For this week’s Friday Focus, we’re taking a look at the Viking Patrol Harness, in ATACS ATX.
The Viking Patrol Harness (VPH) was developed with direct input from FS Professional Users who specialize in, and are Subject Matter Experts in, Extreme Cold Weather Operations in Mountainous Terrain. The VPH features 3 fixed full flapped magazine pockets capable of each holding one or two 30 round 5.56 magazines, and a fixed radio pouch that holds radios of similar size to the AN/PRC-148 MBITR. Modular 6/12 Panels on each side will accept the complete line of FS 6/9 or 6/12 pockets as well as any older pockets using a MOLLE style PALS compatible attachment system. Currently the VPH is being manufactured with the following 6/9 accessory pockets: Arctic Canteen & Cold Weather General Purpose with 2 External Pistol Magazine Pockets.
Tags: FirstSpear
Is that the new take on the 1961 chest rigs familly ?
This idea has been around for a bit, with plenty of variations across different brands, but I see some interesting stuff in this model.
Indeed it has, I still remember getting my Blackhawk one a long time ago and then trading it for the LBT version. I wonder if First Spear is the new boy in town making these for socom, just like Eagle until today.
Extreme Cold Weather Operations in Mountainous Terrain = Flap Lid & Velcro????
We had issues with equipment getting snow packed so covered lids makes sense.
On one rather extreme training op 40 and raining, to -25 and two feet of snow in a 6 hour transition. End result rounds frozen in mags and would not feed. Lots of falls in the snow as we executed a battalion movement in company lanes night movement in the lake effect (read blizzard) to the objective.
Not a lot of fun.
I hope you mean full lid 😉
Im pretty sure those who designed it has not been out a long Winter night testing Velcro and snow….and other stuff 😉
been there – done that
The ABC/CBRN brush solves that… I mean you can’t play around in snow without a stiff brush in your pocket. It fixes velcro and it removes snow like magic.
Yea, but better design would solve the need for an accessory like a brush being needed in the first place. I think they might need to talk to their subject matter experts some more.
The brush is used on everything from clothing to gear and weapons. Even if you don’t have any velcro, you can still brush away snow from your gear..
Want an SME source? Here: https://forsvaret.no/en/ForsvaretDocuments/7%20UD6-81-7E%20USE%20AND%20MAINTNANCE%20OF%20EQUIPMENT%202014.pdf
Page 39/40. It’s from The Norwegian School of Winter Warfare.
Here are other winter related manuals for people to enjoy from the same group:
https://forsvaret.no/en/education-and-training/coe-cwo
Dude, those references rock! Thanks!
Color me impressed! Thanks for the links.
You cant make equiptment and say; With the this brush it will work…..
and yes, that brush work 🙂
I’m someone who loves mag shingles and bungees and this is one time where I’d want flapped magazines for sure.
Did they make the straps extra long to accommodate lots of layers? The pull tabs and buckles also seem a bit small for gloved hands.
Do they have any other winter gear coming out?
Exactly!
Arctic canteen pouch?
Wouldn’t you wear your canteen inside your jacket while in arctic conditions?
Maybe it has built in insulation.
There are thermos in the system that fit into the canteen pouches, they hold approx 1 litre of hot water for around 6 hours. I loved mine for winter warfare.
Those who have been out a long winter night, do that With the canteen…..under the jacket.
i see no place to attach a sword or axe …. not very viking like lol
I’m excited to see the ‘tubes’ in a shade of grey… I wonder if they’ll be offering some of their products in different colors ways due to this addition.
The problem with chest rigs which I have run into while using under winter conditions are.
-The rig covers up your front, which in turn blocks out on of the easier ways to ventilate the heat from your body.
-Velcro on magazine pouches work so-so as ice and snow will build up and essentially make the retention system useless, I know this goes against the norm but fastex closer system is required for all essential kit ie water, ammo, small survival kit and food.
-Lastly, the temptation to overload the rig with extra sundries ruins what your trying to achieve.
In winter conditions it’s not about fighting, its about surviving the journey to the fight, so you can win it. fight light survive the fit.
I have used belt kits with 2 mag pouches, a canteen/thermos pouch and a survival pouch including a high energy snack. The rest of what you need will either be in a small patrol pack or rucksack.
I have learned these lesson from the high Canadian arctic/Norway and 2 winter tours in Bosnia.
R711 OUT
Also the temptation to wear body armour on the approach to the ORV and withdrawal. I had read an interesting article out of Ft Wainwright. Put the BA in the sled for the approach, pot it on after leaving the LOD, once mission is over back into the sled and withdraw post haste.
Wearing it on sentry can be OK as it blocks the wind really well.
Winter warefare is a two front war, one against nature and she is an unforgiving Bitch, the second is the enemy. A good read on all of this is in a book called SoldF and Vintersoldat the swedish winter warfare manuel.
R711 OUT
I agree, chest rig is “only” good for sitting in a car and carrying large rucksack With hip belt.
The heck with cold weather, I want it in normal coloration for marijuana eradication. Chest rigs and LBVs just hold the heat and sweat, and open pouches wind up full of thorns, ticks and weed.
MC Tropic might be the ticket for you…
The Chest Rig is the way to go in mountainous conditions. This one looks like a split front chest rig which will allow you to ventilate. There are no easy answers in extreme cold environs. This is a good rig.