The Alpha Project – Fall 10 Gloves from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.
Arc’teryx took two years to develop their new patented glove technology pushing not only design but also materials into new areas. They are quite simply, amazing and Dan Green is a genius.
They have been adapted for the LEAF line. Check them out at LEAF.Arcteryx.com.
Arc’teryx LEAF unveiled the new Talos Combat Uniform at the Warrior Expo yesterday.
The Halfshell top is made from a combination of woven 50/50 NYCO sleeves and yoke and a printed 50/50 NYCO knit torso from Cyberknit. Yes, you read that right. The torso fabric is also in MultiCam. Additionally, the sleeves feature pit zips and snap cuffs.
The trousers are also made from woven 50/50 NYCO and have the same feature set as the Sphinx trouser such as webbing knee covers. The new uniform will be available in Spring 2011 in MultiCam. Arc’teryx plans to follow this up a year later with multiple color options. They are also researching new lightweight fabrics for combat uniforms that are showing lots of promise.
Arc’teryx has just updated their website with an excellent page detailing all of the features of their new Armor Compatible clothing system. This should help persuade the last couple of you guys still on the fence.
Yeah, it’s a mouthful but the armor compatible clothing line is starting to show up in the webstore and will be loaded on to the website by next week. Naturally, this means that you will need an account to see and purchase these products.
This is kind of like when I was a kid and the Sears Wish Book would arrive. Lots of new stuff to digest in addition to the compound armor compatible clothing system. You also have gloves and base layers to learn about. Additionally, the catalog tells their materials story so you will get some insight on how they maintain the edge.
For those of you fortunate enough to be attending SOFIC you can can check out the new line in person at the Campbell Conference Room at the Embassy Suites.
Folks are clamoring for info on the new Arc’teryx LEAF Compound clothing system and they have just released two videos on the Gryphon Jacket including on detailing how the sleeve roll-up system works. Both of the videos give you a good idea of the jacket’s lines and how it is designed to interface with armor.
The new Arc’teryx LEAF Gryphon Jacket from Arc'teryx LEAF on Vimeo.
Arc’teryx LEAF Gryphon Jacket Roll-up Sleeves from Arc'teryx LEAF on Vimeo.
Plate Carrier by Mayflower Research & Consulting.
Watch Eric Page from Grey Group talk his ass off about the new Arc’teryx LEAF COMPOUND system. Lots of good information here.
Thanks to Grey Group for putting this out there.
We broke the story on the new COMPOUND armor compatible clothing system from Arc’teryx LEAF a couple of weeks ago. Grey Group is an Arc’teryx dealer and has had samples of a couple of the pieces on display in their shop near Fort Bragg for awhile now. Fortunately, they posted some video on Youtube.
About six years ago two things happened to revolutionize military clothing. Crye released the Combat shirt and pants and Arc’teryx unveiled the tactical softshell. Over the last two years we have watched Arc’teryx develop a new clothing system that takes both of these concepts to the next level. The hybrid COMPOUND system is like nothing we’ve ever seen, strategically combining Arc’teryx styling with different fabrics in one garment to garner the desired affect for different areas of the body. Named after mythical hybrid creatures, the Chimera, Sphinx, Gryphon, and Minotaur blend different fabrics and weights for specific climate conditions and situations. Key highlights include:
CHIMERA LS Shirt:
Superb hot weather performance is provided by this perspiration-shedding next-to-skin shirt made of stretch-woven Tweave® Durastretch® LT in the yoke and shoulders and wicking Cyberknit in the torso. Stretch-woven cuffs seal nicely around the wrist; while zippered biceps pockets are perfect for storing small items. Available in Black and Crocodile, summer 2010.
