuse. It incorporates a front kangaroo pouch with interchangeable inserts such as 3 x 30rd magazine or zippered GP pouch. Additionally, either end of the bag offers either a 2 x pistol mag holder or small pouch for GPS or other gear. The top flap also pulls double duty as a map case or document carrier.

Internally, there is ample storage to organize your kit including a mesh pocket for a Nalgene bottle as well as a zippered pocket and gear slots.

Finally, the E&E bag integrates a padded back and stow able waist belt.

www.TYRtactical.com

buglerbilly

12-09-11, 10:32 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

Wild Things Tactical Andinista Pack

September 12th, 2011

Originally envisioned for recreational mountaineering, military climbers immediately saw the Andinista’s applicability for their use. Designed for application where a user will need to be able to haul more volume than weight such as carrying sleep systems and bivy clothing, the Andinista is manufactured from a composite VX-21 fabric that is waterproof to 200 psi. Consequently, the pack uses a removable bivy pad to help with rigidity and padding. It also incorporates features you will normally find in mountaineering packs such as ice axe loop, haul loops, snow collar on main opening, haul loops, daisy chains, ski slots, etc. It can accommodate loads between 45l and 90l.

Having seen service an areas such as Nanga Parbat and Sangin Province, the Andinista is a PJ favorite and often used for resupply bundles. It’ll hold 8 rifles as well as a full combat load for each and is jumpable.

The Andinista is currently undergoing evaluation by Master Proven.

www.wildthingsgear.com

buglerbilly

15-09-11, 04:16 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog............

Maneuver Conference – Tactical Tailor

September 14th, 2011

This is going to knock your socks off. Tired of the poorly designed, issue ALICE frame, Tactical Tailor decided to do something about it and fix the problem. The result of their efforts is the Enhanced MALICE Pack Frame which is 15% lighter than the issue item.

Taking the basic ALICE design they made it from aluminum tubing to hold down weight and assembled the pieces with welded joints rather rivets. As you will notice, it has been powder coated in Coyote to better blend in.

Furthermore, the crossbar is offset to accommodate armor plates. Finally, the waist is scalloped in order to move the contact points further out on the hips.

Look for a more in depth article soon.

www.tacticaltailor.com

buglerbilly

15-09-11, 04:23 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

Maneuver Conference – Mystery Ranch

September 14th, 2011

Mystery Ranch has released the new Removable Bolster System. Almost four years ago, the MR Bolster System (BVS) drastically changed how packs interfaced with a Soldier wearing body armor equipped with rear plates by keeping the load from rolling across the back. Now, the new Removable Bolster System enhances the flexibility of their pack line.

Made from a coated, molded EVA foam (as found in running shoe mid-soles) the Bolsters help conform the load and also provide some stability and some flotation for the pack.

Packs equipped with the Removable BVS will be available beginning in November.

www.MysteryRanch.com

buglerbilly

17-09-11, 02:59 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

Multi Mission Kits

September 16th, 2011

About eight years ago USAF Security Forces worked with Eagle Industries to develop the Defensor Fortis Load Carrying System (DF-LCS). This was the first time that a load carrying system had ever been developed specifically for the Air Force’s largest career field, its security troops. They took lessons learned from other MOLLE-based systems and adapted it to their mission and standard loads. Initially adopted in OD Green since Woodland camo was the standard, the USAF has transitioned to their new Digital Tigerstripe Pattern. Consequently, the AF has switched to DF-LCS in Digital Tiger.

After the ADS garage sale, our friends at Tactical Distributors went in and worked with Tactical Fanboy to identify the best equipment left. Turns out there were a bunch of the Multi Mission Kit components of DF-LCS available. Manufactured by Eagle Industries, the Multi Mission Kit includes the Multi Mission Pack, a three day design with ample storage space, 2 ea vertical sustainment pouches and 2 ea horizontal utility pouches. These pouches are designed to expand the capacity of the MMP and further organize loads.

The MMP itself features internal organization pouches, two antenna / hydration ports, 2 external side compartments, External PALS webbing on pack waist belt, sides, bottom, and front, and a top drag handle. These are Made in USA, genuine Eagle Industries kits.

To check out all of Tactical Distributor’s sale items visit www.tacticaldistributors.com/sale

buglerbilly

19-09-11, 02:41 PM

Via soldier Systems blog..............

NTOA – Mayflower Research & Consulting

September 19th, 2011

At NTOA’s annual meeting in Richmond, VA Mayflower Research & Consulting, LLC gave us a sneak peek of a version of their GEN IV UW Chest Rig manufactured from LiteLok, a material created by Glen Raven Technical Fabrics and offered in MultiCam by DURO Industries. Weighing 30% less than traditional 500D nylon, LiteLok offers outstanding abrasion resistance and is often seen in soft armor carriers.

The GEN IV carries 4 ea 5.56mm magazines, 2 pistol magazines, up to 2 small radios (PRC-152/MBITR) and also features 2 GP pockets.

http://www.mayflower-rc.org

buglerbilly

19-09-11, 02:47 PM

Riverines Take Tyr E&E Bag for a Spin

by Christian on September 19, 2011

Pictures from testers with the Riverine Squadron 3, Det 1 of the Tyr Tactical Evasion and Escape bag.

