215 Gear’s Tourniquet Holder was designed as an improvement over the rubber bands commonly in use. It is manufactured from molded plastic and elastic. In addition to tourniquets, the holder will keep many other items handy as well and come packaged two holders per bag.
The Tourniquet/GP Holder is available now from Extreme Outfitters and Grey Group Training. For more information from the manufacturer visit 215 Gear.
Photo from 215 Gear.
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During OR we posted an short teaser about Camelbak’s new line of bladders designed to be fitted directly to armor vests. The Direct Armor Attachment System has been adapted to three new packs ArmorBak, ThermoBak, and the Ambush AB 500. They are designed to attach to the armor’s PALS webbing via a split bar side release buckle. Examples we saw at OR and AUSA were in UCP and Coyote. You should expect to see these hit shelves right after SHOT Show.
Photos from Military Times.
Tactical Assault Gear has announced a new carrier to fit Marines Corps MTV cut level IIIA soft armor, ESAPI ballistic plate system, neck, groin, and back down armor as an alternative to the issue system. The Marine Corps MTV issue armor system has been a sore subject since its inception and further procurements by the Marines were halted by Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Conway who said “I’m not quite sure how we got to where we are, but what I do know is it is not a winner.” The issues are varied, but one of the main concerns is not the actual armor, but the carrier itself. Marines find it cumbersome, heavy, and difficult to don and doff without assistance. General Conway also said, “It is heavier. It gives a little more protection — that is one of the net positives with it. We still need a lighter vest that gives us the same amount of protection”.
Armed with this information TAG® designed a new carrier system for the issued armor the Marine Corps and some Navy units are using. The carrier uses TAG’s® split-front opening, meaning you can leave one cummerbund attached at all times allowing the user to enter the carrier from the side and close it. The release system on TAG’s® Enhanced MTV carrier is the same patent pending design used on all of TAG’s® releasable armor carriers.
The Enhanced MTV carrier consists of single center pull pillow and cables that release both the shoulders & cummerbund at the same time. The pull pillow is designed to be pulled in any direction and work and the handle cannot be accidentally pulled because it is not a loop like the current one and can be pulled while sitting down as well. Additionally, the cummerbund includes removable pouches on the inside that accommodate the issued MTV soft armor inserts and side plates and locks in place and does not require stays to keep it from shifting while worn.
The most significant improvement is in the size adjustment options. The current MT’s sizing is a bit off so a Marine who should be wearing a medium is forced to wear a large for it to fit properly. The Enhanced MTV has slots in the side that fit the side plates. When the carrier is made smaller by the wearer the side plates will go into the vest. This allows for the armor in the vest to overlap on the sides increasing side protection.
The shoulders and upper torso section of the carrier are made with non slip rubberized nylon. This will ensure a solid platform when assuming different types of shooting positions as well as keep slings and pack straps from falling or slipping off the user’s shoulders. In addition it also eliminates the need for shoulder stops that currently come with the issued MTV.
This carrier is only available through TAG directly. The price is very reasonable at $369.95 for the carrier. For those attending SHOT Show in Orlando, they can check out the Enhanced MTV carrier at TAG’s® booth (number 9484).
We recently ran across a little known product from Cyalume, makers of chem-lights called Total Visibility Tape™. It is both reflective as well as glow in the dark. Naturally, you must charge it with white light before use. The tape is also self adhesive and can be used to mark pretty much anything.
The part number for 1″ Total Visibility™ tape is 9-30048 and for 2″ tape is 9-30075.
You can contact Cyalume for product and sales information, customerservice@cyalume.com or call us toll-free at 888-858-7881.
As part of the Clothe The Soldier program the Canadian DND is procuring a new boot to replace their Hot Weather (Desert) Boot. Despite earlier experimental versions of boots with CADPAT uppers and soles, the new boot will be in a brown color.