SPHINX Half Shell:
This softshell is designed to be comfortably worn under armor, web gear, or while carrying a pack. Worn as a mid-layer or on its own, two different weights of Tweave® four-way stretch woven fabric are utilized; Tweave® Durastretch® in the yoke and shoulders, and Durastretch® LT in the torso (jacket). Available in Crye Multicam and Crocodile, summer 2010. Multicam SPHINX Half Shells are Berry Compliant (100% US labor and 100% US materials)
SPHINX Pants:
Tough, quick drying Tweave® Durastretch® combat pants with integral kneepad holders, 10 pockets and stretch scree cuffs. Crocodile and Multicam. Multicam SPHINX Pants are Berry Compliant (100% US labor and 100% US materials)
MINOTAUR Jacket:
The perfect combination of weather-resistance and windproofness in foul weather, this half-shell features 3L GORE -TEX®WINDSTOPPER ® with an easy-sliding micro-fleece backer in the sleeves, shoulders and collar. Versatile Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric with Hardface® technology is used in the torso. The Minotaur can be worn on its own or under armour, chest rigs, and packs and the long torso tucks easily into combat pants. Full-length armpit zips make for easy venting in warmer weather. Available in Black and Crocodile, summer 2010.
GRYPHON Half Shell:
This robust zippered top features a unique hybrid of fabrics for all-weather duty. Waterproof and breathable 3-layer GORE -TEX® XCR is used on the shoulder yoke and sleeves, while the roll-up hood is made of light weight GORE -TEX® Pro Shell. In the torso, light, versatile and breathable four-way Tweave® Durastretch® stretch enhances freedom of movement. For added versatility, the patented roll-up sleeves allow for easy ventilation without removing armour/rig. Paired with the matching pants, the Gryphon is perfect for HALO/HAHO operations. Available in Black and Crocodile, summer 2010.
GRYPHON Pants:
Move fast, stay dry and stay ready to fight with waterproof 3-layer Gore-Tex hard shell and durable, breathable Tweave® Durastretch® soft-shell in a full featured combat pant. Integral kneepad pocket, stretch scree cuff, tool loops and 6 secure pockets. Available in Crocodile, summer 2010.
ATOM AF Jacket:
Round out your mission outfit with the new Atom AF jacket. An extra thick layer of synthetic Coreloft™ insulates the torso, but is compressible enough to pack into its own pocket. Cut extra large in the torso to slip easily over plate carriers and chest rigs without extra bulk in the arms and shoulder. Packs smaller than an football in its own pocket. Available in Crocodile, early fall 2010.
KNEE CAPS:
Lightweight and anatomically-shaped, this proven field performer protects the knees and has a new low profile, quick detach, tri-glide buckle. Available in Black and Foliage Green, early summer 2010.
All of these Arc’teryx LEAF pieces will be available for sale summer, 2010. Visit www.leaf.arcteryx.com to keep up with LEAF news and product developments.
Visit Arc’teryx at ADS Warrior Expo West to see the products in action.
The exclusive Arc’teryx urban line, Veilance has just released their Spring 2010 line. Those familiar with the brand will notice a few additions. Two of my favorite products are the Field Jacket LT and Cargo Pant LT. As you should remember from my article on Arc’teryx naming conventions, LT is their designation for lightweight, streamlined variants of their garments. Their combination of hard wearing Arc’teryx quality and design excellence with a high end twist, makes Veilance the perfect alternative for those who need to disappear into the urban jungle.
But don’t just take my word for it, go and see for yourself. veilance.arcteryx.com
Seen here with the Atom LT jacket and Alpha LT shell, the new Beta LT pant is manufactured from Gore-tex Pro-Shell. It features an integrated belt as well as 3/4 length zippers to assist with donning and doffing. At 10.6 ounces when combined with the other two items, you get a cold weather package that weighs in at a scant 32 ounces total! Due to this lightweight construction, the entire set up packs down to a size smaller than a basketball. But don’t let the term lightweight fool you. I must admit I was skeptical when I first got my Alpha LT jacket. It felt so light I was worried it wouldn’t stand up to hard use but nothing could be farther from the truth. It is not only extremely well made and very strong, it also moves well with the body. Available in Crocodile sized Small – XX-Large from www.arcteryx.com/leaf.
Without a doubt the Mayhem TR from Arc’teryx was the coolest thing I saw at SHOT Show. This pullover hoodie design will make a great addition to the Arc’teryx line…some day.
You might have run across Vertx in the past but may be wondering where they came from. The Vertx brand is actually an internal start up of Fechheimer Brothers Company, one of the Berkshire Hathaway Companies chaired by Mr. Warren Buffett. Fechheimer is best known in the Law Enforcement community for their Flying Cross brand of Police uniforms. Vertx was created as a collaborative effort with federal law enforcement and Arc’teryx to produce a progressive tactical pant.
