Soldier Systems

I mentioned the gang at DIY Tactical in a recent post about the SOF Industry Conference. They are the go-to guys for folks who want to have it their way. They even service small government customers with repair materials. Mike Rinaldi, who owns DIY spoke with me about his customer base and some of the products he sources. The problem many smaller custom shops have is that they can’t meet the minimums from the mill for specialty materials. In addition to the hobbyist and small businessman Mike says he sometimes gets calls from larger companies doing prototypes of small runs and need to use a fabric they don’t normally stock. But they offer more than just standard Cordura. They also webbing, hardware, and thread. If they don’t have it, they will get it.

DIY also sponsors a forum for the burgeoning entrepreneur where one can get advice on anything from setting up a small business to how to time a finicky sewing machine. Remember, the late, great Logan Coffey started out in his room in the barracks.

DIY Tactical

Bulldog Equipment unveiled the new Mirage camouflage pattern at AUSA in October of last year. At SOFIC they modified their display of tactical equipment to feature their new uniform system in the Mirage pattern. The uniform consists of a Fire Resistant Undershirt, Garrison Combat Top, Summer Combat Top, and Pants. The garments are well made and include features that were developed through direct feedback from testers. These include super fabric reinforced knees, elbows and, shoulders, reinforced crotch, over-sized pen pockets to accommodate chemlights and sharpie markers as well as reinforcements in other areas of high abrasion. In addition to uniform items they have also produced versions of their assault pack and sniper drag bag in Mirage pattern. Although they are quiet about possible customers, Bulldog remains adamant that they will restrict the innovative pattern to US DoD only.

Access to the new website is available to those with .mil email addresses.

Mirage

Beyond is going strong. At SOFIC they displayed a new FR coverall with a new pocket arrangement thus far unique to LE. Considering the cost of the Mojave cloth BDU coverall is about $200 and the new FR material, although heavier will be about $280, that is a fantastic value for those who need FR properties. The owner, Scott Jones also told me that the full Beyond PCU line will be available in standard sizes from ADS in the fall. This is a boon for individuals who want to source the system as well as units who do not have access to PCU or Gen III ECWCS.

Beyond Tactical

Top five things from the SOF Industry Conference

1. BAE Visual Augmentation System and Corona
2. Tactical Distributors boonie
3. Finally, evidence of the 330 revolution
4. Timberland Force Multiplier Series boots
5. Arc’teryx Rigger’s Belt

Check back regularly for updates on these subjects

I posted briefly about the awesome boonie I saw the other day made by True North. That wasn’t entirely true. It actually came from Tactical Distributors, LLC who handles London Bridge as well as True North. Tactical Distributors has committed to producing 1000 of the hats based on the overwhelming feedback they received at the show. But I digress. I asked the folks from Tactical Distributors where the True North brand came from and they explained that they had been looking for a way to provide London Bridge quality and innovation at a lower price point for those who did not require Berry compliance. They have sourced high quality manufacturers overseas and build the same products from the LBT line. They don’t skimp on materials either. They use the same cordura and mil spec webbing that have been the hallmarks of LBT’s products for decades. This is a fantastic way for the individual to more easily afford LBT’s product offerings. They plan on unveiling some designs under the True North name that have been exclusive to a certain group of customers. Expect to see lighter materials and innovative features soon.

Tactical Distributors LLC

Arc’teryx was handing these out at SOFIC. The motto is “Evolve Per Factum” or Evolution by Design.

The SOF Industry Conference in Tampa kicked off today. There is a lot of the usual stuff but I have run across some real gems.

Arc’teryx is offering the popular Kneecaps knee pads in foliage. They also have a very innovative rigger’s belt coming out later this year. The MC softshell is coming along as well.

True North Tactical showed a boonie made from a lightweight die cut nylon that looks to be part of a ghillie kit. It may have additional applications for those who primarily wear a helmet but want a hat to swap to while out in the field. True North’s line is manufactured by London Bridge Trading. There is a story there. Read the new post on True North Tactical to find out the rest of the story.

The folks behind the Timberland Force Multiplier Series tactical boot line are showing several new models. In addition to the mountain boot debuting in both US Cav’s and BQM’s most recent catalogs, they are also offering Jungle, Desert and Urban models in both low and high styles in a variety of colors. I appreciate their sizing system that utilizes modular insoles to accommodate a variety of foot sizes and sock preferences. I tried them on today and the fit was very comfortable. They are selling them to the NSW community as well as Federal LE. Hopefully we will begin to get some feedback from the field on how that sizing scheme is working out. I will be posting more information on each of the models.

DIY Tactical has received some patterned 1″ webbing in UCP, Desert Digital and MC. They have all of their webbing, nylon, and wares on display as well as samples of end products from some of the DIY forum members.

Eagle Industries was displaying a pretty trick assault pack. It features integral PALS in order to attach directly to the back of a vest or removable shoulder straps. It also has a fantastic beaver tail arrangement that is designed to fit a helmet with night vision mount fitted. Lots of features, good pocket arrangement, and quality manufacturing. This one should be a hit.

More to follow.