The leather is a full grain nubuck with a dri-lex lining. Although considered a hot weather boot, it is completely leather and the Canadians take an interesting strategy to deal with heat build up. They have incorporated small ventilation holes in the leather above the ankle. While leather is generally more abrasion and puncture resistant than fabrics such as cordura, the fine powdery dust found in the Middle East will fill the boots with sand in no time.
The outsole is Goodyear welted, but it’s a non-Vibram Canadian made sole unit, in a brown color. The photo depicts a non-issue black version of the sole used during testing.
Amazingly, the DND has chosen to retain the ‘heel counter lining’ which is a piece of exposed 3mm rawhide leather around the ankle. This feature is found on the current Canadian Hot Weather (Desert) Boot, and the Boot, Combat, General Purpose which are notorious for blistering and chafing the wearer’s heel and Achilles tendon. The feature is usually found in footwear that lacks lacing such as cowboy boots in order to keep the shoe in place. However, when laces are also used, the result is generally friction.
Grip Pod Systems’ innovative Vertical Foregrip/Bipod has been well received by most troops for its ability to provide a stable shooting platform on a wide variety of surfaces. Mounted on a Picatinny Rail, users simply press a button in the top back of the grip and a spring-loaded bipod shoots out. To stow the legs, simply push them back up into the grip until they lock. Already, U.S. Tactical Supply is fulfilling a $6.9 million contract awarded in 2007 to supply 60,250 units Grip Pod Systems and they are providing a further 86,182 via an early 2008 contract. Additionally, the British Army is poised to begin receiving the item. In order to meet these demands, production is proceeding at 30,000 units per month.
The Grip Pod currently comes in two models, one with aluminum legs at 11 oz. and one with polymer at 7oz. In addition, a Squad Designated Marksman version with longer legs allowing canting on uneven surfaces is arriving soon. A new accessory called the Grip Pod Light Rail involves one or two short Picatinny rails to be mounted with the grip allowing flashlights or other items to be manipulated by the thumb. Also, mounting a PEQ-4 laser designator in such close proximity eliminates any cord wrap issues.
One of the impressive features of the unit is that one can place the bipod on a thigh for rapid deployment even while slung. It also works well despite the use of MOLLE, Plates, etc.
Grip Pods are available from U.S. Tactical Supply.
-Story Submitted by Mike Perry
EOTAC has announced a phenomenal sweepstakes giveaway which includes:
- Bushmaster M4A3 in .223 OR a DPMS Panther LR-308C in .308
- A case of Remington Match Grade Ammo
- EOTAC Tactical Pant
- EOTAC Long Sleeve Shirt
- EOTAC Tactical Vest
- EOTAC Range Cap
- EOTAC Vickers Gloves
- EOTAC Pocket Organizer
The average retail value is either $1,998 or $2,199 depending on which rifle is selected.
No purchase is necessary and the contest ends at 11:59:59 p.m. EST March 31, 2009. For a complete list of rules visit here.
To enter visit EOTAC.
According an AP article the Army has halted distribution of the recently adopted Woundstat. Apparently, in testing on swine use of Woundstat directly on blood vessels leads to dangerous clotting issues. According to Jack McDonnell, chairman and CEO of Bethesda, Maryland based TraumaCure, Inc there have been no reported incidents or adverse outcomes in humans. Additionally, Woundstat has been approved by the FDA and is in widespread use in US hospitals.
215 Gear has developed a family of retention lanyards used to secure the wearer to a fixed point like say, a helicopter floor, and one of these new lanyards is like no other on the market. The Frog style utilizes a Frog carabiner which in the climbing world serves the same purpose as utilizing dual carabiners. Additionally, it is easier to use than a standard carabiner or pelican clip (snap shackle) because it closes automatically when in contact with an anchor point. The Frog style lanyard comes with one end fitted with a snap shackle and the other end with a Frog fitting. The snap shackle connects to the first line belt or harness and the Frog carabiner to the anchor point. Manufactured from Mil-Spec 1” tubular is rated to 4,000 lbs with eight, 42 stitch bartacks on each running end, the Frog is rated to 26 KN (approximately 5,850 lbs).