Can you imagine paying less than $50 for an Arc’teryx design? With the Vertx pant that is exactly what you get. It’s the result of Arc’teryx’s world class design partnered with Fechheimer‘s 168 years of producing tailored garments for law enforcement and military customers. Combine that with Berkshire Hathaway’s tradition of integrity and financial strength, and authentic design direction from federal law enforcement operators, the first Vertx product, the premium tactical pant, was created.
Word on the street is that these were designed for the most elite of law enforcement units in the country but when I pressed him on it, brand manager Dave Walsh wouldn’t comment on any federal agency that contributed to the design process. However, he did have this to say, “We took a ground up design approach. Our preference is to design with the direct input from the end user and hold informal focus groups that include Federal, state and local law enforcement as well as experienced Special Forces operators. Our goal was to produce comfortable, function-first equipment that a gunfighter can wear and not stand out.” I would say that they have succeeded.
Ultimately, Vertx looks at their customer as the “Operational Athlete.” This is a concept grounded in public service and is used to describe the persona that requires high quality yet discreet tactical clothing. It’s the person that seeks to become the best at what they do. Dave Walsh had this to say about the Operational Athlete, “Our product is for the individual who seeks the satisfaction of training for, and confidently experiencing head to head combat. The operator who appreciates that when your opponent underestimates you it gives you power. Let the potential threat think you are slow, unarmed and weak, that’s the discipline.”
Bob Getto, President & CEO of Fechheimer also sees the advantage they are offering the end user. He said, “We’re extremely excited to bring Vertx apparel to the operational athlete. Vertx is designed by and for the operator who wants the combination of low visual profile, function of a battle garment and the appearance of business casual. Try the pants, and you’ll be sold – there is a not better fitting pair in the market.”
As for me, they are the most comfortable low profile pants I have worn. They move with you. They are articulated, but just enough so that they don’t look like outdoor pants and they are packed with features. You would never see the hidden pocket and even the cargo pockets are set in to the pant leg so you won’t notice them. Literally, you could wear these in a briefing in the morning and go right to work on the street the same afternoon, and then slip on a sport coat and meet the wife for dinner; all in the same pair of pants.
In addition to the tactical pant, Vertx also produces the Cold Black polo which reflects up to 80% of UV light making them a much cooler alternative for those who work outside. They are also introducing new styles for women but these aren’t resized men’s trousers. Vertx worked with female LE officers to develop a unique fit block, accommodating the body form that is the American Police Woman.
I think Bob Getto’s comments sum it up best, “Try the pants — as many have — and you’ll be sold. There is not a better fitting pair in the market…”
Make sure you visit Vertx in booth #11044 at SHOT Show.
Arc’teryx has just released the Fusion Jacket and Pant as part of the LEAF line. Developed as a Buy America compliant alternative to the popular Fission series, the new Fusion products are insulated pieces with windproof yet breathable shells. They are insulated using a non-quilted, laminated material called ThermaTek™ to prevent cold spots. This construction also means that they will pack down to an amazing 183 cubic inches each.
The jacket features a Napoleon pocket as well as two hand pockets as well as knit cuffs to keep wind debris out of the sleeve. The pant has full side zips to facilitate donning and doffing in addition to an integrated waist belt. Available in Crocodile, naturally.
Be sure to visit Arc’teryx at SHOT Show booth #11044 and at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market booth #1021 with beer call at both locations from 4:00 – 5:30 each day. The beer is really quite tasty and the clothing ever so toasty.
Soldier Systems Daily sponsor Arc’teryx has launched a new Law Enforcement Armed forces (LEAF) homepage. The new site simplifies the buying experience by laying all of the products out for quick comparison or allows the buyer to further narrow search parameters not just by category but also by Berry and Buy America compliance with a single mouse click.
Visit leaf.arcteryx.com.
The Rho series is available in two weights. The standard wight is made from Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric and the lightweight is manufactured from Mountain Merino Wool. Merino is inherently no melt, no drip as well as anti-microbial. In both cases, the fabrics are extremely comfortable and stand up to plenty of abuse. The tops feature zippered collars and the bottoms come with pass through crotch. The standard version is available in Crocodile (shown) and the lightweight in Black. These are high performance, mountaineering grade pieces.