Kit Up! was provided a T&E sample of the new Tyr Tactical E&E bag for a review. Rather than wax poetic from our desks about the bag, we sent it to our friends in Rivron 3, Det 1 — the River Raiders — for a full on test drive. Here’s what one of their top NCOs sent back to us.

I didn’t really use this as an E&E bag instead I used it as a boat bag and opfor bag.

After going through constant “it’s not a purse it’s a satchel” and ” Indiana Jones had a satchel” jokes I came up with some positives from using the bag.

It has more than enough space for all my mission things. The mag space is real nice and it allows me to lighten the load seeing as most of my shooting is off the boat. It’s nice to have those three mags handy for myself or any other of the crew that needs to pull from there.

The radio section is perfect when I’m on the move pushing opfor units around and timing ambushes. It’s out of the way but close and accessible if I need to flip freqs while I’m face in the map.

The map flap is the real nice thing because I don’t have to worry about it flying off the boat while working off it at high speed. I do wish there was a zipper so I can remove it and take it elsewhere on the boat or have guys gather around for a frago. I will start putting my maps in water proof bags because it repels a little water but when it pours it’s done and you have a shredded map.

Most things are made for the desert and dryer highlands, the rain is rarely a consideration in most tacgear coming out today.I can see why, but there are OPs in some areas where torrential rain does exist.

Another thing I would’ve liked to see is clips that allow you to remove the shoulder strap completely, mostly because I was using zip ties to lash it to the boat. There’s a bit too much strap. A minor complaint. But the belly strap came in handy to secure the bag to the boat.

Also, we had to cut a port hole a little bigger to get a hand set to pass through to the outside of the bag.

Honestly my opinions are based on this being a tactical boat bag, which no one makes. We have a lot of homemade things but this comes the closest to an actual Riverine bag that we would like to have. It would just need a few tweaks.

Notice the zip ties and use of waist strap to attach to boat.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/09/riverines-take-tyr-ee-bag-for-a-spin.html#ixzz1YOyZDQqt
Kit Up!

buglerbilly

20-09-11, 01:45 AM

USMC Awards FILBE Pack Contract to Eagle and Propper (and Mystery Ranch*)

September 19th, 2011 | Contracts | Posted by Rob Curtis

News of the USMC FILBE pack contract flew in under the radar late last week. SYSCOM awarded a pair of contracts Friday, one for $50.1m to Eagle Industries and another worth $47.5m to Propper. Reading into the award brief, it’s clear that FILBE’s carrying a healthy dose of Mystery Ranch DNA*.

I called up to the Ranch this morning and got a few details on the award and the bag that Grunts will be shouldering next year.

Dana Gleason, the head honcho up at Mystery Ranch, spoke with me about their involvement with FILBE. He told me, “We had a certain amount of time to play with it and look at the critical elements that were part of the system. We were there to optimize it as much as possible for the Corps. We were not there to try to turn it into something entirely different than it’s basic roots.”

The FILBE is three parts, the main pack, the assault pack and the hydration pack. The main pack grew out of something called the Airborne Rucksack and is based on the A.L.I.C.E. frame-sized, government-owned, Downeast 1606 frame. Mystery Ranch worked on their version of the FILBE spec main and assault packs for a month before submitting it and they are proud to see the Corps has adopted a few of their design enhancements. Shown, left, is the Mystery Ranch version of FILBE mounted on their NICE BBS frame as opposed to the Downeast 1606 frame the Marines will field.

Gleason describes Mystery Ranch’s touches to the design by saying “anybody that looks at the hipbelt will go ‘oh, there’s some MOLLE in there,’ until they discover that we put a lumbar pad behind the back of the hip belt that stabilizes things ever so much more and locks [the pack] directly into to the frame.”

Other features:

• Stretchy material on the front face of the belt against the hips that cushions better than previous versions.
• Mystery Cinch in place of a standard sternum strap.
• Forward pulling adjustment straps on the waistbelt.
• Adjustable upper yoke that allows for true sprung lift on the shoulder pads.
• Upper yoke serves as a subframe for the bag itself if anything happens to the main frame.
• Weather resistant,spindrift style closure on top as opposed to the old-school multiple grommet-and-cord closure.
• 500d Cordura construction with 1000d reinforcement.
• Adaptable to fit several frames including A.L.I.C.E., Mystery Ranch N.I.C.E. and the Downeast 1606 frames.

“We saved weight, though it’s not really light,” Gleason answers when I ask how much the bag weighs. He hints FILBE is not the bag you’d want to take on the Appalachian Trail.”It’s basic genes still come from MOLLE . We built it in 500d Cordura with a differential cut bottom and a few reinforcing pieces of 1000d Cordura especially in the assault ruck.” Taken directly from the US DoD Contract briefs posted 9/16/2011:

Eagle Industries Unlimited, Inc., Fenton, Mo., is being awarded a $50,184,913 delivery order, 0001, under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-11-D-3071) for Marine Corps packs, training materials, and data reports. Work will be performed in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico (52 percent), and Lares, Puerto Rico (48 percent), and is expected to be completed Sept. 15, 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $50,184,913 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract resulted from an unrestricted competition. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Propper International, Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, is being awarded a $47,527,535 delivery order, 0001, under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-11-D-3070) for Marine Corps packs, training materials, and data reports. Work will be performed in Puerto Rico (81.5 percent), and Bozeman, Mont. (18.5 percent), and is expected to be completed Sept. 15, 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $47,527,535 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract resulted from an unrestricted competition. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

buglerbilly

22-09-11, 04:23 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...............