215’s retention lanyards currently come in four varieties to suit a wide range of requirements but they are already working on a specialist design for aircrewmen.
For more information contact 215 Gear or to order contact Grey Group Training.
Blue Force Gear has been developing a fine line of new tactical nylon. Their latest release is the Trauma Kit NOW!™. Designed to be used one-handed, you simple pull the tab located on the front of the pouch and the tapered insert slides free from the carrier. The insert keeps your medical supplies well organized. The side pouch holds any Benchmade™ Rescue Hook and the top of the pouch has a velcro patch as well as loops for BFG’s Tourniquet NOW Strap™.
Available in Multicam, UCP, and Coyote from Blue Force Gear.
Photos from Blue Force Gear.
While there still is no official announcement, Granite Gear and their partner Montgomery Marketing Inc have announced that they have captured at least some of the SOCOM Pack program. Two packs were out for competition and they have won the Patrol Pack category with their Chief Patrol and they will begin manufacturing within 60 days.
Mystery Ranch, long thought to be the leader in the large Recce Ruck category has won and will be offering a custom design based on their internal frame technology.
Congratulations to both Granite Tactical and Mystery Ranch!
The Granite Tactical Gear line is currently available from Extreme Outfitters. Mystery Ranch information can be accessed here.
Picture from Extreme Outfitters.
We saw these at OR last summer and hadn’t really thought about them until recently. They are pretty cool and while they probably won’t have much of a direct application for most of us, they look like a great idea for something to throw on during the off-duty hours to let the dogs breathe. What sets the FiveFingers apart from similar footwear is their five toed “barefoot” design.
The photo above depicts the FiveFingers Flow which serve as an excellent water sock as the upper is 1.2mm Neoprene. Additional models include the Classic’s minimalist design with an anti-microbial foot bed and abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide upper. Additionally, the KSO designed to “Keep Stuff Out” with its higher top and fore and aft closure. And last but not least is the Sprint, featuring a low top and secure fit.
They are available in a variety of colors depending on the model including camo.
For more information check out the FiveFingers website. Photo from Vibram.
SOG Knives manufactures several models of multi-tools and I have been using the Black Oxide PowerLock EOD for several years. SOG’s multi-tools offer a variety of unique features. One of the smartest things they have done is position the cap crimper in the handle rather than the jaws of the pliers. This position combined with the compound pressure design allows you to apply plenty of pressure to the task of crimping.
Additionally, on the newer model the pliers are true needle nose. As you can see the tips of the needle nose now come to a definite point. SOG has also incorporated a hard wire cutter on each PowerLock.
The compound pressure feature seen below uses a set of gears to increase the leverage placed on the tool by your natural grip by two-fold.
One of the greatest things about SOG Tools is that they are modular. Over time, you may need additional capabilities beyond your requirements when you first acquired your tool. By removing the hex head bolt that holds the individual tool heads in place you can swap out individual tools. This feature makes the SOG Tool a long-term investment. The array of tools available is incredible and grows regularly.
1/4″ Drive
1/4″ Socket Adapter
3″ 1/2 Serrated Blade
3″ Serrated Blade
3″ Straight Blade
Awl
Bottle Opener & Medium Screwdriver
C-4 Spike
Can Opener & Small Screwdriver
Double Tooth Saw
File (3 Sided)
Handle Covers
Phillips Screwdriver
Robertson Drive
Scissors
Screwdriver (Large)
Serrated Line Cutter
V-Cutter
SOG provides an excellent chart that correlates features with different models.
For more information check out SOG Knives.
The Army is taking the lead for the development of a single set of boots for most environments. In fact they have already undergone testing. The main reason for the program is cost. A single footwear system could replace separate boots for every environment from desert to arctic and enhance readiness as each Soldier would not have to be issued specialty footwear prior to deployment.