Sure it’s expensive, but it’s Arc’teryx. Don’t you deserve it?
Click on the sweater for more information
Arc’teryx claims that the Covert line looks like wool, performs like wool, and feels like wool but that isn’t completely true. There’s a little more to this story. This isn’t your grand dad’s itchy old wool jacket. Think comfort. Imagine being warm and being swaddled in heaven. That’s how this feels. Seriously. It’s like 75 degrees in here and I can’t take it off. It’s addictive.
Made from fast-drying Polartec® Thermal Pro® Sweater Knit fabric, the Covert series not only feels good, it looks good. Yes, even the cardigan. And what could be better than that? How about 10% off LEAF from the online store until December 31st for existing LEAF members.
* Due to overwhelming response, 10% discount does not apply to LEAF applications taken after 10 December, 2009.
We regularly field questions about the Arc’teryx naming conventions. It can be easy to get confused as there are various versions of many of the products which are essentially modifications for specific use. Once you understand the lingo, it’s easy to see what is going on.
SV: SEVERE WEATHER
Designed for use in the harshest of conditions. The SV garments are manufactured from the most durable of materials and feature hoods.
AR: ALL ROUND
These products are crafted from mid-weight materials and are designed with versatility in mind.
MX: MIXED WEATHER
Designed for mixed weather and dynamic movement The MX clothing feature durable, highly mobile stretch materials which are breathable and moisture shedding.
LT: LIGHT WEIGHT
These are made from the lightest of materials with streamlined feature sets. In the LEAF line, the new Alpha LT Jacket is a classic example of this.
SL: SUPER LIGHT
Predominantly made with lightweight Paclite® textiles this is generally the lightest weight garment in a series.
SK: SKI TOURING SPECIFIC
The SK is a winter sports-focused design with generous articulation for ski touring and alpine climbing.
To check out the entire line of Arc’teryx products visit them online.
The Arc’teryx Combat Jacket is now Berry Compliant. What’s more, it’s available in MultiCam. When introduced last year by Arc’teryx, the MultiCam variant was so popular it sold out in less than a week. Now, with Berry Compliance, restrictions on military purchases are a thing of the past.
So get out your Government Purchase Cards and be the best dressed guys on the FOB (and the most comfortable). Individual orders can be made through the LEAF website. Units can order through their preferred outfitter like Grey Group Training.
Last week I was offered the chance to join the cast and crew of “Tactical Impact” and “Tactical Arms” on the set at US Training Center in Moyock, North Carolina.
The US Training Center facilities are fantastic and provide the team a variety of backgrounds to accommodate filming. Viewers who have attended training sessions at the Xe campus will recognize the range complex and if it has been awhile since you last visited some of the additions would surprise you. In addition to ranges and various backdrops, US Training Center also features an on-site dining facility and hotel-like accommodations.
While I was there they were filming an intro sequence that will be featured on an episode of “Tactical Impact” focused on Special Forces. As the cast and crews are the same for both shows, segments are shot in overlapping schedules. Very little of the work is conducted indoors so it can lead to some long days in weather extremes from the North Carolina heat to cold rainy days that hover just above freezing. Cold and wet describes my time on set perfectly.
It is on days like this that the material provided by sponsors goes beyond the “This will look great on screen” to “Man, good thing this product performs as advertised”. And perform they do. Early this year as production for this season was ramping up, show co-host Larry Vickers called me and asked if I could recommend some equipment to be used on the show. After speaking with producer Eric Sherertz and soliciting input from co-hosts Jason Falla and Kyle Defoor, I contacted several companies to see if they would be interested in providing products for use on the show. The response from industry was fantastic, so keep your eyes peeled while watching both series for some of the newest products in the tactical market.
EOTAC provided a variety of clothing items from their Operator Grade line including specially embroidered shirts for the cast and crew. Additionally, Propper provided embroidered TAC.U uniforms as well as several items from the Adventure Tech line. Under Armour donated jackets, hats, and gloves. Additionally, several cast members use Vickers Tactical gloves. Arc’teryx LEAF was well represented through their US distributor Uber Group.