Triple Aught Design Reintroduces MultiCam

September 21st, 2011

Customers have asked and Triple Aught Design has listened. This Friday (23 Sep 2011), they are going to reintroduce the MultiCam colorway to their line. Here we will focus on three of their iconic bag designs, the FAST Pack Litespeed and EDC as well as the Dispatch Bag. However, they are also introducing MultiCam to their line of pouches. Manufactured from 1000D Cordura along with Mil-Spec printed PALS webbing, they add Hypalon reinforcement to select areas to protect the bags from abrasion. Triple Aught Design has put a lot of thought into their bags over the past few years and really refined them based on user feedback coupled with some moments of inspiration from the good idea fairy. For example, every pack includes their signature Flashlight Cave, a hidden pocket within arms reach to have immediate access to keys and other everyday carry items without having to take the bag off.

Here are the packs:

FAST Pack Litespeed

FAST Pack EDC

Dispatch Bag

Look for more in-depth coverage of each of these bags here soon and be sure to check for these products this Friday at www.tripleaughtdesign.com.

buglerbilly

28-09-11, 03:58 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...............

MDM – Forceprotector Gear

September 27th, 2011

In developing the new Marauder System, FPG built on their theme of innovating legacy equipment. Initially, they reimagined the old footlocker and green duffle bag into a modern, compartmented wheeled bag called the Deployer. Ultimately, the Deployer replaced the Marine sea bag.

Next, they developed the ThermaShield to replace legacy items like the poncho and shelter half. However, ThermaShield also provides unique capabilities in both hot and cold environments utilizing heat reflective fabrics. Not can you use it to shelter personnel but also critical equipment. Additionally, it can also be used to help prevent shock in casualties.

Here you can see a comparison between the old shelter half, designed in the Civil War (!) and the ThermaShield. It’s also 7″ wider and 22″ longer than a poncho.

But that wasn’t enough, so FPG took the next step and came up with the Marauder. The idea is that when a Soldier leaves the wire, everything he has is carried on his back. FPG integrated a stowable ground pad component into the Marauder. This closed cell foam pad can be pulled out when needed for sleep or long-term occupation of a patrol base. Additionally, it can be detached for other uses such as PT, vehicle maintenance, etc.

The Marauder is a top loader as well as a back loader meaning that, you can get to the contents through a progressive set of flaps that allow access initially to the ground pad and next to the actual contents of the bag.

Look for more in-depth information on the Marauder System from FPG soon.

www.forceprotector.com

Agency orders can supported by www.ADSinc.com/force-protector-gear

buglerbilly

28-09-11, 02:13 PM

TAG’s New M240 Machine Gun Bag

by Matthew Cox on September 27, 2011

Tactical Assault Gear has designed an M240 bag to help assistant gunners shoulder a spare barrel and up to 800 rounds of ammo more effectively. TAG officials displayed a prototype at Modern Day Marine 2011 at Quantico Marine Base.

Managing a cumbersome tripod, spare barrel and several hundred rounds of 7.62mm ammo has always been a challenge for AGs. The barrel is usually carried in a separate bag and ammo goes into a pack. TAG’s M240 bag is designed so the AG can carry the barrel and ammo on his back like a pack when on short missions. It can also be attached to the top of a rucksack for longer patrols.

Units from the 82nd Airborne Division and the 75th Ranger Regiment helped with the initial design, said Terrence “Ty” Manns, director of TAG.

When they came to us, they said ‘we want to get the ammo out of the rucksack,’ Manns said.

The bottom compartment of the bag is for ammo storage. It has removable dividers, much like photographers use to separate their gear. It also has a rigid flap to help keep the belted ammo from shifting around. The outside is covered with rows of PALs webbing for attaching personal gear or a hydration bladder.

The top compartment has plenty of room for a spare barrel. It also features a section of Kevlar material that can be used as a ground cloth for a hot barrel. The shoulder straps help to hold the barrel close to the body so it doesn’t flop around, Manns said. The bottom of the bag also features a carrying handle so an AG can grab it quickly and haul it short distances.

TAG is working on a final design for the bag after receiving soldier feedback. That design, which will be ready by November, will allow the AG to separate the barrel and ammo compartments when necessary, Manns said. There will also be a separate bag for the tripod that can be strapped to the outside of the M240 bag.

Right now the M240 bag comes in Multicam, but it will be available in coyote brown and other colors.

buglerbilly

28-09-11, 05:10 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog.................

MDM – MMI Outdoor

September 28th, 2011

The Armadillo from MMI Outdoor is a further improvement over their popular Improved Bed Net System issued by Army and Marine Corps.