The prototype manufactured by Belleville Show Manufacturing Co. could replace four types of boots in service now. The prototype was selected after a two-year effort to work with private companies to create the Modular Boot System.
According to Fred Coppola, deputy product manager for Clothing and Individual Equipment at PEO-Soldier, the Modular Boot System could begin fielding this coming calendar year pending approval of Building 4 at Ft Benning, Ga.
The prototype consists of a fire-resistant, desert-style hot-weather boot, plus inserts and an over-boot soldiers can use in cold temperatures.
“The intent of it is to go that whole temperature range between minus 20 degrees and 130 degrees” Fahrenheit with one boot and reduce the number of boots in the service’s inventory, said Lt. Col. John Lemondes, product manager for Clothing and Individual Equipment.
If adopted, the Modular Boot System would replace these and two other special-issue boots the Army stocks for colder weather — the Intermediate Cold/Wet Boot for wear down to zero degrees and the Cold Weather Boot for wear down to minus 20 degrees.
Removable inserts for added warmth and waterproofing can only be so thick before they affect the fit of the boot and over boots can be clunky and cause the wearer to stumble.
The prototype has two waterproof inserts; one without insulation for wear in temps above the freezing mark and an insulated insert for temps down to zero degrees. There is also a waterproof Cordura over-boot that is intended to be worn to temps down to minus 20. However, it works much more like a gaiter on that unlike traditional over boots for mountaineering, covers the boot’s upper but still uses the hot weather boot’s existing sole. The over boot closes with a Velcro strip in the back.
The Army also tested a prototype with a two-piece over-boot, made by Wellco Enterprises Inc., it consisted of a fully-treaded shoe that slipped over the hot-weather boot and a snap-on portion that covered the top of the foot and shin.
Even if the Modular Boot System isn’t adopted as is, spin-offs like the the over-boot and slip resistant soles could be modified and issued to soldiers to use with the current Hot Weather and Temperate Weather boots.
Simply amazing. This tape is a fix all. This self-fusing tape has a 700 PSI tensile strength, insulates 8,000 volts per layer, withstands 500° F degrees of heat (260° C) yet remains flexible to -85° F (-60° C). The possibilities are almost endless with the stuff. It isn’t effected by wet, dirty, or oily surfaces and can be used as easily to repair a leaky radiator as to stop a bleeding injury.
For reasons such as these, Rescue Tape is found in every Battle Damage Assessment and Repair kit. Rescue Tape is available in 1″ and 2″ widths in eight colors (Black, Red, Clear, Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow, White).
For more info go to Rescue Tape. To order go to Supply Captain.
The British Army has released additional photos of PECOC equipment and trial camouflage patterns. We will be posting them over the next week.
The New Hybrid Camo developed for PECOC.
Prototype Webbing showing different options including fasteners and tape.
Photos from MOD.
Back in August we published an article on the “M16/M4 Handbook” written by Mike Pannone. That book, published by Blackheart International has become an indispensable part of our small arms library. Recently, a companion of sorts was published, titled the “HK-416 Handbook” packed full of information and tips for shooters who wield the 416. As the 416 becomes more prevalent in the law enforcement realm (and hopefully eventually the civilian world as well) this handbook stands as the sole publicly available documentation on it’s use, care, and feeding.
The author, Mike Pannone is well versed in small arms training but has particular experience with the HK-416 including it’s use in combat. He has paid the same attention to detail to this weapon as he did previously with the M-16 family. We highly recommend this book.
Available now for $19.95 from Blackheart International.
In addition to the PSD Nomex suit we recently wrote about Anson Tactical also offers an FR outer garment for Police and Military intervention operations.