Footwear companies who have participated include OTB Boots, Tactical Research, and Salomon. Both Smith Optics and Revision Eyewear provided several styles of eyewear for use during the season and SOG Knives provided their popular SOG tool as well as pocket knives.
Bulldog Equipment also produced variants of their Mirage Camouflage uniforms for the show. As you can see from the photos Mirage does a great job of blending in with the environment used on the set. Additionally, Daniel Defense provides the DDM4 for use in many of the tactical scenarios depicted on the shows.
Despite the inclement weather, it was a great day and both cast and crew were able to get the film in the can thanks to the support of these sponsors.
Inspired by the classic M-65 field jacket liner, the new Atom LT has taken “snivel gear” to a whole new level. Unlike it’s inspiration, the Atom LT serves duty as a layering piece as well as an outer garment. This was accomplished by a material selection of a wind resistant face fabric treated with a DWR finish augmented with Polartec Power Stretch with Hardface side panels. The trim fit allows ample movement through such design details as articulated elbows, underarm gussets, and stretch knit wrist gaskets. It also features two hand warmer pockets as well as a single internal pocket. Final details include a lower rear hem, lined collar, and main zipper with wind flap. Weighing in at a scant 11.5 ounces, the jacket compresses to next to nothing yet the Coreloft insulation regains loft almost instantly.
Available in Small – XXL in Crocodile and Black. For more information visit the LEAF program on the web. To order visit Grey Group.
There are a lot of very well designed foul weather jackets on the market. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for trousers. They tend to be ill-fitting or the pockets aren’t well suited to the mission. Oftentimes, the wearer suffers from a sagging waist or blown out seams. But Arc’teryx has come to the rescue. They worked with a small user community to develop a purpose built pair of trousers for wet and cold environments. Arc’teryx designers incorporated features into the design normally found in combat clothing. The bib’s anatomical styling was chosen so that the garment moves with the wearer as well as protect the wearer’s lower back from exposure in extreme weather. The elastic shoulder straps keep the waist up where it belongs, even when the pockets are stuffed with equipment. The bibs also feature two roomy sets of pockets on the front of the thighs and shins.
Even more unique than the design is the material. It is a brushed face Gore-tex fabric that reduces both the noise and shine usually associated with commercial waterproof breathable clothing making it more suitable for military applications. The non-standard Mossy Oak camo blends in well with many environments and the design also features side-zips for rapid donning and doffing as well as reinforced cuffs to protect the bib’s legs from abrasion.
Arc’teryx currently has some remaining inventory from this program and is available until supplies run out. Get them before they are gone forever.
Qualified personnel can purchase them here
The market’s appetite for anything in Multicam is voracious but there hasn’t been much in the way of performance garments to satisfy the connoisseur’s sweet tooth. High end products are slowly trickling out and the next one to hit the street is the Multicam version of Arc’teryx’s Combat Jacket. Arc’teryx has built on their already successful Combat Jacket which received a design overhaul last season by offering it in Multicam. Unlike its big brother, the Bravo Jacket, the Combat Jacket features pit zips to enhance venting during intense physical activity and the cuffs feature die cut velcro stays. The jacket also has two hand warmer pockets and two sleeve pockets. Although not depicted in the photo the production version will have velcro on the sleeves like the current versions.
The Combat Jacket is made from Durastretch, a comfortable 4-way stretch woven fabric. To further enhance performance, the jacket has a durable DWR treated outer face to shed moisture.
The Combat Jacket is currently available in Crocodile and Black but the new Multicam version will be hitting retailers in July. Start looking soon because this one promises to sell out quickly.
Qualified personnel can purchase them here.
Arc’teryx has updated their successful Knee Cap pads by offering them in Grey Green. This new color complements the ACU quite well as you can see in the photos. Originally designed as telemark kneepads the Knee Cap soon saw interest from troops who wanted a lightweight, highly breathable pad primarily for urban operations. They weigh in at just over 5 ounces and in order to adequately protect the knee at such a low weight, the cap is made from Kydex. In the photos you can see the simple, yet effective camlock buckle that holds the straps in place. The upper strap is elastic and the lower strap is a lightweight nylon tape.
For authorized purchasers the Arc’teryx Law Enforcement/Armed Forces website is LEAF