With the Armadillo, the fly is suspended from a single pole mounted fore to aft. Additionally, there are access points on both sides. This gives you a double wall individual shelter with full bug net coverage at just under 3 lbs.

www.mmitactical.com

Video is here: http://bcove.me/rjrrewyc

buglerbilly

29-09-11, 05:19 AM

Interesting video on the Force Protection MARPACK, see above............

http://bcove.me/ttub0pcr

buglerbilly

30-09-11, 02:59 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog.........

MDM – A Word About FILBE

September 29th, 2011

It seems the Marines aren’t quite so taken with the term “FILBE” (Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment) which was used to differentiate this new external frame pack from its predecessor during the solicitation.

At MDM we heard a couple of terms being used like “Marine Corps Pack Suite” which could basically denote any old set of packs. Hopefully, they will lock something down soon. My favorite alternative was “MELBA” for Marine Enhanced Load Bearing Assembly.

FILBE or whatever it’s being called is so new that PM-ICE didn’t even have a production sample available to display. But that doesn’t mean that this program isn’t on the fast track. The fielding schedule is very aggressive with the entire run complete within 18 months at the outside. In fact, the first delivery order has already been placed.

buglerbilly

30-09-11, 03:04 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...............

MDM – The Pack Formerly Known as FILBE

September 29th, 2011

Propper International gave us a few minutes with this production example.

Here you can see the details of the molded waist belt.

The Pack also comes with 2 Sustainment Pouches, a Horizontal GP Pocket, and a Hydration Carrier.

Finally, there is an Assault Pack. While it can be mounted crossways on top of the pack, it is really meant as more of a stand alone item. The channels along the back (seen under the shoulder straps) are open cell foam but we are told the material used will not absorb water. Additionally, the panel loader has an assymetric 2-way zipper that opens lower on the wearer’s left side. The outer pocket features an internal mesh pocket while the main compartment also has a mesh pocket and will accommodate a radio.

buglerbilly

11-10-11, 05:53 PM

ATK's Eagle Industries Awarded $50 Million Contract from U.S. Marine Corps for New USMC Pack

US Marines trek along a road during Exercise a Talisman Saber exercise. (Photo: Kamran Sadaghiani)

ATK Selected to Produce New USMC Pack to Increase Combat Effectiveness

06:37 GMT, October 11, 2011 ARLINGTON, Va. | Alliant Techsystems announced that its Eagle Industries business has received a five year, $50 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract from Marine Corps Systems Command to produce the U. S. Marine Corps' new USMC Pack. Initial contract work will be performed in its two Puerto Rico manufacturing plants and is expected to be complete in September of 2012.

The USMC Pack will take the place of the current fielded pack, known as the Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE). The U.S. Marine Corps was seeking to replace and enhance this component of the Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment (FILBE) that will better integrate with the fielded torso body armor systems.

"We take pride in producing products that support our military in combat operations and training environments," said ATK Security and Sporting Group President Ron Johnson. "The new USMC Pack provides an enhanced capability to the U.S. Marine Corps and demonstrates ATK's commitment to helping improve the effectiveness of our forces."

The new load bearing equipment system is modular and designed to allow Marines to carry equipment needed in support of combat operations. U.S. Marine Corps' new pack increases the overall combat effectiveness of the user by maximizing the ability to carry combat loads more efficiently, minimizing the burdens of weight and improving overall system compatibility.

Components included in the pack system are: the main pack, assault pack, assault pouch, sustainment pouch (quantity 2), hydration pouch (quantity 2), hydration carrier, hydration bladder system, sternum cinch, sub-belt, repair kit and USMC Pack instruction card. The sub-belt is excluded from the initial USMC Pack procurement and will be fielded at a later date.

buglerbilly

28-10-11, 03:35 AM

Eagle Airborne Assault Pack

by Brandon Webb on October 27, 2011

I’ve always been a fan of Eagle’s products. It’s nice that they offer a lifetime warranty but, we all know what that’s worth in the field….NOT MUCH. Good thing Eagle makes their gear to last.

I still remember full pouch failure (single stitched) on my Blackhawk M60 200 round pouches…a lot of good their warranty did me on a 20 click Recon as a SEAL 60 Gunner…….They may have improved their quality assurance program but, I’ve boycotted that company ever since and never looked back.

The AAP is a great pack from Eagle. Out Here-Brandon

From Eagle:The Eagle Airborne Assault Pack (E-AAP) body and exterior pockets are constructed of abrasion and water-resistant material. The handle/connector strap is sewn to the top and all the way around the sides with 5 cord thread on a class seven machine. The 1 3/4” Type 13 is the actual width of the parachute harness hardware, giving you a true, secure hook-up. The connector straps are stowed under the side pockets with a webbing flap and a side release buckle. The top also has ONE-WRAP Velcro® to hold the side release buckles out of the way when not in use.