Manufactured from FR Nomex III, the suits feature Kevlar reinforcement patches on knees, elbows, and groin. There is also an integral hood with ID holder with window on rear, flap neck closure with Velcro fastening. The ID holders with windows are found on each sleeve. The coveralls have knitted inner collar and wrist and elasticated waist band. Manufactured in the UK, the ATLAS SF Assault System is in use with European Special Forces and Police Intervention teams.
Garments are custom built based on user requirements and pricing is dependent on quantity, material weight, and pocket options. The suits are available in Black, Dark Navy Blue, Desert Sand, and Olive Green.
More information is available here and here.
Photo from Anson Tactical.
We are always interested in meal supplements or replacements that will aid the Soldier whether in garrison or deployed. We recently had an opportunity to sample several new flavors of ProBar. Overall impression? Pretty darned good. Most of the flavors were quite tasty but reviewers were 50/50 on the Kettle Corn bar.
Ounce for ounce, the ProBar is lower in both sodium and protein than most other bars. They do this for two reasons. One, to help reduce your need for water and second because the carbohydrates that the ProBar is packed with are the perfect fuel for a body hard at work. Made from 17 whole foods of which about 70% are raw, and they accomplish this by blending rather than baking the bar.
They come in an ever expanding variety of flavors including: Superfood Slam, Art’s Original Blend, Whole Berry Blast, Nutty Banana Boom, Apple Cinnamon Crunch, Cran-Lemon Twister, Koka Moka, Cherry Pretzel, Maple Pecan, Kettle Corn, Cocoa Pistachio, and Sesame Goji.
Norgon’s Ambi-Catch installation tool allows for a quick and simple installation and removal of any M16-style magazine catch by allowing the magazine catch button to be held with one hand. The tool’s polymer construction won’t scratch the weapon or damage any internal parts. An ingenious design feature tells the user how many revolutions the magazine catch has made for proper installation. It also allows for the rapid unloading of magazines.
Available in Black, Dark Earth Brown, and Olive Drab Green. At $6.95, it’s a steal.
For more info contact Norgon LLC. To order visit Brownell’s.
The Marine Corps is working on a specialized detachable chest rig for armor vehicle crewmen to be used as a quick-attach/detach capability for ILBE pouches . The Detachable Platform Chest Rig will integrate with the Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) or recently fielded Scalable Plate Carrier (SPC). Vehicle space constraints make it difficult for mounted crewmen to perform their mission while wearing pouches attached to their armor carrier. They require a “slick” chest area but once they exit the vehicle need a means to rapidly integrate ammunition and other critical equipment to their armor. As envisioned, the chest rig is a two piece design consisting of a vest foundation piece and removable pouch attachment system. The vest foundation piece will be affixed to the MTV/ SPC and serve as the base for the pouch attachment piece. The pouch attachment piece will hold the required pouches and be stored in the vehicle during normal vehicle operations. The pouch attachment piece will essentially “snap into place” once the crewman dismounts.
Planned fielding is currently just over 6000 systems but if the rig shows utility expect to see it adopted by other service components.
Tech venture capitalist Adam Grosser worked with a thermodynamics team at Stanford, to build a thermos-sized device that contains a refrigerant that’s triggered when the device is heated and then left to cool. It acts like a powerful cold pack, turning anything from a jug to a hole in the ground into a twenty-four-hour minifridge. At roughly fifty dollars apiece, Grosser’s device could potentially bring people in the developing world high-maintenance medicines. Imagine how this same technology could be adapted for military use.
Photo from Hero Design Lab.
Crafted from pure New Zealand Merino wool, Icebreaker makes the finest base layers I have used. Yes, I said “crafted”. The material is heaven and Merino naturally repels odors as well as being inherently FR. Additionally, it is breathable and like all wools insulates even when wet.
My favorite piece is the Boxer Brief. They are so comfortable that you can wear them all year round (preferably not the same pair). In addition to base layers they have also introduced mid and outer layers as well. Check them out.
Available in a variety of colors, they can be purchased here or from many fine outdoor retailers.