Heavy-duty YKK® zippers
■ All zippers have paracord pulls for noise suppression
■ All pockets and compartments are fitted with “O” grommets for drainage
■ “D” rings and webbing loops on straps for routing and attaching extra equipment
■ Fully adjustable sternum strap
■ Top of pack has reinforced holes, with a Cordura ® and Velcro® flap, for radio antennas and wire routing
■ The handle, which doubles as the parachute harness connector straps, is a 1¾”, 7000 lb. tensile strength, mil. Spec. webbing
■ All side pockets are fitted with 1” mil. Spec. Cordura® webbing and side release buckles for extra wear resistance and decreased buckle slide

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz1c2ILXyWZ
Kit Up!

buglerbilly

17-11-11, 10:23 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

Kifaru Releases MultiCam/Coyote Woobies

November 16th, 2011

Kifaru Tactical has just updated their excellent Woobie and Doobie. They are now offering both in a reversible, two-tone MultiCam/Coyote color combination. The Woobie was originally envisioned as a modern replacement for the USGI poncho liner. It combines RhinoSkin Shell with ClimaShield combat insulation. The Woobie uses 2 oz/square yard of insulation and the Doobie (Double Woobie) uses 4 oz/square yard of insulation.

Kifaru invested in the RhinoSkin Shell material so other products will also be offered in the new colors. For example, Slick Bags will also be available in either MultiCam or Coyote with OD interiors.

I got a Woobie several years ago when they were first released and it has weathered very well. Much better than the issue item. Granted, it costs more, but I have to remind of my old adage; “Buy Quality, Cry Once.” The issue poncho liner will never insulate like this thing.

kifaru.net/woobie

buglerbilly

17-11-11, 01:38 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog..........

Mayflower Releases New Products

November 17th, 2011

Mayflower Research & Consulting has just released two new products; the Assault Pack and Back Panel.

Assault Pack

The Assault Pack is a low profile affair that is designed to be used in confined spaces and isn’t wider than your back for getting in and out of vehicles or negotiating windows and doorways. It is a top loader with two separate compartments. Additionally, it incorporates a bungee along the back of the pack to facilitate the quick stowage of gear. Finally, it can be attached directly to armor or carried with the removable shoulder straps.

Back Panel

The Back Panel attaches directly to the rear of a vest or other platform and incorporates two pouches with the bottom one being a rapidly deployable medical pouch. The top pouch is fixed and is sized around the SOCOM issue NOD sleeve. The med pouch has handles and is attached to the panel via Velcro along with a backup strap system. This allows your team mate to easily remove the med pouch from your back. This pouch can also be particularly useful for breaching, medical, or SSE. In fact, the utility of the Back Panel is only limited by your imagination. Look for additional pouch options in the future.

As usual, look for these in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, and MultiCam. Manufactured from 500D Cordura, they use mil-spec webbing and hard wear and are Made in USA! Both products are also available in LiteLok.

http://www.mayflower-rc.org/

buglerbilly

18-11-11, 11:25 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

Tactical Textile Seat Post Bag

November 18th, 2011

Tactical Textile has a unique product line. For example, their seat post bag. The owner does a fair amount of bike camping and whipped this one up.

Check them out at tacticaltextile.com.

http://tacticaltextile.com/Tactical_Textile/home.html

buglerbilly

20-11-11, 02:57 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

The Idea Isn’t Necassarily New, But The Implementation Is – Molly Stix

November 19th, 2011

When National Molding sent us info on the Molly Stix earlier this week, my first thought was, “Yes, I see what you’ve done here.”

According to National Molding:

“Molly Stixs are easily woven between the webbing and with a simple flip of the top latch they are locked in place. Molly Stixs secure and stabilize the accessory onto the pack or armor and when in comes time to remove the item a quick flip of the locking tab or tug on the optional lanyard and the item if few in seconds. Two or more can be linked together with para-cord and released in unison”

The idea is simple, it’s just that nobody has done it yet, at least specifically for PALS. The first time I saw something like this on a tactical product was in the early 80s. The Lowe Alpine Systems LOCO pack had a removable rappelling harness waist belt. It was held in place on the pack with a tethered, rubber-coated aluminum bar that was inserted between webbing. Two pieces were on the pack and the third piece was the weight bearing portion of the waist belt strap. It worked and this will too.

www.NationalMolding.com

buglerbilly

20-11-11, 03:06 AM

Kit Up Editors Pick: The LBT Load Out Bag. AKA “The Coffin”

by Brandon Webb on November 19, 2011

LBT Load-out bag

http://londonbridgetrading.com/m1webgear/

Ok, first off, London Bridge Trading Company is a great company and most of their stuff (have to be honest here) is made in the USA. Loren is the President of LBT, is a solid dude and also a former Delta guy. I first met him out in VA Beach a few years back working with a company I’m a partner with a company called Neptunic Technologies. We were talking textiles and we hit it off right away over beers. It’s always nice to see a guy with operational experience at the helm of a company like this. Before I met Loren, I was a big fan of LBT and all that they make. I’ve told the story a few times, about replacing my failing Blackhawk pouches (a warranty doesn’t mean crap in the field) with 200 round M-60 pouches from LBT and they never let me down…and believe me, I punished them. I eventually rocked a complete set of LBT M-60 H-Gear and somehow throughout the years loaned it out (I’ll get it back eventually Johnny!) and never got it back. That set of H-Gear has more combat experience than most guys can claim.

In coyote brown

Anyway, this bag is a personal favorite of mine and essential for any operator on the move, the traveling contractor, serial killer (j/k) or that big family camping trip!

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/11/kit-favorite-lbt-load-bag-aka.html#ixzz1eCu1q3YE
Kit Up!

buglerbilly

09-12-11, 02:10 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog.........

Kifaru Woobie Update

December 8th, 2011

Kifaru has updated their website with some photos of the newest version of their reversible Woobie/Doobie in Coyote and MultiCam. Combining RhinoSkin Shell with ClimaShield combat insulation, it makes a great replacement for the issue poncho liner.

RRP: USD$150.00 - $192.00

https://kifaru.net/woobie.html

buglerbilly

13-12-11, 02:30 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog....................

Hill People Gear Mountain Serapes

December 13th, 2011

Although Hill People Gear continues to tease us with tidbits of info about their Mountain Serape, it looks like there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel.

The Mountain Serape is based on the tried and true poncho design but HPG has added a hood, drawstring, and unique (patent pending) zipper arrangement that turns it into a greatcoat or a half zip sleeping bag. Designed to be thrown on in cold weather when you stop moving or when lying up, it can also be used as a warmer weather sleeping bag or in conjunction with a bag to increase its range. Additionally, this is a great product for survival use or for conditions where packing light is a necessity.

Weighing in at only 34 ounces, it features a DWR coated mini ripstop face fabric with 2.4oz primaloft fusion insulation. The Mountain Serape is available for pre-order in Foliage or Coyote.

Accepting pre-orders
will ship Dec. 19th
Price: $145.00

www.hillpeoplegear.com

buglerbilly

16-12-11, 02:07 AM

By: Stickman

15-12-2011

Product Announcement, Review

Grey Ghost Gear LiteLok Pack

Grey Ghost Gear started out as a clearing house for tactical gear, but quickly moved into producing its own line of nylon equipment. Recently they have expanded from a few assault packs, into chest rigs, three day packs, and pouches. However, as interesting as that may be, its not what this article is about. Six months ago, Grey Ghost Gear dropped a new assault pack into our laps with the caveat of needing to keep it quiet until they were ready for a release.

What makes the new Grey Ghost Gear LiteLok Pack stand out is the material. LiteLok is a material developed by Duro Industries and Glen Raven Technical Fabrics. The claim to fame for this material is it weighs 30% less than typical 500D nylon. Duro Industries states “LiteLok® exhibits excellent breaking strength and outstanding abrasion resistance performance.” That certainly sounds good on paper, but how does it hold up in real life?

http://www.greyghostgear.com/packs/lightweight-assault-pack-2-1

Lets start with the basics of the pack. It is a 1178 cubic inch pack, which falls under the typical assault pack category for most of us. That makes it large enough to hold most day trip gear unless you are really loading up heavy or going out in cold weather and need extra room. The GGG LiteLok pack is available only in Multicam currently, though when I asked about additional colors, I was told additional colors may become available depending on the demand level and that a tan/FDE/Coyote Brown offering would most likely be the next one if the need came about. Construction of this beast appears to be the same as our previously reviewed pack from Grey Ghost Gear ( http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2011/05/12/grey-ghost-gear-light-weight-assault-pack/), with dimensions and build quality being the same. For those who have read the earlier review, you know we found it to be a solid pack. I’ve continued to use and loan out the packs and have found no damage, ripped seams or broken zippers since the initial review. This pack is made in the USA.

Pack features include a primary storage compartment which is top loading, along with a secondary side zipped compartment which is smaller. Inside the pack are two small elastic pockets on the sides for holding water bottles or something of a similar size. A three liter hydration bladder pocket is standard, though the bladder is not included. The shoulder straps are lightly padded, and suitable for the pack size, they stow away internally for times when you want to attach the pack to a plate carrier. The plate carrier attachment works well, and I leave one of mine locked into a set of armor most of the time. The outside of the pack completes itself with a sternum strap, drag handle, velcro and molle webbing on three sides. The section of the pack which mates up to your back in well padded.

Testing of this pack was primarily done to see how this fabric would hold up. I used it as a daily carry bag at a few trade shows, but in general all you do at a trade show is walk around, so there is nothing super exciting there. However, it doesn’t change that a lot of guys/ gals will use this bag for books, waterbottle, and similar mundane gear. The pack was comfortable in this regard. Next were short day trips in the mountains, and there were no problems there hiking around. I take my niece and nephews out in the field, and on longer trips where I need to carry a larger amount of gear, this pack was perfect for them as a “full size” pack (think younger kids up to low teens). No point in letting kids get a free ride out in the field, they can square themselves away. This pack was comfortable for them, and had enough adjustment where it wasn’t flopping all around. The guys at Grey Ghost Gear might cringe at me pointing out that it works perfect as a primary pack for kids as I know that is not its intended role, but I found it works as well for them as it did in its intended role. On the kids note, even them overloading it, yanking on zippers, and throwing it around, and their general use of it as a play toy, there was no damage. With the pack working well for its basic uses, I decided to load it full of loaded USGI magazines, PMAGs and cans of food, then throw it in the back of my cruiser. My thought was the corners of the magazines and increased weight getting thrown around in my daily duties as a city cop (working a high crime area) would do well to see if the LiteLok fabric would hold up, or if it would tear out. This portion of the testing was done for a little over 5 months, and it only stopped on my non-duty days when I was using the pack for the above projects.

This pack works well in its LiteLok adaptation, and being substantially lighter while still having good abrasion resistance and durability is a solid plus. There isn’t much that could be done to improve the pack in my eyes. An outside pocket would be nice, but that would add weight, and the molle webbing allows for an admin pouch to be attached which fills that desire nicely. The second thing is a belt, but that would also add weight, and its something I don’t most people would actually need or use. While I like the idea of a belt on all packs, there is no doubt I would look stupid with one around my ribs, so this idea is more for the kids or “little people”. Lastly, and I understand that looks are subjective, this material looks great. The feel and movement is unlike other materials used in tactical nylon products. I think Grey Ghost Gear has a winner with this, and I’m interested to see what else they use LiteLok for. At a price of $79, the guys at Grey Ghost Gear aren’t even raising the price of this over their other packs, which means a few friends of mine may be getting these as presents…

http://www.greyghostgear.com/packs/lightweight-assault-pack-2-1

MANUFACTURER SPECS SHOWN BELOW

Features a large main compartment as well as a side entry front pocket, modular webbing for attaching additional pouches and padded shoulder straps that stow away when not in use. Designed to attach directly to modular vests or larger packs. Heavy-duty zippers, sternum strap, grab handle, loop material for patches and a 3 litre hydration pocket, while being lighter and stronger than other comparable lightweight packs.

Main compartment: 17” L x 9.5” W x 5.5” D 888.25 cu in

Front pocket: 14” L x 8” W x 2.5” D 290 cu in

Total volume 1178.25 cu in

LiteLok® – 100% Nylon

In conjunction with Glen Raven Technical Fabrics LLC, we have created LiteLok® fabric. Weighing 30% less than traditional 500D nylon, Litelok® exhibits excellent breaking strength and outstanding abrasion resistance performance. The double layer design is key to abrasion performance, while creating an ideal material for a lightweight backpack or vest.

Specs:

Finished Width - 59 inches cuttable

Finished Weight - 5.4 oz/yd² approximately

Fiber Content – 100% nylon

Breaking Strength - 150/200 (warp/fill) (lbs, approximate)

Water Resistance – 127+ cm

Abrasion - may exceed 1300 cycles, H18 @500g

buglerbilly

16-12-11, 02:16 AM

WTF is that question mark above the report above?

I cannot edit it out as it sits outside of my edit box..................curious?

buglerbilly

23-12-11, 02:42 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog..................

Exclusive Mayflower Chest Rigs from GTG Gear

December 23rd, 2011

Mayflower Research & Consulting, LLC manufactured two chest rigs specifically for Danish military outfitter GTG Gear; the DK01 and DK02.

DK01

This is their MOLLE rig and designed so that you can completely tailor your load.

DK02

The DK02 on the other hand is a hybrid rig designed to keep you from overloading. It offers carriage for:
4 x 5.56 Magazines
1 x GP medium
1 x Flashlight / Multitool / Knife
1 x pocket grenade
2 x Small GP pockets
2 x 3 bars of PALS

Both rigs are made from 500D Cordura and available in Ranger Green and MultiCam.

www.gtg-gear.dk

buglerbilly

16-01-12, 06:43 PM

By: Stickman

16-01-2012

Off-Duty, Product Preview, Show Report

ARC’TERYX – Nozone 55

It looks like we can finally talk a little about the upcoming Arcteryx Nozone 55. This latest beast from the bird is a top loading, 55 liter/ 3300 cubic inch internal frame pack with dual aluminum stays. The shoulder straps are well padded, anatomical, and have length adjustment on both ends. The waist belt is well padded, and extends out just to the hips eliminating wide padding along the front. A collar on the top of the sack is double cinch corded allowing you to over stuff the pack, and the very top lip allows storage of items you are going to grab on a regular basis, or just items you want on top.

Look for a long term review on our Arc’teryx Nozone 55 in the future. So far we’ve got a half dozen trips with it, and have found the internal frame to work very well. Fully loaded, no pack screams of fun, but this one hasn’t found any pinch points, wear or rubbing on myself or Mrs. Stick as we have hiked and gone snowshoeing on Mt Rainier. Yes, when I hike, everyone rucks up, that includes spouse, nieces, nephews and neighborhood children. Thankfully, I’ve now got a pack nicer than all of theirs.

http://www.arcteryx.com/?EN

buglerbilly

18-01-12, 03:12 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog......

FirstSpear Helmet Hut

January 18th, 2012

With helmets and their accessories costing more and more it’s no surprise that someone would come with a purpose built bag. FirstSpear’s Helmet Hut accommodates a helmet in a padded compartment and also has zippered storage for goggles, mounts, lights, NVGs and other gear.

Check it out in booth #27411.

www.first-spear.com

buglerbilly

21-01-12, 02:04 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

Watershed Smartphone Case

Over the Summer, Watershed showed us a cool waterproof iPad case. At SHOT Show they gave a peek at their Clutch Smartphone Case. As you can see, it’s got ample room for your phone and it can be used while inside the bag. With additional room for other gear, it can be folded in thirds for portage and stowage. What’s REALLY cool is that it integrates an ITW Military Products Cat Nap which is adjustable based on how much you’ve stuffed in your bag.

www.drybags.com

buglerbilly

24-01-12, 01:10 AM

Via Tactical Fanboy blog...............

Tippmann U.S. Army Camping Equipment

January 23rd, 2012

Along with their U.S. Army licensed paintball markers, Tippmann also has a line of U.S. Army licensed camping equipment. The two models seen above are the:

Basic Training tent

- 68d 600mm polyester construction
- U.S. Army branded zipper pulls
- 300D Carry Bag
- ACU Camo trim
- Glove Dry waterproof system
- internal storage pockets and gear loft

It measures 80″x50″x38″ with 28 sq. ft. of interior space.

Bravo sleeping bag

- 68d 600mm polyester outer shell and liner with a 3lbs solid polyester fiber filler
- Rated up to 40F
- Hood system w/ draw cord
- Hanging tab and elastic straps for two storage options
- Full length wrap around zipper
- ThermAir insulation
- 185T polyester carry bag

It measures 34″x78″ and fits up to 6’4″.

http://www.usarmycamping.com/

buglerbilly

03-02-12, 01:37 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

Ares Armor Satellite Ruck

February 2nd, 2012

Ares Armor has just released their new Satellite Ruck. It fits right in between the daypack-sized Combat XII Pack and full-sized Atlas Ruck as a mid-range patrol pack. The Satellite Ruck fits to an ALICE Frame and is manufactured from 1000D Cordura. Additionally, it accepts the Combat XII Pack to make a modular pack for approach and actions on the objective.

It comes with the padded Atlas Shoulder Straps and Kidney pad, as well as an Alice frame. An integrated top flap includes organization pouches as well as a panel with nylon daisy chain and webbing for securing small tools.

The pack will be offered in Black, Coyote, MultiCam and A-TACS AU & FG. Additionally, you will be able to purchase it along with the optional Combat XII Pack for additional stowage.

Available now for pre-order from www.predatorbdu.com, with a 15 March release date.

buglerbilly

06-02-12, 10:37 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog............

Platatac Nomad Pack

February 6th, 2012

Platac’s tagline for the new Nomad Pack is “Overt is the New Covert”. The idea is to hide in plain sight and the Nomad does that. Appearing as a mild mannered commuter pack, the Nomad is specifically designed to accommodate the HK-G36C and Short Barreled M4 Carbine variants. Thanks to an ingenuous hideaway extender sleeve it will also fit longer barreled weapons.

It has hideaway straps for use as carry-on luggage, or you can criss-cross the shoulder straps to make a sling bag. Additionally, the interior of the main compartment includes PALS webbing. Yes, it’s available in MultiCam but the Black and Grey combo looks pretty good for playing the Grey Man

www.platatac.com

buglerbilly

06-02-12, 10:39 PM

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

E-MM Split Ammo SAC

February 6th, 2012

Once again, EMDOM USA has teamed with Military Morons to create a new version of the Ammo SAC. This new version, called the Split Ammo SAC, features a divider flap so that you can carry two types of ammo or keep other items segregated.

Weighing only 5 oz, it is available in Multicam, Coyote Brown, and Foliage Green.

www.EMDOMUSA.com

buglerbilly

08-02-12, 09:28 AM

Via Soldier Systems blog............

MultiCam Materials – 1000D Cordura

February 7th, 2012

This is the first in a series of bi-weekly articles presented by Duro Textiles LLC on the various fabrics they offer in the MultiCam camouflage pattern. MultiCam is a single camouflage pattern designed to help the wearer hide in varied environments, seasons, elevations, and light conditions. After a great deal of commercial success and adoption by elements of US Special Operations Forces, in 2010 MultiCam was selected for use by the US Army as its Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP).

Here you can see the US Army’s Medium Rucksack designed for use in Afghanistan. Designed to carry up to 60 pounds, the Medium Rucksack utilizes a special U-shaped frame that cradles the rear armor plate of an IOTV. The pack is produced as part of the MOLLE contact by both BAE Systems and ATK Eagle.

1000D Cordura is the most ubiquitous MultiCam fabric in use. It is also the heaviest MultiCam fabric. Due to its high abrasion resistance it has been adopted for use by the US Army for use in their MOLLE systems including packs and pouches. It is coated on the back side for water resistance and the the face features a a durable water repellent finish.

Specs:

Finished Width – 60 inches cuttable
Finished Weight – 9.8 oz/yd² approximately
Fiber Content – 100% nylon
Construction – 35/30 (warp/fill)
Breaking Strength – 593/580 (warp/fill) (lbs, minimum)

Duro offers progressive pricing based on the number of yards ordered. For more information on this or any of the full line of MultiCam fabrics visit www.multicamfabric.com or email Galpen_Ben@DuroLink.com.